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I'm hearing lots of new things in old DVDs and CDs. Delivers great 5.1 sound (next step is to get two more speakers so I can go 7.1). Awesome. Worth much more than I paid. Love the special effects.
nothing is missing there. I am sure this will last me for years.One of the receiver's strengths is the dual-zone feature, which allows a source other than what is being played in the main room to be played in a second room. I passed by the Harmon Kardon CP-45 at Fry's for $410 (an absolutely amazing price for everything you get in the deal-AVR245, HDMI DVD player, 5.1 speakers, but it was a display item.). Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase. The one drawback here is that, while the receiver is 7.1, it will only play 5.1 in the main zone while using the second zone.
This shouldn't be a big problem for most installations (if you're using 7.1, it is likely that everyone in the house in the main room), but I know some people would like to have the option to play 7.1 and listen to a second source.The inputs are generous as expected for an Onkyo receiver. Also, switching between input sources is as easy as pressing a single button on the front **important for those whose wives (or husbands) like to use the system but may be discouraged by pressing a sequence of buttons**. I purchased this receiver to pair with Polk 6750 5.1 Surround Speakers. The sound is clear, powerful, and the receiver is very easy to set up. Amazon has a great price on a non-refurbished model.
The main reason I opted for the Onkyo is the higher power (90 watts/channel) and because it will process sound and video through the HDMI inputs (not just serving as a video pass-through). Get it while you can.
I'm skipping the HDMI passthru and just going computer->display for video and M-Audio Transmit->receiver for audio. I haven't dared to turn the volume up past 70 for any extended periods - there is just no need for that. If you're reading this review you probably want to know if it will work for you too. If you want to passthru some unprotected HDMI content be prepared for hiccups.All in all I've been thoroughly satisfied. My only problem is getting the remote to work with the above display, so I have to use my tv remote to manually switch input to HDMI.
I had problems displaying HDMI from my Mac Mini via the HDMI passthru (Front Row showed up as an all white screen - HDCP problem I think). The sound presets are excellent. Bottom line: this thing works for what I need it to do. Speakers are Polk RM6750 5.1 (current room is too small for 7.1 sound) and the power is excellent. This thing is more than enough machine for a PC/gaming/theater setup in a small space.
Here's what I'm using it for:Dreamcast hooked up with RCA cableWii connected with component cableSound from computer hooked up via opticalSound and video from HD DVR cable box with component video and optical audioAll of this connects to my 1080p Westinghouse LVM-37W3 display. Also, be aware that this thing is an impressive looking piece of hardware and it will likely bring you joy just looking at it on your AV rack.
Why. that is the biggest problem with this receiver. Has two HDMI inputs one out to monitor just what the doctor ordered.However you have to use an s-video cable to monitor for the on screen setup display. Sounds great easy to set up with auto configure.
Onkyo does not in general have support for HDMI on Zone 2. Not a big deal, but you have to hookup some analog cables to use a device on Zone 2. It's on the last page of the manual, and not in the Zone 2 section of the manual.As others have said, use an analog cable to setup the unit too and the receiver basically sets itself up. Everything works great. I don't have any weird noises and think that it is nearly silent when just in the "on" position.I have only a couple of complaints from my research and using it. Very good overall and all the other features work great.
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