Pre/Pro and HDMI importance?

[2channellover]

I'm just jumping back into HT (component video was considered the best connection, since I've been in the market) and I've started looking at moderately priced pre/pro units (namely Rotel). The big negative seems to be dated component connectivity, specifically lack of 1.3 HDMI ports, or in some cases no HDMI ports.

Pardon me in advance if these are dumb questions

If your source and TV have 1.3 HDMI, what's the real need for the pre/pro to have it also since it's function is audio control?

Is HDMI functionally superior for connecting your pre/pro to a satellite box, etc.?

I've owned Rotel in the past, been pleased with performance and quality. Found a good price on a RSP-1068, but now a little gun shy thinking I may be getting something outdated.

Thanks.

[Blindamood]

If your source and TV have 1.3 HDMI, what's the real need for the pre/pro to have it also since it's function is audio control?

Is HDMI functionally superior for connecting your pre/pro to a satellite box, etc.?

I've owned Rotel in the past, been pleased with performance and quality. Found a good price on a RSP-1068, but now a little gun shy thinking I may be getting something outdated.

There are technical reason to go to HDMI, but (from my perspective) they are mostly convenience and cost. Using one wire for both audio and video, instead of three for component video + one for digital audio is cheaper and easier to set up. They both can do hi-def video (720p/1080i), but I don't believe component video will do 1080p.

If you're into multi-channel audio (DVD-A / SACD) and/or blu-ray, then HDMI is even better. To handle multiple sources with the 1068, you'd need an external switcher. If you're only using one multi-channel source (for example, a blu-ray player that can decode the new audio codecs), then the 1068 would work perfectly well.

[2channellover]

Thank Brad, and it's logical too.

I'm looking at mostly 1080p projectors so blu-ray will likely be a source. I'll think about it (1068) some more this week. In the mean time do you have any experience with NAD? I still have an old stereo preamp from the late 80s.

I'm going to demo their T175/T955 combo...the T175 seems to be more advanced than the 1068, but this would cost a little more (roughly $300) considering the deal I can get the 1068 for.

[Blindamood]

Thank Brad, and it's logical too.

I'm looking at mostly 1080p projectors so blu-ray will likely be a source. I'll think about it (1068) some more this week. In the mean time do you have any experience with NAD? I still have an old stereo preamp from the late 80s.

I'm going to demo their T175/T955 combo...the T175 seems to be more advanced than the 1068, but this would cost a little more (roughly $300) considering the deal I can get the 1068 for.

I do not have experience with NAD, except that I was looking at the T175 and decided for various reasons not to go wtih it. Read the reviews on avsforum for more info. It sounded pretty good at first, but I read about some problems with it there. I know they're coming out with a new 'HD' version of it though (which includes new audio codec processing), so you might want to look at that one too.

[Race Car Driver]

I guess I would determine what your source will be.

For example my PS3 ONLY sends the HD audio out the HDMI cable. I ran an HDMI cable to my TV and fiber optic to my older receiver for the last year. It worked fine, however I couldnt take advantage of DTS-HD or Dolby Tru-HD.

So in Jan I upgraded to a new receiver that does that.. through HDMI only

EDIT and it looks like I should have read all the replies first. :lol:

[SoundEngine355]

Bottom line is you don't need HDMI 1.3 for blu-ray if your AVR has 7.1 analog inputs then buy a player with 7.1 output and using this you will have the audio sorted. To get the 1080p video output you will need HDMI, but don't need 1.3.

[David G]

There are some amazing bargains to be found for non-HDMI equipped pre-processors. I'm using a NAD M15, and have no intention of upgrading it to a HDMI-equipped model.