5 Channel Stereo
Remote Ergonomics

Noise in the center channel
No component switching
No multi surround (like denon)

My job is mostly high end consulting and installing of Home Theaters in Northern California.

The recent crop of new av receivers has created some home work for me. Just recently I have done some in home testing/selling on the following receivers:

1. Denon 3300
2. Onkyo 777
3. HK AVR500
4. Pioneer 26TX

I used the following configuration: (a customers home which is an atypical situation due to the odd configuration of the room)

Room Size 11 x 18 (Difficult to control sound due to open on one side)
TV: Sony Wega 36"
Speakers:
Infinity RS5 Front (about 10 ft apart and 1 ft from back wall
Infinity CC3 Center (on top of tv)
Infinity QPS Surr (At the sides/rear about 2 ft back and side)
JBL 250 watt 10" sub

The reason for the specific speaker configuration was that these were already in place of the customer's residence..

Denon: Lively Rich Sound! Great Features such as 5 channel stereo, and Component Video Switching! As well as Multi-Surround A&B (I didn't get to use the multi-surround due to the lack of a 2nd set of surround speakers). Very nice features for this level of equipment. The thing I noticed most about the Denon was the purity of the sound. It had absolutely no background noise. I used the DTS most recent demo disk and the results were simply spectatular. Honestly I was very surprised to find the RS5 speakers to have such a dynamic sound. In the past I've only heard the RS5's on lower end equipment (Yam 795 and on a HK AVR45) The sound was much too bright with either of those. On the Denon the staging was incredible. I closed my eyes and could actually believe I was listening to a $2000/pr speaker (Yes! that clear and full). For 5 chan stereo, I'd personally put some RS5's or maybe RS3's for the rear to get a better match as the QPS did well for surround dispursion they would get lost on the one side of the room due to "no wall" The direct radiating RS5's or 3's would have made 5 chan stereo much better. In 5.1 DD for movies, I was very impressed too. The Denon was effortless in pushing even the most detailed sections of action, and I was never tempted to adjust the center channel due to inconsistencies in the vocal track. The thing most impressive was the lack of noise during silent sections. The Denon was absolutely quiet. Even the fan was impossible to hear. (Smart Fan!) Well talking about fans!... Denon, you've make a fan out of me!! Although he, my customer, could afford to buy a Denon 5700, I'm recommending the 3300 due to the incredible value and the fact that he doesn't really need much more power to push those Infinity RS speakers. I have to make a small sub note here, that the combination of the warmth and fullness of the Denon receiver, and the clarity and crispness of the Infinity RS5's, I've definately changed my opinion of the Infinity RS line! Again my hat's off to Denon for making a quality product that can span such a great gap between audiophile quality sound and mainstream componentry to make a near perfect HT Receiver.

Onkyo 777:
Well all the above praise about the Denon may make one think that the Onkyo pale in comparison. I'd have to admit that I was impressed by the quality of the sound and the strength of the detail. I won't be long here due to the fact that there was a discouraging remark and that was a "deal breaker." The center channel had an odd noise that immediately turned my customer off on this unit. (I don't know if it was some interference or what, I didn't really get to tinker long with it since the customer was so negative about his immediate experience. We did however listen to the 5 channel stereo mix, and I was impressed as I was with the Denon. Although the fullness of the sound of the Denon was more complementary of the Infinity RS speakers.

Pioneer 26TX:
Nice unit, has ample power and drives the RS speakers well. The problem here was not anything specific, it just didn't sound very lively! I mean it seemed to have good volume and good bass, but it lacked definition. It was basically flat sounding. It really did nothing for the speakers. I let the customer make his own opinion and he noted the same. He said that it didn't seem to "jump out at you"

HK AVR500:
Wow, for such a very low price point, this unit rocks. I was impressed by the feature set and it did sound quite clear and detailed! The only drawback was the DSP assimilated 5 channel stereo was terrible. The clarity was completely lost, and the rear channels sounded processed. I hate processed music. Now that's my opinion, my customer on the other hand was very impressed with the sound. I actually had to ask him if he heard the reverberation of the rears, and he didn't really recognize it. He thought that was part of the sound of the disk, I then said listen for a few minutes, and then we'll put the Denon back on.
At that point he noticed exactly what I meant by the difference between the two. Overall a very good unit, but don't buy for the music, buy if you are a primarly HT listener.

