Solid Construction, OSD, Superb> clean power output,THX Certified, learning remote, FM Cable input.

NONE

I am not versed in all the HT lingo, I am an average guy with great taste for music (mainly Jazz) and theatre the experience. I have listened to a few systems and I must say that the only ones that had an edge were those with separate stereo/mono amplifiers and $15,000.00pr speakers. That may sound way out left field but it is one of my hobbies stopping after work for instance and check out different stores with theatres setup.
My home is now common place for my relatives, friends and others.......(cough) to come by on a saturday night for pop corn/pizza and a movie.
It was great to listen to my old CDs again > for the first time. There were sounds that I heard on some CDs that I'd never noticed before. My first DVD purchased was The Matrix (Gees no kidding) and Private Ryan. I remembered playing the scene in the lobby with all the gunfire and the parts where the helicopter crash so many times that somehow those scenes have now been mysteriouly erased(Grin). I love what the triple 7 does for me and untilI can aford a $80,000.00 system (soon) It's here to stay even then after.
Thank you.

PS Just incase you wondering if I got the system free. Well You're sorta right. You see, the Onkyo replaced other components resulting from a house fire.

Thank you again Peter at Kromer Radio!

Similar Products Used:

Teac something?!!

Impressive power reserves. THX Select actually makes movie watching more enjoyable. Incredible flexibility. Intuitive User Interface design. Above Average Music performance in Stereo. Construction

Elevated noise floor in Surround modes.

Due to the price and the perceived lower quality construction of the Marantz SR7000, I ended up purchasing a floor sample clearance of the 777 when I purchased the Newton 300 package. Having been an Onkyo fan made the decision that much easier, but for the record I believe Onkyo to be an excellent value, when you consider the Engineering and quality that goes into their products.

Since it was a floor sample, I took the 777 home in hand (man was it heavy), without a box or manual. I figured I may have a problem setting it up without the manual, but thanks to the extremely intuitive front panel, I configured it without any problems. Those who think the 777 is a bear to operate really need to experience BAD design in order to put things in perspective. As far as the manual was concerned, I did copy it from Onkyo's website, and found that it did make a lot of assumptions that may have jipped the user out of a litte detail. For instance, it would have been nice to describe the qualities of a THX speaker system. It also would have been nice to know that the 777's LFE crossover was set to 80Hz. To their credit they did recommend a Radio Shack SPL guage complete with model number for those who wanted to set their speakers optimally (and I did). The remote proved to be extremly flexible, if not a little bit cumbersome. Trying to quickly switch from DVD control to Audio control proved to be a two-handed operation.
All in all though I found the manual to be just average. Giving only enough information to set the unit up, but not enough to educate the user on specific details. I recently read the Outlaw 1050 manual online and found it to be much more of an education in not only setting up their receiver, but in explaining some of the subtleties of getting the best sound out of your system.
My Tech Support experience was also only OK. Longer wait times and "uninformed" tech support made the experience underwhelming.

When I finally started listening to the 777 it occurred to me that maybe the reason why Onkyo Tech Support is only average is because the 777 is such a killer HT receiver!
After watching the Matrix, and the X Files Movie in DTS I was amazed at the dynamics and clarity of the 777. Not only Theater, but stereo performance was also better than I expected. I have heard HT receivers that have excelled in providing great surround sound, but fell flat once they were asked to playback enjoyable stereo. The Onkyo, so far, has proven that it can handle both effortlessly. I did not find the 777 bright or bass-shy, or slow to transients. On the contrary (and no doubt the Newton speaker system I was using did contrinute to the experience)but the Onkyo was not only fast, but showed tight control and clear presentation of all the subtle SFX in the more laid back scenes of the Matrix and the X Files, while showing colossal strength and bravado when explosions and mayhem ensued- the building explosion as well as as the exploding limo in the X-Files along with the infamous lobby shootout and helicopter crash in the Matrix proved that the Onkyo could provide incredible dynamics and clarity under the most dramatic conditions (keep in mind that I watched the Matrix at the THX reference volume and never heard stress or strain from the 777). Unbelievable.
Music performance was nice, and pretty nuetral as far as I could tell. The Onkyo allowed the Newtons to present a stable image, warm mids and honest bass (The P1000 sub undoubtedly contributes to the above average bass performance). Treble performance was also pleasant and detailed, without being bright and grating.

