Hi all,

I recently purchased an Onkyo TX-SR606, and unfortunately it is going back due to some technical problems it arrived with. However, the silver lining is that I can upgrade the receiver now. I had asked around in another thread for some opinions, and it was suggested that a new thread be started.

I am looking at the Onkyo 806, Marantz 5003/6003 or something in that range. They would be powering 2 M60's, a VP1500 and 2 M22's. I would really appreciate any input from current owners on which receiver they think would be best. I use the setup about 50/50 for music and HT.

Thanks

Sam, there's no "best" receiver. As usual, get the features that you want at the best price possible. Of the three that you mention, the 806 is a somewhat heavier unit with a slightly more powerful amplifier, which might not be significant in your use. Since you've already dealt with them, you're probably already aware that Accessories4less has the 806 factory refurb available for a very good price around $600.

Well, problem solved. After some careful consideration, and a chance to look over the floorplans of my future apartment, I went the opposite direction I had originally intended.

Downgraded to the Onkyo TX-SR507B, rather than upgrade to the 806. Has everything I need, at a significant price reduction (and new, rather than a referb!). Full HDMI 1.3a, all the proper sound formats, a second zone, and more than enough power for the cell-sized place I will soon be occupying. Since I have nothing that needs upscaling on the video front, I don't think I will be missing this feature.

And just an FYI, 6th Avenue has a ridiculous sale price on the 507's today ($261.75 total). So, here we go again...

Curious why you didn't consider something from Denon with the better Audyssey version from 6ave?

Like the 1709? I am wondering that myself at this very moment, I just missed it when I was looking earlier. It seems to have exactly everything the 507B has, minus a HDMI input and plus the Audyssey/video upconversion. Would that be your assessment as well? Since the HDMI is 1.3a, it will pass the audio via HDMI as well, correct? Seems like you just saved me $60. Thanks for the kindly suggestion .

EDIT: just answered my own question on audio passthrough. It does not support it. So if I am correct that means no TrueHD or DTS-HD, correct? In that case I may stick with the Onkyo.

I might be mistaken and somebody can chime in if I'm wrong, but if your Blu-ray disc player decodes the TrueHD and DTS-HD, then it should pass it through PCM to your receiver so it doesn't have to decode it.

I see, so then the 1709 would still be able to provide the more advanced codecs? I only use a PS3 for BD content, and I really do not see a reason I would need a receiver that is able to decode these higher level formats.

Can anyone confirm that the PS3 would indeed decode these formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) and then send them to the receiver as PCM? And that then the 1709 would be able to output the signal as it is meant to be heard?

Oi, sorry about my lack of understanding on this!

No, Sam; although the PS3 decodes and sends those audio formats out in PCM over HDMI, the 1709 doesn't process the audio on the HDMI, just the video.

That I understand, I was essentially wondering if the optical audio cord can take the decoded audio from the PS3 and still send it to the receiver in the proper format. I'm guessing this is not the case, and that the HD audio formats must be sent over HMDI, not optical.

So the 507 would be applicable. I must be having crazy friday brain farts... long week.

Thanks for clearing it up everyone.

That is totally correct Golden. I have the 605 with a PS3, and it will correctly output the uncompressed audio

That's right: those formats, even after being decoded to PCM, don't go out over optical.

If you'd be interested in both the HDMI audio processing and the superior version of Audyssey(MultEQ)which equalizes the sub and has more measuring positions with higher resolution filters, you should consider the 706. It's available at A4L for about $499 with free shipping. My view, which I've put into practice, is that a factory refurb has an even better chance of being trouble-free. You might try again.