Here are my results, and my recommendation to my customer.

Denon 3300:
Sound quality: 95 (Full Soundstage and unmatched clarity)
Stereo/Music: 99 (can it be done better at this price?)
Dolby 5.1: 94 (Lack of background noise was amazing)
Remote ergonimics: 89 (could have been much better)
Feature Set: 98 (Improve the remote and nothing touches it!)
Overall: 97

Onkyo 777
Sound quality: 90 (Good Soundstage but center noise)
Stereo/Music: 94 (very close to the Denon 5 chan stereo)
Dolby 5.1: 92 (Somewhat noisy yet detailed and powerful)
Remote ergonimics: 92 (Good remote)
Feature Set: 94 (Missing Component Video switching and multi surrround)
Overall: 92

Pioneer 27TX:
Sound quality: 89 (Ok Soundstage yet simple sounding)
Stereo/Music: 91 (can be done better at this price!)
Dolby 5.1: 94 (Nice 5.1 good mix good power)
Remote ergonimics: 93(Best remote of this group)
Feature Set: 90(Dated features, THX, but nothing else)
Overall: 92

HK AVR500:
Sound quality: 95 (Full Soundstage and great clarity)
Stereo/Music: 90 (Sad 5 chan DSP ok 2 chan)
Dolby 5.1: 94 (Good sound to all channels great detail)
Remote ergonimics: 91 (Nice but pretty generic)
Feature Set: 93 (Nice attempt to DSP the 5 chan, but otherwise good feature set)
Overall: 93

I wholeheartedly recommended the Denon to my customer, the acoustics of his room, plus the complementary sound with his speakers made this choice a "NO BRAINER!" He was very pleased with the decision and gladly paid the consulting fee.

Thank you for your time reading this and if you are in the market for a Home Theater or Audio system for your home, I'd be happy to work with you to make your shopping experience a pleasure, but even more so, your decision a successful one!

Mark

avmaster@consultant.com

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3300 (I recommended!)
HK AVR500 (Good, yet lacked musically)
Pioneer 26Tx (Poor feature set)

Clean power, 5 channel stereo mode, input labeling, video remapping for other input sources

High heat output even with volume down at minimum level.
Inability to passthrough last selected video source while in standby mode (this might be inherent in all A/V receiver, but it is still annoying).

Happy with this receiver, blows away all other receivers I have used in the past. Remote is superior to others I have seen. 5 channel stereo mode is awesome. Heat output is considerable, thinking about installing a exhaust fan in my entertainment system. Heat output is considerable even when volume level in set to minimum. Annoying video switching, must have receiver on to view DSS S-video output if piped through receiver(Thus also related to my heat issue).

clear sound, power, digital out, large display screen, remote, 5 channel stereo, dvd audio ready

would like the dolby 7.1 channel future upgrade feature, no memory for surround settings, a b surround speaker selection

had the dtr7 and denon 3300 at home side by side for 1 month. whew!!!!!tough decision. i was upgrading my onkyo pro logic since i just purchased their integra single dvd player. it was time for dolby digital. read all the great reviews on the denon so i had to hear it before i did anything, altho the dtr7 was at the top of my list from the beginning since i was very pleased with the sound of my old onkyo. first i did a/b switching between the denon and onkyo, using a sub. the denon was a little smoother on the bottom,but overall a boring and bland sound. music and vocals were in the rear, with not much detail at all. it handle softer music well, but when it came time to rock a little, forget it. no punch at all. the dtr7 is much clearer and detailed, with a tighter, punchier bass. an overall better sound, not so laid back as the denon. anyway, paid for the dtr 7 today and totally satisfied. i had to overlook the extra denon features that i liked in order to get the sound i wanted from the dtr7. i highly recommend this receiver.

Similar Products Used:

denon 3300

THX, DTS, No Hiss, and Power

Remote

I love this unit except for 1 minor problem that I am having. The remote is not learning my Sony DSS or my JVC XV-511bk DVD Player commands. The unit flashes like it has learned a command, but when I try to use it nothing. I had no trouble programming my Toshiba TV and I'm now wondering if I have a bad remote. If any of you have had similar problems and know a work around please e-mail me with the fix.

