I've had mine for about 3 weeks. I went throught the return process with no difficulty. Onkyo was extremely helpful. It was picked up on Thursday and I had it back on Monday. I love the unit. It sounds GREAT!

Rock Solid, plenty of power, clean sound, remote is backlit, remote learns many other remotes, optical and coax digital input, many DSP modes, level adjust on all inputs

slight hiss in channels, no memory for DSP settings, not a very glitzy case

Before purchasing I listened to several different units and did considerable comparison shopping. The closest thing I saw while comparison listening was the HK AVR500. The Circuit City sales person really was pushing me towards the HK but the Onkyo won out.

This machine has incredible power. I'm driving a pair of Polk RT2000P speakers for steroe listening and cannot believe the volume that I can get out of the system. I replaced a Sony STR1020AV, supposed 120 w/c, with the Onkyo and was astounded at the increase in volume. The Sony would easily go into protect mode at only modestly high volume. This never happens with the Onkyo. There really is something to be said about the high current feature. The weight of the unit is testamonial to the contents inside -- this is a heavy piece.

The remote control is the first one I've ever owned that claimed it would learn other remotes and actually does. I was able to consolidate a VCR, TV, CD and DVD unit onto one single remote and can access nearly every function of the other remotes. The unit has a nice feel and is not ackward to hold and operate. The keys are all backlit, but there is no backlighting of the lettering next to the buttons. In a dark room it would be difficult to find some functions until you get familiar with the control. One nice feature is the volume control always defaults to controlling the Onkyo, regardless of what unit is selected, until you "learn" a new volume function.

Among other nice features is the system configuration. You have the control to set individual input levels for every input. This allows you to move between inputs and maintain the relative volume level. There is also a setting to enable an external subwoofer connected via a "pre-out". Enabling this option shunts lower frequencies out the sub connector and removes those frequencies from the main speakers. You may or may not like the change to the audio so this may not be a plus for you. Personally, I turned it off because the Polks have their own powered subs and handle bass just fine.

I was able to connect my Toshiba 4109X DVD player via the optical input (audio only). The Onkyo easily recognizes the different modes available from different discs in the DVD. The display also changes as the modes change. One thing I noticed was a one or two second delay when the Onkyo would change modes. For example, suppose I went from a CD to a DVD. When the Onkyo display would show the new audio format I would have no sound for that one or two seconds.

So far I have only found two real drawbacks. The first is that I hear a minor hiss from the speakers. I wouldn't say it's annoying or even noticeable when there is music being played. The other drawback is the subwoofer configuration. There will be no way for me to drive a subwoofer without changing the overall sound quality from the speakers. Even connecting the sub-out line to the Polks still doesn't have the same level of bass. If you are picky about overall sound quality and planned on using an external subwoofer from the sub-out, forget it.

The last thing I have to say is be mindful of what you pay. I negotiated what I thought was a decent price from Circuit City. Shortly after having my unit I find it cheaper from sounddistributors.com. I've talked to Circuit City several times and they won't honor the better price with their price protection policy. They even told me to just return the unit and then go buy it at the cheaper price!!! If buying again, I would not buy this piece from Circuit City and am not recommending them. Go there and take a look and listen, and then go get it where someone will appreciate your $$$.

THX,power,DSP, versatility, build, Onkyo quality

No Component Video. Runs HOT!

Bought this model after many many hours of studying and reading thousands of reviews. I was deciding between the Sony 777ES and this Onkyo. The 3-400 hundred dollar price difference was a big factor plus onkyo quality has always impressed me. All of the sales people I talked too who sold both products recommended the Onkyo and I am glad I trusted them. The LCD remote with the Sony is a gimmick and the Amps are more powerful in the ONKYO. I was worried about the hiss but was assured that I would not encounter that problem.

So far the machince is great. I am hearing more detail in from my videos and dvds than I previously imagined. The music sounds great, I do however wish that I had one more audio input. The DSP's are good but they are only good because of the excellent sound this reciever produces. I will say that this receiver runs very very hot. Maybe it is becuase I have it stacked. Nothing that an external fan couldn't fix. I recommend this to everyone around $1000

Similar Products Used:

Sony Products, Onkyo Products

5 ch stereo; remote macros

none yet

I read lots of reviews before deciding to buy the Onkyo 777. I determined that the Denon 3300 and the 777 are equally good for my home theater. I decided on the 777 b/c soundcity.com is selling refurbished ones (refurbished by Onkyo, not soundcity) for $625 delivered. I've been using the receiver for two weeks now and couldn't be happier. There is no hiss whatsoever (I assume this is probably b/c it's been refurbished). It makes watching my old DVDs feel like totally new movies. The remote is incredible. It's very easy to learn other remotes and setup macros. I have an RCA DSS receiver, Sony DVD player, and Toshiba projection tv. I used to have a separate remote for each, but after about 10 minutes of work I combined them all into one. Also, through use of the macro feature, I am able to press a single button to turn on all my devices, set the video source, set the sound type, and set the menu that appears on the screen (this used to take 3 remotes and about 10 button presses). If you play video games like me (I'm still a kid at heart), you'll love the 5 ch stereo mode. I play Resident Evil on my Dreamcast and the music, screams, moans and other ghoulish noises come out all five speakers to really surround you in the game.
I would def. recommend this speaker. The refurb comes with a one year Onkyo warranty, so save a couple hundred and buy one while they last.

