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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
 
Just to clarify the on screen info issue - HDMI from the Oppo to the TV will carry video only, including onscreen info from the Oppo.
Where you loose is onscreen info from the Anthem. To get it, you need to run a separate video cable (of any quality) from the Anthem to the TV. Then you just have to switch inputs to see the Anthem info. (which is only really relevant when setting up).

Just means switching inputs on the TV to watch TV and movies, rather than routing everything through the Anthem and having only one input on the TV. Many argue multi-channel carries a better audio signal than HDMI anyway. Again, just a convenience issue.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
Here's a little additional information that might give some insight into why an AVS forum might recommend going with a receiver over seperates.

I have an Integra 50.1 reciever that includes Audyssey as a feature. Having my blu-ray player connected via HDMI give the receiver maximum control over the signal processing. I have multi-channel inputs available, but if I were to use the blu-ray player to decode the signal and output an analog signal to the receiver I'm fairly certain that I'd hear a loss in sound quality. One reason would be that the analog signal might go through an A/D to D/A conversion to allow the receiver process the sound and also I'm not sure how much control Audyssey has on the way the digital signal is decoded in the receiver.

It's possible that your components could sound better than any receiver can no matter how it's hooked up. I'm not sure that using analog connections is really an apples to apples comparison when talking about a receiver vs. seperates.

One would expect an AVS forum to recommend a receiver almost as much as one should expect the opposite recommendation on this forum where receivers are deemed Mid Fi at best.

I think that if you use a receiver with Audyssey built in you'll get the best possible home theater sound, but might not have quite the same sound quality for stereo listening.

Personally, I like the idea of having a receiver to process the home theater stuff that is connected to a seperate amplifier for the main channels in a home theater bypass. If that same amplifier had a 2nd set of inputs you could connect your stereo equipment direct to the amplifier and bypass the receiver. The system would only share the amplifier and main speakers.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I would suggest considering selling the AVM 20 and replacing it with a receiver that is capable of decoding all the latest formats and include Audyssey or something similar and also a dedicated 2 channel amplifier for stereo listening. I think your amplifier would allow for both components to be connected.

Maybe someone will laugh at me and provide a reason as to why this is way off the mark. I could be way off, but something to think about and discuss.
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
I would vote to keep your system as is and use the Oppo analoge 5.1 outputs. You can always upgrade the analoge 5.1 outputs from someone like Modwright now or later on if you want too.

The value of receivers and surround sound processors always drop like a rock. You can always wait a couple of years and pick up one at a good price.

This way you do not have to change your setup.

Enjoy!
smholl
190 posts
 
I'll chime in.
I have the excact same Anthem set-up. MANY times I have thought about going the modern receiver route (HDMI, decoding all the new Blu-ray formats, etc.). After listening to numerous receivers at dealers and friends' houses, you really can't beat the Anthem sound quality.
So,I use the already decoded analog outputs from my Blu-ray player to AVM20 and HDMI from player to TV. I also run an S video cable from AVM20 to TV when I need to do any set-up changes to the AVM20.
Bottom line: Anthem is great and keep it.
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