Newbie to HTS

[jayn_j]

1. Does anyone know the exact model of receiver in the 6200 HTIB package? I looked at the specs of this system and compared them with the TX-SR607 and they are not the same receiver.Onkyo HT-S6200 - 7.1-Channel Home Entertainment Package (with Dock for the iPod®) | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Productsvs Onkyo TX-SR607 - 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products Among other things, the TX-SR607 is a taller and heavier receiver. I would prefer the shorter receiver for better ventilation.

It sure looks like this is now a unique receiver built just for the HTIB bundle. I apologize for not researching too deeply. The HTIB did use the 605 two years ago and that's what I based the comment on. Sorry.

2. Can someone confirm that the receiver in the 6200 HTIB receiver has no headphone inputs? Under the connectivity section there is no checkmark for the Front-Panel Portable input (stero mini jack). This is a very important consideration for me. I work late and my wife is a sleep when I get home. I do not want to disturb her.

I think what you are looking for is a headphone OUTPUT. This box has that according to the technical specs section of the Amazon listing. OTOH, Amazon has been known to lie, so I wouldn't guarantee it.

BTW, the mini-stereo input they were referring to was so you can plug in an ipod or sansa. It doesn't have that. Even my 806 doesn't have that feature.

3. What kind of cable(s) will I need to hook up my subwoofer to the receiver. Will the speaker package that I am about to purchase provide what I need or do I need to buy one.

The sub will hook up with any patch cable with RCA plug ends. Doesn't even have to be a good cable, as there is a high pass filter in the signal path. The system will come with some sort of cable for the sub.

I hate to give up the option of a 7.1 speaker option in the future, but it is looking like I will have to settle for the TX-SR507 due to space issues (less tall than the TX-SR607) and it is headphone capable. Ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated. What other receiver would you recommend that has similar capabilities, prices and quality of the onkyo brand that I want.

The 507 does not do upconversion of analog inputs. That means that if you have an older source that has component, composite or s-video inputs, you will need to run a different output from the 507 to the TV. This makes connections and switching messier. I keep running out of inputs on all my receivers. The 507 doesn't have a lot of them, so that could be an issue.

The Denon receivers are reported to run cooler. I love Denon reliability and you might want to consider something like the 1910
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=aht&qid=1251376591&sr=1-4"]Amazon.com: Denon AVR1910 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with?@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41b5W6lfU8L.@@AMEPARAM@@41b5W6lfU8L[/ame]

However Denon receivers tend to cost a bit more for the same power and features.

You seriously might consider the ventilation fan option for the 607, or stay with the 6620.

 

[Tundracat]

It sure looks like this is now a unique receiver built just for the HTIB bundle. I apologize for not researching too deeply. The HTIB did use the 605 two years ago and that's what I based the comment on. Sorry.



I think what you are looking for is a headphone OUTPUT. This box has that according to the technical specs section of the Amazon listing. OTOH, Amazon has been known to lie, so I wouldn't guarantee it.

BTW, the mini-stereo input they were referring to was so you can plug in an ipod or sansa. It doesn't have that. Even my 806 doesn't have that feature.



The sub will hook up with any patch cable with RCA plug ends. Doesn't even have to be a good cable, as there is a high pass filter in the signal path. The system will come with some sort of cable for the sub.



The 507 does not do upconversion of analog inputs. That means that if you have an older source that has component, composite or s-video inputs, you will need to run a different output from the 507 to the TV. This makes connections and switching messier. I keep running out of inputs on all my receivers. The 507 doesn't have a lot of them, so that could be an issue.

The Denon receivers are reported to run cooler. I love Denon reliability and you might want to consider something like the 1910
Amazon.com: Denon AVR1910 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity: Home Audio & Theater

However Denon receivers tend to cost a bit more for the same power and features.

You seriously might consider the ventilation fan option for the 607, or stay with the 6620.

I really appreciate you taking all the time with me. I am at a crossroads. I may have to settle for the Onyko 6200 HTIB due to the height issues. (So far no reviews on this set.)

Here is what I had planned to purchase:

Energy Take Classic 5.1 pack or Classic 5.0 with a Yamaha YST-/SW315 10 Inch Digital Pro series subwoofer.

I could of purchased a returned Denin AVR1910 receiver for $420.00 includes shipping, but reading the reviews it sounds like a nightmare to setup due to a terrible manual and very user unfriendly remote. The best part was that the sound from this receiver is unsurpassed.

As far as a fan is concerned to keep the Onyko 607 cool, I wouldn't even have a place to put it unless they are really small and quiet. The cabinet that the unit will be placed in is 18 1/2 inches wide by 7 3/4 inches high. (Not sure of the depth.) The good news is that there is at least 12 maybe 18 inches of open space behind the cabinet for ventillation purposes.