Thanks

Michael

Clarity, Power, Nice Remote

Humm in center channel

My receiver too had the humm in the center channel. I called Onkyo and they said they just needed to install a circuit in the center channel amplifier (probably a notch filter for the frequency of the humm). I took mine to a service center and it took an hour to add the circuit. The humming sound was softer but not completely gone, but the difference is noticeable. Onkyo customer service told me the frequencies emmanating from the TV are picked up by the amplifier in the receiver because of its increased bandwidth capabilities. Their solution is either get the circuit installed or get a new TV which does not cause this problem. The choice is trivial.

As for the performance of the receiver, it has an incredible soundstage and very solid sound. Deserves 4.5 *'s because of solid performance but not 5 *'s because of slightly audible humm even after servicing.

Similar Products Used:

H/K AVR500, H/K AVR45

Detailed, neutral, full-bodied, enveloping sound

Somewhat cold in stereo, noise and hum

I am now faced with a hard choice - Onkyo TX-D777 or Denon AVR3300. In that price range,there is nothing else comparable. Not that either of the machines are perfect.
I bought Onkyo first, then returned it for the well-known noise and humm from the center channel. Now I am with Denon and contemplate going back to Onkyo.

Here is my breakdown:

Stereo sound: Onkyo sounds more neutral, punchy and dynamic than Denon. On the downside, Onkyo can be a little cold. I compared Denon sound with his power amps and with Arcam amp connected on its line outs. My conclusion is that Denon favors midrange a bit (both lower and upper). This gives
nice presence, imaging and immediacy to the sound, but makes highs a bit edgy and bass a bit warm. I guess that is why many people describe Dennon's sound as 'rich and lively'. Again, Onkyo's full-bodied and dynamic sound is easier to listen to in the long run. It can be a bit cold (what people describe as 'clean, clear sound'. Both amps are powerful enough for most rooms, but more body and dynamics of Onkyo makes it seem 'more powerful', even though it is not. My main problem with Denon is that its elevated midrange goes
into lower highs as well, making true high frequences
masked. Very often, I felt as though I am getting
the virtual highs instead of the real ones (similar for the
bass). That normally happens when a component favors
upper midrange that is mistakenly described as 'highs'.
Onkyo seemed smoother and less colored overall. Denon's
midrange favors strings and some chamber classical,
but makes everything seem a bit hard and flat.

Home theater: Largely benefiting from mind's distraction while watching movies, both receivers are fine for Dolby Digital.
Denon's midrange makes crashes, explosions and other
stuff sound dramatic and good imaging makes directional
queues easy to follow. Again, Onkyo has more full-bodied
sound that makes your speakers seem 'bigger'. While
watching 'Amadeus' (not the usual choice for demo DVDs),
classical soundtrack sounded more enveloping and
fuller with Onkyo (somewhat 'in your face' midrange
of the Denon made the movie less enjoyable). However, Matrix DVD was big and spectacular through Denon (didn't try Onkyo, but do not expect the experience to be less thrilling, quite the opposite).
On some movies, Onkyo's THX Cinema seemed effective on
all the movies, but not all the time. Generally, it gave
more of a 'cinema' sound than Denon's Re-EQ circuit.

Tuner: Denon has a much better sounding and quiter tuner.
Also, it lets you search and memorize all the station it
can tune automatically. Onkyo's tuner is only fair. At one
point, I got channel bleeding between the tuner and
the VCR. I didn't have time to check if I assigned inputs
properly, but that concerned me a lot.

User experience: Both receivers are heavy and well built.
Denon looks more aesthetically pleasing (Onkyo is a fairly
common black box). I don't care about component switching
because I don't beleive that receivers have broadcasting quality switchers, so I will run the component signal directly to the TV
(when I get HDTV, that is). Denon is quiter overall - Onkyo
has hiss comming from all channel, but central channel hiss
is the most problematic. I cured the hum by moving the receiver to the bottom shelf of my rack, but I hated to bend over for any adjustment on the unit.

