I am looking for a mid-range 5.1 receiver with HDMI capabilities. I dont really need 6.1 or 7.1, unless absolutely necessary to meet my other needs. I need two HDMI inputs and I would like the receiver to play the audio through the speakers hooked up to the receiver.

To date I thought that if your receiver accepted HDMI that it would actally put sound out to the speakers and not just redirect it to the TV set. Is it just me or isnt the purpose of a receiver to play sound from external devices. Who the hell would buy a receiver and then send the sound to the TV instead? <end rant>

Anyways your input would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to stay below $600 on the receiver. Speakers are a whole other post!

Thanks!

<ul><li><a href="http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4167418">http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4167418</a</li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://us.marantz.com/Products/2206.asp">http://us.marantz.com/Products/2206.asp</a</li></ul>

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr605-black/4505-6466_7-32430579.html?tag=prod.img.1

I like Marantz (in fact I own one), but from a features/value standpoint you will not find a better unit than the Onkyo 605. I just bought the 705 last month.

Oh yeah, the review shows a silver unit, but black is also available.

It's not as though the industry is trying to get everyone to listen to movies using their TV speakers. It's just a convenience thing; for those using just a TV and HD box in their bedroom for example. One wire between the two.

<ul><li><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr605-black/4505-6466_7-32430579.html?tag=prod.img.1">onkyo</a></li></ul>

If this is a 7.1 channel receiver will it output to a 5.1 setup? I only plan to buy a 5.1 speaker setup (money, and available room space). Will a 5.1 speaker system work with this unit?

I guess what I'm asking is if I dont connect the two middle speakers of a 7.1 system, will there be any drawbacks in sound?

Thanks

ps. the Onkyo 605 does look great for the price.

In fact do the audessy setup when you install it and it was auto detect the number of speakers for you and configure itself.

Which is insane considering our dollar is now worth more than the USD. Unfortunatly I may be forced to drive to Buffalo, 1.45hr drive. And it will probably cost me $80 in gas due to the 4.2L V8 under the hood

I don't know of any that drop sound. Which one's have you encountered that make such an ommission?

I think you can get it as low as $380 at some places like amazon or Jr.com when it's on sale. Also www.shoponkyo.com has some refurbished units for even cheaper and they include the factory warranty.