Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Onkyo

Any of the tribe have experience with the Onkyo TX-SR703 or any other Onkyo receivers that they would care to share with the board?

I'm still looking at receivers that may serve as a pre/ pro and the 703, on paper, looks pretty good. It has the features that I want and isn't too expensive. I will probably get an external amp for the fronts, maybe the center too. I've convinced myself that I don't need DVI/ HDMI switching or video upscaling in my receiver pre/pro so this one may fill the bill.

What say the tribe?

I've got a 55 or 65 watt 2 ch Onkyo receiver and I've also had an Onkyo 502 6 ch receiver, nary the first problem with either unit and one of the really nice features I liked on the 502 was how easy it was to operate and understand the manual.

I'd certainly buy Onkyo again.

I too have had good luck with Onkyo; from an early(also)2ch, to a tsdx494, to my current sr602 with nary a problem or difficulty in operation.

Three units, no complaints.
Rich.

I bought an Onkyo TX-DS797 about 4 years ago from an unauthorized dealer, and it's performed flawlessly. Really good receiver.

My experience is similar to Rick, Rich and Jack's. I bought a refurb Onkyo TX-SR702 at a great price about a year ago and it's worked flawlessly.

Paul

I would have to echo the others experiance. I got the Onkyo 502 from a friend, thanks Rick, and have had no problems at all. I find it very easy to use, the manual is straightforward and easy to understand.

I have the SR600...it's worked well for me...no issues.

ratpack, I own the 702 (run the front channels through my HK amp) and love it! You can see my setup and details in my sig. I bought the 702 when the 703 was released because the price was right and I don't need or care about iPod and XM. I also read today that HDMI 1.2a is being released. That's 4 updates in what, 2 years roughly? You couldn't pay me enough to get a receiver with HDMI switching. I'll stick with an external switch when I am forced to do so, even though if I had the cash to throw around I would get the Onkyo TX NR-1000 *drool* with the upgradeable boards. It’s the only solution I see to HDMI upgrades.

All, thanks!! It looks like there is a very positive set of comments.

Anyone have anything negative to say about it???

The word "Onkyo" sounds funny.

Nothing negative to say here. I have a 601 with M22s, QS8s, and a VP150. I've never had any trouble. They do run pretty warm, so make sure you have a couple of inches of space above it for ventilation and you'll be a happy camper. Here is a link to an audioholics review of the 601 with Axiom speakers.

-jr

Only bad thing I ever heard about Onkyo was on the AVS Forum where the general consensus was that Onkyo has an extreemly "Warm" sound.

Or you could visit that "other" forum where the major word is that they are too "cool"

....hmmmmmm.....

Ok....just kiddin'

Actually the only bad thing is that we Onkyo owners don't get a lot of discussion here on the Axiom forum cuz our equipment just chugs along with no worries and no problems to comment about!!(unless someone from the outside comes along and "Quotes" one of those "other" forum stereotypes!!)

Where's MiniRock when you need him

That's right.....I remember now!!




....heh heh

Since that other forum considers Onkyo to be "warm" sounding then I guess that's why it sounds great with the Axioms because the other forum considers Axioms "too bright"

Caution, useless trivia: Onkyo is Japanese and means "acoustic harmony"

Cool Huh!!? Gotta luv it!

...anyway, Hey Alex!! Alex Travec!! got one for ya!!

I too have a refurb 702 (gotta love paying half price ) and it performs like a champ. It has a very nice feature set, plenty of surround modes, nice flexibility and setup options, plenty of inputs/outputs and plenty of power. It does everything I need it to do.

I really only have 2 minor gripes (and they are very minor): I wish you could adjust speaker levels by half dBs (only moves in whole steps), and I wish there wasn't such a noticeable pause-CLICK! when switching inputs or sound modes. Other than that I love it.

Any of you driving the 4 ohm M80s with a Onkyo? This is only a minor consideration since I am sort of planning to get seperate amps for the fronts.

OK, Ratpack, we've bitten. Would you tell us why you are considering it?

Onkyo and Integra models were identical for a while except for enough internal changes to get Integra its THX rating.

