6.1 dts-es dts-ex, dolby prologic 2 decoders. very clear and crisp sound reproduction. a lot cheaper than denon here. a lot of dsps to choose your taste. cinemafilters and night listening. good amps even if it is rated only at 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms. great in movies! some don't like the aesthetics, but i like it a lot. it looks pretty good in gold with the dts and dolby logos in front. very sturdy casing.

clip connectors for speaker b connections, they should have made it like the tx-sr700 with all the binding posts for speaker connections. slow response in volume when using remote control. volume control not in db. you have to crank the volume up to 50 to hear the sound response. takes a little while to setup and configure the settings but you'll get used to it. should have 6.1 input configuration for pre amps.

i'm no technical maniac too but all i can say is that this is the receiver for me. produces very clear and undistorted sound imaginable. i've been planning to build a home theatre and did a lot of searching the web for reviews. at first, i would like to own a pioneer 810s or 811s for a receiver. i'm glad i didn't get it! i need the newer format used nowadays, and that's 6.1 setup. that's an additional center speaker at the back. the receiver of my choice should decode dts-es, dts-ex, dolby prologic 2, an ample set of connections and should be reliable. i narrowed my choices to onkyo and denon. i think these two are the best for this range, a little pricey but very reliable and has made a good reputation. you can get a better comparison if you read the reviews by other enthusiasts below. denon is more expensive and parts are very difficult for repairs as the salesperson suggested. for movies, a dvd player is a must for the ultimate theatrical experience. and onkyo delivers it with precision. it has very warm bass and very clear highs. the dts format is much louder than dolby setup. for music, some cds are unnatural when played with the receiver. like something is missing or not as lively. for me, i listen to modern rock to trance music most often. i'm using it with bose 301 series iv for fronts, a klipsch ksc-c1 for center and acoustimass 7 for rear speakers. i know bose bookshelf speakers should not be there but they sound great with onkyo. i have just to trim the volume down before the bose speakers get busted. but i'm planning to upgrade the fronts with b&w 602 series 3 speakers in the near future. i bought all of my speakers thru ebay auctions. some are brand new some are used but nearly new. one more thing, i placed the price in dollars.

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denon for this range

Dolby Digital EX (6.1) and DTS ES (6.1) On-Screen Display Great Configuration Options Good Remote (see below)

Just 2 rear optical inputs? C'mon! Remote isn't lighted (see my summary)

This is the first home theatre receiver I've purchased. I've always been an avid audio enthusiast, but I've never really configured a home theatre system. After recently purchasing a 43" Hitachi widescreen high-def TV, I thought I'd build a complete package. So I went out looking for receiver, and I finally settled on the Onkyo TX-SR600. I complemented this with a Panasonic DVD-CP67 5-disc progressive-scan DVD/CD changer and a full range of Polk speakers (2 R50 floor standing for front L/R surround, CSi20 center channel, 2 R20 bookshelf speakers for rear L/R surround, PSW202 10" 50-watt subwoofer -- hey, the subwoofer was free!) I must say that I'm very impressed with this receiver. The audio is crisp and clear. This receiver has far exceeded my expectations. I plan to soon purchase another speaker to make this a 6.1 setup. For reviews of the audio quality coming out of this receiver, you can read the other reviews as I have nothing more to add to those (I agree with them, and I'm not the best audio expert, so I'll refrain from commenting other than I really enjoy the receiver and think it was money well spent). There are two major drawbacks to this receiver though: the remote isn't backlit and there are only 2 optical connections in the rear. First the remote... easily solved. For those who want a lighted remote, go to www.onkyousa.com and order the remote for the TX-SR700. The 700 remote is identical to the 600's remote, but it's backlit. Works like a charm with no programming required (except for your DVD, CD changer, etc. if they are non-Onkyo products -- same as with the 600's remote). I paid $45 for the 700 remote. The backlight is awesome! The other drawback is the number of digital connections. 2 rear and 1 front optical and 1 rear coaxal. I have my computer connected to the rear coax digital connector (through an M-audio card), my DVD player through one optical, and soon I will be purchasing a 300-disc CD changer that will connect to the remaining rear optical. My tape deck will be connected through analog connections. I plan on purchasing an HDTV satellite receiver... guess what... no more digital connections (except the one in the front, which I do not want to use as a permanent connection because of looks). What to do? I guess I'll have to decide when I come to that fork in the road. Why didn't Onkyo put 3 rear opticals on this receiver? What were they thinking? Oh well.

Under $350, can't go wrong! HDTV Compatible (50MHZ bandwidth) Sound Options (6.1 Surround Sound) DD-EX , DTS-ES, Neo:6 On-Screen Display/Setup Latenight Loudness Feature Audio is clean, no interference or buzzing or hissing.

