Sony Amp upgrade advice pls - on a budget

[Wrenny1969]

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/home-cinema-projectors-players/sony-str-ks1300-upgrade-suggestions/t... threads in home cinema. Not looking to spend much but want 3d pass through. 

[Anonymous]

Hi there

I would strongly recommend the AV Reciever STR-DH750 model.  It is currently on Amazon for £189.99 which is an excellent price.  3D pass-through supported.  You will need to purchase speakers though.

Specs:

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/av-receivers-audio/str-dh750/specifications

Cheers

[Wrenny1969]

 Thanks @Anonymous, the original sony unit came with 5.1 speakers but with plastic plug in ends. Would i be able to cut the wires and feed the two into the back of this unit. Appreciate this one is 7.1 but would it work with 5.1 speaker set up ? Without me having to buy new speakers initially? Also this isnt an all in one its just an amp with 3 hdmi in and 1 out but its not arc enabled or allowing 3d passthrough.  Thanks 

[Anonymous]

Even though its a 7.2 channel AV Receiver, you can use it as a 5.1 system.  

• The speakers from your old system STR-KS1300 are only rated at 4 ohms. The AV Reciever is 6 ohms.  At any thing other than minimum to low medium volume, you will simply blow those speakers
• You will also need to add a proper active (powered) subwoofer too, as the other one will also not work

Im in favour of AV recievers as it gives far better flexabilty in the long run, but the initial setup cost is higher.

Also, this is not an all in one system, see your other thread for that.  This is purely an AMP/AV reciever.  And yes it does have HDMI-ARC

Cheers

[Wrenny1969]

@Anonymous I've been mulling this over. When I bought the current unit in 2007 or so, it was £400. Given my reason for change is 3d passthrough mainly which lets me use the av receiver as a hub, simplifying operation, will I notice any performance enhancements with a replacement with entry level 5.1 replacement speakers typically priced upto £180 from places like Richersounds? If not then I can probably live with the inconvenience of connecting all hdmi into Tv and using optical connection to my existing kit. Just a view please appreciate no guarantees etc.

Also this is the first forum I've used which is just a moaning forum rathers than anything more positive 😉

[Anonymous]

Hi there

If your main reason for change is for 3D pass-through, then as you said, you can just connect a 3D Bluray player directly to the TV and output the audio via the KS1300.  

There are some additional enhancements if you purchased a more modern system:

 - HDMI Connectivity giving HDMI-CEC Functions, ie Bravia sync - use of a single remote control

 - Audio Quality - most notably the decoding of higher audio sounds (DTS-HD, DoblyTrue HD)

To be honest - before purchasing anything else, why not connect it all up and see if you are happy with the way it is.  You could always change later - or when you are more flush with cash.

I understand your impressions of moaning.  And yes, it gets too me too - so when i relise it gets to me, i take a step back until i can deal with it.  There are some light hearted topics in the general chat section.  But to be honest, the majority that come to these forums are here because they have a problem or issue - very few take the time to post if they are happy.  

If you want to have a bit of fun here, ive got a couple of topics that may be of interest

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/general-chat/fantasy-football-2015-2016/td-p/1968700

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/general-chat/favourite-songs-music/td-p/1530374

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/general-chat/its-time-to-revive-the-funnies/td-p/200211

Cheers

[Wrenny1969]

Lol, had it all connected within 30 mins of purchase. Sucker for new shiny stuff though,  despite existing set-up sounding fine. Will ponder.

[Anonymous]

I do the same with new kit.  Cardboard and polestyrine go flying everywhere in excitement. Its only when i relise that a screw or batteries is stuck in the packaging somewhere and then i go - Oh.  Lol.