I still have Integra 9.1 DVD player and love it.

Speaking of driving 4 ohms; the Audioholics review of the 601 linked to earlier in this thread is used with Axiom M80s as reference speakers and no dificulties were encountered in driving them.

How cool is that!? Onkyo is not often refered to as being a normal candidate for successfully driving M80s, but in actuality they work just fine!

Kinda like the Clark Kent of the receiver world

Hey bug, there was no intent to draw folks in. LOL!!!

But, here are my considerations:

1. No DVI/ HDMI connections. These are cost drivers and I have yet to figure out why anyone (exception of projector users who don't want a zillion cables run to their projector) would really want to do their video switching in their audio gear.

2.No video upconversion/ scaling, which is again a cost driver. Again, I can't figure out why anyone would want to do video stuff in their audio gear. Let the video gear do the video stuff.

3. Has 5 optical (audio) inputs.

4. Has lip sync compensation.

5. Has all the features that I want in a pre/pro.

6. Can buy it for about $600. That's a new price, not a refurb.

Where else can you find a pre/pro with all of these features for $600? And, if I am going to get seperate amps for the front/ center, the amplifier/ power supply is not an issue.

I would enjoy more discussion on these subjects. I have been looking at these trades for over a year now. I haven't quite made up my mind, but, I am getting close.

I've figured out that you research to the hilt. That's a good thing.

It looks to me that it has what you need and is the right price, especially if you will be using it as a pre/pro.

Usually where there is Onkyo, Integra is close by. The Integra DTR-5.6 is very similar, but is usually only available at your local HiFi dealer. If there is a dealer close, you might find the 5.6 available at close to the same price.

What do you think is better about the Integra? Interesting point, in the features section of that receiver, it indicates no amplifier performance for 4 ohms. In the other menus, it does. Go Figure??

I like to understand what I am buying. That's why I do a lot of looking and reading. I can't say that I always make the correct decision, but I try.

Oops!

I linked to the wrong model. S/B DTR-6.6

There is an error on the Onkyo "features" page. The list is out of order. the 6 ohm and 4 ohm lines should follow "surround back 100W".

Check the specifications page on both and you see that they are identical. No 4 ohm power listed.

My only point about the 6.6 is that it has a few more features and "might be bought" from a local dealer for the same price as the 703.

The fronts have a different look. The Integra has crossovers for each channel. You'd have to print the spec sheets on both to find the differences. When I looked at them side by side, I liked the Integra a little better.

Anyone else have a few comments/ experience that they would like to share?

Nothing especially helpful, Bernard, but if you like all the features, then the 703 should serve you well, regardless of whether you use the internal or external amps. Maybe you didn't list all the features important to you, but the ones listed could also be met at that price with the Denon 985(2805)and Yamaha 2500.

John: I think some of the problems that I am having in selecting a new receiver is that their specifications all basically read the same and there isn't anything specific that I want them to do that sets one apart from the other.

I am convinced that I don't want or need HDMI/ DVI switching and video scaling. I would, however, like at least 4 optical (audio) inputs. I don't know if I want it THX certified. "Real" power isn't an issue since I plan to use it as a pre/ pro.

I have not determined any significant quality or customer service difference in the majority of the different brands. Price is not a major swing factor for what I am looking for.

I am personally convinced that most people just don't know what they are talking about when they refer to one brand or another as warm, bright, etc. I think that is just so much BS!

So, I am in somewhat of a quandry. What should my selection be based on?

Anyone have any opinions????

All things being equal...?

....reliability?

Maybe we need another poll.








I'll vote for Onkyo.....three units; no problems.

These should be looked at when you're studying amps.

Knowing you're buying an amp later should make it easier, but there are too many choices. Maybe you can buy one based on your choice of country; China, Korea or Japan.

bug: LOL! Selection by country is a new one on me. Maybe the bottom line for receiver selection is that it really doesn't make a difference.

I had looked at those ATI amps and I thought that they were a little pricey for what you get. After I get the new receiver, I will have to see how things sound and then decide how many channels and what power level I think that I want/ need. Right now, the top candidates are Outlaw and Rotel, but you never know. There is even the possibility that Axiom may be in the running.

