Recommend me a good DTS-HD 7.1 receiver!

[Rav3nas]

Could someone recommend me a Sony (will also consider other brands) 7.1 reciever with good DTS-HD sound. I'm looking for nice 24.5 bit Blu-Ray sound. Anyhow any recommendations??

500-600$ if possible.

[brebaz]

There is Onkyo TX-605 Start from 350$
Onkyo TX-705 Can't remember the price

There is also Yamaha, and Denon AVRs

It depends how much are you willing to pay for an AVR.

[Phantasmn]

I wish I knew of some. Reflex might be of some help, he's the reigning tech guru here.

[Rav3nas]

I'm honestly looking for one that is Sony brand, I have a lot of brand loyalty with them.

I'm willing to pay around 500-600$.

[oliveryochest]

i personally prefer denon. I have a 4308 CI and i have not had any complaints. In my opionion denon makes some of the best.

There are also others such as Onkyo and Integra

Onkyo 605 is the best bang for buck.

What is your budget. Providing a price range will help tremendously

Edit, since your price range is 5-6 bills, i would recommend the onkyo 705 and a 805 for a little over 6 bills. you really can't go wrong with onkyo.
Will you be using a PS3 to play blu-ray or will you use a standalone blu-ray player?

Sony doesn't make a receiver that will support lossless sound for under a grand.

[brebaz]

I'm honestly looking for one that is Sony brand, I have a lot of brand loyalty with them.

I'm willing to pay around 500-600$.

http://www.amazon.com/ES-STR-DA4300ES-receiver-switching-upconversion/dp/B000X8YHXK/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1208239274&sr=8-3

There you go it cost around 1000$

And for 500$-600$ you can only get Onkyo :sleep:

[Rav3nas]

http://www.amazon.com/ES-STR-DA4300ES-receiver-switching-upconversion/dp/B000X8YHXK/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1208239274&sr=8-3

There you go it cost around 1000$

And for 500$-600$ you can only get Onkyo :sleep:

Hehe, that's pretty much what I was thinking...Wasn't able to find a Sony one.

[brebaz]

the Sony one with DTS-HDMA Start from 900$+ and there is only 2 AVR 4300ES & 5300ES the later cost 1400$ i think and that's about it

I'm thinking of getting the 4300Es for myself later this year

[REFLEX]

There are much better receivers than Sony ones... why would you stick with brand loyalty when they aren't making the best products for these?

Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha are all worth a look.

[Rav3nas]

I've never had a problem with a Sony product...

Anyway what Onkyo receiver do you recommend?

[Strung Out]

I've never had a problem with a Sony product...

Anyway what Onkyo receiver do you recommend?


Well your only really options in your price range(depending on how hard you look for deals) will be the 605($350-500), 705($400-600), 805($650-$1000).

I think the 605 is capable of receiving the decoding HD sound tracks and playing them, however the 805 is capable of decoding them as well, has a bit better HDMI specs(not really a deal breaker, but might matter to some).

I've never really looked at the 705 very much, you should keep an eye out at shoponkyo.com. Has a great reputation for refurbs fully covered by warranty. The 605 there right now is $369.

[REFLEX]

Never had a problem with a Sony receiver, sure.. but there are so many better brands out there that you would get far better use out of it.

[baseballnelie]

I am also looking at a receiver for DTS-HD 7.1 and I was seriously considering the Onkyo TX-SR605, but don't know if I have the money for that right now.
A question for you all. Since the PS3 is my only blu-ray player and it decodes the DTS-HD before it sends it to the receiver as LPCM, will the Onkyo TX-SR575 work having that LPCM sent to it through HDMI? Since I wouldn't need a receiver than can decode DTS-HD itself.

[Beodude123]

I'm going to be picking up a 705 really soon. The 605 seems like a good unit, but the 705 has a lot more going for it, and you can pretty easily get them for about $500. Not too shabby for a solid receiver.

