Can you get PCM Uncompressed in 5.1 only (not 7.1)?

Question

I don't have space for two additional speakers in my living room, but want to get lossless audio (PCM Uncompressed) from my Blu-ray movies. Since it seems all the receivers capable of decoding this are 7.1, is there a receiver that allows you to specify you only have 5 speakers connected and want to get traditional 5.1 sound?

Also: Can anyone recommend a receiver in the $400-800 price range?

Answer 1

You need HDMI1.3a capable receiver to get uncompressed multichannel audio.  You can set 5 or 7 channels in your setup - DVD player of receiver.

The only HDMI1.3a for about $400 is Onkyo TX-SR5605.  You can go up to 705 or 805 for a few dollars more.

And yes, you WILL hear the difference between compressed and uncompressed sound - even on the budget receiver.

Answer 2

no 2chl. only

Answer 3

I am sure all receivers allow you to specify how many speakers you have, but do you really think you can tell the difference between lossy  5.1 and  lossless 5.1, especially with a $400 receiver? I do hope you have some decent speakers.

Answer 4

I doubt you will find Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding in a 5.1 receiver. And since you can set the receiver to use only 5.1 anyway during the setup (most 7.1 receivers allow the 2 additional amp channels (over 5.1) to be used for a biamp setup, a second zons or the 6.1 and 7.1 channels), why not go with something like the Onyyo 705? It's in your price range and has the decoders you need.