The only hookups that I will ever need is a connection for my dvr and later for a hd-dvr, a hookup (down the road) for video gaming, and a hookup for a dvd/blu-ray and possibly a hookup for a VCR. That is it. (Oh by the way, I still have a General Instrument 450 receiver for my C-band big dish still hooked up for fta broadcasts.)

I really wanted to keep the total cost to no more than $850.00 (Noticed that I have upped it from $600 max.) If I could find a good quality receiver that fits my restrictions with a good eye towards the future for around $400.00...I'd be set. At this point in time I am frustrated. Someone tell me to just purchase the Onkyo 6200 and be done with it or give me some more ideas on possible receivers.

 

[Tundracat]

Oh, by the way, when I do get around to buying a receiver do I need to buy more rca cables? Right now I have connected to my Dish 508 DVR to my television a S-video cable to the video 3 port of the tv and my GI 450 receiver is connected by RCA cables to the video 1 port of the tv and thats it. When I connect the dolby digital optical input into the receiver what kind of cable or cables will I need to connect the rceiver to the tv? (When I do order this receiver I want to purchase all the needed accessories online so I can save money and time on the hookup.) I also have an indoor antenna hooked up to the antenna port in the back of my tv for local broadcasts. Do I need a cable between the receiver and the tv for sound?

 

[jayn_j]

Oh, by the way, when I do get around to buying a receiver do I need to buy more rca cables? Right now I have connected to my Dish 508 DVR to my television a S-video cable to the video 3 port of the tv and my GI 450 receiver is connected by RCA cables to the video 1 port of the tv and thats it. When I connect the dolby digital optical input into the receiver what kind of cable or cables will I need to connect the rceiver to the tv? (When I do order this receiver I want to purchase all the needed accessories online so I can save money and time on the hookup.) I also have an indoor antenna hooked up to the antenna port in the back of my tv for local broadcasts. Do I need a cable between the receiver and the tv for sound?

You probably need more cables of some sort. However, cables are cheap unless you buy into the Monster hype. Look at monoprice.com or over at Amazon for inexpensive quality alternatives.

You should use the best alternative available for connections. Right now this is as follows:

Audio: HDMI > TOSLINK > coax digital > RCA > RF (F-connector)
Video: HDMI > Component > S-video > composite > RF (F-connector)

Saying that, you should connect with TOSLINK cables from the 508. This will give you a digital surround signal from the channels that provide it.

One more thing. You should plan to upgrade the 508 in the next couple of years. If you read on this site, you will discover tha the days of the 508 are numbered, either by the TIVO lawsuit or by the fact that it can't do the more efficient MPEG-4 compression.

 

[Tundracat]

The 507 does not do upconversion of analog inputs. That means that if you have an older source that has component, composite or s-video inputs, you will need to run a different output from the 507 to the TV. This makes connections and switching messier. I keep running out of inputs on all my receivers. The 507 doesn't have a lot of them, so that could be an issue.

You seriously might consider the ventilation fan option for the 607, or stay with the 6620.

Are you referring to the Analog to HDMI Upconversion feature? I noticed that the 507 has no checkmark under specification tab in the connectivity section. Interestingly, the HT-6200 receiver has no check mark by that feature either but the HT-6100 does have the checkmark by that feature with (DCDI). What is (DCDI) and in your opinion would I be better off with the 6100 vs 6200?

What is the difference between the Dennon AVR-790 and Dennon AVR-1910 and what would you recommend? I am heavily leaning in this direction for a receiver due to sensational recent reviews particularly on the 1910.

 

[jayn_j]

Are you referring to the Analog to HDMI Upconversion feature? I noticed that the 507 has no checkmark under specification tab in the connectivity section. Interestingly, the HT-6200 receiver has no check mark by that feature either but the HT-6100 does have the checkmark by that feature with (DCDI). What is (DCDI) and in your opinion would I be better off with the 6100 vs 6200?

OK, we are starting to get into the level of details where I need to qualify anything I say. I do not own an Onkyo HTIB. I have not heard the 5100/5200 or 6200. I have played a little with a 6100 in the store, but that is it. I own a 605 and an 806 and can coment from that level on general Onkyo quality and features.

I went through the Amazon listings for both the 5100 and 6100, as well as the 6100/6200. I especially encourage you to read the customer review sections of each.

The 5X00 series does NOT do up-conversion of analog sources. Worse, it only does HDMI passthrough of video. Several reviewers commented on this. This means that you would need to connect a second TOSLINK cable from the source to the amplifier for the audio. It also means that you will not be able to decode the advanced codecs on BluRay. This tracks what I know about the standalone receivers as well. The 60X does this stuff, the 50X does not.

