Thinking about getting a new receiver for Xmas.. Don't really need one, but figure what the heck. I have a old Sony receiver that does the job, but doesn't have HDMI and only 1 optical

I have:

HDTV
PS3
Ipod
HD Cable Box
HTPC


I figure I need 2 HDMI (1 for the PS3, 1 for the HTPC) for video. 2 optical audio (PS3 and HTPC).

Certainly want to allow for growth. Also using a Harmony remote (not that it really makes a difference).

Budget?
What kind of speakers?

Low end Polks for the front/center.. Nothing in the rear yet. Generic subwoofer.

I'd like to stay under $300.

Well, Onkyo 605 meets almost all of your criteria, except that it is closer to around $350.

I was looking at the 505 since it is about $250 and I only see the 605 at $400 ish. What does the 605 do that 505 doesn't?

Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha are the big three in mid priced electronics, that actually have quality.

Personally I like Yamaha

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-KBQL9Xx...px?I=022RXV461

I know that the Onkyo's are popular too.

As I stated in another thread, bought the 505 from Onkyo shop for $124.10 shipped. I am really looking forward to it. You can always get a refurb Marantz

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4001

The x05 series from Onkyo has a much higher than average failure rate. Take the return policy of the place you buy it from into consideration. Amazon paid for me to send my two 605s back, but if I had gotten through a number of other vendors (including ones that sell via Amazon), I would have had to pay to ship the 35-pound receivers back.

Refurb always scares me

Definitely check out http://shoponkyo.com/ and sign up. You get a hell of a deal, plus really fast shipping. Also, they have 10% off your purchase until the 12th of December. Example, the receiver I got was priced at $149.00 - $14.90 (10%) - $10.00 (points ) - $124.10.

http://shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?prod...il=1&ext_war=1

You get a warranty for 1 year and have the option to purchase additional. My Onkyo is a refurb. For the price I paid, I am not worried.

I don't have any recommendations, but I have a question. Doesn't the HDMI provide video and audio? Why do you need separate optical audio for the same devices you are using the HDMI for?

Isn't the quality comparable?

BTW I just got the Onkyo 605 and am installing it Friday

Fair question.. Currently my receiver doesn't have HDMI, but my PS3 uses HDMI..so I have the HDMI going to the TV for the video and I have the ps3 using optical for audio since I prefer to take advantage of my receiver/speakers

also the onkyo 505 does not pass through hdmi audio, only video so you would need the same setup as described above (i believe.. that is passed on some quickie research)

get the 605 refurb from shoponkyo for ~300. passed audio over hdmi and has enough hdmi connections for what you need.

I don't see the 605 listed on their site

Does anyone have 'extra' points? Wonder if I could buy them

After I made my purchase, they gave me 6.