Need home theater advice

[Fire$torm]

Hey zombie,

Though you might not be interested I found an AV receiver that I would classify as decent, the Harman Karen AVR 1650 which can be had on Amazon (Link) for $390.00 ($209.00 under list price)

One other thing, remotes. If you would like to reduce your remote count then consider a Programmable Universal Remote. Forget about the units that come with components, most are hack jobs at best. Many 3rd party units are PC programmable and have LCD screens. Some are even Mac compatible Of course prices may put you off but a good remote will ease entertainment life once it is setup.

Some units to consider

Logitech Harmony Touch [Due out Oct. 10th] - $249.99 (Logitech Link) (Amazon Link #1 - $289.99) (Amazon Link #2 - $249.99)
Logitech Harmony H-659 - $134.99 [Mac Compatible] (Link)
Logitech Harmony 700 - $89.99 (Link)
URC R50 - $78.12 (Link) (Review Link)
Acoustic Research ARRX18G - $124.30 (Link)

[John P. Myers]

This Onkyo that i linked in my first post is only $389.99 with free shipping (was $699.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120197

Seems to be a tad better than the Harman Kardon, though as i said before i'm no guru and could be overlooking something

[Fire$torm]

This Onkyo that i linked in my first post is only $389.99 with free shipping (was $699.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120197

Seems to be a tad better than the Harman Kardon, though as i said before i'm no guru and could be overlooking something

Nope your good here. About the only thing the Onkyo falls behind the H/K on is style....

Edit: Z if you go AV receiver then the Onkyo is a better choice.

[coronicus]

if you go with onkyo make sure there is a service provider in your area cause man the shipping on those heavy monsters is a killer... im sure its probably the same with H/K but both are nice units.

[Fire$torm]

Hi Z,

What did you end up doing, if I may ask?

[zombie67]

Nothing yet. I'm procrastinating.

[Duke of Buckingham]

Nothing yet. I'm procrastinating.

I don't know what that is but I hope you get better soon.

That should be very serious...

[Fire$torm]

Nothing yet. I'm procrastinating.

Well I might have something for you (of sorts)

HDMI to Analog Audio decoder

Ambery.com - HDMI LPCM 7.1 5.1 Multi-Channel Audio Decoder Amplifier - (Unknown maker/origin)
On Ambery: $128.95 Link
On eBay: $128.95 Link

Note: They call it an amplifier but that is a misnomer. No high level output to speak of.

Gefen.com - TV Digital Audio Decoder for HDMI
On Gefen: $599.99 (Link)
On B&H Photo (Lowest Online Price) $407.45 (Link)

Either unit above still requires a 7.1/5.1 multichannel amplifier, pairs of amps (like x3 stereo amps for 5.1), or AV receiver with direct amp inputs (Where you can disconnect the preamp outputs from the amp inputs, aka bridge connectors).


Side note: At one point in recent history Ricco made a 5.1 Channel Digital 4 Port HDMI AV Amplifier. Which is exactly what you wanted. But it is no longer manufactured. Alas Ricco is not known for quality audio hardware. In fact they no longer produce any audio equipment. Still if you happen to come across one on eBay or Craig's List it might be something to look at.

Old Amazon Listing (Link)
Old Gadget Express Listing (Amazon Store) (Link)

[zombie67]

Thanks for all the info

I notice that BOSE has something like what I want. Plug their speakers directly into your TV. I want the same, but with my own speakers. Ah well.

[Mad Matt]

Anybody ever tried this one?

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/produ...eries/v-dacii/
http://www.stereophile.com/digitalpr...c_da_processor