New avr: Onkyo 701 or Sony 995?

walk

Opinions?

Onkyo TX-SR701 = $679
-or-
Sony STR-DE995 = $424

Big price diff, but they seem like comparable recievers..

I'm VERY partial to Onkyo myself, I have an old 575 now, but it's hard to imagine it being worth another $250. I could throw that money instead into the SVS fund

*A bit more about my system - Polk RTi150 mains, CSi30 center, CSW-Newton MC200 surrounds, BassCube 8" 50w sub, Sony WEGA 27" TV, Toshiba Pscan DVD player, analog Comcast cable tv.. system is used for 60% TV/DVD and 40% music (in 2-channel stereo only mode, mind you).

edit : the WEGA has 1 component input, I only have the DVD for component sources now - BUT - I do plan to upgrade later this year to a 16:9 RPTV and Comcast HDTV.

edit edit: 1 last IMPORTANT thing - I need a phono (mm) input! I'd get the Onk 601 or even the 501, but they don't have phono inputs!

dorokusai

I would recommend the Onkyo, and I am a Sony lover. It is a strong performer. Pick up an external phono input, there are many options.

If it isn't the ES class, it really isn't worth owning, IMO.

RuSsMaN

Onkyo and Polk are a good match, period. Not familar with the 701, but if it has at least front l/r main pre-outs - that would be a good thing for the 150's.

You may want to buy an external separate amp to get the most out of the 150's. If you want to 'match' your gear, pretty much any 5xxx Onkyo model will do a fine job, but feel free to expand your horizons to other brands.

Cheers,
Russ

walk

Actually think I'm gonna order a refurb 700 from Onecall for $450 (!!).

The 700 is nearly identical to the 701 only it doesn't have THX cert.

Full 1yr factory warranty. Seem like a good deal?

dorokusai

I don't know about a good deal, looks good to me. I wouldn't lose sleep over the THX certification.

I thought someone here had a problem with a refurbished Onkyo....I may be wrong. Anyone else remember that?

Shizelbs

If you are needing those preouts, I believe the 800 is the first in their series to offer that. I am pretty unfamiliar with the new years models, so, I could be wrong. Worth looking up if you are interested in that however.

Gringo

Dorokusai,

In a previous thread I was questioning about my crossover in my refurbished onkyo 700. I mentioned that i was getting sound out out of my fronts below 80hz which was my crossover point. I wasnt sure if my crossover was messed up in my receiver or if it was a gradual slope after that 80hz point. Someone then explained in that post that it was a gradual slope and that nothing is wrong. I was thinking that no sound what-so-ever would come out of the rti70s, but i was wrong. Thanks for the help whoever that was.

dorokusai

I think that was me, but all the information in that thread was helpful. I am happy that you are all cleared up...turn that stereo up!

PolkThug

Originally posted by dorokusai
If it isn't the ES class, it really isn't worth owning, IMO.

I agree with Doro, go with the Onkyo. The Sony watt ratings are a joke on their low end stuff. Another option, you can get the Onkyo 700 for 599 new now.

PolkThug

Originally posted by walk
Actually think I'm gonna order a refurb 700 from Onecall for $450 (!!).

The 700 is nearly identical to the 701 only it doesn't have THX cert.

Full 1yr factory warranty. Seem like a good deal?

I got my 700 from onecall. They have great service. They called me a couple days after I got the receiver to make sure I got it hooked up OK. They also put out a decent catalog.

Regards,
PolkThug

walk

Ordered. $450 total shipped, from Onecall. 1 year warranty so if there's a problem, back it goes.

It does also have full pre-outs but I doubt I'll use them, except for subwoofer.

Shizelbs

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. It does have pre-outs. That'll teach me to open my big fat mouth. Good pick up. Dangit, what bit me? Oh, I think it was the upgrade bug.