Onkyo tx-sr507b reciever-any good?

mrbofus

Hello,
I just joined club Polk after several months of viewing. What a Great site!
My home Audio/vidio upgrade project has started, like Johnny cash it will be 1 piece at a time as the budget allows. I just received my new 40" HD TV and need to build around it. I have been looking at the Onkyo SR507B reciever to power my project. Is this a good choice. I have budgeted up to $350 for the receiver.
I currently have POLK RTi8 fronts that I purchased last year, and I and needind idea for a Center, Sub, and rears as well. I plan to end up with a 5.1 system even though the Onkyo is 7.1
eventually I will upgrade my 20 yr old Technics CD changer and Turn table too.
Any help, Idea's would be great.

---

sorry for the long story to my questions

concealer404

For your price range i'd try to get something that has pre-outs so you can add an external amp down the line.

I think you can do better for your price range. Check out Pioneer, Denon, maybe step up to an Onkyo 706 or 805 on the used market?

Bernal

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4865.asp

AVR-1610

$379.00

concealer404

OP: Is HDMI connectivity a must? And if so, how many inputs do you need?

WesKParker

Im a fan of this online dealer.. A few options in your price range: I personally prefer the Marantz, but i'm biased. Although i don't have anything against the onkyo equipment

Marantz Sr-6001 (most marantz you can buy for 350)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/Sr6001-Receiver-100w-X-7ch-Hdmi-Home-Theater-Surround/1.html

Marantz Sr-4003 (less power but current model)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4003/Marantz/Sr4003-Dolby-Digital-Ex/dts-Es-Surround-Receiver-/1.html

Onkyo Tx-Sr 607
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR607BLK/Onkyo/Tx-sr607-7.2-channel-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

mrbofus

Since I am building a new ssytem, Yes HMDI is important from what I've read. I dont really know all that much about all the new stuff. been out of the market for several years. How many do i need? HD TV, HD cable box, New receiver and possible cd changer for now. Do all new electronics take HMDI cables?
And how important or likely is an external amp?
I am a casual movie watcher and music listener, but I do like and want good sound.

concealer404

mrbofus wrote: »

Since I am building a new ssytem, Yes HMDI is important from what I've read. I dont really know all that much about all the new stuff. been out of the market for several years. How many do i need? HD TV, HD cable box, New receiver and possible cd changer for now. Do all new electronics take HMDI cables?

HDMI is pretty much only used on things that have to do with video.

I only ask because if you can plug your HDMI cables into your TV directly and switch like that, you'll be able to get a lot more reciever for your money i think.

But that's assuming that you'll want to add more/upgrade speakers later, add an external amp, etc etc etc... What are your future plans with this?

mrbofus

concealer404 wrote: »

HDMI is pretty much only used on things that have to do with video.

I only ask because if you can plug your HDMI cables into your TV directly and switch like that, you'll be able to get a lot more reciever for your money i think.

But that's assuming that you'll want to add more/upgrade speakers later, add an external amp, etc etc etc... What are your future plans with this?

My future plans are to build a 5.1 system as the budget allows, Right now I have New 40" LCD HD Tv that does have HDMI port. I have a set of RTi8's that will be my fronts unless better ideas arise.
In my mind the Receiver is the heart of the system so that should be my next purchase. Correct?. I would like to ad a center, sub and rears in that order unless once again told other. all on a budget of course
Then upgrade CD Changer, turntable . Any and all ideas appreciated.

MrGlobe

Hello,

My advice would be to GET A RECEIVER WITH PRE-OUTS! You will want them later. I had a bunch of people tell me that, But i went the cheap route and I'm kicking myself now!

Also, I would check audiogon.com to find a used reciever, as you will get ALOT more for your money buying used. That goes for speakers/subs as well. Even just browsing some of the items for sale will give you an idea of how much you can get for your money.

Another plus with buying used is that you can find things that are in your area, so you can audition them, as well as save on shipping costs.

As for going with a new reciever, I have no problems having a reciever without HMDI, I have my PS3 connected via HMDI directly to my TV with optical connecting to the reciever for sound.

Globe

Zeros

Ask Pycroft about his new HK AVR245 or something like that. It is in your budget and has pre-outs but I have never used it personally

And the Denon AVR-1610 listed above can be had for $279 on sale all of the time from 6ave and electronics-expo if you are considering that one. No pre outs though.

Mantas

MrGlobe wrote: »

Hello,

My advice would be to GET A RECEIVER WITH PRE-OUTS! You will want them later. I had a bunch of people tell me that, But i went the cheap route and I'm kicking myself now!

Precisely! I did the same thing, so then instead of buying a nice amp I had to buy a second AVR with pre-outs . If I did it correctly the first time I'd have the XPA-5 or similar already.

