CNET shoots down the Dolby ProLogic IIz in Onkyo's TX-SR607 receiver
By Steven Kim 
posted May 1st 2009 9:39AM
posted May 1st 2009 9:39AM
posted May 1st 2009 9:39AM
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Zargon -- thanks for pointing that out. Deleting...
It looks like it's really true. Receiver manufactures are concentrating on gimmicks rather than power and sound quality.
After actually READING the CNet review, it sounds like a good entry level HDMI receiver. I just got the impression that they didn't care for the gimicks or form factor.
This should really be $399 though. 5.1 analog would have been nice, but I also don't see the lack of S-Video as a minus.
Me? I'll stick with my 805 until I see what the 877 is like.
I would like to know if Onkyo got over their issue of not being able to upscale to TVs connected with a HDMI-to-DVI (HDCP) cable. I purchased an Onkyo '706 a couple of months ago. Its audio quality was outstanding, even compared to my Harman Kardon receiver, but it couldn't (wouldn't) output to my TV, even though my PS3 and AppleTV will using the same cable.
The fact that it is large and runs hot should be looked upon as a good thing by potential buyers. It means the unit still has a decent amp section and that Onkyo hasn't gone to a cheaply implemented (and usually inferior sounding) Class-D design to save on costs and size. Receivers are becoming more and more about features than actual audio performance and sites like CNET which get taken seriously but don't have serious technical skills for actually testing the performance of these products is only making the situation worse.
Running hot is not a good thing. Combine that with the fact that last years Onkyo models were notorious for over heating, if it is still happening in this years models, it is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Receiver manufacturers are not looking towards Class D amps to save on cost, right now Class D usually fetches a premium. The manufactures are slimming down their current and more traditional A/B amps to cut cost, which a lot of people are un-happy and for the most part I feel it is rightfully so. They claim that they have found ways to make amps more efficient, but I am not sure I am buying it, if this was the case I think we would have seen this trend in pro amps. I think it is just a cutting cost issue, though until we start getting some real tests, we really have no way to know for sure just how much effect this has if it has any.
Receivers are about the entire audio and visual experience. They are suppose to have features to help facilitate this. I do agree there are some obliviously features, like the DSPs that are packed on (this used to be really bad) and I do agree that the video scaling on lower end models isn't even worth it, aren't needed. But otherwise I think they have done a pretty good job with keeping up with worthwhile features. I recently bought a new receiver as a pre/pro to add HDMI switching and the new audio codecs in case I wanted to take advantage of them
we are not going to get into an argument about which amp is the best, or what not, but to say that class D is inferior sounding, well, you may just need to read a little more on this topic. and overheating can't be good, other than in the winter to cut down your heating bills.
don't come crying when your house get burned down because you think that the hotter the amp/receiver, the better. and thank you for entertaining me on this friday.
Why would you use Pro Logic anyway? Sounds like a stupid gimmick anyway that you would never use. What's wrong with TrueHD and DTS Master?
Believe it or not, but content DO exist, both on disc and TV that do not have 5.1 audio... ;)
Direct comparisons between the many $599 range receivers would be a great read. Difficult to do because of time constraints and getting the newest models together in one place but I love shootouts. I doubt the manufactures like it though because there is usually one clear winner. In this price range I like the Yamaha, today.
I'd second the Yammy 665. The preamp outs definitely make it stand out, and might just put it over the top for those who don't want to be forced into an entire receiver upgrade down the road.
I actually bought the 665 to use as a pre/pro, already have a good sounding amp in my marantz SR-8000. Out of the current receivers in or near its price range, it really is the best choice for a pre/pro. It pretty much has all the features you would need from a pre/pro today, HDMI switching (I like that it actually supports HDMI pass through while the unit is off as well), newest audio codecs and while it isn't Audyssey EQ, it does have something similar in YPAO. Pioneer, Onkyo, marantz and Denon's offerings that would match the feature set are a good amount more. I was actually able to pick it up for $399.99 and have seen people getting it as low as $320.
great, now we have mortgage spammers on this site now. seriously, WTF is this?
Bill (and others who complained) -- thanks for raising the flag. Since the body of christy's comment was ok, I don't know if the spam was accidentally included or not. I've trimmed out the spam part and let the rest stand. Oh yeah, and christy is on my watchlist.
Steven, I am not sure if you notice, but they copied and pasted Ty's comment. It would appear they did the same thing in the other article they commented on as well.
At CES I made it to Dolby's display. The Pro Logic IIz sounded good, but they played something custom made for it.
Here's an idea:
Encode Blu-Ray audio so 7.1 receivers can run a 5.1 set up and use the rear 2 channels as height channels in the front, like PL llz... course, then no one would have to spend money to upgrade there equipment.
oh no, i cant tell you how YUCK onkyos look in person. big, ugly messes that they are. Everytime I have used one i've been highly suspect of their design, they just look/feel cheap as all hell
Pioneer or yammy 4 sure. im on the low end (until lottery/god steps in), so marantz only shows up in my magazines or my dream. Arkham? (drools)
I have owned many Onkyo receivers and have never had a problem with overheating. They are by far the best sounding and feature receivers for the money. I currently have a TX-SR875 running a 7.1 system with Alantic Technology speakers. High volume playback..no problem.