Only 2 Fiber Optical Inputs (Denon 1803 has 3) Remote doesn't light up Volume Steps? I can't hear crap under 50 No Mutil-Zone Features Speaker B inputs are clip inputs? CRAP!

Well I did some general research into receivers under the $400 range and came across 3, Denon 1803, Yamaha RX-V630 & the Onkyo TX-SR600. I tested all three units out at my local electronics store and doing comparison and features that each unit have, I came to a decision on the Onkyo TX-SR600. When I brought the unit home, I hooked it up to my Energy Take 5+1 system along with the ES-* subwoofer. Man does this thing kick A$%. My landlord complained about the noise after 10 minutes of watching Saving Private Ryan. Bullets and sound coming from all sides was awesome. I also got this badboy hooked up to my X-Box using the High Definition Advance Pack from a fiber optical cable and MechAssult sounds terrific. The Dolby Digital EX mode does justice. Even watching TV and listening to audio is a treat. Would have been nice if the my center channel was stronger but it does the job. Onkyo really does a great job at designing their products. The remote took some time to get used to, but the macro features are sweet. I could turn on my Toshiba 36" HDTV, Panasonic DVD player, Onkyo receiver and set the TV to Video input 1 with the push of 1 button. Nice.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-1803 Yamaha RX-V630 Yamaha HT-5560

The $500 AV receiver race has many strong competitors. I compared Onkyo TX-SR600 to the Yamaha RX-V630 and the Denon AVR-1803. The Yamaha was too bright (which would fatigue your ear after a little while of listening -- especially over the course of a two hour movie). The Onkyo and Denon have exceptional sound ... warm, powerful, and full. I would rate both as the best in this MOST important catagory. So, my decision as to which to purchase came down to two (the Onkyo & Denon). Because they are in the same price range their feature sets were very comparable with a few notable differences. The Denon's advantages are: 5 video inputs (vs. the Onkyo's 4) 6.1 analog ext. input (vs. the Onkyo's 5.1) Phono input (none for Onkyo -- however, I don't own/nor want a phonograph) You can assign the center rear speaker output to a second (mono) zone (no second zone for Onkyo) 32 bit DSP processing (vs. 24 bit for Onkyo) The Onkyo's advantages are: On screen display (vs. none for Denon) Learning remote with 2 macros (vs. preprogramed, non-learning remote for Denon) 50mHz component video switching - HDTV compatible (vs. 27mHz for the Denon - not HDTV compatible) 192/24 bit DACs for the front main speakers & 96/24 bit DACs for others (vs. 96/24 bit on all for Denon) Because the two receivers were so evenly matched in providing excellent sound, I weighed the feature differences and came up with my winner ... the Onkyo. Onkyo's on screen display makes setting up & maintaining the receiver SO MUCH EASIER. Onkyo's learning remote is awesome. For example, I programmed my two macro buttons which is so cool. Macro button one: turns on my TV, sets it to video input #2 (input for my receiver); turns on my receiver, dims the display of the receiver (movie mode), switches it to DVD input; turns on my DVD player, dims the display of the DVD player, opens the DVD tray (waiting for a DVD), and sets the remote to control the DVD player -- all with a touch of ONE BUTTON (this will impress your friends). Macro button two: turns on my TV, sets it to video input #2 (input for my receiver); turns on my receiver, switches it to video 2 input (my Dreamcast video game console); sets the surround sound to Dolby Prologic II (takes the stereo signal from my Dreamcast and creates full 5.1 surround sound) -- all with one button touch. Lastly, the 50mHz component video switching of the Onkyo will not degrade the video signal like the Denon, and allows me to input HDTV signal through my receiver (the heart of my home theater) to my 61" Hitachi Ultravision HDTV. If you'll notice, all of these features are "lifestyle advantages" not only technical advantages. Meaning they make the day-to-day living with the receiver much easier and this was the key for my decision. The only two features I wish the Onkyo DID have are: 6.1 analog ext. input (like the Denon) -- why wouldn't Onkyo provide this on a 6.1 channel receiver? Up converting from composite to S-video (neither the Onkyo nor Denon have this). You can't go wrong with the Onkyo or the Denon -- they are both AMAZING receivers and would have cost about $1,000 a year or two ago -- incredible value. But in my opinion, the Onkyo beats the Denon to the finish line.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-1803, Yamaha RX-V630

Crystal clear highs, very natural, tight, clean and detailed bass. Excellent Tuner, tunes in .5 increments instead of 1.0 for better tuning.

