Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Onkyo TX-SR875 ?

I'm seriously considering buying this receiver.
Here's why...in no particular order

1) 1080p upconversion of video. Don't need an uprezing dvd player. I'll likely playback dvd's through PS3 via HDMI and output to my tv at 1080p.

2) 4 HDMI inputs! With my cable box, HTPC, and PS3 I need some way to switch HDMI. My tv only has 2 inputs!

3) I've had great luck in the past with numerous Onkyo products.

4) I was excited to learn that the PS3 can playback SACD's. I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) I can playback my SACD through my PS3 via HDMI into this receiver and hear my high-rez, multi-channel sound. This is a HUGE plus if actually possible.

With the PS3 and this receiver I will be able to sell my Denon AVR-5800 as well as my Denon DVD-2900S. Those two items would almost completely pay for the Onkyo.

I'll have a TON of nice Blue Jeans Cable interconnects left over as well!

Anyone have any thoughts on it?

Excellent!

I'll also be using the PS3 for blu-ray playback as well. I have blu-ray in my HTPC, but it's rather clunky. In fact, I'll likely be using the PS3 for dvd, sacd, and blu-ray playback more than I will for playing games.

Craig, it's so good to "see" you again.

I can't help with your current question, I don't think.

Some people aren't convinced about the amplifier section of the Onkyos. Are you still using your Rotel?

I sold my Rotel gear and bought a used Denon AVR-5800. (Not the smartest move I've ever made). I put all my eggs into the HTPC basket, and it's proved to be a pretty major disapointment thus far. I'm hoping that a HTPC/PS3/Modern Receiever hybrid will work out most of the kinks I've been having.

My personal experience with the amplifier in the TX-SR805 is that it can't handle M80's. I believe the amplifier in the TX-SR875 is rated for 10 more WPC, but I believe the general design of the two units is the same. YMMV with easier loads.

Yes, you can play SACDs via HDMI on the PS3, and as CV says, DSD will be converted to PCM by the PS3 before transmission. I've heard unsubstantiated rumors that a firmware update for the PS3 would allow DSD over HDMI, but as of v1.92 the option isn't available. Further, I'm not even sure a firmware revision could provide the option to pass DSD directly. No one seems to know, and if they do, they're being tight lipped about it. Here is a pretty good FAQ site dealing with the SACD capabilities of the PS3. It does make mention of the new "Bitmapping" setting and what it is supposed to do.

Out of curiosity, why did you sell your Rotel gear in favor of Denon? I assume there are technology considerations at play. I'm using a Rotel RSX-1057 for the time being and I'm in love with it.

DSD to PCM is fine with me. I enjoy the multi-channel aspect far more than the slightly better sound quality of high rez audio.

Why did I sell the Rotel for Denon? Two things. 1) I didn't have space in my rack for the HTPC and the separate components, and two I needed more than one set of multi-channel analog inputs. The 5800 was the only piece of equipment that I could find that had that feature.

In the end, my lack of patience bit me in the butt, as this Onkyo solves both those issues, and far more easily.

I don't need to drive a 4 ohm load, so the 875 should be fine for my M60's.

You should alo look at the 905. It is Audysey pro compatable and has more advanced Reon controls. Both look like great machines on paper. Time will tell how well they work out. There are numerous reports of all the new Onkyo's running hot. That might not be an issue, but worth mentioning. Integra has a line of comperable units worth a look too.... you get three year warenty with Integra, but they can only be bought from an installer or dealer who installs.

Craig, that should be an excellent buy if you want to take advantage of the Audyssey system and the Reon video processor(as Mike points out, the 905 has a more adjustable Reon implementation). If you study the user reports you'll find the usual bitching and whining that would prevent ever buying something new, but overall satisfaction.

Craig, to be able to get Audyssey and Reon video processing in a single unit Imo is awesome, I think you've made a good choice in your selection of a receiver and my bet is you would be happy with either unit.