HT Receiver Help

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

Ok, So I spent last night on avsforum for about 3-4 hours lurking tying to determine which reviver would best fit my budget and needs. I came up with a few, but I still have some questions I would like to get asked, and I know there are a few of you here well versed in home audio/Home theater.

Ok so I have 2 HDMI sources, XBOX 360 and HD Directv. Many of the cheaper (300-500) appear to only pass through Video, and they do not process the audio, requiring a separate audio connection *ie Optical. My question is with my current Home theater setup, (miniscule right now with just a generic MTM set coupled with generic surrounds and center channel) will I notice a difference by using the capabilities that HDMI audio utilizes...such as Tru-HD audio? Or should I save about 200 dollars and just pick up a pair of optical cables and get a cheaper Unit?

So far what I have liked on the cheap side

HK AVR-247

Denon AVR-1508

Sony STR-DG810

The more expensive ones

Onkyo 605

HK 247

Denon 1908

Sony dg910

Click to read more...

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Optical cables aren't $200 I don't think.

After researching hometheatremag.com, I am liking the Onkyo 575 which can be found for ~$299 refurb from shoponkyo.com

 

[Max_Power 10+ year member]

Onkyo makes a very solid unit. I love mine....

with reguards to our question however, I would just bite the bullet and be prepared for future upgrades. I dont't know which media (blu ray/hd DVD) will win, but to get as much from them as possible, I think the HDMI is a must. It will simplify everything when it comes to hooking things up and require less wires to buy.

I feel right now in the present the Onkyo 605 has to be my top pick as a resonably priced reciever. If I didnt have a fully functioning HT right now I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I'd rather get something with a little higher level of build quality...