The only let-down (if you want to call it that) was what I heard as a sightly higher noise floor in surround mode. The center seemed especially noisy when a surround mode was chosen without source playing. But this was only apparent if I had my ear within 4 inches of the speaker. There was also a slight hum that triggered the fear that my unit may be exhibiting the same problem as some others had reported on the site.
I immediately called CSW and asked them if they could locate another 777 (I would have traded up to the 787 but really wanted to save the additional $200.00). Jason, a guy who has treated me extremly well over the last two years of CSW purchases, quickly located another unit in one of their other stores. That weekend I went and traded the "defective unit" for the "working" 777 and immediately hooked it up when I got home. To my surprise the same hiss was apparent, but no hum. I then tried a few tests in order to find out if the hiss could be localized. I found that Stereo mode was almost completely silent, while surround exhibited the hiss. The hum showed itself again when I powered on my TV, so I think that maybe the speaker wire (which isn't shielded)maybe the culprit since it runs over the backside of the TV right in line with the large tube and power-supply. I also believe that I maybe expecting a little too much from the receiver. My ear was previously used to the totally black background that my Classe' CAP 100 integrated amp produced. That amp was over 2000.00 for only 100 watt stereo, and used a torroidal transformer, while this 5 channel 100 watt Onkyo reatiled for $1000.00, and used a regular (albiet huge) EI transformer.
I later listened to the output of a 989, the flagship of the standard Onkyo line and it had ABSOLUTELY NO noise. Then again, it did retail for 3299.00 and used a torroid, and probably used slightly better devices in its signal path. For comparison purposes, and in an effort to put things in perspective, a Parasound HCA 1500 had a similar level of noise when no signal was playing.

So for now I will deal with the noise, after all it is only apparent when no signal is playing and my head is within 4 inches of the center loudspeaker. Given the incredible performance I have experienced with the 777, and the money I paid for it (630.00) one can't expect complete perfection.

So far, and after living with the 777 for almost 3 weeks, I am finding that the resolution and toe-tapping nature of this set-up gives me most of the enjoyment I had with my Classe'/Thiel combo,and throws in absolutely stellar HT.

Unless the Honeymoon period ends up falling flat, I can see myself sticking with this receiver for the forseeable future- it is a great product.
5 Stars for the 777's value and performance, while 3 stars give a couple of demerits to a less than stellar manual and tech support.
(You can see my full review of the Newton speakers in the MC300 area of the "Main Speakers" section of this site)

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Rant to follow, read if you wish :-)
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Some of the people on this site have crucified Onkyo and other manufacturers due to defective units they purchased. From my point of view and being in the manufacturing industry, I can only say that having zero defects in a mass produced product is almost impossible. Manufacturers like Onkyo purchase their components (D/As, Op Amps, Transistors) from other manufacturers (like Motorola and Crystal Semiconductor) who simply have their own problems with manufacturer, and defective, or less-than-quality-yields of devices get through which are then installed in a batch of receivers that Joe or Jane Consumer purchase. It's annoying yes, but a reality, especially in cases where cutting edge manufactuers like Onkyo look to use the most up to date devices available. With newer version electronic devices there is always going to be a ramp-up time in manufacturer where the quality in device yields need to stabalize. We experience this same dynamic in the computer and auto industry. Take a ook at consumer reports and you'll find that when problems arise in a specific model year, a trend or a pattern can be seen. Take typically excellent manufacturers like Toyota and Mazda. In the mid 90's there was a high occurance of electrical system problems related to hardware. Needless to say these problems cannot be pointed to faulty manufacturer, but faulty parts that made it into manufacturer.
My point is that you should give typically good manufacturers the benefit of the doubt and refrain from driving a nail in their coffin if you get one or two bad apples.
There are some manufacturers that really don't care about consumers and will turn a blind eye to problems. Ford comes to mind given the whole Firestone fiasco. But there are other manufactures that have proven through their history that they deserve to be trusted even if they periodically, but rarely, fall from grace.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS474. Various non- HT Receivers and amplifiers including products from Classe', Parasound, Goldmund, and Onkyo

I've got an Onkyo 656 - I love it! Wish it had DTS.
I've tested a few Denon's and honestly wasn't very impressed. Maybe I had them setup incorrectly, but they weren't loud enough for me.

Don't judge Onkyo on their website.

As far as the dilemma of which to buy - If you really like the Denon and have listened to it and could be happy with it, then it is worth the extra $200 to have it now (immediate gratification). If both were available now, I'd get the Onkyo based on past experience.

