I'm looking to get a good modest priced receiver for my new PS3
 

I'm not a fan of Sony receivers but today over at Costco I did find the STR-DG1100 for $499.99 and was tempted since all I need is a receiver capable of 8 channel LPCM via HDMI (I use an HD-A2 for HD DVD and a PS3 for Blu-Ray) and this receiver apparently offers that. I am more inclined toward the new fancy Onkyo, Yamaha, or Denon receivers but I really have no need for receivers that can decode bitstreams via HDMI since my players decode the high resolution audio internally and then transmit the decoded PMC.

Any one know of any reason why I shouldn't get this receiver at that price?

I haven't heard good things about Sony's receivers, at least those in the non-ES levels. I don't know if they're bad, but you should be able to get something better for the same or less money.

If you're going to get an Onkyo and you want 7.1, I would recommend the 705 over the 605. The 605 doesn't do Pro Logic IIx processing on multichannel lossless sources (and that includes audio decoded to PCM by the PS3). While you could still listen to actual 7.1 lossless tracks with the 605, I just don't think a 7.1 setup is worth it unless you can use the back surrounds for 5.1 sources as well. There just aren't that many 7.1 tracks, and that's probably how it will be for a while. For the time being, you'd mostly be limited to Lionsgate and New Line titles for 7.1.

At this point though, if you can stand it, I'd wait and check out the new Onkyo receivers. They're only a month or two away, and they may have more features for a lower price. Or, you may be able to get a better deal on a 705/605 then.

There's also a new Yamaha receiver that's been talked about, but I don't recall the model number.

Onkyo 605. Ok. You are done.

Thanks, guys. I'll wait. :)

I just bought the Sony SS2000 HTIB...so far I'm happy. I have yet to calibrate it but from what I sampled so far....its decent. I don't have tons of money like these crazy guys :)

Yamaha 663 can be had for around $400.

Neither do I but I do have a pair of Klipsch RF-63's, a Klipsch RC-62, and a Velodyne DLS-3500R. Needless to say, I'm antsy to hear what they sound like when playing back multichannel LPCM. :)

Where did you find the Yamaha 663 at $400, Arpeggi?

J&R Music, it's listed at $500 on the site but if you call in, they might sell it to you for the preorder price of $400+shipping. I thought about buying it but I'm waiting on a deal on a Denon.

I love Yamaha, but I can't see dropping $400 on a receiver that only has 2 HDMI inputs.

What are these manufacturers thinking? I mean, seriously - 2 inputs!!! Even the $900 Yamaha has only 3!!!

I'll stick with my current Yamaha and use the 5.1 outs of my Samsung BD player + external HDMI switcher.

My vote also. Looking for a modest player that does it all.

That is the best value proposition right now. It's a HDMI 1.3 receiver that decodes both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA from a BD player that can bitstream those formats. There are better receivers but that is the best entry level solution right now.

Not better than the Yamaha 663.

Okay the more reviews and forums I read on the receivers you all have recommended, the more I find myself leaning toward the 705. So I think I may take Drexl's advice and wait for a price drop. That said, what I would lose opting for a 605 instead of a 705 is the ability to matrix 5.1 LPCM into 7.1, correct?

Yes.

I would also wait because Onkyo is set to release this year's models soon so the 605/705/805 whatever are bound to drop in price.

Cool. Thanks for all your help. :up:

Now I just have to track down a good deal on some Klipsch RS-62's to go along with the rest of my speakers. :)

Curve ball time..
I have a Toshiba A-3 And will probably get a PS3 for Blu-ray in a month or 2 (GTA4!!)
I know my A3 has problems decoding sound, so I want a receiver that has >=2 hdmi ports and can decode the True HD & best Blu-ray sound with out killing my bank..
Right now I have a Kenwood 5.1 receiver with 0 hdmi.
thankz

Onkyo 605 has 2 HDMI inputs. Not sure about the 705, but 805 and up are at least 3 in.

Personally I have the 605, although looking back I wish I had gotten one of the higher models for the 7.1 matrix abilities with PCM. Inputs are moot for me as I have more than 3 devices so I have to use a switch anyway.

705 has 3 hdmi

another vote for the 605.

You can get a remote controlled 1.3 3 to 1 hdmi switch from buy.com for like 29.99 when its on sale. (3-4 times in the past 6 months)

I use it on a 5.1 setup, but am going to add 2 more speakers in the near future.

What I have a problem with it not inputs, its the outputs, I just added a projector, I need a splitter so something now.

Seems the Onkyo TX-SR705 has been going down at a steady pace: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR705.../dp/B000OBMX0K Can't wait to get my hands on one. :banana:

I love my 705! Highly recommended. 3 HDMI in - and "upconverts" the component through HDMI - so 5 inputs into the receiver and 1 out to the TV. GREAT stuff!!!

This may be an off-topic question but....

Since the HDMI signal is all digital is the signal thru a switch or recv'r not a big deal like it used to be with Component?

My uncle is helping me track down the 705 because here in Puerto Rico everyone seems to sell every brand except Onkyo all of a sudden. :( Anyhoo, he's found a a TX-SR605 for $385 and a 505 for $220? Are either of those two priced low enough to be worth jumping at over the 705?

I have a 505 which I purchased for $125.00 from Onkyoshop.com many months ago. I am looking to upgrade from that due to not being able to get DTS-Ma..etc. Stick with the 605 or higher.