[SMS1977]

Hello all I am hoping that you can help me with an upgrade dilemma. 

I am thinking about upgrading my system to improve the 2 ch sound and to get the benefit of the new lossless HT formats.  I am wondering if a combination of the BDA-1 AND a cheaper receiver (such as a Pioneer Elite SC-27 or Denon 4XXX) would provide as good of performance or better than a more expensive receiver (such as the Arcam AVR 600) without the BDA-1?  I cannot afford both the BDA-1 and the Arcam 600 or something like the upcoming Bryston SP3. 

My system presently consists of the following equipment:

Arcam AVR 350;
Bryston 4BSST2 for the FL and FR;
Pioneer Elite DV79 (for dvd and cd);
PMC OB1i (FL & FR)
PMC DB1i rears
PMC TB2M-Ci centre
Sonos

Thanks

[Phil A]

You probably want a rec'r with a good direct mode.  Pioneer (not Elite - at least not yet) has a couple of new HDMI 1.4 rec'rs coming soon for $230 and $300 and I'm sure Elite will follow.  accesories4less.com is also factory authorized for Marantz and you can get a refurb. with an extended warranty on a good deal at around dealer cost.

[SMS1977]

Phil:

Thanks.  Any thoughts on the SQ of a cheaper receiver + BDA-1 vs a more expensive receiver without the BDA-1?

[Phil A]

I don't think the way the DACs are implemented optimized for surround sound on any rec'r they are going to come anywhere near the sound quality of a decent outboard DAC let alone the BDA-1.  My 15+ yr. old Micromega DuoPro DAC I have in the secondary basement system is certainly worlds better playing CDs vs. any receiver I have personally heard.  Perhaps another option is a BDA-1 along with a quality preamp with HT bypass (new or used) and a lower priced rec'r such as the new new Pioneers.  With your 4BSST2, a quality preamp and the BDA-1 you will have superb 2-channel and if rec'r technology changes it makes it a much less painful and expensive upgrade.