I've been looking at the Onkyo TX-DS989. Very nice reciever, but a little too expensive for me right now. What are the other options as far as built in Surround EX recievers?

up

One is the Outlaw 1050 ($599) http://www.outlawaudio.com/

Others include the Denon AVR-5800, AVR 4800 and AVR 3801, the Yamaha RX-V1 (over $3,000) and, I think, several other receivers in Yamaha's new line (check out the Yamaha ad in Home Theater).

Pioneer Elite series has the new 35-TX receiver which has Dolby EX Surround and is also THX Select Certified and the MSRP is $1100. But I am sure it could be found for much cheaper. Once Crazy Eddie's starts selling it, it could be as cheap at $650 (based on their discounts for other Elite Receivers from Pioneer).

Thanks for the input! Anyone else have input?

Does the outlaw model also do DTS ES?

The Outlaw does not do DTS ES. Also, it does a matrixed form of Dolby EX. It's not 6 discrete channels, instead the rear center channel is matrixed from the two rear surrounds. But from what I've heard, this is a great receiver, especially for the money. There's usually quite a bit of discussion about it on www.hometheaterforum.com if you're interested in learning more.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by steak:
Pioneer Elite series has the new 35-TX receiver which has Dolby EX Surround and is also THX Select Certified and the MSRP is $1100. But I am sure it could be found for much cheaper. Once Crazy Eddie's starts selling it, it could be as cheap at $650 (based on their discounts for other Elite Receivers from Pioneer).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good call, steak. I just ordered one from Crazy Eddie for $660.

The Yamaha 5280 does a matrix ES and EX. For the money ($799), I feel it is a very good value (I upgraded from the 5250). The 5280 also has component video inputs (which I like) and enough digital inputs to last me for a while.

------------------
My DVD Collection

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Pantera:
The Outlaw does not do DTS ES. Also, it does a matrixed form of Dolby EX. It's not 6 discrete channels, instead the rear center channel is matrixed from the two rear surrounds. But from what I've heard, this is a great receiver, especially for the money. There's usually quite a bit of discussion about it on www.hometheaterforum.com if you're interested in learning more.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

All Dolby EX receivers can do this. They will simulate 6.1 from any 5.1 source.

------------------
...post game show is brought to you by,......Christ I can't find it. To hell with it!

Just to add a little clarification:

At present, the 3801 & 5800 are they only options for decoding DTS ES discrete - the only 6.1 format that has a full range, separately encoded surround back channel.
(Alas, so far only one DVD has this format: The Haunting.)

At this point is hard to say which 6.1 format, if any, will have alot of software support. Consequently, it's tough to decide which 6.1 option to invest in. For performance reasons, I hope a discrete 6.1 format (DTS&/or DD)eventually dominates.




[This message has been edited by BEC (edited November 06, 2000).]

Look for the Onkyo txds787....similar features of the 989.. We(Circuit City) should have this in the next couple of weeks at a price of 999.99...

I have the Denon 3801 and it has DTS ES. It doesn't list Dolby Digital EX but does play it back. Some type of licensing bullcrap from THX prevents them to list it on the receiver. Also the 3801 has 105 watts by 7 channels!

------------------
DTS - You don't know what you are missing!

I highly recommend the Onkyo TX-DS989. I have that and it's very nice. If you do the research, you can get it for $2100. The Denon AVR-4800 is also another nice machine. If you do the research you can get it for $1200. If I were you I would get either a Lexicon DC-1, DC-2, or MC-1. But those are only pre-amps. So you have to get an amp, tuner, etc. Make sure you get a reciever that is THX Ultra Certified. The Onkyo & Lexicons also do the DTS ES. There are two types of Surround EX. There is Dolby Surround EX and there is THX Surround EX. THX Surround EX is better in my opinion. A lot of these recievers claim to have Surround EX. Becareful...those might only do Dolby Surround EX. If it doesn't have the THX Ultra certification, it doesn't do THX Surround EX. The Onkyo TX-DS989 is very nice and I would save the money to get it further down the road. I hope I helped you out on the Surround EX. Just becareful because ads can be misleading.

any new EX receivers on the market?

Best Buy has the Pioneer VSX-D810S on sale at their stores. It is 100 watt x 6. Not sure how good a receiver it is but it is only $469. Someone buy it and let me know.

Denon 3801 for $730 is a great deal:

Nice cables..but where's the receiver? :)

yea yea yea - they are nice cables

Anyway here is the link to the Denon 3801 - sorry about the wrong link there

Umm, you might want to shy away from posting adds for your V-store and go back and edit your previous posts. It is against forum rules and will get you suspended or banned quickly.

J