Thread: I've joined the Dark Side (HD DVD)

Originally Posted by Unfiltered

Cool! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Don't overlook the Onkyos when you upgrade your receiver. I own a Denon 4306, but the new Onkyos are great.

I'll try not to overlook the Onkyos, especially at their price point. They are on my list.

I am considering the 1800, Pioneer 92, Marantz 7002, the Onkyo 705 or 805. However, it is tough to find a place with all of those. With the 5000, I don't need the video scaling. My TWC box doesn't have HDMI, and we don't need to listen to the receiver for TV so I'll live Toslink out to the receiver from the STB, and analog audio to the TV.

The receiver is going to be mostly for music, so it has to perform well in my ears with my music.

Originally Posted by No One

I'll try not to overlook the Onkyos, especially at their price point. They are on my list.

I am considering the 1800, Pioneer 92, Marantz 7002, the Onkyo 705 or 805. However, it is tough to find a place with all of those. With the 5000, I don't need the video scaling. My TWC box doesn't have HDMI, and we don't need to listen to the receiver for TV so I'll live Toslink out to the receiver from the STB, and analog audio to the TV.

The receiver is going to be mostly for music, so it has to perform well in my ears with my music.

The Pioneer and the Yammy are a little tinty for my tastes. They seem to have less midrange.

Let me know what you go with. I may have an authorized dealer connection that'll save you a bit.

Originally Posted by Unfiltered

The Pioneer and the Yammy are a little tinty for my tastes. They seem to have less midrange.

Let me know what you go with. I may have an authorized dealer connection that'll save you a bit.

I may also consider the Denon 2808, but it only has 2 HDMI inputs. Right now, I only need 2 (Duo and FIOS TV when I get it), but I may also grab a Yamaha 5 disc universal player which does SACD over HDMI (yes, I have some SACD). This would act as my CD changer as well. I really don't want to get an HDMI switcher.

I did convince myself I don't need the network port, at least for a $400 price delta. I was originally considering the Yamaha 3800/Denon 3808/Pioneer 94/Onkyo 905.

When looking for a new receiver, I'd suggest going with 7.1 surround instead of the typical 5.1. There aren't a whole lot of discs that support it yet but once they do you'll be set. That is of course if you don't mind shelling out the extra dough.

Originally Posted by NastiMarvasti

When looking for a new receiver, I'd suggest going with 7.1 surround instead of the typical 5.1. There aren't a whole lot of discs that support it yet but once they do you'll be set. That is of course if you don't mind shelling out the extra dough.

He paid 8 bills for a combo player. I don't think he'll be afraid to spend more than $700 on a receiver.

Originally Posted by Unfiltered

He paid 8 bills for a combo player. I don't think he'll be afraid to spend more than $700 on a receiver.

Originally Posted by NastiMarvasti

When looking for a new receiver, I'd suggest going with 7.1 surround instead of the typical 5.1.

But of course. If I could afford it, I would get a 10+ channel to add the presence speakers!!! (Like the new Yamaha RX-Z11)

I just need to find 2 pairs of surrounds for my liking. I have some OLD JBL 2500's (circa 1991) as the surrounds. I heard great things about the JBL Arena's, but they are too large for my mounting areas (and at 15 pounds, I think I would need shelves). I may go JBL Balcony.

3 years ago, when my wife was in France, I ran cables for a 7.1 setup. They have been sitting under the carpet since, itching to get out.

I know it is not that important for me to match the surrounds with the fronts (JBL LX-55, again circa 1991 recently re-edged), so I may just grab 4 smaller surrounds.

I guess I should fill you in on my what my plans when she is in France in mid-Jan. Some of it is already occurring.

1) Upgrade 6 y.o. Sony STR-DE675 reciver.
2) Get Dual Format Player. Check!
3) Replace the free 6 y.o. Sony 8" subwoofer. JBL SUB12 is on its way. While it isn't the best sub, at $199 it should suffice. Oh yeah, CHECK.
4) Upgrade Center Channel speaker. Currently JBL n-Center. Maybe a JBL LC-2.
5) Upgrade (or add) surrounds for 7.1.

Yes, I have a personal bias towards JBL. They have sounded great for 16 years, so why change?? Although I have considered DefTech, but don't have the WAF for a front speaker overhaul.

My plan for her next trip, which may be in Jan 2009, is to replace the TV with a 1080p.

Originally Posted by Unfiltered

He paid 8 bills for a combo player. I don't think he'll be afraid to spend more than $700 on a receiver.

Just don't tell my wife it was 8 bills, okay???? (or that the receiver could exceed a grand...)

Originally Posted by No One

Just don't tell my wife it was 8 bills, okay???? (or that the receiver could exceed a grand...)

I would NEVER do that to ANYONE.