Conclusion: both units leave something to be desired. Although they have much batter sound than budget receivers, they are far from good-sounding separates in direct stereo mode. At
the moment, I will keep the Denon until my Hi-Fi store
gets the new batch of Onkyo 777 receivers and will try
another unit to see if Onkyo fixes the humm and noise problem.
However, I decided to stop hunting stereo sound and
separate my systems. I will try to get the best
stereo sound from my audio-only system (in my small stydy - just quality, no power needed due to small space) and get the receiver that is better for video needs (probably
Onkyo, if I get the unit without center channel hiss and hum). Bottom line:
don't expect to get perfect audio and perfect video sound
in this price range from a receiver. It just cannot be done.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR3300

Learning backlit remote, multiple digital inputs, S-video switching, on screen display

size, speaker binding posts

Very pleased so far. I purchased this receiver on an auction as a refurb, but it had absolutely no defects and 1 year warranty from Onkyo. Problems listed on this site with center channel hiss were obviously repaired in refurb. I am using this mainly for home theater with Bose Acoustimass 6. I cannot get the speakers set up in position in my current apartment, but I am still impressed with the sound(although the bass is weak until I can get the bass module set up properly..I can always add subwoofer at later date if dissatisfied). I am very pleased with the # of options this receiver offers for the price, although I was a little surprised at the power. I thought I would blow out the windows with the 105W to each channel, but my 50W HK probably had more at the top(just more proof that power ratings are deceiving based on how they perform the testing and report the results). I still have a lot of work to do to get the setup correct so I may find be even more pleased with the output once I get the setup optimized. This receiver will be the center piece for my system in my house and even if it sounds the same as it does right now when optimized, I won't be disappointed. Onkyo has discontinued this model, but for the price, I can't believe the 787 has much more to offer. Best Price was an outstanding vendor and will sell refurbs well below going prices on Ebay, but for some reason people don't use common sense and contact the vendor direct. I guess they have money to burn. If you can get this model for less than $600, it is still a steal.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon AVR20II

DSP modes-build quality-brand name-THX

LACK of BASS

I bought this model based on the reviews and am disappointed with this unit. It is way too bright! Maybe it is just me. I don't get that warm feeling others are talking about. I just can't seem to find anything that can compare the the pure power and sound that came out of my Onkyo A-RV401 integrated AMP in a combined unit. I've tried the top of the line Sonys and the 575x and now the 777 with no luck. Someone please help me. I don't want to have to crank my volume up to feel the warmth. :) PLEASE....PLEASE....PLEASE if anyone knows of an receiver that can give me the power, price and sound that I want.....PLEASE get ahold of me!!!! I need help! the 401 made my Vega 15's shatter windows...is there anything out there that will do the same thing but have all the bells and whistles as well?

Similar Products Used:

SONY

abundant, clean power, functional jack field, 5 ch stereo, DTS,THX certification, preouts for all channels, and that SWEET remote unit!

Users manual, no surround setup for 'B'speakers.

Let me begin by saying that I have a (B) unit with NO Hiss or Hum whatsoever. I'm not saying it doesn't exist. I have read the other ninety some reviews posted, and did extensive research BEFORE deciding to go ahead and purchase an Onkyo anyway. I am saying that in all volume settings but max, this unit is DEAD QUIET.

I have auditioned the Bose systems (sounds great until you take em' out of the store and do an A/B comparison with another setup), Have gone to Circuit City and The Wiz to compare the Onkyo with Denon and Marantz. I found the later to be a bit anemic at higher levels, compared to the first two. The Denon AVR-2800 is really some machine. It is warm sounding and clean(more quiet than the Onkyo, if that's possible)and handles music quite well. The mids, and highs have a little coloration there, which I'm sure some people prefer. There's no THX certification though, and a lack of digital outputs. I was also less than mesmorized by the DSP fields offered.

I found the Onkyo easy to listen to for long periods of time without fatigue(and I spent HOURS listening to it before I was comfortable with purchasing). I found the DSP modes, while somewhat basic, to be very adjustable to a variety of listening tastes. While at Circuit City, a strange thing happened. I auditioned a $3000 H/K unit just to really hear a 'serious' unit, and then compared it to the Onkyo 939 unit. While toggling between stereo, THX, and the various modes, We lost the movie sound (Batman Returns) in any mode but stereo. Go figure. And while I did notice a big differance between the H/K and the 939 (the soundstage and the reach withe th H/K was unbelievable), I couldn't discern a huge differance between the 939 and the 777, except that the 939 played louder. As it should. I did notice a little center channel hiss in the 777, but was explained to that this was a pre-recall unit. The Onkyo was definitely within my price range. the H/K definitely was not. This 777 was a splendid compromise between value and price point.

