Surround sound receiver for 100 bones?

HeSaveDave

HeSaveDave

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I need an at least 5.1 receiver. I have speakers. For use mainly with my 360. I'm running my 360 via HDMI so how will that work? tell me if you know any deals. All I have is 100-150 bones. :bouncy:
 
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So I'd need to hook up an optical cable for the 5.1 and keep using the HDMI for the video? I'm really confused at how that works.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']If you're getting a receiver, get something decent... as in, not $100.[/quote]

You gonna spot me the rest of the cash? :applause:
 
Well your not going to find a receiver for 100.00 or less that can do HDMI Audio. For once Chacrana and I agree on something with home theater don't go too cheap on the receiver. This is what I have http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR605&modelid=81&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1 At least for now I'm future proof all HDMI 1.3, Lossless Audio decoding, and 7.1 (However I only use it as a 5.1 for now :D) .

If you want a "cheap" receiver look at this one
http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR304&modelid=47&group_id=1&detail=2

DTS, Digital inputs Optical and Coax, A basic 5.1 setup

Also I would suggest

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DG51...1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1207836936&sr=1-1

A friend of mine uses this one and it gets the job done but again you can use HDMI for video switching but you need to run audio separate.
 
I am going to slightly disagree with the previous posters. It is a worthwhile purchase to slowly upgrade.

If you are going from nothing, a $100 receiver is a fair upgrade. I went to a $50 Insignia - 5.1 receiver, using Athena speakers. And it is great for me. 550W, but no HDMI. Has 1 digital (That I don't use) and 1 optical (Which I use for my PS3). Now, I don't get lossless audio, I don't get HDMI support, and I don't get 7.1 channels. But, it lets me have something, while I save up money for something else.

Here is the question that I asked myself - would I rather wait 3 months and have nothing? or wait 9 months, have a decent receiver right away, and then upgrade to a better system?

I chose to get something cheap now, and upgrade slowly.

Matthew
 
It's very unlikely that you'll find something that will give you good HDMI video support for $100.

I have to agree with most of the posts here, though, the receiver is not where you want to 'save' your money. It drives everything else you're trying to accomplish. So, save your $100, and keep saving until you can find something that's decent.

I disagree with spending $100 now, only to buy something that supports S-video or even component. You'll end up spending more money on cables and other parts that will become obsolete very quickly. Then, you'll have to more or less give it away, as most people don't want to buy used and old home theater items.
 
You can run the HDMI straight to the TV. Then run the optical straight to the receiver. There is no reason to send any of the video signal to the receiver.

I will fully agree - that if you have the money to spend, spend it on the receiver.

Matthew
 
[quote name='simpsonps121']You can run the HDMI straight to the TV. Then run the optical straight to the receiver. There is no reason to send any of the video signal to the receiver.[/quote]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was confused how that worked.
 
The Onkyo is a sweet deal.
My JVC that I linked to earlier was a great value three years ago, but not so much today, as the Onkyo's have obviously come down in price.
 
[quote name='HeSaveDave']So...

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR304&modelid=47&group_id=1&detail=2

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000OG6I8S/ref=nosim/cheapassgam08-20

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5280864

Which one?[/QUOTE]

After reading the user comments about the Sony, I would steer clear of that one. The pre-assigned configurations would drive me nuts.

I've got 2 Pioneer Recievers (515, 917). Both seem built well and work fine. I've found the extras for the 917 (which cost me $170 more than the 515) are about useless to me. If you want to give that Pioneer you have listed a try, there have been much better deals on it in the past. However I recall reading it's not that great. Onkyo models are almost always rated high. I'd probably try Onkyo if I were purchasing now.

MjC
 
[quote name='HeSaveDave']So, I buy that Onkyo...use HDMI straight to tv for video.....use an optical cable to the Onkyo and then I'll get 5.1?[/QUOTE]

With the 360, you'll need a seperate digital audio dongle if you are using HDMI for video and optical for audio. MS sells it for $50 (comes with HDMI cable). I got one from an Amazon Marketplace seller for $28. The adapter also comes with 360 Elite models.

MjC
 
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