[ex nihilo7]

I've had the onkyo 705 at my house for about 2 months now, and its a really good receiver, especially for the price.

&baseballnellie, I'm not sure but I don't think so. On the specs it says HDMI is pass through, so I think thats video only.

[rmac694203]

I paid around 570 shipped for my 705. I like it alot. I think the extra 200 is worth it over the 605.

[emacs]

Could someone recommend me a Sony (will also consider other brands) 7.1 reciever with good DTS-HD sound.

if you're using the PS3 as a Blu-ray player you don't need a receiver with a DTS-HD decoder. the console will simply transmit the audio as 5.1 or 7.1 linear PCM in which case you only need to spend less than $400 or so for a receiver.

[smaug]

Yeah, I'm looking at a 705 as well. You can pick one up for just over $500 at the moment.

[emacs]

Since the PS3 is my only blu-ray player and it decodes the DTS-HD before it sends it to the receiver as LPCM, will the Onkyo TX-SR575 work having that LPCM sent to it through HDMI?

yes, that is true.

Since I wouldn't need a receiver than can decode DTS-HD itself.

correct

[AMG44]

if you're using the PS3 as a Blu-ray player you don't need a receiver with a DTS-HD decoder. the console will simply transmit the audio as 5.1 or 7.1 linear PCM in which case you only need to spend less than $400 or so for a receiver.

Thats incorrect. You need a receiver that can decode DTS HD

[rmac694203]

How do you figure? The receiver is never going to see a DTS MA signal. The only thing it's getting is PCM from the ps3. So if it can accept multichannel pcm over HDMI, then it would work.

[emacs]

Thats incorrect. You need a receiver that can decode DTS HD

the PS3 decodes the DTS-HD stream into linear PCM. in this is case your receiver doesn't do any decoding and hence doesn't need DTS-HD decoding capability.

[AMG44]

the PS3 decodes the DTS-HD stream into linear PCM. in this is case your receiver doesn't do any decoding and hence doesn't need DTS-HD decoding capability.

I understand fully what you are saying but thats not the only audio format. He should get everything in one box. He'll def kick himself when something later comes along

[rmac694203]

Uhhhh....if something new comes along later, a receiver that does have DTS MA wouldn't change anything. Unless your referring to him getting a standalone BD player that can bitstream. That's really the only case where he HAS to get a receiver w/ decoding ability. If he plans on using the ps3 forever, then in the end it doesn't matter. The ps3 decodes everything that's out now, so PCM would suffice.

[AMG44]

Uhhhh....if something new comes along later, a receiver that does have DTS MA wouldn't change anything. Unless your referring to him getting a standalone BD player that can bitstream. That's really the only case where he HAS to get a receiver w/ decoding ability. If he plans on using the ps3 forever, then in the end it doesn't matter. The ps3 decodes everything that's out now, so PCM would suffice.

I know for a fact that I will get a stand alone player that will bit stream. I didnt spend so much money on my system not to get the full effect. If hes gonna spend 500 on a receiver he might as well look into getting as much as possible cause you never know in the future. Audio is addicting he'll want more...

Im talking form experience. I have four pair of speaker collecting dust. Spend the money wisely the first time

[rmac694203]

That's your opinion, and a very valid one. Hell, I agree with you that you might as well not skimp on it now. But the way you said...Thats incorrect. You need a receiver that can decode DTS HD
makes it sound like you were presenting it as a fact, which it isn't. Just letting the guy know.

[Evoking1230]

I love my 605...granted I dont have a player that can Bitstream DTS:HD MA but its ok lol

sounds great regardless

[AMG44]

That's your opinion, and a very valid one. Hell, I agree with you that you might as well not skimp on it now. But the way you said...
makes it sound like you were presenting it as a fact, which it isn't. Just letting the guy know.