There is note on the pricing page about only being able to list MSRP and an 800 number to call for pricing.

ATI makes Outlaw equipment. At least I read that on this forum tonight.

Those are nice amps. I have wanted an ATI Amp for ages. It's always about the $$$$ though. If only i were Tharkun

Hey bug, go over to the Outlaw website. They just announced/ released two of their new amps. Both are rated at 200 W/ Channel. One is 5 channels and the other 7 channels.

Somewhere I had heard/ read that ATI was making the Outlaw amps, but I can't remember where.

>>>> Somewhere I had heard/ read that ATI was making the Outlaw amps, but I can't remember where. <<<

Wasn't far ... Maybe right under your nose.

LOL, no it wasn't there. I saw/ heard about it several months ago, but I just don't remember where.

You might want to look here regarding who makes the Outlaw products.

As for the Outlaw amps they are made for Outlaw (their own design) in the same facility as the ATI amps. This info came directly from Scott @ Outlaw.

The different Outlaw products draw from differnt sources. The 1070 recoever is a unique product designed and manufactured for Outlaw. The 970 processor is basically the 1070 without amps in the box. The 990 is based on, I beleive, a Sherborn chassis with features unique to Outlaw. The subs are designed in conjuction with HSU but are made in China for Outlaw. So you can't generalize about Outlaw products, you need to look at each product more individually.

I do not believe we were talking about the Outlaw sub hence no mention of its source. As if you didn't read the other post they were stating that the processors were made by Eastern Asia Technology, Ltd. (Eastech). The amps as I stated were made from a different source.

In reply to:

---

you need to look at each product more individually.

---

You need to read a bit more carefully.

Well, I finally got off my butt and ordered the Onkyo 703 in silver. Now to start looking at seperate amps.

Finally . Congrats, I'm sure you are going to like it.

wid: I think that is the website that I remember looking at for the Outlaw. The folks on this board sure have good memories!!

Thanks! It sure has been a struggle. I think that the biggest problem was getting accurate information on the receivers. Now for the seperate amps.

Bernard ,

Bookmarks are my friend

Well you should have an easier time with the amp selection. One thing about a good amp is that they never have to be updated for newer technologies.

Nope....not as long as we keep the tubes matched!!

All Right, Rat!

Thanks everyone for all the kind comments.

The amp will, most probably, be solid state. My ham radio amp has a pair of Eimac 3CX800A7s in it. Each tube is rated at 800 watts OUTPUT all day long. Think that is enough tubes for me.

In all seriousness, I'm going to wait until after I get a chance to use the 703 for a while before I decide how many channels, what power, and what brand.

The Wife thought for a while(back in the 70s)that ham, not only at Easter, could be fun for her too, but got all tangled up in the practice key and oscillator. Then realized that all those antennas on the roof and in the yard was worse than a simple CB antenna at one end of the roof....then the "style" side of WAF really took hold

My Dad was heavy into "short-wave" back in the 20s and 30s and still just a bit into the 50s with his Halicrafters rig. It was fun!! We had wires strung all over inside the house!

My Mom,(and Dad)understood WAF too.

Got an email from J&R yesterday saying that I should receive the new Onkyo on Thursday. Looks like I will have some fun playing with it this weekend.

Well, you needen't plan on taking a long weekend! Cuz the Onkyo manual is quite intuitive, and very simple and easy to set up!

I'll bet Rat has already downloaded and memorized the manual. Enjoy the fun, Rat!

Yup!.....I did the same!!

Who dosen't? I thought that was normal

It really is becoming "normal" at that!!

Almost second nature nowadays!

My wife has even picked up on it for all kinds of her stuff!

Come to think about it, it's getting so bad that I may need to download a manual for a printer paper maker!!

bug: LOL!!! Yes, I had downloaded and read the manual before I ordered the Onkyo. It is about 100 pages so I don't have it memorized, but I have read the setup section a couple of times.

I had a great time last year.

After we moved into this house we soon realized that:

No.1 Our TV was too small.

