Onkyo TX-SR705

[matz2]

Anyone have any experience with this receiver? Looks to be the best value among mid-range receivers. Tons of features and it seems to be futureproof.

AVS seems to speak highly about it...

The Official Onkyo TX-SR705 Thread (FAQ in 1st Post) - AVS Forum

[craigblitz]

Hi Matz2 -

I recently just purchased the Onkyo 605 and I think the only difference between that and the 705 is the extra HDMI port and I think the 705 might have some more Watts going out to each channel.

Having said that, I love this receiver. Simple to setup, tons of connections, easy to use and fits my needs perfectly.

Some things you might want to look into is that when passing video through HDMI it will only pass what the source is, no upconverting. So take some time to read AVS on the up/down converting to 1080p and 1080i etc. To me it is not a huge issue since my TV is 720.

[Apache]

Onkyo has a very good line or AV receivers. But with anything, the sound and capability is everything. For example..my 5 Klipsch speakers sound entirely different with a Marantz receiver than an Onkyo receiver. I know this because I have had both receivers. The guideline to use is your ears and your budget. If you can have the audio store set up speakers and receivers as you would use, that is best. Ignore the snobby audiophiles who try to steer you to a certain product. Only let your ears be the guide. I personally love Yamaha-Marantz-Pioneer Elite receivers but the Onkyo is certainly no slouch. if you plan to use HDMI components (which many systems today use) make sure it has that feature as well.

Take a few CD's that you know and love to the music store. Take a moment and listen to the parts you like to hear. To check bass, Try taking a CD with really low sounds and bass and listen to see if it all sounds muddy. Also take a good movie with nature shots like the movie with Meryl Streep doing the River Wild thing. See how it displays nature for your eyes.

Personally, I love the bright sound of Klipsch speakers with a Marantz reveiver, but your ears need to be the guide. If you plan on using the receiver in a Audio-Visual system, make sure your tv and receiver are compatible. If one does not support the 1080 DPI the whole shebang may be compromised. Talk to an expert at one of the upscale audio shops and take your time learning all of the new features. For me, I still have a good number of LP's vinyl platters and a B & O turntable as well as Pioneer Elite, Klipsch and Marantz and all of that. So make sure it sounds good and displays pictures very well.

[matz2]

Originally Posted by craigblitz

Hi Matz2 -

I recently just purchased the Onkyo 605 and I think the only difference between that and the 705 is the extra HDMI port and I think the 705 might have some more Watts going out to each channel.

Having said that, I love this receiver. Simple to setup, tons of connections, easy to use and fits my needs perfectly.

Some things you might want to look into is that when passing video through HDMI it will only pass what the source is, no upconverting. So take some time to read AVS on the up/down converting to 1080p and 1080i etc. To me it is not a huge issue since my TV is 720.

Thanks guys- I was originally looking at the 605/606 (which seems to be a great value as well), but found a pretty good deal on the 705. After doing some research, this seems to be the difference between the 605 & 705:

General
- THX Select 2 Certification (605 has no THX)
- additional 10 watts per channel
- onboard fans for cooling
- Blue backlighting around the volume knob!!
- Advanced remote control - fully backlit with learning/programming abilities

Audio Processing
- 3 DSPs and more listening modes
- Audyssey MultiEQ vs 2EQ on the 605. MultiEQ is more advanced and supports 8 listening positions rather than 2
- 7 band equaliser vs 5 band
- expanded range of crossover frequencies (70Hz and 90Hz)
- ability to post process 5.1 channel PCM signals (ie from internally decoding BD/HDDVD players) to 6.1 or 7.1 (605 apparently cant do this on 5.1ch PCM)
- accepts DSD format (from SACDs) over multi channel inputs
- 605 cant apply Audyssey when processing TrueHD/DTS-MA bitstreams over HDMI 1.3 due to less processing power

Inputs/Outputs
- +1 HDMI input
- +1 digital coax audio input
- +1 optical audio output
- 7.1 channel RCA pre-outs
- Phono input
- 12V trigger out
- IR in (for infrared repeater systems)
- RS232 COM port
- zone 2 speaker connections have proper binding posts

As far as the upconversion, you are correct. The 705 does not upconvert to 1080P. However, the 705 passes signals from the same source input type to the same source output type at whatever resolution it was when it began. So if you passing a 1080P HDMI or component signal through the receiver, it will remain 1080P. On the other hand, if you are passing a 1080P component signal through the HDMI, it will come through as 720P.

[Taosman]

In order of importance for best sound;
1. speakers=half your budget...this is the "voice" of your system
2. source...the better your "source" the better your sound/picture
3. amplification...makes the least difference in overall quality ...how many of those sound processors/ options will you really use?
(your priorities may be different)
If it sounds good(non-fatiguing) you'll actually use it more!

[matz2]

Originally Posted by Taosman

In order of importance for best sound;
1. speakers=half your budget...this is the "voice" of your system
2. source...the better your "source" the better your sound/picture
3. amplification...makes the least difference in overall quality ...how many of those sound processors/ options will you really use?
(your priorities may be different)
If it sounds good(non-fatiguing) you'll actually use it more!

Thanks Tao! I am mainly in the market to maximize my HD/Blu-ray experience. I currently have a Denon AVR-3801. It is a great receiver, but it does not have True HD & DTS HD capability. I'll move that receiver to another room. I am also very intrigued by the Audyssey MultEQ XT feature. My 1080P tv is only a year old, so I am good there. I believe my speakers are fine at this point, although I'll probably replace my sub soon.

[Apache]

Always get the best you can possibly afford. Tao is totally right/