Naw i understand what youre saying and how my post sounded. I took the op as wanting something that does it all so i was taking into account him getting a stand alone one day. when i saw that guys post i was taking it like he was telling him not to get something good all around from the start, but if hes sticking to a PS3 then yea hes cool. Jumped the gun w/him ya know. Ive spent so much money i hate to see others do them same. I like all my speakers and receivers but i could have some sick stuff right now!! hahaha

[DmiteXXi]

There are much better receivers than Sony ones... why would you stick with brand loyalty when they aren't making the best products for these?

Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha are all worth a look.

Reflex,

I really respect your input which is why im asking as im a new to the home theater systems. I currently have a Pioneer VSX-74TXVi which im looking to upgrade along with my TV. So what reciever do you recommend for full 1080P and DTS-HD?

[oliveryochest]

Reflex,

I really respect your input which is why im asking as im a new to the home theater systems. I currently have a Pioneer VSX-74TXVi which im looking to upgrade along with my TV. So what reciever do you recommend for full 1080P and DTS-HD?

I'm not Reflex, but can provide input.


Denon
2808CI
3808CI
4308CI
Onkyo
SR605
SR705
SR805
SR875
NR905
Yamaha
V663
V863
V1800

If you are on a budget, i would recommend either the the 605, 705, V663
If you have some extra funds, then i would go for the denons
All support DTS-MA and TrueHD
All are priced from lowest to highest for each company
There are others, however, i feel that you can't really go wrong with any of these companies above.

[baseballnelie]

Uhhhh....if something new comes along later, a receiver that does have DTS MA wouldn't change anything. Unless your referring to him getting a standalone BD player that can bitstream. That's really the only case where he HAS to get a receiver w/ decoding ability. If he plans on using the ps3 forever, then in the end it doesn't matter. The ps3 decodes everything that's out now, so PCM would suffice.

Thanks a lot guys. Right now I'm just thinking of keeping my PS3 as my only blu-ray player, but yeah I guess if I wanted a stand alone player I should just step up the Onkyo 605. That's a decision I'll have to make

[Beodude123]

I didnt spend so much money on my system not to get the full effect.


If you want to pay $400 for a Blu-ray player, just so the little light that says Master Audio or True HD lights up... Seems a bit weird to me. The PCM tracks are almost identical to the HD tracks, at least from the many sources I've read.

[REFLEX]

They are identical. The only difference is that PCM can cause clocking issues.. but thats really far down on the list of things that contribute to quality loss.

[AMG44]

If you want to pay $400 for a Blu-ray player, just so the little light that says Master Audio or True HD lights up... Seems a bit weird to me. The PCM tracks are almost identical to the HD tracks, at least from the many sources I've read.

Its not just the fact for the light to show up on the reciever, i rather have all my audio decoding done on my amp. Generally a well built amp will decode better than a dvd player.

There is an audible difference but people have their own preference so there will never be one that is "100% better sounding"
So pick your poison

-Get an amp that w/hdmi audio support LPCM 5.1/7.1

or

-Get an amp w/TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio decoding which is better, but can be subject to some audio mixing issues

[jwrangler777]

Here is the Pioneer receiver my buddy uses. It sounds awesome on Blu-ray movies. You can find it for around $650 or so:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.VSX-91TXH.Kuro?tab=B

If you really want to stick with Sony, I would recommend the STR-DG920. Here are the specs from Sonystyle. It will go on sale at the end of May and cost $600:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665364793

[Rav3nas]

Despite the bickering going on in here, I will be getting a DTS-HD receiver, hence the title of my thread! However, right now I'm pretty much trying to decide between the Onkyo 700 or 800 series. I'm reading up on everything my new tv supports and what my PS3 will support so I can get the fullest use out of money.

The TV I have is a 40" Sony Bravia LCD 1080p V3000, and the Blu-ray player I'm using is in fact the PS3 one (I considered it the best BLu-Ray player at the time I bought, and it still ranks as one of the best). Anyway, I also have an Apple TV hooked up to my home theatre, and additionally a PS2 and PS1. I want all of this to come together and work with each other very well.