It was a great felling going from a 130wpc receiver to a 130wpc receiver. Quite an upgrade! :mad:

As for going with a new reciever, I have no problems having a reciever without HMDI, I have my PS3 connected via HMDI directly to my TV with optical connecting to the reciever for sound.

Globe

You need HDMI audio support if you want to make use of the lossless HD audio codecs that come with bluray. DTS-HD Master Audio, 5.1 Uncompressed PCM, Dolby TrueHD.

Might as well go with a receiver that supports this right away.

Mike LoManaco

Yeah, that budget's a bit tight for a "good" receiver, but if you could cough up just a bit more I'd go with the TX-SR607 or as many here have suggested, something with preouts. So far, my TX-SR605's power hasn't let me down (it's rated at only 90 watts with two channels driven; who knows when all five are going but the receiver is no wimp) but I do regret not getting the step up "700" series with THX certification and the preamp outs so I could turn that into a processor down the road, and feed a power amp.

I've lost track of Onkyo's lineup and what they offer/do; does that 507 have HDMI 1.3a for audio and video passthrough, as well as onboard decoding for the high resolution formats? If not, then you definitely want to skip to the next tier of receivers because some of the lower-end ones offer just video passthrough over HDMI, which ends up being a big letdown for people who buy at this price point and think they're going to get decoding for the latest surround codecs, yet their receivers only do the video passthrough over HDMI.

mrbofus

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Yeah, that budget's a bit tight for a "good" receiver, but if you could cough up just a bit more I'd go with the TX-SR607 or as many here have suggested, something with preouts. So far, my TX-SR605's power hasn't let me down (it's rated at only 90 watts with two channels driven; who knows when all five are going but the receiver is no wimp) but I do regret not getting the step up "700" series with THX certification and the preamp outs so I could turn that into a processor down the road, and feed a power amp.

I've lost track of Onkyo's lineup and what they offer/do; does that 507 have HDMI 1.3a for audio and video passthrough, as well as onboard decoding for the high resolution formats? If not, then you definitely want to skip to the next tier of receivers because some of the lower-end ones offer just video passthrough over HDMI, which ends up being a big letdown for people who buy at this price point and think they're going to get decoding for the latest surround codecs, yet their receivers only do the video passthrough over HDMI.

Thanks for all the input. from what I'm reading here the Onkyo might not be the best bet? Like I said earlier, I'm a electronis newbee. The onkyo was suggested by a friend and I can get a pretty fair price thru a supplier at my job so thats what I was thinking.
According to the Onkyo spec's the 507 has 4 HDMI ports that has version 1.3 for what ever that means. And working on a budget means pick a number then spend as much more than that number as you can, right?
PS: when or why would you ad an external amp?

concealer404

You'd add an external amp because in MOST cases, the amps built into recievers are pretty weak.

Your RTi8s could make good use of FAR more power than the Oinker AVR could put out.

It'll sound better, and won't start to break up under high volumes like it would if you were just using the AVR.

concealer404

OP, where are you located?

mrbofus

So what I'm hearing here is strap on a set and step up and play with the big dogs.
I'm not sold on onkyo, but like I said that model was recommended by a friend because thats what he has....you all know how that goes, right???
so what if the budget was $500 and the warden only thought I spend $350
What would that get me??????
Thanks again for the education

buymesome

$350 could get you my onkyo 607 and you could use the rest for cables ,subs ,height speakers or new bdp's

Mike LoManaco

mrbofus wrote: »

Thanks for all the input. from what I'm reading here the Onkyo might not be the best bet? Like I said earlier, I'm a electronis newbee. The onkyo was suggested by a friend and I can get a pretty fair price thru a supplier at my job so thats what I was thinking.
According to the Onkyo spec's the 507 has 4 HDMI ports that has version 1.3 for what ever that means. And working on a budget means pick a number then spend as much more than that number as you can, right?
PS: when or why would you ad an external amp?

You're welcome.

First, let me start by saying that I disagree with some of the assertions here that you necessarily need to begin at the "700" series level of Onkyos in order to pressurize, or fill, a medium/largish listening room -- I have experience with the "600" level of their receivers, and they've always filled all sorts of room sizes with satisfactory home theater audio. In fact, a TX-SR600 which I recommended to family only supposedly put out "80 watts x 6" at 8 ohms, but that receiver filled their massive media room with audio, and the listening position was 15 feet from the front soundstage with a vaulted ceiling of 12 feet. I currently run a TX-SR605, rated at "just" 90 watts a channel, and I can tell you that this thing can drive more than a "bedroom" or "office/computer" type system -- I'm running it as my main theater amp, and I can't use all the juice it's got. Now, I understand we've been talking mainly about the lower "500" series Onkyos, but I think any of these we're discussing can fill an average home theater space/room.

To move on to your questions, I can understand where this "HDMI 1.3a" spec can get confusing...if that 507 is said to have the HDMI ports with 1.3 specification, that means it can process and decode the new lossless surround codecs, TrueHD and Master Audio, while passing your video over one connection from your Blu-ray player (if you're running one)...so, if your budget tops out at that price, the 507 should be fine for current HT needs.

