OK, I probably made a mistake a few months ago when I bought my DVD player as I didn't take the built-in dolby sourround sound encoder. Now, after seeing/hearing the great quality, I'd love to add a full audio system to the mix.

What do I need to buy? I think some of the systems out there have decoders and others don't. For those with decoders, do they also handle other sources (i.e., VCR's, TV)? Any recommendations (and not over expensive since I'm spending a bit on the actual DVD's)?

Thanks.

Roger

There are a ton of inexpensive recievers that have built-in dolby digital decoders. I don't know what your budget is, but you should be able to find something for less than $400, possibly even $300 without much trouble. And yes they have have inputs for VCR, CD, TV, etc. If the budget is tight check out some entry level Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood, Techniques models. The quality doesn't compare to higher end models, but they have a surprising amount of features and very good prices.

I got the Sony STRDE835 at Service Merchandise for $300. It has all the bells and whistles you should need... Dolby Digital, DTS, and inputs for CD/DVD/VCR/Cassette etc. It has 100 watts output which is generally sufficient for most people with moderate size rooms.

Here's a deal for you.
http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011042.html

If the link doesn't work I'm sorry I'm kind of retarded about that stuff.

It is a thread in DVD Bargains about a sherwood reciever. Details there.

Brak55; most receivers will have the DD decoder built in. Just be careful, many economy brands will advertise Dolby Digital "ready" which isn't the same thing. Also remember Dolby Surround is not DD 5.1. It needs to be a Dolby Digital receiver.

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if you are really on a tight budget and need an entry level reciever, you should look at the Sherwood Brand. i recently bought a Sherwood RVD 6095 on Ubid for 142 plus shipping (new). it had built in DD and DTS decoders, no S video, but has all the rest of the inputs. it has 65 WPC in surround mode, which is find for a small to mid sized room. i've have a couple of friends who have Sherwood's Newcastle line recievers (the same as sony ES or pioneer elite) and they sound is unbelievable. but since i am a poor college student and can't afford 800 for a reciever, i trusted the brand and bought this one. so far, so good.


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