[smaug]

They are identical. The only difference is that PCM can cause clocking issues.. but thats really far down on the list of things that contribute to quality loss.

This is the impression I was under. The PS3 is a fairly powerful machine, I assume the decoding is done fairly well, although apparently it has some issues at the moment.. hehe.

[AMG44]

Despite the bickering going on in here, I will be getting a DTS-HD receiver, hence the title of my thread! However, right now I'm pretty much trying to decide between the Onkyo 700 or 800 series. I'm reading up on everything my new tv supports and what my PS3 will support so I can get the fullest use out of money.

The TV I have is a 40" Sony Bravia LCD 1080p V3000, and the Blu-ray player I'm using is in fact the PS3 one (I considered it the best BLu-Ray player at the time I bought, and it still ranks as one of the best). Anyway, I also have an Apple TV hooked up to my home theatre, and additionally a PS2 and PS1. I want all of this to come together and work with each other very well.

I wouldnt say bickering just a discussion....but yea those series of Onkyo would be good, cause like a said you'll want it in the future.

[REFLEX]

Well the PS3 is a good player, right now it is the best in terms of features. Although its DTS:MA decoding is totally flawed for some reason. I still am glad I bought my BD30 Blu-ray player.....

[baseballnelie]

Well the PS3 is a good player, right now it is the best in terms of features. Although its DTS:MA decoding is totally flawed for some reason. I still am glad I bought my BD30 Blu-ray player.....

Hopefully Sony can come out with a fix for it on the next update, but I only have a 5.1 speaker set up so I guess it doesn't matter too much for me anyway

[Kyo-Unit]

do all receivers come with the amp inbuilt?
or is that a separate?

[AMG44]

do all receivers come with the amp inbuilt?
or is that a separate?

There are two types that you can buy

1) An a/v receiver that has everything built in ie tuner and amp

2) Separates. These are stand alone amps that need a tuner for Audio decoding. Sound bad a but are expensive

[DmiteXXi]

I'm not Reflex, but can provide input.


Denon
2808CI
3808CI
4308CI
Onkyo
SR605
SR705
SR805
SR875
NR905
Yamaha
V663
V863
V1800

If you are on a budget, i would recommend either the the 605, 705, V663
If you have some extra funds, then i would go for the denons
All support DTS-MA and TrueHD
All are priced from lowest to highest for each company
There are others, however, i feel that you can't really go wrong with any of these companies above.

Thanks for the input man. Ive been looking at the Denon 4308CI myslef but i have not come accross anyone with that reciever. Im looking to upgrade my TV and looking for an 60" LCD but that has me totally confused as well.

Thanks for the feed back its very much appreciated.

[Parasitic]

Thanks for the input man. Ive been looking at the Denon 4308CI myslef but i have not come accross anyone with that reciever. Im looking to upgrade my TV and looking for an 60" LCD but that has me totally confused as well.

Thanks for the feed back its very much appreciated.

I'm sure REFLEX could give you some info about the 4308CI. You could PM him.

[Essenshizer]

Thanks for the input man. Ive been looking at the Denon 4308CI myslef but i have not come accross anyone with that reciever. Im looking to upgrade my TV and looking for an 60" LCD but that has me totally confused as well.

Thanks for the feed back its very much appreciated.


Look at the second line in REFLEX's sig ;)

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z86/AFXREFLEX/reflexes4.jpg

Just PM him regarding it, I guarantee you he'll know just about everything about it.

[REFLEX]

Haha... I have the 4308 man! This thing absolutely.... ROCKS! x10!

And a 60" LCD? Good luck! Hahaha........ just wait for a 60" Laser..... coming later this year, probably be cheaper or the same price.


Ask me anything about the 4308..... I'm always happy to talk about it.

