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Recommendation for a New HT AVR?

I have a B&K AVR 507 since '04 and it's wonderful with my B&W speakers. I just upgraded my video side of my HT last night to a 1080p 55" LED LCD and a Blu-ray player. Now I've got a problem with the audio options.

My 507 has 5.1 analog inputs as well as digital optical and coax inputs, but no HDMI. I had been connecting all my previous equipment to my 507 with the digital optical or coax. Now, the new Dolby codecs won't send 7.1 down the digital optical output, just the HDMI cable or analog outputs. I can get a slightly more expensive Blu-ray player that has 7.1 analog outputs but my 507 has only 5.1 analog inputs. So, this leads me to my question...

If I were to sell my AVR 507 for ~$1,000 and replace it with something else for around ~$1,000 (new or pre-owned), what should I look for that has HDMI inputs?

Thanks
norma_s

Showing 2 responses by norma_s

norma_s OP
13 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your input. I've got some things to check out on my current Blu-ray player to see if I can get any more performance out of it. If not, I think I'll go the Blu-ray player upgrade path to one that has the 7.1 analog outputs. It's the least expensive option and makes the most sense given John's point about most movies are still using 5.1 after all these years.

My speakers are calibrated using the Avia disk. They are placed as good as my room architecture and my WAF (in this case it's me) will allow.

The Blu-ray player that I just got was a freebie that came with the purchase of the big-bucks TV. I think I'll sell it and use the proceeds to buy the upgraded model. This way I keep my AVR 507 (which I love) and get the use of more of my B&W speakers.
norma_s OP
13 posts
 
So, Iplaynaked, if I were to consider going to separates, what would you recommend I look at? I've never really researched them.

Remember, I have B&W speakers: four 805, HTM2 for the center, two SCM for the center surrounds, and an SVS Ultra for the sub. From B&W's website: "Recommended Amplifier Power 50W - 120W into 8Ω on unclipped programme".
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