High home theater performance, quality, learning remote control.

Horrible stereo sound quality, hiss that is also known by ONKYO and heard at all volumes, ineffective DSP modes.

For some years I've been thinking about buying a good stereo system at a reasonable price. My priority was the stereo performance, and I would say YES to a home theater coming with it so I began to search the internet and the local dealers for a good receiver. And Onkyo was the brand that I heard most, and TX-DS 575 was the one for my money. I brought it home with excitement and put it on the way with my old stereo system's speakers by listening to an audio CD... it was horrible. Then I thought it might be because of the speakers' low impedance (6 ohms) and I bought JBL lx80 speakers. The stereo quality did not improve. With the DVD's the sound was OK (if you do not hear the hiss), but stereo was much more important to me. So I decided to return it and I changed it for a Nakamichi RE-10 stereo receiver. Now I am quite satisfied with the sound quality and I do not recommend any home theater receiver to anyone who thinks stereo performance is more important than home cinema. (I listened to ONKYO 676,777 and some denon receivers when I complained about my 575 to my dealer, none of them sounds like my RE-10 in stereo mode.)

Price, higher current amp, lots of power for my Klipsch KSB1.1 monitors and SC1 center, DSP modes that are actually useful.

Can only set the individual channel volume levels once instead of in each DSP mode (and better yet on each DSP mode in each device mode).

This is a great receiver if you are looking for the cheapest way to get into the higher end high current stuff. I previously had a Pioneer VSX-D508 and am stuck with it while I try to sell it, since I tried the Onkyo and decided it was worth almost twice the cost. The high current design adds so much to transients in movies. The Matrix lobby shooting spree has so much more bite with the Onkyo as compared to the Pioneer (after listening to the Onkyo the Pioneer just couldn't reproduce the gun shots anywhere near as well). Also the Onkyo has the amplifier to properly power all 5 channels while just about everything from kenwood, pioneer and the like don't. The 5ch stereo is great for listening to cds. The TVLogic mode works great on stereo cable signals (I still prefer prologic when a surround signal is present however).

There is only one thing wrong with this receiver. That is that for the initial setup you use a test tone to set the volume levels for each channel. Then these setting become the default for every DSP mode in every device mode. This means that you have to manually change the channel volume levels everytime you change the source. However, since most source material varies greatly, I end up changing it anyways so its not that big of a deal. Still I tend to go from a +8 to +10 setting for prologic and DD to a -2 to a 0 setting for 5ch stereo for the rear channels. Which requires quite a few button presses. It would be nice to have the rear channels at +8 for DD and Prologic and automatically change to 0 for 5ch stereo (which strangely is one thing the Pioneer did do).

The remote seems like it would be function (however, I don't care for the joystick it has). Its mute point for me though since I am using a One For All Cinema 6. If you haven't checked the Cinema 6 of 7 out you should do so. Its a true learning remote for around $20 Canadian. Just make sure you check out this link to take full advantage of the remote.

http://ampersand.hypermart.net/one_for_all_cinema_7_faq.htm#[1.6]

If you are looking at the Denon AVR1800 or Marantz SR5000 don't forget to give this receiver a look. If you are looking at Pioneers non elite line, Kenwood stuff, or a bunch of the other mainstream names (with the exception of some Yamaha stuff) skip them and go look at the 3 I listed above.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Technics.

Price, higher current amp, lots of power for my Klipsch KSB1.1 monitors and SC1 center, DSP modes that are actually useful.

Can only set the individual channel volume levels once instead of in each DSP mode (and better yet on each DSP mode in each device mode).

This is a great receiver if you are looking for the cheapest way to get into the higher end high current stuff. I previously had a Pioneer VSX-D508 and am stuck with it while I try to sell it, since I tried the Onkyo and decided it was worth almost twice the cost. The high current design adds so much to transients in movies. The Matrix lobby shooting spree has so much more bite with the Onkyo as compared to the Pioneer (after listening to the Onkyo the Pioneer just couldn't reproduce the gun shots anywhere near as well). Also the Onkyo has the amplifier to properly power all 5 channels while just about everything from kenwood, pioneer and the like don't. The 5ch stereo is great for listening to cds. The TVLogic mode works great on stereo cable signals (I still prefer prologic when a surround signal is present however).

There is only one thing wrong with this receiver. That is that for the initial setup you use a test tone to set the volume levels for each channel. Then these setting become the default for every DSP mode in every device mode. This means that you have to manually change the channel volume levels everytime you change the source. However, since most source material varies greatly, I end up changing it anyways so its not that big of a deal. Still I tend to go from a +8 to +10 setting for prologic and DD to a -2 to a 0 setting for 5ch stereo for the rear channels. Which requires quite a few button presses. It would be nice to have the rear channels at +8 for DD and Prologic and automatically change to 0 for 5ch stereo (which strangely is one thing the Pioneer did do).

