2.0/2.1 AV receiver with HDMI inputs and remote?

[Jeßus]

Just did a quick search for such a beast and basically came up with
nothing. I'm looking to 'upgrade' my aging 5.1 AV receiver, mainly for
the HDMI inputs. I know I could buy an add-on HDMI switch but I want
to declutter and simplify things... and have no wish for yet another
remote on the table.

I've been completely over surround sound for years now and am quite
happy with stereo, hence I was hoping to find a 2.0 receiver with
plenty of HDMI inputs, remote control and 'reasonable' audio quality.

Anyone know of any suitable candidates available on Oz?
Thanks.

 

[swanny]

Just did a quick search for such a beast and basically came up with
nothing. I'm looking to 'upgrade' my aging 5.1 AV receiver, mainly for
the HDMI inputs. I know I could buy an add-on HDMI switch but I want
to declutter and simplify things... and have no wish for yet another
remote on the table.

I've been completely over surround sound for years now and am quite
happy with stereo, hence I was hoping to find a 2.0 receiver with
plenty of HDMI inputs, remote control and 'reasonable' audio quality.

Anyone know of any suitable candidates available on Oz?
Thanks.

You may find that dialogue becomes more difficult to hear without the
centre channel. Try your existing receiver in stereo with and without
the centre channel and see if you lose definition of the dialogue.

 

[Jeßus]

You may find that dialogue becomes more difficult to hear without the
centre channel. Try your existing receiver in stereo with and without
the centre channel and see if you lose definition of the dialogue.

Hi swanny, I should have mentioned that I have my existing receiver in
stereo mode with just the front L & R speakers connected. Most of the
stuff I watch is through a HTPC, with occasional use of the DVD
player. I haven't noticed any dialogue problems after a couple of
years, so no dramas there.

 

[Trevor]

Hi swanny, I should have mentioned that I have my existing receiver in
stereo mode with just the front L & R speakers connected. Most of the
stuff I watch is through a HTPC, with occasional use of the DVD
player. I haven't noticed any dialogue problems after a couple of
years, so no dramas there.

Exactly, most 5.1 recievers have a stereo mode, and IF you could find a
stereo only model I will bet it is NO cheaper than a similar quality 5.1
which you simply switch to stereo and connect two speakers. There is such a
thing as economy of scale, and no demand for HT stereo recievers. Frankly I
do prefer 3 channel mode for movies though, with a centre speaker, never
bothered with rears.

Trevor.

 

[Jeßus]

Exactly, most 5.1 recievers have a stereo mode, and IF you could find a
stereo only model I will bet it is NO cheaper than a similar quality 5.1
which you simply switch to stereo and connect two speakers. There is such a
thing as economy of scale, and no demand for HT stereo recievers.

I suspected that would be the case Trevor, but thought there just
might be one or two exceptions out there. I guess not! Just seems a
waste to have all those extra channels lying idle, potentially using
more power than necessary as well.

 

[Trevor]

I suspected that would be the case Trevor, but thought there just
might be one or two exceptions out there. I guess not! Just seems a
waste to have all those extra channels lying idle, potentially using
more power than necessary as well.

Fear not, the idle current for the other channels is minimal compared to the
rest of the power consumed in either a 2 channel or 5 channel reciever.
(since NO 5.1 HT reciever is fully class A as far as I'm aware)
And you just may decide to use the extra channels one day.

Trevor.