HEVY Build, 5-Channel stereo, Learning/Backlit remote, Crystal Clear imaging, THX certifacation, Awesome for home theatre.

My dog has somehow learned how to turn on the reciever with his nose, and turn the volume up and down by rubbing his face against the volume knob. Before I moved the reciever to a higher shelf in the apartment, at 3am he turned the volume ALL THE WAY UP, turned it on, and completely blew out my little polk audio speakers. He also came really close to blowing out my ears. I'm not sure if this part of the review should be listed as a weakness, but I will say this: This reciever has an incredible amount of power that can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when yielded by a dog.

I love this reciever. In the audio shop around the corner from me it went toe to toe with all the best recievers around. In the first round, It ruthlessly beat up on the Harmon/Kardon AVR 7000, a reciever that costs $500 more. Although the onkyo was the underdog in the match because of its price, It showed that It could handle music just as well as the H/k. As the match wore on the Onkyo landed a stiff right jab in the jaw of the H/K when we watched the lobby gunfight scene of the matrix. The onkyo's immaging easily surpassed the H/K. Fight #2: DENNON AVR 3300. The Dennon proved to be quite the worthy foe, just edging out the onkyo during the jazz music challenge. The horns sounded more convincing coming from the Dennon. Both sounded GOOD, but the dennon sounded better. The moment of truith for the onkyo came when we played that shootout in the matrix again. The dennon had a solid round, but the onkyo riddled that little soundroom with bullets. Movie advantage: Onkyo, Music advantage: Dennon. The decision really came down to what I Like to listen to more, Music or movies. Since I am more of a movie guy the onkyo won in a close 12 round decision. Also, I found this incredible deal online with the onkyo. esupercenter.net has RE-FRUBISHED tXds777s for $685 shipped. That means that Onkyo got a defective model still on warantee, fixed it up, and is selling it for less. Mine has served me perfectly for 3 months, so it looks like onkyo caught the bug. I know this is somewhat off the subject, since my dog blew out my polks, I upgraded to the M&K 750thx speakers. I cannot express with words how muctch this upgrade has done. I used to be an audiofile, Now I'm an audioholic. Go to the M&K750thx reviews on this site and see for yourself. The speakers really accentuate the strengths of the Onkyo777 Reciever. Since I got those speakers, my girlfriend has been complaining about not seeing me as mutch... I just want to say to her: "Don't take it personally, but you just can't really compete with a 100% THX certified home theatre."

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo DTR-7, Dennon avr 3300, Harmon/Kardon avr 7000

I picked up this using just today at Circuit City (was displayed as an 'open box' item) I knew ahead of time that this model had recalls in the early models (and I made sure the salesperson knew that I knew)

Well, this was an early model, manufactured 09/99, but I was HOPING that it wouldn't suffer from the hiss and sound cutout.

I've had it up and runing now for a few hours, and noticed the center channel hiss tight away. It's slight, but it's there. After leaving the unit on for a while, there was a loud static sounding noise, lasting for only a second or two.

Continuing to keep the receiver on, this happened again about 30 minutes later. About 10 minutes after that, it lost all sound for about a second.

So far I'm kind of P.O'd at this thing, but will call Onyko in the morning and see what can be done. IF all esle fails, it will go back to Circuit City (Even though it was a display model, it had the full 2 year warrantee)

All in all, it sounds great. Much better than my old technics receiver, but I never had the hiss and poping and sound cutout with my Technics. I hope Onkyo can do me right!

THX Select Certified, retro style, remote, on-screen display, S-video switching, good clean power

Weighs too much - just kidding. This unit is so heavy it felt like I threw out my back carrying it to my car in the parking lot!

Hooked up the 777 two days ago so I really have not had much time to play around with it (the 28th is the deadline for the free magazine subscription so I thought I'd submit a review now and follow-up in a month or so).