No.2 Our speakers were too small.

No.3 Our DVD player didn't hold enough DVDs

And

No.4 Our receiver didn't have enough poopie for our larger listening room.

So....We got all that stuff.....all At Once!!!

I downloaded all the manuals all at the same time and tried to keep everything straight while trying to learn all the intricacies of each piece of equipment, concurrently!!

Talk about "Brain Stalls"!!!

Looking back on it, it went together fairly well, but I don't think I'd recommend folks attack such a monster lightly!!

Took more than one ink cartridge and a pack of paper!! Whew, what a hoot!
Rich.

Sounds like you had a lot of fun!!

LOL!!!

Hooked up the Onkyo this afternoon and went through the setup procedures with the included microphone. I did not reset the receiver from 8 ohms to 4 ohms for the M80s. I understand that people do not do this. I didn't program the remote because I have a Harmony 880 coming. The wife said why don't we get one as a Wedding Anniversary present from us to us. She didn't have to ask twice!!!!

I do have a question for Onkyo users. I have both the optical (audio) and regular two channel output from my Sony HDTV connected to video 2 input of the Onkyo. As I switch between TV stations, I get audio on all of the stations and the receiver display changes as the audio format changes. I know that I need to read the manual another couple of times to fully understand what is happening. Twice is not enough!!!!

Now for the question, I can't get very loud audio. It is almost like I have lost 10-20 dB somewhere in the setup. Even with full Onkyo volume of +6 dB (on the dial), the sound is not very loud.

What have I done wrong in the setup?

Hmmmmm....

Dunno...is that low vol on all inputs or just the cable?

I am running mine in a similar fashion with the digital audio also coming from the TV for cable audio, but am getting nearly the same audio level from all the other inputs.

The connections to the TV were more confusing than to the Onkyo, uh, not confusing, just less intuitive.

My current set-up runs the DVD direct to the Onkyo on digital coax 2 and cable from the TV on digital coax 1 with analog inputs from the PS2 and X-box from the TV, and analog to the Onkyo from the CD.

All about the same; mor'n my ears can handle!!

If you weren't changing formats on different channels we might assume you were getting analog from the TV.(which IS somewhat lower in my situation!)

I have an older generation Onkyo with fewer bells and whistles, but I'd suspect they should both program about the same. Although I didn't use the auto-set-up with the mic, I couldn't imagine that that's the problem, however.....

Yeah, at +6; unless you were set up in Yankee Stadium....
Rich.

Now that I have had a little more time to play, I tend to think that it is the output from the Sony TV. The internal FM tuner plays louder and the OPPO DVD plays louder.

I need to read both the TV and receiver's manuals again. I've played around a little bit but I can't get it the way that I think that it should be.

Probably operator error. LOL!!!

So I read what you last posted; and while looking at my schematic of connections I'd penned in on my copy of my downloaded owners manual for the TV: There it was: The digital audio from the TV to the Onkyo. So just for giggles, I looked at the back of the system, and there IT was: A direct digital wire from the cable box to the Onkyo.....woah; my bad! My bad! My grevious bad!!

And the reason came to me in a flash!! Our new HD cable box isn't the same as what I thought it would be when I penned(penciled, actually)in the connections, so I ended up not running the digital audio from the cable box thru the TV after all!!

....gotta change that wiring diagram....

But instead, I have a nice clean direct connection from the cable box to the Onkyo that dosen't give the TV the opportunity to muck up the signal!

Also interesting, as I'd noted earlier; the cable box analog through the TV IS augmented quite a bit! Hmmmmm.....

So...if you haven't already tried it....
Rich.

Recall, I am not using a cable box or cable card. The Comcast cable TV signal goes directly into the Sony's TV tuner.

After thinking about it for a while, I'm going to try using a different input on the Onkyo and, then, try swapping some cables.

The analog cable is the same one that I have been using. Just unplugged it from the Kenwood and then plugged it in the Onkyo. The optical cable is new. Brand new from Walmart. I'll swap it with the one coming from the DVD.

As I posted above, I find reading the manuals several times is always worthwhile. You never know what you will discover reading them.