[Rekmon]

A question for you all. Since the PS3 is my only blu-ray player and it decodes the DTS-HD before it sends it to the receiver as LPCM, will the Onkyo TX-SR575 work having that LPCM sent to it through HDMI?

yes, that is true.

Ummm... isn't the TXSR575 HDMI pass through? So doesn't that mean that the receiver won't process the audio via HDMI? Or am I not getting something here.

What receivers are out there that can accept audio via HDMI but don't have DTS-ma decoding built in? (serious question, not being sarcastic here)

[rmac694203]

There's a Yamaha that can accept multichannel PCM but can't decode TrueHD and DTS: HD. The rx-v661.

[Rekmon]

There's a Yamaha that can accept multichannel PCM but can't decode TrueHD and DTS: HD. The rx-v661.

I took a look at that yamaha, pretty good but the cheapest I could find it was $320'ish. I thought there might be a big price difference but nope. At that price I might as well spend the extra 20 bucks and get the onkyo 605 with the decoding.

Thanks anyways :D

[rmac694203]

Also the Yamaha doesn't have analog to digital conversion for video signals. The 605 does.

[DaveOP]

From what I read, Onkyo also resolved the issues that they had with the DTS-MA tracks Popping speakers, as they have a firmware update that you can install via any Optical device. Mine is supposed to be here Thursday, so we'll see. It was only 340 Shipped overnight with Amazon Prime, seemed like a good deal.

I had an Onkyo HTIB when this all started, and have since replaced every speaker, and now the receiver. That said, they were all excellent build quality, and I wouldnt hesitate to reccommend Onkyo to anyone.

[Trowa]

I have had Onkyo, Sony, Denon, and Harmon-Kardon Receivers in my life time, and would recommend 100% with out a doubt Onkyo. Harmon-Kardon and Denon were just as good of quality as Onkyo, but the bang for you buck is clearly Onkyo. I was highly disappointed with the Sony receiver I had, not only was the sound quality not as good as the then 3 year old Onkyo, but the ease of use was not even comparable. If you have the money and are in the market for a higher ($1000+) end model then Harmon-Kardon is a good choice, but in the $500 range the Onkyo is a no brainier.

There is a new model (SR606) coming out next week that has some pretty kick @ss specs, 4-HDMI 1.3a inputs, lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, upconvert Component/S-Video to 1080i, HDMI 1.3a out, ect. Right at the $499 price point you are looking for, the only thing missing is THX certification that can be found on the higher end SR805. Here the link to Circuit City… http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=208513

[rmac694203]

The sr705 has THX certification as well.

[gigadigit]

Just wondering about THX certification. What is it good for especially when you can get Dolby True HD or DTS HD?

Thanks,

[DmiteXXi]

Haha... I have the 4308 man! This thing absolutely.... ROCKS! x10!

And a 60" LCD? Good luck! Hahaha........ just wait for a 60" Laser..... coming later this year, probably be cheaper or the same price.


Ask me anything about the 4308..... I'm always happy to talk about it.
Are laser TV's real?

On the Denon.... How is the iPod/iPhone integration? What is the WiFi feature for? is it THX certified?

[rmac694203]

Yeah, laser TV's are real. They're coming later this year. They're called LaserVue and they're made by Mitsubishi.

[DaveOP]

Just wondering about THX certification. What is it good for especially when you can get Dolby True HD or DTS HD?

Thanks,

They're mostly just good for marketing. There is actually a pretty active thread about this very topic on AVSForum. Not to say that THX receivers are bad, when in fact they're generally the highest quality receivers, but don't base any purchasing decisions on whether or not it has the badging.

[oliveryochest]

Are laser TV's real?

On the Denon.... How is the iPod/iPhone integration? What is the WiFi feature for? is it THX certified?

I don't have an Ipod so can't answer that question.

Ethernet port & Wi-Fi allows music files to be played from a remote server
Ethernet port & Wi-Fi connection for multi room options, streaming audio and internet radio
Can be controlled across the internet using a web browser

THX Ultra2-Certified