I know you had issues with cabinet dimensions on the 608. Have you looked at dimensions on the 6100/6200? The 6100 is selling for about the same price you were thinking of spending on the 5200. The 6X00 series DOES do both up-conversion and advanced decoding. Even if you had to construct some ducting and add a fan, you would still be better off with the 6X00 series IMHO. The differences between 6100 and 6200 are minimal, so you might save some money by getting the closeout on the older model.

DCDI stands for Digital Corrolation De-Interlacing. It is a technique for converting an interlaced signal to a progressive one. The details aren't really relevant for your needs. Here is a link to Wikipedia: [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCDi"]DCDi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Crystal_Clear_device_camera.png" class="image"><img alt="Stub icon" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Crystal_Clear_device_camera.png/35px-Crystal_Clear_device_camera.png"@@AMEPARAM@@commons/thumb/9/99/Crystal_Clear_device_camera.png/35px-Crystal_Clear_device_camera.png[/ame]

 

[jayn_j]

Ouch. You added a queston after I responded. BRB.

Edit: They are essentially the same receiver. Denon has a policy of different model numbers for their audiophile outlets and the Big Box outlets. If you go to their website you can compare. I believe the differences in checkmarks are actually oversights:

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDet...pareitem=4891&imageField.x=69&imageField.y=24

 

[teachsac]

There is also a difference in the the power supplies used between the CI units and the Box store models.

S~

 

[jayn_j]

There is also a difference in the the power supplies used between the CI units and the Box store models.

S~

At least the specs for the 1910 say this. However, I can see no details beyond the checkmark next to "Enhanced Power Amp Assignment". No idea what that means. Unless I can tie it to something real, I'll tend to dismiss it as marketing hype.

In addition, the 790 lists Dolby Digital Plus, while the 1910 doesn't. I think that one is a typo as it comes along for free with the chipset.

 

[teachsac]

It does do DD Plus. The 790 has a less expensive power supply than the 1910CI. As would the 890 vs. 2310CI, etc. That's what the biggest difference in cost is, plus a few minor differences.

S~

 

[Tundracat]

:up

Ouch. You added a queston after I responded. BRB.

Edit: They are essentially the same receiver. Denon has a policy of different model numbers for their audiophile outlets and the Big Box outlets. If you go to their website you can compare. I believe the differences in checkmarks are actually oversights:

Denon | Product Comparison Contents

Thankyou so much for taking time out to answer all these mundane questions.

Referencing the analog upconversion, I took a look at the features section of the ht-6200 at the onyko website and it showed this:

Onkyo HT-S6200 - 7.1-Channel Home Entertainment Package (with Dock for the iPod®) | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products


Analog To HDMI UpConversion -

It showed it as a dash not a checkmark. The ht-6100 has a checkmark on this particular feature. That is why I asked. Perhaps it is a typo oversight.

Now that I am armed with what I need to know....I will be playing the waiting game on getting the best deal. Perhaps there will be an after Christmas sale. If you guys see any decent sales please post here as I will be checking back here from time to time.

 

[jayn_j]

OK, good luck on the search.

Keep checking Amazon. Ecost.com sometimes has good deals on refurbs, but you need to check in pretty much every day and be patient. Lately it has been all Denon, but they were doing Onkyo a few months ago.

If you are looking at Onkyo, join their free club and look in the bargain section. That's where I found the best deal on the 806.

Woot occasionally has something of interest, but that is a moment of opportunity. You need to check in every night at midnight (central).

If you are going the bargain route, be prepared to be flexible, but do your homework on every deal.

 

[Tundracat]

I am going to get the Denon avr789 or 1909 receiver. My question is on what additional cables I will need. Obviously, I need a toslink cable to hook up my 508 receiver. Is it to my understanding that everything that is presently connected to the back of my tv can instead connect to the avr instead and all I need is a hdmi cable from the avr to the back of my tv to get sound and video from all sources? Even if all my sources are from standard definition sources? Is it really that simple? Or do I basically duplicate all cables I currently have in order to connect to the denon avr?

 

[jayn_j]

I am going to get the Denon avr789 or 1909 receiver. My question is on what additional cables I will need. Obviously, I need a toslink cable to hook up my 508 receiver. Is it to my understanding that everything that is presently connected to the back of my tv can instead connect to the avr instead and all I need is a hdmi cable from the avr to the back of my tv to get sound and video from all sources? Even if all my sources are from standard definition sources? Is it really that simple? Or do I basically duplicate all cables I currently have in order to connect to the denon avr?

