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General discussion

Choosing an AV Receiver/Amplifier for Home

by tridy_net Sep 11, 2008 6:47PM PDT

I did not consider myself a dummy but I seem to be out-of-date when talking about modern amplifiers and AV receivers. So, I come here for a helping hand.

One of the options for buying the 5.1 speakers for my home is "Harman Kardon HKTS 11" (http://bit.ly/HKTS11). If I buy it, I will need the A/V reciever/amplifier for the system. There are quite a few things that I would like to connect to AV Receiver:

1) My Oppo DVD player (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv983h/default.asp) has 7.1 output for the speakers and that is the first thing that needs to be connected to the AV Receiver through HDMI, I guess. Btw, will HDMI carry audio as well or I have to connect the 7.1 output from the DVD player to the 5.1 Input in the AV receiver?

2) I have a satellite receiver that needs to be connected to it.

3) I am planning to buy a separate CD player (5 cd changer) and I should be able to connect to av receiver as well.

4) Later on I am planning to buy a gaming console which (shocking) will have to be connected too.

then the mentioned speakers need to be connected to the receiver and TV needs to be connected through HDMI.

So, I have TV and speakers on 1 side, DVD player, Satellite receiver, CD player and Console on the other side and AV Receiver/amplifier in the center.

Now, the question is -- how in the world do I choose an AV Receiver so it would be able to accept all my inputs and be a good amplifier for the speakers? What are the things to look at?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Lots of options
by bevillan Sep 12, 2008 4:06AM PDT

There are lots of options for you to choose from, but first we need to know your budget for an AV Receiver.

If you can afford $600-$700 then you will be able to get a very nice receiver that will give you plenty of power and plenty of inputs for all your sources that you listed.

For a starter, check out the Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver. It is usually on sale via various trusted online dealers and it is about $600. It is definitely the best bang for your buck in that price range.

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Onkyo TX-SR805 is pretty expensive in Sweden
by tridy_net Sep 12, 2008 5:39AM PDT

Although we have Onkyo stuff sold here, in Sweden, the price for Onkyo TX-SR805 is quite high: 1500$.
As for the budget, I think 600$ would be the top I would be able to spend at this point.

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Sweden?
by bevillan Sep 12, 2008 6:02AM PDT

Oh well that changes everything lol.

I'd stick with European brands then, but I'm not very informed on what is the best on that side of the pond.

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by jostenmeat Sep 12, 2008 6:44AM PDT
One of the options for buying the 5.1 speakers for my home is "Harman Kardon HKTS 11" (http://bit.ly/HKTS11). If I buy it, I will need the A/V reciever/amplifier for the system. There are quite a few things that I would like to connect to AV Receiver:

Your speakers and sub are by far the most important audio purchases. The next most important thing is how you place them.

1) My Oppo DVD player (http://www.oppodigital.com/dv983h/default.asp) has 7.1 output for the speakers and that is the first thing that needs to be connected to the AV Receiver through HDMI, I guess. Btw, will HDMI carry audio as well or I have to connect the 7.1 output from the DVD player to the 5.1 Input in the AV receiver?

Yes, HDMI carries audio. Nice player. However, even a very well upscaled/upconverted DVD pic does not touch native hi-def. What about Sony PS3? Or a Pana player?

2) I have a satellite receiver that needs to be connected to it.

no problem.

3) I am planning to buy a separate CD player (5 cd changer) and I should be able to connect to av receiver as well.

No problem. A list for you to research.

5 Changer SACD w/out video playback
Sony SCD-C2000ES
MSRP: $400
5 Changer SACD w/ video playback
Denon DVM-2845CI
MSRP: $500
Marantz VC6001 --OR-- certified refurb
MSRP: $700
Sony DVP-NC80V
MSRP: $120
Yamaha DVD-C961
MSRP: $450
6 Changer SACD w/ video playback
Onkyo DV-CP802 --OR-- HERE
MSRP: $500
Other multi-disc Changer SACD
Sony DVP-CX995V {400 Disc}
MSRP: $400
Sony DVP-CX777ES {400 Disc}
MSRP: $800
5 Changer SACD + A/V Reciever Combo
Sony AVD-C70ES
MSRP: $1000?
Rotel RCC-1055 (HDCD player)
MSRP=?

4) Later on I am planning to buy a gaming console which (shocking) will have to be connected too.

Oh. PS3, and forget #1. I mean the 983 will be a better DVD player for sure, but its just not worth the money, IMO. Nothing beats native hi-def anyways.

then the mentioned speakers need to be connected to the receiver and TV needs to be connected through HDMI.

no problem.

So, I have TV and speakers on 1 side, DVD player, Satellite receiver, CD player and Console on the other side and AV Receiver/amplifier in the center.

As long as you do your best to provide the best placement of your speakers. Away from boundaries, reduce early reflections, etc. Where you put your components doesn't matter if they get in the way of good audio.

Now, the question is -- how in the world do I choose an AV Receiver so it would be able to accept all my inputs and be a good amplifier for the speakers? What are the things to look at?

Most anything will work. You should choose receivers for their FEATURES. Do you need a fully loaded car? Climate control zones, mud guards, GPS, moon-roof, etc? Otherwise, its just a matter of power. My PERSONAL needs are power over features, but many others are the opposite.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Welcome.

p.s. btw, I've driven thru Sweden. Took that enormous ferry from Helsinki. I felt like I was a poor man on the Titanic, bunking below sea level, probably just one level above our car. That ferry was HUUUUUUUGE ... bowling alleys, grocery store, two floor disco, casino, 6 glass elevators, wow . .
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