2. home-theater
  3. 1297302459

Separates or Receiver to modernize home theater?

My home theater is getting dated. I have what was in at the turn of the millennium a top-of-the-line Sony television, picture tubes and all, and while the image technology is still better than anything on the market today for standard definition, I want high definition and a much bigger flat screen set.

So the television will soon be replaced and so too will our DVD player with an OPPO BDP-95. Now comes the harder part — which electronics will I use to connect to my 5.1 system that features a Velodyne DD-15 and Paradigm Signature speakers?

I already have Anthem separates and the Amp is fine — a MCA 50. The problem is my AVM-20, which has, until now, fit my needs and worked flawlessly. Alas, it has no HDMI inputs, and while Anthem offers an upgrade, I hear it's costly, more than double the AVM-20's current value.

So I could either replace just the AVM-20 with an up-to-date processor or replace both Anthems with a receiver, using the extra cash from selling the Anthem amp. Whatever I bought as a replacement would need XLR-balanced inputs for two-channel play since I use the system for both music and movies; for music I listen to a lot of jazz and some classical, pop and classic rock.

As for budget, while I could afford to buy just about anything, I rather not go over-the-top, especially since video technology is so quickly evolving that what one buys now may be dated before too soon (as in the Anthem AVM-20) So the ceiling would be a lot closer to $3,000 or even $2,000 than to $5,000 and up. I'd be open to new or used.

What would you recommend and why? What features should I consider s must-haves or nice-haves?

Thanks all for the help.

- Jon
jonsher
meiwan
399 posts
 
I'm not sure I'd change anything, assuming the Anthem pre has multi-channel analogue inputs. The oppo I assume has multi-channel outputs, which will handle any/all dolby/dts formats audio. Just use the Oppo as the decoder.

As far as HDMI goes, it's really just a convenience thing. Any new TV will have at least 3 or 4 HDMI inputs so you can run the oppo video direct to the TV.

So unless you think you can better the sound quality for a few grand (which I'm not sure you can) why mess with a good thing. Any modern receiver will be a major step down in sound quality.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Your system is pretty nice. Unless you need more power, Meiwan is correct. You can do both, run the oppo directly into your new tv and if you need on-screen display you can run component video into the tv also. Component(RGB) is quite good as well.
I think you would be really hard pressed to find a receiver that sounds as good as your anthem gear.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Yea keep it and go big and premium on your new monitor, hell get a projector if it would work for you!
jonsher OP
29 posts
 
Thanks Meiwan and Elevick. The OPPO does have multi-channel analog out and the Anthem multi-channel analog in, and if the OPPO will do all the processing, that may work fine.

And I can run HDMI directly from the OPPO to the TV; I assume, Elevick, from your reply, that HDMI won't carry on-screen display info. Would I run the compenent directly from the OPPO to the TV?

I also posted on the AVS forum, whose users are more inclined to receivers, and the feedback there has been to sell the Anthem and get a receiver, but perhaps that's to be expected.

I also have an email out to OPPO seking their view — if they second what you both say, and I think they might, I'd certainly try the Anthem with the system first. With the money I'd save I could always buy more music and movies.
jonsher OP
29 posts
 
Chanliz - you posted while I was composing so let me respond. I tempted to get a projector but may save that until I finish our basement and make a devoted home theatre. This will be in our family room so I'm leaning towards a flat screen of 55" to 65". A challenge to narrow the choices but that's another forum.
More to discover