Absolutely none for the price, I'm very impressed

I have used this reciever for more than 3 months with excellent results. I let the receiver burn-in for 10 full days before bring home a Harman Kardon AVR-325 and a Denon AVR-1802. I thought the Denon or HK would be better than the Onkyo from reading some reviews, but after giving them both the same burn-in time, as I did with the Onkyo, in my house on the same components I am now a true Onkyo believer. The Onkyo is more natural and clearer with tighter, cleaner bass. Keep in mind that you will have to adjust the speaker outputs on all receivers to get the sound you desire. I noticed a few comments that there is no volume from 0-50 on the Onkyo. If you are finding this to be true you will need to increase the speaker outputs to around +10 as well as the Bass. This will make a huge difference. The Onkyo has a Low Gain just like Bryston B60 integrated amp, which means you will have turn it up to get the sound out. This is not a flaw. I can honestly say this is the best receiver of the bunch, at least it was with my system just give it a good 10 day Burn-in or longer(Burn-in means leaving it on with music playing through it).

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-1802, Harman Kardon AVR-325

Price point, feature list and build quality.

Remote control. Changing volume level can be slow.

The Onkyo impressed me the most with its price-to-feature level, its build quality and the fact that it is not flashy and loaded with a million buttons, switches, knobs and lights. Its purpose is to amplify sound, and it does it without being intrusive. The menu system for initial setup is easy to navigate. The speaker connects can be a little trying, since they are clustered a bit close to each other. The flexibility of assigning a Digital input to any of the source inputs is fantastic (ie, Optical 1 Input can be assigned to any of the inputs, such as VCR, DVD or CD.) The inclusion of DTS EX and Dolby Digital ES at this price point is amazing. The remote control is the ugliest I've seen in a while, with a few undersized buttons. The remote gives the appearance of a lighted remote - yet, it doesn't even glow in the dark. The simulated surround modes that it does offer are of excellent quality, although I don't make use of them. (Either DD, DTS or Stereo modes for my taste.) I mate this receiver with a Sony Tivo, Sony DVD Changer, Sony CD Mega Changer, JVC S-VHS VCR, an X-Box and a Sony 36" HDTV. Speakers used are Paradigm Studio/20's (x4), Paradigm Studio/CC and Velodyne Servo 15 subwoofer.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DE715 Pro-Logic receiver.

Great design people that find it hard to set up should try to set up a similer Denon. 6.1 sound great the only time these get returned is to upgrade to an Onkyo with more features. Buy an Onkyo hook it to good speakers with good cable and you will be pleased.

The remote does not have a light button

Hi I'm here to let the world know that Alaskans have an ear too. I sell both Onkyo and Yamaha recievers and my primary competion sells Denon. the Sr600 is fantastic I've used it with every thing from low end onkyo speakers to high end jamos (D830) the sound never failed to astound both myself and my customers. The only thing the Yamahas do better is all the sound fields they have, and I got bored with those pretty quick.

Similar Products Used:

HKs, Yamahas, Rotels, with 3 years field instalation experience with everything my customers come up with.

Rich, deep, well balanced sound... Not tinny. Plenty of power for my 5.1 channel configuration.

Esthetically, the Onkyo leaves a little to be desired. For those concerned with appearance, this might not be your unit. Setup is a little difficult, and the owner's manual wasn't quite as helpful as I had hoped.

I'm no technical maniac, and I can't by any means recite specs or comment on obscure mechanical details. What I do know is this: I shopped around for a long time, reading everything I could get my hands on about receivers. I compared dozens of units, all on the same pair of bookshelf speakers. And, in the final analysis, the 600 blew its similarly priced competition away. Although many other units boast higher watts/channel and have oodles of DSP settings, etc. The Onkyo simply produces crisper, warmer, fuller sound. I use this unit for both home theater and stereo applications, and so far I have few complaints (see below). Overall, I would absolutely recommend this receiver to anyone seeking high quality sound without breaking the bank.

Similar Products Used:

Sony products, ADS, Velodyne, Cerwin-Vega, etc.

all available surrond modes,good amount of digital outputs.sound great

I cant see the disply very well from my couch.

Have had this unit for about 1 month now,had bought it to replace my JVC rx884.Was looking for a r3ciever a little higher end,and wanted DTS and PL11.I had owned 2 previous JVC's and was always pretty happy with them,just wanted something a little better.WOW,I tested it out on the Matrix DVD,I was amazed at the difference.Even my wife who doesnt know much more than sounds good or not,noticed a huge improvement.I had been thinking my speakers were what I just wasnt quite happy withbefore.This reciever saved me from buying new speakers,it is a completly different sound.Very ,happy with this unit so far

Similar Products Used:

JVC

Used with Toshisba sd-2108 DVD Jamo 98 Front B&W CC6 Centre Jamo Cornet rears Aaron Sub 120 Sub Wharfdale 2180 centre rear

Nothing from 0-45 on the volume level. Remote a bit tricky!

Replaced my Onkyo tx-747, which was a great receiver, the purchase of the tx-sr600 was a long trip to many retail shops looking for the right mix from music and movies. I think I made the right choose! A very fine receiver, stereo sound is well balanced and Movie just rock DTS/Dolby are both awesome.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Tx-747 1998