Let me get this out of the way first - this unit does not make any humming or hissing sounds from any speaker including my center channel speaker (even when the TV is on). I carefully read the manual and ensured all connections were made correctly before turning on the power. My refrigerator makes more noise than this unit does when between songs or during a quiet part of Starship Troopers on my Onkyo DVD player! Maybe the connection wires I used had something to do with it (all are Straight Wire and Monster Cable).

Moving on, this unit has met all my expectations so far. I did quite a bit of research before purchasing. I wanted to upgrade my Onkyo TX-SV313PRO Dolby ProLogic unit for this Dolby Digital model (I've had my 313 for over six years without having one single problem).

Various THX modes are great for listening to different input sources. Listening to Pearl Jam in the Studio-Mix mode feels like I'm listening to them play live at the Murat Egyptian Room in Indy (if only that were true)!

I'm using Onkyo's DV-C600 six disc DVD player - what a combination! Great for CD's and DVD's.

The 777 has all the features I need to last me for the next 5-10 years (I hope!) until it's time to upgrade again. Great unit for being the first THX receiver I've owned. Next will be the upgrade to a THX speaker system :)

Feel free to send any questions/comments to my e-mail address above.

Similar Products Used:

None

Sound quality, construction.

After reading some of the other reviews regarding this product (especially Onkyo's handling of the microprocessor glitch), I felt the need to add my two cents.

I've been listing to this product for the last 5 weeks. My purchase decision was between the Onkyo and Denon's AVR-3300. Denon's biggest strengths are (in order of importance to me) 8 channel pre-in/out, component video inputs, and the built-in A/B surround speaker switch. The TX-DS777's strengths over the Denon are a digital output, front panel A/V inputs - two items that I have a more immediate need for, and very good personal experience with two other Onkyo receivers (TX-SV70PRO and TX-DS727).
The truth is this decision was really a toss-up. Both units appear to be of high quality. When I called SoundCity to inquire about the two units they hands down recommended the Onkyo. I went ahead and purcahsed one based on their recommendation it's above mentioned strengths over the Denon. Purchase price was $799 + $15 S&H from SoundCity.com. I'm extremely happy with my decision. The sound is very clean. Movie dialog is improved thanks to the THX and Re-Eq settings. The 5-Channel Stereo is also a nice touch, as is the Direct mode. The build/construction quality is extremely high.

Regarding Onkyo's handling of my exchange (Yes, I had one of the defective units)... I called Onkyo on a Friday morning. They arranged for UPS (overnight delivery) pickup the following Monday. They actually offered pickup the same day but I wanted to listen to the unit over the weekend. The unit was picked up on Monday. They received it the next day and overnighted a new unit to me. In the course of a few days I had a new, factory fresh, TX-DS777 in my house. In my experience Onkyo acted very professionally.

THX Select, DD and DTS, 5.1 channel analog input, pre-outs for all 6 channels, digital optical output, 4 digital inputs(2 coax,2 opt), learning remote w/macros

None so far with about 5 hours of use a day!!!

Got mine from Sound City for $729 + $25 for shipping. They treated me right and they're an authorized dealer for every brand they sell. As for the so-called "HISS" problem from the center or whatever channel, haven't heard the slightest hiss from any of the channels. Two of my friends followed suit and bought one and no problems from their receivers. Onkyo products have always been reliable and they continue to be in my book. Excellent product. Cant wait to see the replacement for the TXDS-939.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR 3300, Marantz SR-19, Onkyo TXDS-838

detailed sound, good looks, clean face, no gimmicky stuff,THX, great sound, no Hissing!!! OSD and build
quality

none so far
cant get EQ hooked up

I was a bit worried with on of the postings. Someone had purchased a refurb from soundcity w/ hissing. After seven days of worry I found I was lucky. No hissing even at loud volumes. Some recordings (like Moby) gave a small hiss. That wasnt the receivers fault,its the artist. The same applied for some VHS tapes. One problem did arise when hooking up my EQ. Could not get it to work right, kept getting a hiss no matter how I hooked it up. So for now no EQ, but I dont care the sound quality is great. I am still going to call tech support to see if they have any ideas. The sound quality is fantastic, I can hear things I never noticed. If you have a large music collection this will make you break out all of those oldies. As for the THX issue, I have heard it does close to nothing and also it is a god send. My opinion is that is really does help. I cant wait to try it w/ DTS and DD. The onscreen display is bad ass, I dont know how people have a hard time moving around in it. They couldnt have made it easier. It also make your friends/relatives go COOOOL.
I guess it is just luck or how the system is hooked up that gives the hiss. Even though it is a refurb, there is not one scratch and not one hair out of place. It looks just great, I am very happy with my purchase. I thought soundcity did a good job and were prompt and curtious. I am also glad circuit city has such a liberal return policy. Otherwise Id be listening to the 575X :)

Similar Products Used:

kenwoods junk, onkyo txds 575X