Tuner, HDMI switching, suggestions

[samjaynes]

I have been enjoying connecting the PCH C-200 directly to my TV via HDMI, and seeing the clear picture. What is missing, is that the TV outputs only two channel audio, and the unfortunate all-in-one tuner that I have only accepts two-channel.

So, I am reaching out to one of the greatest forums out there.... my NMT friends. What are your recommendations on tuners with HDMI switching? Or is it better to have video straight to the TV, and a different feed for the audio? I have been looking at a couple Yamaha receivers which look impressive.

Budget - between $200 to $400 USD.

I am open to your suggestions, recommendations, or ideas. Thanks guys!

[choochoo7777]

i ran across an ELITE receiver .. 7.1 for less than 450. model VSX-21TXH


its really good actually... especially for the price ... looks great ... and legendary Elite quality.


and to answer your questions...

Generally with modern audio formats (DTS HD, ect.) you can only use them over HDMI due to the copy protection.

If you are using 2 speakers (stereo only) and you are an audio purist then the standard analog cables are fine for audio. I much prefer high impact high energy surround with wall-shaking bass you can feel in your belly.

So ... you can get 5.1 standard audio decode with the typical coax or fiber .... (the biggest part of a blu-ray is the HD audio track) which you would only benefit from the picture provided you have a 1080p tv....

Go HDMI ..then you get it all.

A favorite analogy of mine I use when people ask me what the difference is ....

A V8 chevy truck runs and sounds great ... now imagine driving that same truck down the highway and suddenly 5 cylinders stop firing .. the truck will still run barely ... so its running ... thats the difference between a good 7.1 HD Audio enabled surround and a 5.1 analog setup

[tiefling]

(12-10-2009 05:26 AM)samjaynes Wrote:  I have been enjoying connecting the PCH C-200 directly to my TV via HDMI, and seeing the clear picture. What is missing, is that the TV outputs only two channel audio, and the unfortunate all-in-one tuner that I have only accepts two-channel.

So, I am reaching out to one of the greatest forums out there.... my NMT friends. What are your recommendations on tuners with HDMI switching? Or is it better to have video straight to the TV, and a different feed for the audio? I have been looking at a couple Yamaha receivers which look impressive.

Budget - between $200 to $400 USD.

I am open to your suggestions, recommendations, or ideas. Thanks guys!

I have a 7.1 channel Sony HDMI switching receiver which I absolutely adore - It's great for both music and video and it has plenty of inputs.

Your main considerations should be your overall budget though as you will need more than just the receiver; as the previous poster wrote you will also need speakers, speaker cables and at least 1 more HDMI cable.

If you can't get an HDMI switching receiver at the moment then don't bother; save up your money until you can afford the products that will really benefit you - Save up and get a good 7.1 channel switcher like the Sony (The Denons are also supposed to be very good) that will do good Video and Music.

You can then use this, initially as a 2 channel amp with your existing speakers. Bad speakers will cripple any system, however, so if yours are not up to scratch or don't match with your ideal receiver then your next task would be to replace them - What you use is largely up to taste and a good hi fi dealer will be able to help you with this based on your tastes in film and music. One thing I would recommend is getting floorstanders for your two front speakers - it makes a huge difference. If you are lucky enough to have them already or be replacing a matching pair, then you now have 4 speakers (if not you need to buy two smaller surround speakers first) - You now need to buy a centre - Again, don't skimp here, the centre speaker is the anchor of your AV system for watching video. Once you have this then you have 5.

The final task to do (and this can all be done in stages) is to get another two speakers as your backs.

You don't have to invest as much in your backs or surrounds as in your centre and front, but as a guideline to get good balance I recommend the following financial distribution (as a general rule of thumb)

Cost of Center = Cost of 2 Front Floorstanders = Cost of 4 Surround Speakers

I am in the UK so I don't know how the dollar value equates to Hi Fi across the Atlantic, but I think you'll reap the best benefit by buying these elements in stages.

[Shadowtester]

One of the best bang for your buck low budget receivers is the Pioneer 1019 for a little more money than the 1019 Onkyo 607 has a very nice feature set and if you could get your budget up to the $550.00 to $600.00 range the Denon 2310 is an outstanding receiver whos video processing can really improve sd sources.

[louisw]

I have an Onkyo 607 and am very happy with it.