networkn Posted April 21, 2013 Posted April 21, 2013 Hi There! Has anything been released that can compete with this model in terms of sound quality and features? I was told a year ago that nothing was even close by a number of sources, and even Yamahas new Flagships don't seem to review as well. I need more HDMI Ports and I'd like something that will do 4K when it's readily available. I don't have a specific timeframe for purchase. In the meantime are HDMI switchers any good or expanding the current AMP I am using?
Adam1553552670 Posted April 21, 2013 Posted April 21, 2013 There are plenty of models that can compete with it for sound quality, and nearly anything from the major players released in the last three years can comprehensively better it in terms of features. However, if you're expecting to replace it with a newer unit and hear a radical difference in sound quality, you will probably be disappointed. Save yourself thousands and just get an external switch. They work fine and won't degrade sound quality. When 4K comes along, you will only have one source and players will undoubtedly, like many of the first 3D Blu-ray players, support backward-compatibility with an HDMI 1.3 output for audio. Maybe revisit things then. That is, unless you've simply got a bad case of upgraditis. If that's the case just give in and buy something new.
jcooze Posted April 21, 2013 Posted April 21, 2013 I have the Yamaha RX-V2071 and am very happy with it. 8 HDMi in and 2 out. This only does HTPC duties though and I pass-thru to my Audiant for the Front L & R channels. (The Audiant does all 2-channel music duties).
Max Christoffersen Posted April 22, 2013 Posted April 22, 2013 I'd be interested in identifying quality HDMI switchers.
networkn Posted April 22, 2013 Author Posted April 22, 2013 How do switches work? Do you manually have to change them over? How would it work from a universal remote perspective?
Adam1553552670 Posted April 22, 2013 Posted April 22, 2013 It's just a box with several HDMI inputs (usually 2-6), and an HDMI output. Some have a switch on the front that lets you choose the input you want, some have a remote control to do this, and some automatically select the first active input. They're not complicated devices. You can also get a splitter which reverses things and accepts a single HDMI input and has 2 or more simultaneous HDMI outputs. Like anything to do with HDMI, they are very device- and cable-sensitive, but if they work then you're set (it's a good idea to buy from someone who will let you return a switch and try another one if it doesn't play nice with your existing gear). Just like audiophile HDMI cables, there's really no such thing as an audiophile switch or splitter. They either work or they don't. Try RapalloAV, Jaycar or even Dick Smith.
Guest Posted April 22, 2013 Posted April 22, 2013 I still have my OPPO HM-31 Advanced 3x1 Switch from my pre-HDMI processor days. Auto priority switching or manual by button or remote. A wonder piece of equipment.
Nigel Beale Posted April 22, 2013 Posted April 22, 2013 One problem with trying to be future proof with 4k and current HDMI 1.4 is that it is at it's limit. HDMI 2.0 is not far away and HDMI 2.5 is already on the drawing board, where the talk is that by 2.5 it probably will not be backward compatible. There is even talk of true wider gamut for consumer something like digital cinema (DCI). Even though there will be a lengthy 4k transition period I'd still consider an external video switcher and separate the audio out of the video chain. The problem with AV units is they try and do video and make a mess of it. You can get, although rather expensive, video processors which separate the audio off to the audio processors "untouched". Lumagen and DVDO for example are advanced video processors which are advanced switchers, scalers and video calibration devices as well.
jbm1553552705 Posted May 15, 2013 Posted May 15, 2013 Is anyone able to comment on recent experiences, or perhaps more accurately, experience with recent, DVDO products? I have some issues with my 4x2 hdmi matrix switch, which could be cable related, and wonder if a processor would avoid the handshaking issues I'm seeing. Hope this isn't too off-topic, but more on topic- are there any ~$1000 or less AVRs recommended for video processing (to replace a matrix switch)? Thanks in advance for any thoughts/recommendations.
Recommended Posts