4 s-video inputs,
excellent remote,
good power,
5-channel stereo

none

I started looking for a receiver that would handle all of my s-video devices. That narrowed the list quick. I got down to this Onkyo, a Denon, and a Pioneer. All were in the same range and I chose the Onkyo based on reviews here and a friend's recommendation. I must say that I have not been disappointed over the last year.

The remote is great. Lighted, learning, macro functions, easy to learn by feel... I use it exclusively and my others are collecting dust.

One could always use more power, but I have a 250 sq. ft. room and it is more than adequate. Some people complain that the sound is a bit bright but they do not mention how the music is getting to their speakers. I started out with the usual 14-ga. monster cable. I then switched to my own hand crafted speaker wire made from cat-5 network cable. My speakers are bi-wired and the wire on the low end is equal to 8 ga. and the top is 10 ga. BIG DIFFERENCE! I don't own a sub because I put it off until last and have never needed it (mains have 2 6 1/2"s). The sound is balanced and clear and the internal amp has more than enough low end to rattle the windows.

I especially like the 5-channel stereo mode for listening to some music. The sound wraps around you and it's just that much louder. I do listen to music in stereo mode as well and it is exquisite. Onkyo really does know how to build amps.

I've had this one for a year and I can't complain about anything. I probably won't ever get rid of it and won't upgrade it untill something really spectacular comes along. From Onkyo, of course. They've made a lifelong customer out of me.

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pioneer, denon, jvc

Crisp, clean sound at all levels. Good remote.

User manual was average.

I almost bought a similar Yamaha, but didn't, due to the quality rep that Onkyo has, and the price. My only concern was the power, and that has not been a problem. Definitely need to boost up the level of each speaker when setting up, though. The sound seems clear and balanced, no matter the volume. I mostly listen to concert DVDs, and I'm very happy with what I hear so far. The remote is easy to use.

Sound is great. Easy to use. (I'm using Bose 301s and a 27" Tv). Remote controls all my stuff.

Um... it can't turn on Atari. The watts could be higher but then again I'd be deaf. I also think all receivers should be able to use RF technology so you can use the remote anywhere. Then also it can't connect to computers directly...keep in mind you can connect it in other ways..s-video, 1/8" jack, rca cables. The setup is bad if you don't read. READ the guide.

This reciever was name the best budget buy in stereo review. I can see why after owning it. I paid $405 with shipping and handling. The only reason i give this product a 5 in over all is because it deserves a 4 and a half. Value rating it is a great bargain. This review is from 1/11/02. Bought the receiver last year this time.

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None...I'm in college....I don't have the money. I've used an old Onkyo with Polk and that sounded good.

Sounds OK at the middle of the power range. This reciever has a very nice option in the 5 channel stereo.

The reciever is very distorted at high output levels. I blew my Acoustic Energy speakers with this reciever, but since I moved up to an Arcam AVR 100, it has been smooth sailing. Interesting to note: my buddy blew his front right speaker with the same model Onkyo. The reciever would cause the speakers to make popping noises. I guess Onkyo has some quality control issues to work out.

I would not buy this reciever again. I've heard too many horror stories. If you have high quality speakers, buy high quality components.

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Kenwood, HArmon KArdon, Arcam,

receiver design,always cool,remote,inputs galore

70 watts,always forgets my settings for fronts only

i've been having mine for a year now,and its still hasnt let me down never.mine stays on all day i sometimes turn it off.but its a really good receiver i got this one due to the reviews here and some of my friends over at circuit city,hifi.com and some hi-end stores in boston.they mostly told me that the sound in this unit is superb ,they said clean,loud,and a richer movie playback .so when i bought it i got home ,connected it, set up all of my setting and played scene from id4 and wow!i was really amazed at the performance from this unit,but then my wife is like why are you on volume 47?i said thats the way they made this unit which is ok.but after a year now i am pretty much gonna sell this one or pawn it iam saving for the new sony db1070 which is only 800.00.so for the year that i have with the unit i am now not really pleased with the master volume control,anybody would think at volume 47 your speakers should be poping now but not with onkyo i guess thay do things in steps and i sometimes think do you actually need all those high tech parts inside?iam leaving this final note ...i think i dont need all those high tech parts i just want a receiver that has the wattage that iam looking for like the sony 100 watts now for an onkyo with 100 watts your looking at 1,000.00 price range.

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sony strde635

Excellent sound. Multiple digital and analog connections. Good quality.

Very few and minor things, if any.

I am quite happy with this receiver. After reading the reviews here, I didn't mind taking the risk of buying it through the internet. I know I would like it.

The rest of the system includes: JVC DVD player, Sony 5 CD changer, Klipsh Quintet speakers x 4, Polk Audio center center speaker, Cerwin Wega LW12 subwoofer.

The remote is not too bad compared to other ones at this level. I have yet to see a simple and easy remote to use that comes with a receiver. It is a learning remote and I have taught it successfully the CD player, but not the DVD. The JVC DVD player is a little funny in this way from what I've read.

I bought it refurbished with a 1 yr warranty on Ebay ($295+25 shipping). No problems at all so far. My only small complaint would be the individual speaker settings in Dolby Digital/DTS mode. It forgets them every time you turn it off. I had set them to play the center and surround speakers a little louder than the mains and subwoofer. Maybe I have to just read the instructions properly.

