dd6.1, thx-ex, dts6.1, enhanced 7 dsp for sport and music

remote and speaker hook-up at the back

clear and crisp sound. this baby sounds GREAT for home theater for 5.1 channel for both DD and DTS. And speacially for 6.1 or thx-ex DVDs. Enhanced 7 DSP is really AWESOME for sport events.

The only thign I have trouble using is the remote. Even though it is a great learning remote, you always have to select the right a/v component before you can select the function. Also the speaker hook-ups at the back is kinda hard but once you're done...when it is movie time, it's worth. So it's still the BEST.

Similar Products Used:

DSTX777, HK-AVR500

many

none

This thing is slammin'.

My system:

onkyo 787
jbl j-2080's mains
jbl sc-305 center and rear center
paradigm adp-170's sides
jbl ps-120 sub
rca 8" modified sub rears/center rear
sony cd player/cassette player
yamaha dvd player
dish network satellite system
monster thx certified speaker cable/sub cables
monster interconnects
radio shack gold interconnects
monster gold tips all speakers
adcom/panamax surge protection/enhancement

Similar Products Used:

none

Great 5.1, 6.1 sound from either DTS or Dolby Digital. Smooth and not harsh sounding - hardly ever need to engage re-equilization.

Not as "full sounding" on 2 channel stereo - but adequate for most music.

I would really give the overall rating as 4.5 stars. If it were a little better with 2 channel music, I wouldn't hesitate giving it a 5.

With home theater, this receiver is a killer! Never harsh, even at EXTREMELY loud SPLs. Its cooling fan has never been heard. It's smooth, punchy and acurate. Watching the ultimate edition of T2 in ex/es was better than watching it for the first time at the movie theater! Watching Saving Private Ryan in DTS is truly impressive! I've had it for 4 months now and it is simply amazing.

With 2 channel music, my first Digital receiver (yamaha RXV-793) sounded a little "fuller" and "smoother", especially in the low end. But overall music listening was very good (especially on jazz CDs!).

Overall, this receiver is highly recommended! The value rating should actually be a 5.5. For about a grand (or less if you shop around), you could do no better. I have never listened to the Denon 3801, but considering this receiver has THX certification and actually cost a little less than the 3801, I didn't need to.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS787
Sony KV 36XBR250 Television
Bose AM7 (front and center surround)
Bose AM3 (side surround)
Bose VCS-10 (center channel)
Sunfire True Subwoofer MK II (LFE .1 channel)
Pioneer DVL 919 (laserdisc/DVD player)
Sony (5 disc dvd/cd changer)
Magnavox (VCR)
Monster Cable and Esoteric Audio (interconnects)
Monster Cable (surge surpressor)

Solid quality sound in movies and music, great build quality, solid (and easy to use) remote, excellent digital processors, THX Select and 6.1 for under a grand, etc etc.

If I have to nitpick....no DTS-ES discrete (but I'm only using a 5.1 setup right now anyway)

I had the 676 from Onkyo and had really enjoyed using it for about a year, but I have an Audio addiction and I felt the need to upgrade my receiver. I have the distinct advantage of working for a national electronics retailer who happens to sell Onkyo products, so was fortunate enough to get this unit very inexpensively. In the back of my mind, I knew that while the extra 15 wpc RMS would make a difference in the sound, I had no idea it could be this profound. It is like listening to the same music hearing things I never have before. I can't say enough about the quality of sound I get from this unit. DD and DTS performance are both among the best I've heard. The amps in this receiver have taken everything I've thrown at them in stride and performed beautifully. There really isn't enough I can say about it except if you have the means and are in the market for a quality receiver, go for it. Only two minor nitpicks...no ES discrete (but not important to me for now) and the TX-DS696...it's a retail of $200 more for THX, the sixth channel, and a digital out...if you want all the quality of the 787 but don't need these three key features, get the 696. But for me personally, I wouldn't trade my receiver for anything else right now.

The System:
TX-DS787
Onkyo DXC370 CD changer
Sony DVPS360 DVD (upgrade to progressive scan due soon)
Sony KV27FV16 (small but quality TV)
Polk RT800's
Polk CS400i
Polk f/x500i's (I highly reccommend dipoles for use with THX)
Velodyne HGS-12
Monster Cable everywhere (speaker cables, video cables, and Analog audio cables are all M series, sub cable is Z-Series)
Monster Power Conditioner HTS2000

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Onkyo TX-DS676

build quality, remote, sound for movies

music is solid, but not up to same standard as movies

my system:

sony hs5310 monitor
onkyo 787 receiver
toshiba progressive scan 6200 dvd
edge audio 502d sub/sat system

i'd give this 4.5 stars if i could, i'm taking a half point away because i think the sound for music is just shy of full sounding. movies are terrific, i really like the remote--the learning setup is intuitive and easy, and i even mixed and matched different remote signals on the same function, with good success. setup was not too bad, and calibration was intuitive and easy. this is an excellent buy

Similar Products Used:

denon

Simple setup, Crisp sound field, valid default configuration

Back of unit a bit cramped, only 2 digital input (optical)