The remote seems like it would be function (however, I don't care for the joystick it has). Its mute point for me though since I am using a One For All Cinema 6. If you haven't checked the Cinema 6 of 7 out you should do so. Its a true learning remote for around $20 Canadian. Just make sure you check out this link to take full advantage of the remote.

http://ampersand.hypermart.net/one_for_all_cinema_7_faq.htm#[1.6]

If you are looking at the Denon AVR1800 or Marantz SR5000 don't forget to give this receiver a look. If you are looking at Pioneers non elite line, Kenwood stuff, or a bunch of the other mainstream names (with the exception of some Yamaha stuff) skip them and go look at the 3 I listed above.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Technics.

DTS, Dolby Digital, 5 Channel Surround/Stereo, inputs for everything (including turntable)

Doesn't remember speaker settings but macro buttons help with this

I bought this receiver in HK for the equivalent of USD$440 - at the time it was about USD$700 in Oz! I listened to the Yamaha, a Nakamichi AVR10 and various other receivers and all seemed to do about the same job in the shop playing the live version of Eagles Hotel California. The real test is when you get them home!

I used to have a prologic mini system which I thought was good. A friend bought the Denon Pro Logic receiver and the sound from this is also very good, but the 5 speaker setting for music on the ONKYO just blows anything else away - even when playing them on my Pioneer DV515.

Sound from DVDs is as good as, if not better than, going to the movies. Since I bought this receiver I have bought Dynamic Audio rears (bi-poles @ 150 watts) & centre (@ 100 watts) and Wharfedale EM93 bookshelves as my mains (only one woofer and a crstal clear tweeter but the larger EM97s didn't seem to have much more punch for double the price). I will probably add a sub-woofer when I can't get enough bass out of AC/DC! The combination of the 575 and the EM93s seems to be enough for the moment though.

I built my system starting with the ONKYO and went from there and I would not swap this receiver for anything, especially when it is normally compared to a lot of high end stuff that you could pay well over double the price for.

If you want a good receiver for around $400, this one is going to be hard to go past. Oh, and I have no hissing from my speakers at all!

Similar Products Used:

DENON AVR 1150 (Dolby Pro Logic), Yamaha 495
Technics Prologic Mini System

assembly quality, hess......

I brought 575 in 9/99, with Infinity overture3, CC3, QPS1. The sound was great. After connect to Onkyo DVD in march this year, I found that optical input jack on the 575 has loose connection and I took the 575 to a Onkyo authorized shop for warranty repair. After 5 weeks of calling between the shop, Onkyo and part-supplier back and forth, the stop finally called and said the recirver is ready. When I got there, I found the shop didn't even identify the problem. I asked technician to hookup the system right there and tell him it might the problem of bad solding. Then it took him only 10 minuts to fix the problem. After bringing 575 back home I found 3 screws on the cover were missing!. Anyway, this is my first time experience with Onkyo product. Maybe I am not the lucky one. I just feel that Onkyo is a good product with ok assembly quality and bad warranty services.

Price, history of Onkyo, sound

Loudness, DSP modes

The ds575($469 at CC) I traded for after the HK avr300 ($569) lost all volume, when I shut it down and turned it back on it was full volume and I could not turn it down. I guess thats whats coming out of China these days. (read review). Although the HK I bought in 1972 is still Pumping out sounds in the garage. Needless to say I ran back to Circuit City!!!

AS far as the ds575 is concerned it reads like a quality unit and did function as advertised. I loved the remotes ability to learn as many as 408 comands on its keys, a true IR leaning unit. The sound was acceptable the problem was I had to Power it past 3/4 volume to get good sound out of a DVD I find that unacceptable. It was connected to Bose 201 front, Bose vcs10 center, Klispth 50w sub and JBL rears.
The selection of DSP modes was Plain bad with none of them meeting my expectation. So back it went for a refund...

I was use to my Sony DE515 although this unit is always going into protect mode (read reviews) but I was very satisfied with its sound. Never went past 1/3 of volume and the cinema b sound was good. No digital though. I just recieved my brand new Sony DB 830 ($449 Crutchfield)(read reviews). Boy now the DB830 really rocks!! I looking foward to many years of great listening..........

Similar Products Used:

Harmon Kardon a unit bought in 1972 and recent model avr 300, Sony de515 and db830, Kenwood

Price, higher current amp, lots of power for my Klipsch KSB1.1 monitors and SC1 center, DSP modes that are actually useful.

Can only set the individual channel volume levels once instead of in each DSP mode (and better yet on each DSP mode in each device mode).

This is a great receiver if you are looking for the cheapest way to get into the higher end high current stuff. I previously had a Pioneer VSX-D508 and am stuck with it while I try to sell it, since I tried the Onkyo and decided it was worth almost twice the cost. The high current design adds so much to transients in movies. The Matrix lobby shooting spree has so much more bite with the Onkyo as compared to the Pioneer (after listening to the Onkyo the Pioneer just couldn't reproduce the gun shots anywhere near as well). Also the Onkyo has the amplifier to properly power all 5 channels while just about everything from kenwood, pioneer and the like don't. The 5ch stereo is great for listening to cds. The TVLogic mode works great on stereo cable signals (I still prefer prologic when a surround signal is present however).

