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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: phanophish on December 08, 2009, 04:03:41 PM
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I'm shopping for a budget 5.1 system with at least 3 HDMI inputs. I also need something with pre outs to feed my Denon Amp for the Maggies up front. I had a Yamaha and have had issues with static in the rear so I'm not real big on Yamaha any more. Denon and Onkoyo don't have pre outs until you get in the $1000 range. I hate to spend big bucks on a receiver until the HDMI specs settle down a bit. Seems like they add new functionality every year. Suggestions? New or used is fine. I'm not finding much AV stuff on Audiogon unless it is way high end.
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to my knowledge your not going to find both of those for less than 1k.
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I installed a system last summer that needed a receiver with just about the same requirements you have. The least expensive solution I could find was from Marantz. The receiver I used was last year's model, and I paid about $500 for it. In Marantz's current line the SR5003 seems to meet your requirements.
http://us.marantz.com/Products/2514.asp# (http://us.marantz.com/Products/2514.asp#)
After a brief search I was able to find the SR5003 for about $630 new.
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Does this Denon unit not fit the bill?
http://tinyurl.com/ydzyjmo
Looks like there's 3 HDMI inputs and pre-outs for the sub/surround-rear/height-front.
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The Marantz looks like it may be a good option, my old non HDMI amp was a Marantz and I liked it. The local dealer that used to carry them no longer does so I'll have to chase one down. The Denon only has outputs for the Surround fronts, not the main front channels so it will not work for me. thanks for the advice. Anyone know of a Audiogon equivalent for AV stuff?
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For video, try videogon.com
The Cambridge Audio 640R does all you want, including 3 hdmi inputs and full 7.1 preamp outs. It's about $900 new. I've got the 540R and like it quite a bit. This is the second CA amp I've used and I think they have great sound. The 540R has preamp outs (6.1) and 2 HDMI inputs, as does the 340R. If you can live with either two inputs or use an hdmi switch box, you can get the 340R for $600 new.
Also, I don't use one and don't know about the quality, but you can get remote controlled HDMI switch boxes (3 or 4 inputs) for $30-$80. Getting a cheaper AV receiver that just has one hdmi input and coupling it with a switch box might bring down your costs quite a bit.
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For video, try videogon.com
Oh Christ! Todd, you are going to get me in a LOT of trouble. I had no idea there was truly a Videogon. Perfect. Dangerous, but Perfect!