Better Blu-Ray Player or Better Receiver?

Early B. · « **on:** 27 Dec 2012, 05:12 am »

I am in the market for an AV receiver or a pre/pro & amp combo. Even though I previously had an Emotiva separates setup, I prefer going with a receiver to keep things simple. My budget is $600 - $800. My 5.1 setup is very minimal -- I only want to play movies, so all of the extra crap (tuner, wireless, 3D, etc.) will go unused.

My initial thought was to buy an entry level AV receiver such as a Pioneer Elite VSX-60. I currently have a cheap Blu-ray player (Panasonic DMP-BDT210). It works great, but I was wondering if there is any benefit to upgrading the blu-ray player to something like a Pioneer BDP-62FD or a used Oppo and pairing it with an entry level AV receiver. Another option is to keep my blu-ray player and go with a mid-level AV receiver such as the Pioneer Elite SC-63. The third option is to buy Emotiva separates (the new XMC-1 processor and UPA-500 amp) and keep the cheap blu-ray player.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Early B. · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 05:32 am »

Another option for me to consider is buying an Oppo BDP-103 with a multi-channel amp and by-passing the need for an AV receiver or pre/pro altogether. Would that work?

Austin08 · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 05:42 am »

If ht is your goal, then maybe you want to get a new mid range receiver. Something from Denon or Onkyo with XT32. Or maybe get another matching sub.

Doublej · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 01:53 pm »

Quote from: Early B. on 27 Dec 2012, 05:32 am

Another option for me to consider is buying an Oppo BDP-103 with a multi-channel amp and by-passing the need for an AV receiver or pre/pro altogether. Would that work?

If the Oppo has a volume control that it might work. Otherwise I don't think so.

What exactly are you trying to achieve and what is your existing setup?

Early B. · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 09:11 pm »

Quote from: Doublej on 27 Dec 2012, 01:53 pm

If the Oppo has a volume control that it might work. Otherwise I don't think so.

What exactly are you trying to achieve and what is your existing setup?

Good point. I didn't think about volume control.

What I'm trying to achieve is a simple, efficient setup that meets my budget. I really want to know if it is more cost effective to upgrade my blu-ray player or if a cheap player along with a mid-range AV receiver will provide better sound quality. I have an Emotiva UMC-1 I can use, if needed, but prefer to use it in another system.

screener · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Dec 2012, 11:07 pm »

I like the idea of a mid range AVR with XT32. Paired with a used OPPO and you should be good to go.

Mr Peabody · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Dec 2012, 05:24 pm »

You will be better off with a decent receiver, keep in mind your BDP will be sending the signal to your receiver in digital and it will be decoded by the receiver. So the difference between a cheaper BDP and expensive one sound quality wise using digital out should be minimal. For sound I think you'd benefit more from a better receiver with better DAC and analog outputs.

Doublej · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Dec 2012, 07:27 pm »

As Mr. Peabody says a better receiver will likely be more better than a better BDP, however the challenge is defining a better receiver. As one goes up the line on Japanese AVRs they tend to be more feature laden, not necessarily better sounding per se.

For quality sound I would look at brands like Anthem, NAD, Arcam, Pioneer Elite (VSX-60), Integra, Marantz. The first three will likely only meet your price range if you can find something new or refurbished.