I like this reciever. The unit is easy to use and it comes with cool extras. There is a multiple room feature in which you can listen to two things in two rooms with one reciever. The Cinema Eq by LucasFilm realy does take off the edge of movies. Dissapointing that it has no S inputs but still is worth it at a reasonable price. I paid 350. Somebody told me that Onkyo has circuit problems

Very easy to use compared to some receivers (and seperates I might add), very good sound, good display

Bad remote. This thing is a clunker! No S-video switching -- ouch.

I was looking for a good Dolby Digital receiver. I think I found it! No DTS decoder onboard though it does come with a 5.1 chanell input. No S-video switching (Entech, a division of Monster Cable does make an outboard switcher, have not used it.) Remote is poorly laid out, test tone button should be next to the volume controls not far away from it. Buttons are tiny, simalair in size and shape, not all buttons are progamable (bummer) and it is a pain in the neck to operate in the dark. I have a better universal remote so this is a moot issue.

On the positive side this receiver is extremely easy to use and set-up. (Pioneer you listening?) Wish the manual had an index otherwise clearly written and fairly easy to understand. I love the jog wheel on the front makes setting up speakers, delay times, etc. simple and fast.
Speaking of delay times all you need to know is the distance from certain speakers and "dial it in" on the front. No need to look up those sometimes confusing time delay tables. Other receiver manafacturers should take note of this! The display is legible and has three brightness settings (available from the remote only and display can not be turned completly off).

Back panel contains only 3 digital inputs but with all these digital toys coming out it would be nice to see more though digital switchers are available. Back panel is very clearly labeled though the speaker terminals are a bit close for my taste. For you vinal fanatics, the Onkyo is one of the few receivers that include a Phono input.

As far as sound goes this receiver is not exactly high end but close and puts most other receivers to shame. Only real compeitors are "high-end" models from Denon, B&K and of course more expensive Onkyo receivers. The bass is good, good mid-range detail though I find it a bit lakcing in sound stage and maybe the high-frequencies but not bad either. Get extremely sensitive speakers if possible because of the power rating. No distortion that I could find.

With the exception of the remote, and a couple of minor quibbles regarding connectors, I am quite pleased with this receiver. Look forward to listening to more expensive Onkyo models. But for now this is a great receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Technics SA-GX910, other Technics models