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Advice needed on receiver for Mac mini setup

T

TimmyDee

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 20, 2007
77
11
I have a Mac mini (late 2009 model—just before they switched to the new form factor) hooked up to our TV via a mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable. Works great. The thing is the sound from the TV speakers isn't that great, and I'd also like to use iTunes on the Mac mini to feed a stereo setup.

What I need is a receiver, but I'm not sure which one to get, so I'd like your advice. Here's the list of what devices I have and what I'd like to do with the setup.

Samsung LN32B460
Wii
Comcast HD cable box (crappy version with component only—no HDMI)
Mac mini
Polk Monitor40 speakers (on the way)

Ideally, I'd like the Mac mini and the Wii to run through the receiver (we don't need the Comcast to do so). Eventually, I'm hoping we'll get a cable box that has HDMI, so being able to switch sources in the receiver would be great, as would having pass-through capability in case we don't want to fire up the whole system to watch some brief TV. I'd also like to play music off the Mac mini without firing up the TV (is that any issue with HDMI?).

As you can see, I'm just starting out. I don't need anything crazy, but I would like a competent system that can crank out some good sound and doesn't cost too much. Any ideas?
 
You missed to share an important piece of information, what is your budget?

There are ton of options to pick from, depending on your budget you many need to play games with the TV, switches and other devices, or you may get one device that does it all.
 
TimmyDee said:
Right, sorry! I'd like to keep it under $300 if possible.
Click to expand...

I like the Onkyo HT-RC260, It got all you need to do what you mentioned and it is got a great quality, however one thing is missing is the stand-by pass-through, but at the price range, it will be hard to find it.

The Sony STR-DN101, is the one i got in the bedroom, it is a great one, it doe offer stand-by pass-through, however it only got 4 HDMI (if that works for you, them go for it)

Those are my picks, based on personal experienced, price range and feature you are looking for. There may be other but I have't use them so i can't say anything about them.

PS: you will need a nice set of speaker to go with them, please don't go cheap and get a $50 set, just an advice. ;)
 
For about the same price as the Onkyo RC260, you should also check out the SR608 which is THX certified (if that matters to you at all), or for about $100 less you can also check out the Onkyo SR508.
 
swirlybee said:
For about the same price as the Onkyo RC260, you should also check out the SR608 which is THX certified (if that matters to you at all), or for about $100 less you can also check out the Onkyo SR508.
Click to expand...

Onkyo RC260 = Onkyo 608. They have essentially the same guts. RC260 just lacks the THX certification, (but not the capability), and I believe RS232 port or 12V trigger. Something like that. Same guts though.

I would also recommend the Pioneer 1120 for about $100 more than your budget, or the 1020.
 
The SR508 is $250 on Amazon, so that seems to meet your needs and keep you well under your budget.

I plan to get the 608 for the extra HDMI port and the THX certification. It runs $379.
 
emaja said:
The SR508 is $250 on Amazon, so that seems to meet your needs and keep you well under your budget.

I plan to get the 608 for the extra HDMI port and the THX certification. It runs $379.
Click to expand...

I have last year's SR607. It's fantastic. I'm sure that either the 508 or 608 would do a great job.
 
mikepro said:
Onkyo RC260 = Onkyo 608. They have essentially the same guts. RC260 just lacks the THX certification, (but not the capability), and I believe RS232 port or 12V trigger. Something like that. Same guts though.

I would also recommend the Pioneer 1120 for about $100 more than your budget, or the 1020.
Click to expand...

Yes missing THX cert, pc connection, and sirrius ready otherwise identical. While the price difference is insignificant especially through amazon you can save your money if you don't need those three things.

I have the RC160 and the RC260 plus a third older model from an HTIB setup. Ironically I was just posting in another thread how you can't beat Onkyo for the price.
 
I would go with the 608. It will last you longer and the extra HDMi ports are very good.

I have my mini (2010) attached to the 608 and it works very well. I use a B&W MT 30 as the speakers. They are absolutely phenomenal.
 
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