Need new A/V receiver, 700 or less

[Jataro]

I really appreciate the input guys. Since I last posted I've done a lot of reading here and at AVSforums and I am now thoroughly confused. My current setup includes a Sony XBR 34960N. It's a great HDTV but it's a tube set so I don't worry about upconverting since it renders them in their original format (which I usually prefer). I will probably upgrade the TV in the future since it weighs 200lbs and it's only 34 inches. When I do will having an HDMI 1.3 AVR be important? If not then AVRs like Yammy 1700/2700 (major difference is the internet connectivity right?) seem like a good choice. If yes, then the Pioneer VSX-91txh or onkyo line seem to be good choices (except for the lip sync issue with onkyos). I guess the other issue is the HD audio tracks on bluray, but I think i'd be fine with it being converted in my PS3. So all in all I'm now very confused. What I want is a good sounding unit with as much future proofability as possible that doesn't cost more than 700. Am I looking at the right units or should I be looking elsewhere? Thanks.

[L.J.]

I really appreciate the input guys. Since I last posted I've done a lot of reading here and at AVSforums and I am now thoroughly confused. My current setup includes a Sony XBR 34960N. It's a great HDTV but it's a tube set so I don't worry about upconverting since it renders them in their original format (which I usually prefer). I will probably upgrade the TV in the future since it weighs 200lbs and it's only 34 inches. When I do will having an HDMI 1.3 AVR be important?

At this point, no. The only benefit 1.3 will provide is support of deep color. Your source, AVR & display may support this but....and here the big one....no software currently supports it and my understanding is that BR never will. No way to know if this is anything worth waiting around for or investing in because it's simply not available.

More info on deep color

If not then AVRs like Yammy 1700/2700 (major difference is the internet connectivity right?) seem like a good choice. If yes, then the Pioneer VSX-91txh or onkyo line seem to be good choices (except for the lip sync issue with onkyos).

Yes the major diff between the 1700/2700 would be the networking. Also the 2700 has GUI on screen display and maybe more in/outputs. Maybe a extra zone with additional control over that zone.

Nothing wrong with going with the Onkyo or Elite or any unit with HDMI 1.3 for that matter. Based on QC issues you may not wanna go the Onkyo route and the Elite is a couple hundred over your budget. The Elite wasn't a bad unit when I auditioned it but I felt the 2700 was a better unit. HDMI 1.3 wasn't a must have in my situation, so this opened up my auditioning choices.

I spent alot of time auditioning and carefully spending time with each unit and the Yammie was what I went with. I really did like the Onkyo but I gave up on 'em after all the problems. I liked the Onkyo's so much,I actually purchased and returned 3 different units before giving up

I guess the other issue is the HD audio tracks on bluray, but I think i'd be fine with it being converted in my PS3. So all in all I'm now very confused. What I want is a good sounding unit with as much future proofability as possible that doesn't cost more than 700.

Well as long as you use your PS3 as BR player, HDMI 1.1 is all you need in a AVR to enjoy HD audio. This will open the door to more units, especially last year models like the Yamaha x700 series or Maratz x001 series for a discount price.

"Proofabilty" for my situation was 1080p pass-thru, on screen display via HDMI, HDMI v1.1 or up, mc analog inputs, preouts, at least a 2nd zone.....and yes, it needed to sound good. The 2700 covered all this and a few extras. One thing I loved about the 805 & 2700 was the amount of adjustability you have. You can go in and tweak almost anything.

Am I looking at the right units or should I be looking elsewhere? Thanks.

That's hard to say. Like I said, you could probably go with any decent name unit in your price range and be happy with it. Your gonna get alot of suggestions from alot of different people because many are brand loyal and tend to recommend what they've been happy with. I would suggest to do as much research as possible, narrow down your choices and try to audition a few units to get a feel for them. It's hard to say what you will be happy with.