I looked at the Denon 3801 (didn't think the quality was as good as the Onkyo) and the Yamaha RX-V1000 (nice remote, but didn't have the audio "punch" that the Onkyo seems to have).
I am not an audiophile, but I did do my homework and did listen to a lot of units.
The only downside I could find was noted by another reviewer below and that was the terminals are a bit close on the back... but I'm not a designer, so what do I know.
I liked the idea of the built-in cooling fan and the little extras such as "night mode" and the buttons on the remote to temp. alter the speaker balance "on the fly", without going into the setup. I do like this unit !!
Speakers:Polk
Front RT1000i
Center CS400i
Side F/X 500i
Sub PSW450
Rear (nothing yet)

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic, Sony, Aiwa

none

weak bass, not clear at all. poor sound quality in sterio mode

This is a follow-up to my previuos review.
I have lived with this receiver for a little over a month now and my review stands. This equipment is over hyped. It's lacking in clean solid bass. As I stated before my old Sony strd1015 clearly out performes this receiver in both surround sound mode(saving private ryan)and sterio mode. Saving Private Ryan shook the house. The Normandy Beach landing was scary played through the 7 year old Sony receiver. Had the house shaking. Played through the Onkyo, not the same.(dont tell me its because it was the second time i saw it)I have been listening to Pink Floyd the wall for years, still the best, not the same played through the Onkyo.
To those who will base there purchase on some of the other reviews posted here, don't do it. Use these reviews as a starting point only. Then go audition it live. Take plenty of time. Bring a favorite music cd and a favorite movie. You will know how it should sound. If it sounds better, buy it. If you can't tell, don't waste your money. You will end up like me. Spent $748 and not to happy with my purchase.
If I had the chance I would gladly return it.
Only know what I hear. For me this was $748 thrown out the window. When it is paid off I will put it the closet with the other stuff no one uses anymore. You know, the junk closet we all have in our house. I will then move the Sony unit back to the living room.
This has been my non technical opinion based only on listening to what I like. This is what I hear.
No other equipment was changed. Same cd/dvd player, speakers, tv set, cables, wires, speaker placement.
(I dont work for Onkyo or Sony.)

Similar Products Used:

sony strd1015

Ease of setup, sound quality.

Absolutely none

I paid twice as much for my Yamaha 2090 6 years ago, and it doesn't have half the features and power of this puppy. THX certification, 6 amps at 100 watts (measured conservatively) digital inputs, a great remote. To the guy that gave it 1 star below, wrong, Denon's gain is YOUR loss. I had trouble finding this but finally did. It was worth the wait. I'm using it with Boston Acoustic CR9s back and front and a sub. First 15 minutes watching Saving Private Ryan and I feel like bullets and shells are going off in my den. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha 2090

DSP's,Power,OSD,Ease of set up,remote (not used, I have a Pronto)6.1 out and solid build.

none so far

Excellent AV receiver no complaints. Does everything needed. DTS-ES (discrete) would have been nice, but DTS-ES (Matrix) and THX EX works for me. Not to mention there is not that much DTS-ES discrete software out yet. Works fine, sounds great and over all should make most mid to high range system owners happy.

Considered getting the Denon 3801. I needed 2 coax inputs. The 3801 have 1 coax and 3 optical inputs. Plus, I have had good experience with Onkyo equipment.

Onecall was exactly, one call. Ordered on a Monday and received Wednesday morning. Great services. Plus free shipping.


Set up"

AV : Onkyo 787
TV :Toshiba TZ61V61
DVD:Toshiba SD-3205
VCR: Panasonic SVHS
CBL: GI Explorer 2000
Tape: Pioneer dual deck
EQ: Pioneer 7 band (used on tape and monitoring amp out put only)
CD:: Kenwood 324 200 disk changer

Fronts: AR 428PS
Center: AR C226PS
Surrs : AR 215PS
Back : AR 215PS
Sub: Infinity BU120

Pronto controls all devices

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Onkyo 575X (moved to bedroom)-Also good for the money
Kenwood VR 309 - Good no thrills performance

True 6.1 sound and upgradable to 7.1 with amp, second room /second source built in amp. Great 2 channel sound.

Doesn't look as cool as others in this price range(I know that's pretty lame) Just 2 optical in's...

After 2 months of looking at every receiver out there, this one gives you the most bang for the buck period.

True 6.1 channel amp. and if you add a small amp to this baby you can have 7.1 sound using the 7.1 preouts.

Remote is excellent and all keys light up in the dark.

Seperate amp and control for a second room in your house. you can listen to cd's in one room and the home theater in the main room.

Pure 2 channel stereo sound with no dsp's is very good and crisp. Dsp's suck anyway and they are a waste of space.

Bought the Yamaha htr-5280 and returned it immedietly after hearing this thing.

The next step from here is a 2 0r 3 thousand dollar receiver.

Onyko power rating is the most accurate of all brands.

This receiver is awesome, I'm very happy.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha htr-5280... Returned it to buy this one!