I've been waiting anxously for the 777 to come out and picked one up at the first place I could find it. Much to my dismay, there was a very audible HISS at any volume level above 0, and from any source. I should've known better, after reading the reviews from many 575 users who have experienced the same problem. Guess I'd hoped for better given the THX certification and extra 400 or so dollars this unit costs above the 575. I did try unplugging / eliminating other components to try to isolate the source of the problem, and I have to conclude the receiver itself is to blame. To confirm this, I hooked back up my 8 year old Onkyo -- not a hint of noise. The 777 does look great on paper, and maybe the problem is just a defective unit, but I would recommend this receiver only for those who purchase from a store with a generous return policy or are willing to tolerate a degree of audible hiss. To me, a THX certified receiver that lists for $1000 should deliver more than I experienced from this unit. The fact that HISS appears to be a running theme among the Onkyo reviews, but not so much in other vendor's areas, speaks volumes . . .

Just picked up a 777, and all I can say is wow! Would you belive I returned a Denon AVR-3300 for it! First observations are, NO HUM at all! 38lbs vs. 33 for Denon, much much better remote than Denon, and it is illuminated. Try using the Denon remote in the dark. The Denon was nice, but the Onkyo is nicer! Lacks a couple of inputs that the Denon has, but I will never use them. Just a much power, maybe a little more, has THX which really has made a difference in the couple of movies I have watched. On screen display nicer on the Onkyo. Bottom line Onkyo has more features, THX, much better remote, no fan, and to me sounds like a baby 939 for 1/3 the price. Way to go Onkyo! This ones a keeper.

I just got this and I love it! Unlike the other post that has a noise problem, I have a clean, rich sound! No hiss, love the features, and built like a tank! Onkyo is going to sell a lot of these. Glad I didn't follow the masses and buy that "rich, warm" sounding Denon. This is just as nice. This has great features, and IF the lack of component switching or a zillion channel input ever becomes a problem, that can be dealt with later. Audition one of these today and be objective and you will see that this is a great unit. Love the remote.

I just picked up the DS777, I LOVE IT> Wicked middles and highs. What struck me most was the clarity. I have Mirage FRX5's with their center and rears. My choices WERE based on my local high end audio store, and they were right. Even with my somewhat midrange, although well performing, speakers. The sound is tight and broad. The THX feature is not as dramatic as I thought it would be, but I have to say I am very pleased with the system.

I just wanted people to know that the Onkyo TX-DS777 model receiver with Dolby Digital / DTS etc. had just been recalled according to Onecall.com and Douglass TV. I was calling to get pricing and they both stated that they could not sell the product for about three weeks from now as all current units are being recalled. THe problem should be straighted out within the next couple weeks. I did not here exactly what the problem is but thought I would pass this along. I am very interested in this model and plan on purchasing it once the new "fixed" model is released.

I have had my TX-DS777 for a couple of weeks now...I just love it. However I did just get a call from ONKYO and they are recalling and replacing the units. Apparently there are some bad processors onboard some of the receivers. What I don't like is ONKYO's poor customer service. They are picking up the receiver via UPS ground, then will ship the replacement back via UPS ground. Expect a long delay folks....you'll be without your equipment at least a week, more likely two! You would think that they would have better customer service and pick it up overnight or 2nd day air and reduce to a mininum the amount of time the customer is without their stereo. 4 stars for the equipment. 2 stars for poor customer service.

5 channel stereo, 105 watts per cahnnel x 5, learning remote that is backlit, dts and dolby digital, a definite powerhouse.

static bursts

I loved this reciever, I had oringinally bought the Harmon Kardon Avr65 and was pretty pleased, the next day I went in to work and we had the new Onkyo 777. I locked myself in the sounroom for about three hours and compared the two. The HArmon may have sounded clearer but couldn'y compete with the power of the Onkyo. While the Harmon was distorting at lower volume levels the onkyo I was able to crank, and it sounded really good. The 5 channel stereo is a great feature over the old Onkyo's, and the backlit learning remote is very impressive. After switching over to the darkside for a day (Harmon Kardon), I'm back with Onkyo. The only problem it has is the annoying static bursts, and this is why it was recalled, and that is in fact the only flaw. But I will soon have a new Onkyo 777, as soon as we get them in.

Similar Products Used:

Harmon Kardon Avr 65