Hello, been a long time since I was here but I find myself out of my element and I remember you guys being stellar back in the day so I come with a request.
I've been considering a 5.1 surround system for some time now. As luck would have it, my father has a good set of speakers from his previous system he used a few years ago. Problem is, the receiver is blown, which is why he replaced the whole thing. So I got a good set of speakers, I need advice on a receiver.
The receiver needs to work with LPCM, have HDMI in and out ports, obviously support 5.1 and preferably under $200. Unfortunately, my knowledge of sound systems, especially receivers, is limited.
I plan on setting this system up in my room and needs to work with my PC and Wii U system. Hoping to get the best quality I can for the best price. I have no problem buying used btw, so if I could get a $250 set off amazon used for ~$180 that'd be great. One last factor, I live in Canada, so yeah, exchange rates 'n shit.
Anyways, any info is great, I don't mind learning about bit before moving forward with this. Preferred brands or models, things to look for, etc, would all be great information.
Much appreciated.
Any Pioneer or Onkyo under 200 should work fine.
The original was Onkyo so that could probably work.
I'd assume there are various differences in sound quality amongst the various models. Any info on that?
Go used or fix the blown amp with that budget. Find a yamaha with discrete audio outputs if you can. Go to Canuck Audio Mart i use them in the states for used hifi
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649123714-yamaha_htr5740_amplituner_audio_video_surround/
You can also catch a sick deal by going optical/coax out of the tv and getting a receiver without hdmi thats really high end. None of my Theater setup has hdmi its all digital audio into an old yamaha 5.1 and power amps.
eBay a last generation Denon or Pioneer receiver Hdmi is standard. Most receivers will last 5+ years so buying used is a very viable route. Take advantage of people who have upgradeitis
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649150498-denon-avr981-71-hd-audio-receiver/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649148258-integra-av-receiver-dtr45/images/817953/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649151609-pioneer-elite-vsx43tx/images/828150/
or
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649152369-integra-dtc98-av-processor/
with
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649144318-pair-of-hafler-se240-amps-for-trade/
Dude! Jump on this!!
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rotel-RSX-1055-Surround-Sound-Reciever-/321551362846?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item4addf46b1e
Personally I use an old Pioneer that was cheap even when I first got it. The Pioneer VSX-516 to be exact. It doesn't even have hdmi inputs or anything. I just plug everything into my TV then plug the TV into the receiver via optical cable. It sounds just fine for me so I expect anything newer would sound great as well. I think sound quality is more of an issue with the speakers and cabling than the receiver. The more expensive receivers really just add more bells and whiles than any improved audio fidelity imo.
Thanks for the info, but checking it it doesn't seem to have any HDMI inputs which I require.
The old one doesn't support LPCM or HDMI so it won't do. I can't get away from the HDMI requirement as it seems to be the only way I can get surround out of my Wii U.
That is not a 100% true you are paying for power more and cleaner power will cost more. The most expensive is a seperate processor and amps you would be amazed how much 1000watt monoblock amps go for.
you can get the digital audio from the tv back to the receiver plug all your hdmi equipment into the tv and take digital audio out. Why do you need LPCM everything is going to have AC3 usually? I'm asking because I have never seen that request before not because i disagree with you. If your budget minded my opinion is use the money towards amp quality not digital quality. A $200 retail amp is going to sound worse at 192khz than a $1500 amp at 96khz. Hands down if your amp is quality it will make your audio sound great no matter if you use analog or digital inputs. TV will pass though digital signals optical is limited compared to hdmi but you won't hear it if your amps/speakers are not quality as well. I'd love to help more but I may have a different approach to system building. Im more into audio quality than what surround format im using I just use dolby digital no frills with some KEF towers/center/rear/sub and adcom 555s. I actually might buy that receiver.
Really, the requirement is strictly because of my Wii U. From what I've researched, the Wii U only supports 5.1 surround using LPCM via HDMI. Again, my knowledge on the topic is still limited.
i wouldn't be amazed at all actually. I know exactly how deep a rabbit hold the audiophile world is. However what i have sounds fine to me and I didn't have to give my left kidney to acquire it.
It's my understanding that pretty much most receivers can do PCM 5.1 as long as they have HDMI inputs. PCM 5.1 and 7.1 are over HDMI so as long as your receiver can take HDMI inputs you should be fine.
I agree there is meaty range of 2000-5000 dollars were you will get great sound (whole system prier) Once you go above that it is really diminishing returns.