I could have had the same situation with my cable box coax going right into the TV and having the TV send out a digital audio signal to the Onkyo; but the paperwok that came with the new HD box recommended using the component video into the TV rather than the cable coax.....but then there's no digital input to the TV to send thru, as our TV won't accept a digital audio input other than what resides on cable coax!

Comes down to coax for all, and let the TV send out audio; or send picture to the TV and sound to the receiver.

So I flipped a coin....and it worked!!

....nice to have options.

And "YUP" reading and re-reading the manuals if Fun...and informative....even moreso after a couple of days rest and data digestion!
Rich.

Rat,

On the SXRD, make sure you have the audio out set to fixed instead of variable. Speaker off. Might be the problem! Pages 86-87 in the Sony manual.

Thanks Bug. I have already tried it both ways. Fixed and variable, and it doesn't make much difference.

I want to get started on my Income Tax this morning. This afternoon I will play around.

The wife says that she likes the sound of this receiver better. I that it is a function of the different DSP listening modes and the fact that we can now get multichannel DD from the Comcast cable channels.

Is your comcast HD? Are you using the cable feed or UHF feed?

Is the problem the same on HD and SD stations?

Just brainstorming.

I am just using Comcast cable direct feed.

Same on HD and SD stations.

Changed the input from video 2 to video 3 and have the same issue.

On the tuner it will go loud.

I will experiment some more tomorrow.

I hope I'm understanding this correctly, if so it definitely sounds like a source problem. I see you have the 703, I own the 702, so assuming much has not changed have you tried Menu / Advanced Setup / Preference / IntelliVolume and boost the input level? Maybe the TV has an output level adjustment as well?

What I would do is run the optical straight out from the cable box to the receiver and if you want audio on your TV then run some RCAs to the TV from the cable box, just a thought.

Thanks, no I have not tried that yet. I went through the Sony adjustments again yesterday afternoon. There really isn't any sort of level adjustment. Since the analog outputs worked well with the old Kenwood, I think that the issue is with the Onlyo. I will re-read that part of the manual.

I am not using a cable box or cable card. I get the HD station directly from (off) the cable. Seems strange, but that it how it works.

Abyss: that worked. Thanks!!!! I can play the TV audio much louder, now. All of the inputs were at the default value of 0 dB. I changed my video 3 input to +8 dB and it made a significant difference.

I used the supplied microphone and the automatic setup last Saturday for installation. The speaker distances that it measured are correct. I'm not sure what to think about the other settings that it installed/ calculated. I wrote them all down and saved them. I will probably go through a manual setup with my Radio Shack meter and the Digital Video Essentials disk.

Maybe Onkyo is the next step on my quest! They seem to be popular here.

Great ratpack! Glad to hear it I used the mic/setup as well and was amazed at the distance calculations, hit all speakers and sub spot on. I did not keep the auto eq settings but I live in a acoustic nightmare, tile, concrete and plaster. However I found that even in my environment leaving all speakers flat and eq'ing the heck out of the sub worked best for me but that’s just for home theater and most newer cds. On my Onkyo I use a HK PA2000 for the front channels which worked out great because I slapped my old eq between them specifically for listening to older cds. As for the db levels, again, it seemed to be spot on with the exception of the center channel, had to boost it 1db. Let me know how the db with the meter works out.

littleb, I could not have picked a better combo, imho, than Onkyo, Axiom and Hsu. The Onkyo is very flexible and I have the 702. From what I have heard the 703/803 stepped up this year with XM & iPod compatibility as well as adding crossovers for each speaker set.

Ok guys,....thanks alot

I just ASSUMED that my 602 with older technology wouldn't work well with the supplied mic.

....now just WHERE....DID I put that pesky mic?!!

I need to re-read the manual (again) to see what and how it calculated the cross-overs or whatever all those speaker numbers are. My old Kenwood did not have that degree of sophistication!!! Every speaker has a different set of numbers.

I'm assuming that I don't want any receiver equalization, just a flat response, but I could be wrong about this apsect since I have never done it before.

Glad your up and running!

Thanks Bug. It is sounding real good!!