Question for the AV Gurus, I notice that many budget AVs do not have Upscaling as a feature. My sources include, Xbox One (new smaller version), Sky HD, and a variety of Apps built into the TV such as Netflix, iPlayer etc.

What will upscaling do for me? Will it only really help if viewing old DVD's? Should I spend the extra and get an AV with it?

The main thing AFAIK is that I need HDCP2.2

I liked that old system, I replaced it with an LG Bluray all in one about 5 years ago (Maybe more) and it wasn't anywhere near as good as the Sony, the speakers were feather light compared to the Sony's and the Bass was non-existent!

I now have a Denon AV-RX2200W, Monitor Audio BX2's front and back, Monitor Audio Bronze centre and a BK Gemini II sub. It's not the final word in home AVR, it's more a mix of solid and good value items, but it is a massive step up both in terms of quality and price from your current setup.

If you're happy with the Sony producing audio that's acceptable and enjoyable to you and you don't want to spend £700+ on a new AVR & speakers then I would suggest sticking with what you have and trying to solve your HDMI issue.

I had a quick google and it looks like Sky HD boxes aren't too keen on passive splitter's, that might be your problem? If yours isn't powered you could try one of these - HDMI splitter

HDMI should produce better audio than optical, however if optical is the only option you could also use a splitter. Nothing fancy needed just a basic one like this - Optical Switch Just get the cheapest you can find, they're a very simple device.

If you do look to upgrade then definitely get yourself into the audio video shops in your area for a demo, they're normally very accommodating and understand that you're parting with a hefty wedge of cash.

Is this like an Onkyo?

Heat added :smiley:

Thanks Matt, it's exactly that model. Just looked behind, you're right, they are plugs.
I tried to get read into amps, but the whole ohms amps and matching speakers and amps together got a little confusing for now.
Just can't get Sky HD to work with splitter (though all other devices do)

What sound setup do you have now? Is it loads better?
I always liked the Sony I have, as I like to use the mic for auto setup and calabiration. Saw this as one too.

Not in such a rush at min and may also be best just to go to the professionals or Richer Sounds and buy amp and speakers together. Not heard better than my Sony surround (apart from cinema) so not missing out on much, but think I'm ready to treat myself to something new if it's worth the jump!?

Does anyone know roughly when the 2017 line ups will be released?
As for the HDMI 2.1 and eARC; would they make any difference to those who don't have Atmos?

I have the RXV481D, so a model or 2 above this one, but just wondering if anyone is using this amp or similar with Arc on a Samsung TV? I have a couple of issues:

When watching Netflix on the TV (Samsung app) the audio drops out randomly for a split second which is very annoying. Watching other apps, or the TV itself is fine (e.g Freeview, iPlayer etc). Netflix works fine if I set audio passthrough to PCM, but then you're losing Dolby D. Anyone noticed that?

Also, after an update, when watching content coming from the TV (i.e Netflix) the display now says "Broadcast". I swear before the update (or before I changed a setting) it was saying something else. Am I going crazy or has something changed?

Dont flame me as i'm total newb and no nothing bout audio though like tech so this may save me hours of reading!

Chrrently I have a Sony surround sound dvd system (Dav z something)
I have had this sometime however never use the dvd function.

If I was to buy this Amp. Would I be able to plug my existing 5.1 speakers into the back. My Sky Hd and PS4 and then get better sound quality?
Or
Have I missed the point and this is to control better bought seperate speakers?

The reason I ask is that I have already gone around the room with the speaker wires lifting the carpet and also havinv difficulties with a splitter getting sound from sky to surround.

So my thinking is I could unplug the main DVD unit. Plug everything into this ans then nkt have to keep getting uo swapping HDMI cables and optical cables?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Well spec'd for the dough, have some heat.

I'd pay the extra £20 for the black finish personally...

It's not fulfilled by Amazon... There is no reason to pay more via Amazon, Richersounds is an excellent seller

Yes but you will deal with Amazon in case there is a problem wont you?
Ive never contacted a third party seller before like that.

Richersounds... not Amazon

This is the most basic one but for a good price if you dont need extra features.
The real price is not £349.
Amazon is selling the black one for £199.
Sounds right around the £200 mark.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-RXV381-MusicCast-Channel-Reciever/dp/B01E3W8CM8

would this and a pair of Q acoustics 3020s be a good beginner system?

Will this output Dolby Atmos?

Can these do 4k60hz ? Seems a lot of 4k hdmi ports are limited to 30hz

HDMI 2.0 receivers are going to get pretty cheap this year as models with HDMI 2.1 will be out later in the year. The main difference for the short term is the introduction of eARC. With current the current ARC deature, only Dolby Digital and DTS can be passed back from the TV (if the TV supports it) and with eARC, the HD audio formats and Dolby Atmos can be passed through.

Really good price and a lot in the box for under £200

Ooft... Cracking price!