There is only one thing wrong with this receiver. That is that for the initial setup you use a test tone to set the volume levels for each channel. Then these setting become the default for every DSP mode in every device mode. This means that you have to manually change the channel volume levels everytime you change the source. However, since most source material varies greatly, I end up changing it anyways so its not that big of a deal. Still I tend to go from a +8 to +10 setting for prologic and DD to a -2 to a 0 setting for 5ch stereo for the rear channels. Which requires quite a few button presses. It would be nice to have the rear channels at +8 for DD and Prologic and automatically change to 0 for 5ch stereo (which strangely is one thing the Pioneer did do).

The remote seems like it would be function (however, I don't care for the joystick it has). Its mute point for me though since I am using a One For All Cinema 6. If you haven't checked the Cinema 6 of 7 out you should do so. Its a true learning remote for around $20 Canadian. Just make sure you check out this link to take full advantage of the remote.

http://ampersand.hypermart.net/one_for_all_cinema_7_faq.htm#[1.6]

If you are looking at the Denon AVR1800 or Marantz SR5000 don't forget to give this receiver a look. If you are looking at Pioneers non elite line, Kenwood stuff, or a bunch of the other mainstream names (with the exception of some Yamaha stuff) skip them and go look at the 3 I listed above.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Technics.

Dolby Ditigal, DTS, Price

None So Far

This receiver is excellent in every way. I recently traded my Pioneer Elite VSX-24TX for this Onkyo TX-DS575. I think that these two receivers are on par with each other. The reason why my friend and I traded is because he had the klipsch synergy series (SF-2, SC-1, SS-1) and I had the Atlantic Tech sys 170. He needed some extra wattage and I needed some extra money. I didn't want to take a drop too far below the VSX and I think that I accomplished just that. The Onkyo's sound production is very warm and full and the sound staging is excellent. Movies and Music are both done justice with this receiver. The spring clips for the surrounds is was really no big loss for me and S-video switch would be nice if I had two components with S-video switching. Those two features are included the VSX and if you need those then go with the 24 or next higher Onkyo model. I am very impressed with the Onkyo since I have had the experience to compare it with a high dollar model. I recommend this model.

My System So Far:

Atlantic Technology System 170 (Complete)
Onkyo TX-DS575
Panasonic A-120
Sony VCR SLV-675HF
27" Sony Trinitron
Tributaries Cable

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-24TX, Pioneer D608,

Lush, powerful movie sound. Terrific ergonomics. Decent DAC.

No purely analog stereo inputs (i.e. unprocessed); somewhat average stereo sound compared with a decent dedicated 2 channel system (above average music performance versus other brands of SURROUND receivers);.

Since I primarily listen to 2 channel stereo, I wanted to use my own DAC routed through an unmolested analog input. Since I could not do that with the Onkyo, I upgraded to the NAD T-760 ($1000). It worked; my cd's and DADs sound better. Movies sound THE SAME; ie damn good. The Onkyo puts up every bit as good surround performance at half the price (both receivers use Crystal 24 bit, 96 khz DACs). Unless, like me, you are really finicky about stereo sound, this ones a winner.

What I miss the most after giving up this Onkyo is the programmable remote. The darn thing worked so well and could control EVERYTHING! I originally intended to buy a fancy universal remote but decided there weren't any as good as the Onkyo (I dislike touchscreens). Don't even get me started on NAD remotes; looks like I'll have to shop for that new remote after all.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 656 AV-amp, new NAD T-760

Warm sound, good separation

One needs to pump up the volume to get a decent sound

I came to the 575 though a difficult path. I first bought an Onkyo DR-90, a new product integrating a DVD player with a receiver into one unit, at about 50 W per channel. The receiver is very similar to the 575 in so that the DSP has exactly the same functions (but I could not say whether the actual processor is the same). When I first tried it with my Boston CR-6, CR-9 and surround Micro 80, with an Energy 8 eXL subwoofer, I could hear a terrible hiss through all channels, even at pretty low volume levels. I sent the unit to an authorized dealer rather than returning it because I resisted the idea of buying both a receiver and a DVD player (I already quite a few hi-fi components and my wife was not too happy about adding more). It took them three weeks to find and allegedly fix the problem, which they claimed was due to the different frequency for alternate current in Italy vs Japan (50 vs 60 Hz). When I tried it at home, the volume level had just been halved: of course I did not hear the noise any longer, but the output levels were simply unacceptable.
I returned the product and tried an Onkyo 474, with a Philips DVD 750: but - surprise, surprise - the hiss was there too. Like with the DR-90, the hiss could be heard at any volume level above 0, both through the loudspeakers and the headphones. I went back to the dealer and we tried the 575 and 676 with headphones: in both cases the hiss was audible, but just at extreme output levels, unlikely to be reached during normal home use. Therefore I went for the 575 and I have to admit that I am now fully satisfied: a very light hiss is present only at about 70 (out of 75) level, but I will never operate the unit at those levels.
My bottom line is that it is a good product, but quality and customer care at Onkyo to require a sharp improvement.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Pro ACE Bass