Other than that, it plays DVD's and music without error. Space films, action films like Vertical Limit, all sound excellent. The music I played ranged from Led Zepplin and Rush to Gloria Estephan to Mozart. It all sounded superb.

The HK 310 I found a little disappointing and felt it was a little overrated. The Denon 1801 was another excellent receiver. It lost out only due the price break I got on this receiver.

Ron

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Denon 1801, Harmon Kardon 310

sounds good running 2 channels, got at cost

where's the bass, old onkyo 454 had more bass, lacks the power for DD, DTS

bought before i knew much about audio, worked at ciruit city got at a good price...if anyone is looking to buy the Onkyo 575x or the new 595 i would seriously reconsider...i had a 454 that i still watch VHS on at my girlfriends house and it has more punch than the overpriced 575x...i could only imagine what the 595 sounds like(it weighs more than 2 pounds less)...spend the extra money for the Hk 210 or 310...or the denon 1802 or 2802

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HK 310 denon 2802

Sound clarity, low distortion, remote functions, looks, DSP settings

Remote layout and switching functions

I purchased this unit for $800 Cdn. after taking the 475x home. It lacked punch for my home theatre system, so I returned it and got the 575x. I was using a Dolby Prologic Pioneer, and after purchasing a dvd,I decided I needed the Digital experience.

I think this is a great unit. Clear, crisp, very adequate power, and smooth fuctioning. I am very pleased, and it operates flawlessly. The digital sound is great on dvd's, and I don't run an LFE channel yet. I can kick down with some rock, or mellow to the warm tones of classical. The quality and depth of sound completely destroys my old Pioneer unit, although I got more raw sound from it than the Onkyo. However, quality of the Onkyo is brilliant.
This equipment is not inexpensive: I would have like to jump a couple of models, but only because I'm the ultimate consumer for "toys". I looked at the Pioneer, Sony, and Denon before going the Onkyo route. I have no regrets. Setup was a bit confusing, as I can be a bit of a tech idiot, but once complete, I just sat back and basked in the incredible sound. The system I use is Onkyo ds575x, Toshiba 1600DVD, Toshiba 55" Cinema Series tv, Mirage mains(490 series), Definitive center(C-1), and Energy x15B surrounds.
Incidentally, I would appreciate any suggestions as to alternatives on my system.

BUY the ONKYO!!!!!!

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None

Features and Functionality + great remote!

TX-DS595 has WEAK power output into 4 ohms and with 5 channels driven at the same time. 575 is much better!

The TX-DS595 is probably the best receiver on the market in it's price range in terms of it's bass management, functionality, features, and remote control -- which all get a 10 out of 10, imo. Plus, it's one of the first receiver's to offer Dolby Pro Logic II which is nice for 2 channel sources.

WARNING!!!!

Unfortunately, Onkyo went cheap on the poweramp section of the receivers it released this spring (2001). This applies to the 494, 595, and 696 (as well as the Integra 5.2 and 6.2). The new models all weigh significantly LESS than the models they replace. And the new models have a impedance switch on the back which is another bad sign.

Onkyo wants people to believe these new models have more power than their predecessors. Maybe they do have more power into 8 ohms with one channel driven. But check out Stereo Review's Sound and Vision magazine - July/August 2001. They tested the 696 model, and discovered it only puts out 74 watts into a 4 ohm load - one channel driven @ 1Khz. This is 1/2 of the 8 ohm power. Healthy poweramp sections should put out MORE power into lower impedances. Also, with 5 channels driven at the same time, the output is only 46 watts (8 ohms @ 1KHz). And it doesn't matter how you have the impedance switch set -- it still limits the 4 ohms power output by about 50%.

These results for the 696 are worse than the results for 575 and 474 models which were reviewed in previous issues.

And I'm sure the new 595 is worse than the new 696. (but probably not much worse as it's only about 2 lbs less)

Onkyo is misleading people with their power output specifications in these new models.

It's sad because I went to a local dealer who carried the Onkyo 696 as well as the Harman Kardon AVR-510. They were both the same price, and he said "the Harman Kardon is overpriced". I said "why is that?". He replied "it's only 70 watts x 5, vs. the 100 watts x 5 of the Onkyo". Little did he know that the HK 510 weighs about 9 lbs more than the Onkyo! and the HK has more than double the power into a 4 ohm load and more power with 5 channels driven. The HK is a true high current amp unlike the new Onkyo's.

But Onkyo is smart with their marketing. Their new receivers will be an easier sell, with the inflated power specs.

ProLogic II among others and extra 5 watts to the old ds575x model.

none as i haven't rec'd it just yet...

because of this board and one of the members that referred Todd from JandR.com (j&rmusicworld), i was able to get a great deal on the NEW onkyo TX-DS595 (replaced the ds575x)and this product is brand spanking new to 2001. i ordered it today because of the great price and look forward to receiving it next week.

i will be back to post the pros & cons but i just wanted to let all of you know out there that Todd is a great salesman who will definitely work a deal for you so try him out @ www.jandr.com or call (800)221-8180..........good luck & thanks to you all for making my decision to purchase this model, that much easier!!!

i'm giving this 5 stars for the "bargain price" and 4 stars for now, for being a good product due to the prologic II feature it comes with.