I found a good deal ($750 delivered) at SoundCity, and decided to go for it. My previous system consisted of a Technics SA GX505, mated to Cambridge Soundworks Ensembles....... Ok, are you done laughing? I found this to be a great starter system, even though movies required constant adjustment of the center and surrounds. But then, these channels were only supplying 10 watts! (with about 110 watts to each front channel). I now understand the differance between amps of this type, and 'high current' amps.The differance in dynamic headroom is phenoninal. I also realize that these speakers need a lot of power to behave at least halfway decently. You definitely have to bi-wire these from the amp in order to get any appreciable results. Before now, sound came right from the box (left and right). No imaging to speak of, all the instruments seemed to be on the same plane. the Onkyo changed that. With all that reserve power, these are different speakers. Not perfect speakers, but I am upgrading piece by piece. Vocals now seem to float between the left and right boxes, and while there appears to be less bass (as in not 'boomy')it is much, much tighter and better defined. I haven't purchased a DVD yet, but I have seen the future, and know what to expect. More in an updated review.

To correct the low end, I connected a Velodyne CT-100. What a marriage! Could have bi-amped this, but would actually have more low end than I require, or could handle. For the fronts, I have considered the Vandersteen 2Cs, and have heard them hooked up to a Sony STRDB-930. Nice sound, however the Amp does nothing for me. Very hard to adjust in movie mode (fronts, have no seperate adjustments, VERY weak in the surrounds). Maybe not tweaked properly, but if you've watched the Matrix, you know what it's like to be dodging bullets in your living room. Listening with the Sony, even with the Vandys, did not give me experience. The Onkyo did, even with an analog connection, AND on VHS! And with Cambridge Soundworks boxes!!!!

I know there are better systems out there, but this Onkyo unit is something else. Especially for the price! It is loaded with options. I find it to be extremely flexible with a range of equipment and listening arrangments. I only expect this to get better, as I upgrade to digital inputs, and higher end speakers. For you satisfied 777 owners, out there, I welcome your suggestions. For those of you considering one, please don't believe all the negative crap you read. Hell, don't even take my word for it. If you can get an in-home audition, do so, or visit your local dealers for a test drive. I guarantee you won't be sorry.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TXDS 575, 676, 939; Denon AVR-2800, 3200, Sony STRDB930

Power, THX, 5CH Stereo, Optical Output, Learning Remote.

Hisss (this will be solved very soon, according to Onkyo)

Three and a half years ago I bought an Onkyo TX-SV727R. Because I bought a DVD player last month, I decided to upgrade my receiver to a new digital receiver. Because I had no problem with my 'old' Onkyo, I bought the Onkyo TX-DS777.

After coming home I unpacked the unit, connected all my equipement and turned it on. Whoh! What the hell is this? As soon as I turned the volume from "min" to "1" and above, I noticed a his coming from my center speaker (at that time I was 1 foot away from it, I thought that this might be the problem). I moved to my seat on the sofa. I couldn't believe it, I could still hear the his at a distance of 10 feet! I could also hear a his coming from the rear- and frontchannels. My rear channels are at 4 feet from my ears, maybe this is not the ideal distance, but with my old receiver I had NO his coming from the rear channels at this distance.

I called Acoustical (this is the distributor of Onkyo for the Netherlands) and explained them the problem. They said they were aware of the problem and are waiting for a solution which has to come from Onkyo's distributor in Europe which is in Germany. As soon as they know what to do I'll receive a phonecall from Acoustical. Let's hope a solution will arrive shortly.

Beside the his, I am very satisfied with the Onkyo. Enough power, THX, Optical Output, learning remote etc.
If anyone is looking for a new receiver, I will definitely recommend the Onkyo.

I gave 5 stars because I'm sure Onkyo will solve the hisss problem.

cya,
Jeroen

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-SV727R