This is correct. It is one of the primary attractions of going up to this level of receiver.

Lots of cables into the receiver and a single HDMI out to the TV. You never need to do any switching at the TV gain.

You will need a TOSLINK and an S-VIDEO connector from the 508 to the receiver.

For everything else, you should connect video and audio in this order of preference (use the best connection available):

Video:
1. HDMI
2. Component (Red Green Blue)
3. S-Video (5 pin DIN)
4. Composite (yellow RCA)

Audio:
1. HDMI
2. TOSLINK (Optical digital)
3. Coax (RCA plug - wired digital)
4. Analog (Red and White RCA)

NOTE: There is another high quality audio connection where you connect 5 RCA cables from a high end source such as an upper end Blu Ray Player to the 5 discrete inputs of the receiver, but that is a specialized and advanced application.

There is going to be a bit of complicated setup involved with the receiver where you map the TOSLINK and HDMI ports to individual input selections. Read the manual and go slow. You will only need to do it once.

 

[Tundracat]

This is correct. It is one of the primary attractions of going up to this level of receiver.


You will need a TOSLINK and an S-VIDEO connector from the 508 to the receiver.

Just noticed that the Denon 790 has one S-Video input with the four pins and it is for i-pods only Denon USA | AVR-790and it is not reassignable according to the manual. Does anyone have any suggestions? Will I still get sound if I connect the TOSLINK cable only to the AVR and keep the video between the Dish 508 receiver and the T.V.? Or do they make an S-Video cable with the four pins on one end and the one pin on the other end which seems to be what the Denon receiver supports. Can not find anything like that in Fairbanks. Am I overlooking something?

 

[Tundracat]

I have finally got everything bought and hooked up!

Well I did it. Bought the Denon AVR-790 for $399.98, the Energy Classic 5.0 speaker system for $179.00, the complimentary Energy ESW-8HG 8" 200 watt Take Classic subwoofer for $149.00, and ancillary cables, 14 gage speaker wire ect. for another $85.00 or so. (All prices mentioned included shipping charges...Not bad for living in Alaska!) And I will tell you what....Wow! Why did I wait so long for decent television sound? Every day is like Christmas morning...I can not wait to turn on my surround sound! Music on the Sirius channels sound awesome. Movies sound awesome and get this, I find myself watching commercials instead of skipping ahead because commercials sound awesome. And best of all the wife approves!

Only a few minor complaints....The video upconversion feature is worthless. All I have connected to the Denon Avr is the Dish 508 receiver via s-video and toslink cable. For some reason, I thought I would get improved picture quality through the receiver up to the 720p capabilities of my Panasonic tv but instead it degrades it (blurs it up a bit). Turning off this feature, helped but it did brighten up the picture a bit (meaning the overall scenes were lighter). To get around this, I just hooked up some composite cables from the Dish receiver directly to the television thus by-passing the Denon. Now I have great standard definition picture and sound quality!

The other minor complaints.....the remote is a piece of work but I knew that going in and the beautiful black piano looking Energy Speakers are a dust magnet. BFD! Nothing that a swiffer can't take care of.

Overall, this is the first receiver and speaker system that I have bought since 1982 when I bought myself as a graduation present from high school a MCS stereo receiver and two big speaker system that was advertised in Sports Illustrated.
(Still have it too!) All I can say is that technology has come a long way. Never knew that small speakers could sound that good.

Many thanks to those that participated and helped me choose my system especially jay_j. Bless your heart you were so patient with me. I hope we can do this again someday!

 

[jayn_j]

It's all about THAT moment. I'm glad it all worked out well.

Unfortunately, you can't add information with upconversion. The picture is going to be at 480i and actually at the reduced resolution that DISH provided with their signal compression.

I'm a little surprised that you felt that the Denon degraded the signal. I don't own that model, but I suspect that the Denon is applying some degree of edge enhancement. This will lean up jagged lines but it also adds artifacts. Take a look at the Denon manual and see if it can be defeated. To me, the quality comes first, and that means the quality that the end user (you) perceives. However, the convenience of 1 point switching isn't far behind.

 

[jvc]

Most receiver's will only upconvert over HDMI.
Does your Panasonic tv have an HDMI input? If so, the receiver will upconvert the s-video, or composite, to output over the HDMI (see pg. 9 of manual), and should look better, as long as you have the settings right. It won't upconvert to component.

Maybe the s-video picture didn't look so good because of this quote from page 9:

The s-video input is exclusively for use with a Control Dock for iPod. It can be used when the Control Dock for iPod is connected to the terminal assigned to the iPod input source.