Basic needs of an AVR

[Kamlesh D]

This is a simple thread: I want to list the basic requirements of a decent/good AVR.
Invite others to key in points, qualities that they would find necessary.

1. A 5.1 Channel out (7.2 could be a solid bonus)
2. 4 HDMI inputs, one HDMI out (6x2 again a bonus)
3. HDMI upscaling to 1080p, you would be surprised how many dont.
4. Atleast 75Wx5

Following threads where others kept asking which AVR was better, I find that I was running into a wall with basic specs... the HDMI upscaling suddenly 'ups' the price bracket of the AVRs... and you would be really astonished to find that an AVR meeting the above specs (none of which even have to do with quality of sound) push the AVR to >40K.

And I wonder what points I could be missing.

KD

What else?

 

[spirovious]

Did you check Denon1911?Another option is Onkyo608 which is THX certified.

 

[Imrahn]

^^I dont think he is looking to purchase one, but rather this thread is a general discussion on the features of AVR that is most sought after.I could be wrong though.

 

[avidyarthy]

1. 75W x 5 at 8 ohms. Though, all channels (working together) would not have that kind of output on 'most' makes. For a standard upto 200 sq. ft. room this is more than sufficient.

2. Multi-zone capability ie. at least 1 extra zone outlet should be present. For cheaper units, even unpowered outputs are ok. You can always connect a separate powerful external amp and drive other speakers in some different area.

3. Video upscaling is NOT too important for many, me included. The pic quality that is usually available is quite acceptable.

4. The remote HAS to be backlit.

 

[wishihadtubes]

Try to ensure that the AVR passes through video without any clipping of the signals. hometheatermag.com, which is a great website for AVR reviews, keeps mentioning that many AVRs clip the signals during pass-through. Denon is one of the makes that doesn't.
As you mentioned, 5.1 or 7.1 pre-outs are a great option if you plan to upgrade to using a power amp at a later stage and use the AVR as a pre-pro.
Internet radio is becoming another much sought after option and is already becoming a standard feature even at the lower end of the range of most manufacturers. One should check if the AVR has some way of integrating internet radio.

 

[iaudio]

Roti, Kapda, Makaan!

On a serious note,
1. HDMI capability: 4 inputs, 1 output
2. HD audio processing.
3. Adequate power, I wont mention any figures, because in my personal experience most AVR power figures are B.S.
4. Good on screen as well as LCd display
5. Easy operation of remote, back light would be great.
6. Multi zone capability

If you have a high budget,
1. Good HD upscaling
2. Pre outs.

 

[Kamlesh D]

^^I dont think he is looking to purchase one, but rather this thread is a general discussion on the features of AVR that is most sought after.I could be wrong though.

Im- you are right. THis is about the features.

The Denon 1911 meets the minimum specs bracket... but am going paranoid trying to figure out if I am leaving any 'BIG' spec out.

KD

 

[rana_kirti]

what about Room Equalization and Audio Calibration features..?

Do they make a lot of difference to the final sound....?!?

 

[anm]

it needs its speaker outs to be plugged in to speakers - basic pleasure

Roti, Kapda, Makaan!

 

[NetFreak]

what about Room Equalization and Audio Calibration features..?

Do they make a lot of difference to the final sound....?!?

Yes, it makes a noticeable difference. I think most of the 2010 AVRs would have this feature.

 

[binaya.kumar]

Agreed with Netfreak ... it does make a difference .... n specially more when u go for a 7.2 setup .... BTW when I bought I was concerned about two more aspect of AVRs.

1 - HDMI 1.3a for 3D videos. 1.3a has more video bandwidth and when u invest smthng around >40k better to be futureproof. I believe BD players will be soon updated with 1.3a. And some HDD players are out with 1.3a already :licklips:

2 - When you think upscaling, it is required to know that the AVR does not only upscale the Input Video, rather it processes and enhances it. Need to check out which Chip the AVR manufacturer is using for this. I went for Pioneer because they have Anchor Bay and PureCinema video processing.

Finally after a lot of research I went for Pioneer VSX-920K. The only think I missed was THX. But, if your budget allows you can go for VSX-1020K or VSX-1120K.

CHEERS.

 

[sud98]

I think we are now reaching the nice to have features and not basic

Consolidating the nice to have
1. Room Equalization
2. HDMI 1.3a (although personally I find 3d a bit of a B.S.)
3. Video upscaling/upconversion/processing (although this may be needed with only SD DTH) as it may be better put in the BD player. Most of the mid-range AVR's use cheaper versions of the same chip to optimize the costs. For ex. the Denon 2310 used the more advanced chipset of Anchor Bay while the 1910 used the older one
4. 7.2

Essentials would be
1. 5.1
2. HDMI (again makes sens if you migrate to Blu ray else optional)
3. Options for Pure Direct for better stereo listening
4. Actual Power of atleast 50wpc at 8ohm impedance for all channels translated to probably 90 to 100w as per specs
5. Decoding of HD audio if interested in Blu ray else optional

 

[rana_kirti]

anyone have pricing for yamaha rx v1067 & 2067...?!?

Let have a sticky post with avr prices.....

 

[beanstalk_230]

anyone have pricing for yamaha rx v1067 & 2067...?!?

Let have a sticky post with avr prices.....

^^Would be really helpful.

 

[manas27587]

love this thread ......is helping me to decide on an avr...

BTW my room is a 20x10 and budget around 35-40k max...
Already have a 42lh90.
Any recommendations regarding a setup with an AVR and good speakers within that range ???

I am ready to wait until dec for any new awaited products if any..

 

[NetFreak]

anyone have pricing for yamaha rx v1067 & 2067...?!?

Let have a sticky post with avr prices.....

Have you tried calling Savoy Yamaha, you should be able to get prices from them.

 

[ukjeyaraj]

1) What do I loose, if I prefer 5.1 over 7.1/2?

2) Is HDMI 1.3 is capable of giving 3D signals at 1080p. Refer this link HDMI 1.3 Will Support 3D After All | High-Def Digest

Also the following link Panasonic DMP-BDT350 Review (search for "2 HDMI outputs") tells that BD with player with HDMI 1.4 cannot be connected to AVR with HDMI 1.3, and this specific panasonic player comes with both HDMI1.4 and HDMI1.3 outputs so that video can be directly fed through HDMI1.4 to display (LCD/LED/Projector) and audio can be fed through HDMI1.3 to AVR.

Is it true or something wrong in my understanding? If that is true does it mean than if I buy an AVR with HDMI1.4 port, I wont be able to connect my other components with HDMI1.3 to it?