Best way to upgrade reciever

[gsw...@my-deja.com]

I own a Denon AVR-2600 and a Panasonic A300 DVD
player. I was an early adopter into DVD and paid
handsomely for both these units in order to get
AC-3.
Now I'm faced with replacing my receiver to get
onboard AC-3 and DTS. Should I even think about
getting an outboard decoder? I love my Denon and
really don't want to replace it. What are my
other options at this point?
I really appreciate any help you can give.
Thank you.
Greg

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[Sam]

If you don't want to replace it, why don't you just replace the DVD player
to one with an on-board decoder for DTS and ES-EX, or purchase an out-board
decoder for in between the DVD and receiver?

-Sam

<gsw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8td98h$mab$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...

[Dennisgg]

I have the exact same receiver and like it alot. I went instead with a
Technics SH-AC500D processor with DD/DTS built-in. I has 3 digital inputs,
5.1 inputs for DVD-Audio pass through, Prologic in the digital domain (made
a difference on my Dishnet over the analog Prologic in the 2600), etc. Very
good sounding unit and can be had for pretty cheap. They sell new for about
$200-250, but check for used ones on ebay, www.audioreview.com (currently
they have 2 for $150 under the home theater section in the
classifieds/marketplace and 1 for $150 under the amp/preamp section), etc.
Here is the link for the unit:

http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/product.asp?sku=SH-AC500D&CategoryID=2
69

Dennis

<gsw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8td98h$mab$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...

[Cyborg HAF]

I got the same DVD deck when I got into DVD back in 1997. I later got a
Sony C-600D changer to replace it. The improvement in anamorphic
downconversion between the two generations of machines was dramatic (this is
only a problem for people with 4:3 tube tvs as far as I know). On the A-300
the credit rolls on black screen at the end of many movies looked like they
were being projected on a wash-board from the down-conversion artifacting on
anamorphic DVDs. The Sony has only a slight trace though it is not
noticible. The current generation machines are even better. If you like
your reciever and want to stick with it, definitly look at getting a new DVD
(with onboard DD-5.1 and DTS decoder) and upgrade the weak link in your
system. If you have a second tv in the house, use the Panasonic with it or
just save it as a backup in case the new one happens to break down. The new
machines are so much better and cheaper to boot.
Herb

<gsw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8td98h$mab$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...

[gsw...@my-deja.com]

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to those of you who replied to my
question about upgrading. I'll keep doing my homework, but seems the
easiest and most inexpensive way while improving my system is to go
with a new DVD player with onboard DTS decoding.

Any suggestions on model and best place to buy?

Gives me a good excuse to upgrade the living room for the wife and
daughter to DVD. I've been wanting to open their own account at Netflix
and this will work out great while getting me what I want. I'm sure you
married folks out there know how that works : )

Thanks again!
Greg

In article <pVDK5.7$nF2....@news.pacbell.net>,

[Ravi Sunchu]

With all these standards floating around

DD,
DD EX,
DTS
DTS Extended Surround Discrete 6.1
DTS ES Matrix 6.1
DTS Neo:6 Cinema & Neo:6 Music Matrix Decoding

I guess going for a outboard decoder with upgrade capability would be
the best way to go.

- Ravi

[Peter Jessee]

<gsw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8td98h$mab$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...

> I own a Denon AVR-2600 and a Panasonic A300 DVD
> player. I was an early adopter into DVD and paid
> handsomely for both these units in order to get
> AC-3.
> Now I'm faced with replacing my receiver to get
> onboard AC-3 and DTS. Should I even think about
> getting an outboard decoder? I love my Denon and
> really don't want to replace it. What are my
> other options at this point?
> I really appreciate any help you can give.
> Thank you.
> Greg

Greg,

Are you planning on adding another digital device to your system
that requires DD/DTS decoding? If not, I'd leave things alone
for now. If you are, I would not recommend an external decoder.
Most decent ones cost as much or more than a good receiver, and
your 2600, while an excellent stereo/DPL receiver, only has 25 watts
for the rear channels, which just doesn't cut it for full powered HT.

Since you like and are familiar with Denon products, I'd suggest
any of the receivers from the 2801 on up, depending on your budget.
The 2801, 3300, 4800 and 5700 have learning remotes very similar
to the one you've been using, so the transition would be pretty easy.
I went from a 1500 (older DPL receiver) to a 3300, and it was not
traumatic at all to teach my wife how to use the new features.

All of these receivers have AC-3 and DTS decoding, S-video switching,
at least 4 A/V inputs, great sound and plenty of power. All but the
2801 even have component video switching, although only the newer
3801 and 5800 have enough bandwidth to leave a HDTV signal
unmolested. The 2801 lists for $699, while the 5800 is a mere $3800.
There is a huge range here, so you will need to do some auditioning
and make some decisions.

Write back with your budget, room size and speakers and we can
help you choose the best unit for your system.

Peter