Affordable receiver with at least 2 digital audio connections?

Question

My current Sony DVD/Receiver has no digital audio inputs. I have an HDTV and digital cable, and I'll be getting a PS3 in the next couple months. I'd like to take advantage of the surround sound from HD channels and the digital audio from the PS3, so that would require 2 inputs on the receiver. Bye bye DVD player/receiver that I have now....

I don't really want the receiver to have a DVD player since I'll have the PS3, but if it does, whatever. Can anyone recommend some "starter" receivers that meet my needs? Money is tight, so I say "starter' meaning nothing too over the top and expensive.

Answer 1

This is why I do not like units that have a receiver and a DVD player in the same box. They tend to be not expandable.

If money is tight, check Craigslist and find someone selling a used AV receiver locally. Try and stick with the following brands:

Yamaha (RX-V models if possible)
Dennon
Sony (ES models only)
Kenwood

Names like Harmon Kardon, Pioneer can have some good models, but they are hit or miss. Avoid Yorax, Aiwa, "Theater Research", etc.

You only need 80 watts per channel.

Answer 2

What you have isn't a receiver. It's a DVD player with a surround sound processor.

Any receiver will have more than 2 inputs.

You can even look on Ebay or Craig's list for cheap receivers. So long as it does 5.1, and has optical audio inputs, you really won't need anything else. The PS3 only supports optical audio. Most DVD players can use this, or digital coax. Ideally, your receiver should have a couple inputs of each type.

Video, you can do through the TV, or a cheap A/V switch.

Answer 3

in the adventure that your Direct television receiver has an audio output, i might connect this on your receiver for sound, this way what ever you're gazing on television for video, the sound would be popping out of your place theater.