Last generation receiver to pair with oppo BDP-95

Thanks for the responses. I have narrowed it down to either a b&k avr-307 (only 400-500 used) or an elite sc-35 or sc37 (800-1200 new).

I don't mind manual switching of hdmi and probably would feed the oppo directly to maximize video performance either way. I am concerned about setup however as the b&k would need many manual tweaks. The elite receivers have the mic and auto setup but they cost two to three times more than the used b&k.

Aanative

AAnative, I understand your motivations for looking for a pre-HDMI receiver, but audio and video processing technology has rapidly improved over the past few years. You might be well off going with a suggestion like Bill had above. The ability to do HDMI switching can result in a much simplified way of switching sources. Considering that many people have a Blu-Ray player, cable TV, XBox, etc having only one place to do the switching makes things MUCH easier.

So I wouldn't discount some of the newer options.

IMHO, of course.

Michael

Don't mean to confuse or complicate things but here is a very good performing and musical Marantz with HDMI 1.3a and multichannel analog inputs from 2008. Refurbished from authorized dealer with warranty.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR7002/Marantz-Sr7002-110w-X-7ch-THX-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

Bill

Sunfire

"How about the elite 59txi?"

Just did a search for the Pioner Elite VSX-59TXi and it sure is a beast(68.4LBS). An msrp of $4500.00 sure would make it a flagship model of that era(2005). If it is for sale in your price range then go for it, the specs and reviews are very impressive.

Bill

How about the elite 59txi?

"I'm a newbie at this home theater thing so I had another question. Would I get better performance from one of these older units (since the OPPO can do the decoding) or using a entry 7.1 amplifier such as a denon 1912 or 2112 and having it do the decoding?"

Personally, I think a flagship or near flagship non-hdmi receiver will give you overall better sound quality than an entry level receiver from the bigger companies. What you do get from the more modern low/medium level receivers is more features and all video/audio switching at the expense of better internals and build quality. Besides, an early to mid 2000's flagship receiver that retailed for $2000.00 to $3500.00, can be bought used for $400.00 to $900.00 today.

"Am I correct in thinking that the better videoo performance would be obtained from running the OPPO BDP-95 directly to the TV instead of through the HDMI of a receiver?"

Some receivers can actually degrade the video signal even in pass-thru mode and with such a top shelf video processor in your Oppo 95, straight to the TV ensures no video degradation at all. IMO.

Bill

Thanks for the response guys! I'm a newbie at this home theater thing so I had another question. Would I get better performance from one of these older units (since the OPPO can do the decoding) or using a entry 7.1 amplifier such as a denon 1912 or 2112 and having it do the decoding?

Am I correct in thinking that the better videoo performance would be obtained from running the OPPO BDP-95 directly to the TV instead of through the HDMI of a receiver?

Thanks

aanative

You may still want to opt for a new model receiver even if you want to only use the analog inputs. Most modern models are internet capable for firmware and internet radio etc. The Oppo also allows for HDMI video with analog audio so you can use the receiver for HDMI switching. And a new model will be backwards compatible with 5.1 and all other modes of operation you may wish. Just a thought.

You might want to look into a NAD T762. I have had this receiver for 7+ years and just use it for movies and tv and it sounds great. I use it with my Pioneer Blu Ray player which handles all of the decoding. It is a 6.1 channel receiver, you do not have to use that 6th channel, i don't. It might be a good match for your B&W's. Something to consider. Good luck.

I am currently using a NAD T773 avr mfd. around 2004 with an Oppo BDP-83 and Klipsch RF-63 system. It is powerful and very musical. Never an issue or hiccup at all with this piece. Used prices from $350.00 to $600.00.

Any of the B&K models(AVR305,307,505,507) wi11 be very musical and powerful and will do just about anything non-HDMI.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1313166993&/B-K-avr-307-black--pics!-free-

This one is on the high side but a great receiver indeed.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1314227167&/B-K-AVR-505-Series-2-Black-Fac

This Yamaha was the flagship receiver in 2003.

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr51ch&1309383084&&&/-Yamaha-RX-Z1-New-price!

Bill

Perhaps an older Arcam receiver.
I still have an Arcam AV-8 I use for movies(no issues)and she sounds terrific.