As for adding an external amp, well, I'm in the same boat as you in terms of wondering when that should happen! First, you need a receiver with preamp outputs (which the 500 and 600 series Onkyos do not offer) to feed a power amp, and in terms of when you need one, well, only you can decide if your current receiver "runs out of steam" at a certain volume level, or you find yourself wanting more "push" from your system even though it may be approaching high volume numbers -- as you've probably heard, there's never such thing as too much power, though.

cnh

xcapri has some good points...and I also own an Onkyo 605, 805 and a Denon 2807....the last two have pre-outs.....

Now as to Onkyo power...Onkyo used to least High Instantaneous current peaks in amps---Harman Kardon still does...meaning what will an amp draw for brief instants--what's the maximum amperage...these are all High Current amps so you want to know that spec..to make a long story short...the 605/6...705/6...and 806 all have a 36 amp PEAK...so you'd be hard pressed to say that a 605 is not almost as powerful as the higher series....but it has no pre-s...

The Onkyo 805 has a 60 amp peak, 875/6 65amps, 905/6 70 amps. That's one reason why these AVRs can pump out near full power in 5 channels and the (130 or more watts/channel) while the 806, for example only puts out 100 watts in 5.

So yes a 605 is almost as capable as most Onkyos except the super heavy ones...the guys that weigh more than 50lbs..there's a reason for that massive weight and a lot of it is devoted to the EL transformer in those babies.

cnh

[Deleted User]

I would reccomend staying with the RTi line. Either the series you have with the 8s or the RTiA series would be a very good choice, as the line is timbre matched and will blend the best with your 8s. If you can locate a CSi3 or 5 and FXi3 or 5 and a PSW or DSW series sub or 2 would round it out nicely. That would be a great system. I have RTi12s for my fronts CSiA6 for my center and FXiA4 for the surrounds and 2 DSWPRO600s for subs. You should check out our website. There are some great buys. Good luck.
The Polk Ebay store has some RTiA series stuff available. O yea Receiver I think others have covered that pretty well. I am using Denon equipment but here at Polk we do use alot of the Denon & Onkyo stuff and are pleased with it's performance.
Len

Pycroft

Hello -

Regarding HK avr's, I recently upgrade and purchased a HK AVR 354 from the authorized dealer on Ebay. I got it shipped to my door for 354 dollars. I think it's a GREAT deal. Obviously, it depends on how much you bid...

I upgraded from an Onkyo 606. I felt that the Onkyo did not do music playback as well as I would like, and the HK excels in both. If you're looking strictly for Home Theatre use, the Onkyo will do very well. I have also listened to a lot of avr's, many a little out of your price range. Pioneer Elite, if I had the money, may have been my numero uno choice.

If the 350 is too much for something like the HK 354, they also have the HK 254 which you can always get for less than 200. It has 50 watts pre channel, and has pre-outs. I'm learnign that watts aren't everything, and I can tell you that the 75 watts per channel with the HK 354 I have is WAY more impressive than the 90 watts per channel of the Onkyo 606 I had.

If you have anything else specific, feel free to ask.

James

cnh

The AVR 354 is a nice receiver and at that price I would go for it over the Onkyo 600 series....because it is really the next tier up...it's MSRP is 200-300 dollars more than an Onkyo 60x....it's heavier and sturdier construction than the Onkyo....

And has those pre-s...I agree that HKs sound a bit better for music....to a point...for example I think my 805 actually handles music much better than lower model Onkyos...images better, has more oooomph......deeper bass and so on...the B-Brown DACs and even higher current capacity than the HK 354 help...

If you can get an HK for that price I'd go for it...Pycroft got a great deal there...

cnh

mrbofus

WOW!!! Its like school started all over again. You guys really take this seriously. Thats great. I know alot of this input is personal preference but it sound like it was done by trial and error and you are trying to keep me from the same "errors' in budget.
Lets back up a bit here, I am a 44 yr old male with casual listening and movie watching preferences. My main goal is to end up with a good quality 5.1 system with out breaking the bank or gettin a de-vorse!. My music choices are Country, Classic Rock a bit of Classis and jazz thrown in. The volume is usually mid to low except for when the wife is gone, then let er rip! My main room is 14 x 20 with a 13 ft vaulted ceiling. the front, right and rear are solid wall and the left has 2-6' openings to other rooms.
I get got a new Sharp 40" HDTV and a gift and thats what started this all. The TV sound is marginal at best. I will be replacing 20yr old technic components.
As mentioned, last year I purchased RTi8's and really havent got the sound I was hoping for out of them, maybe because of the old receiver????
Also i was told dont worry about getting a front channel until I get rears. True or false??? But all this is mute until I purchase a new receiver that will accomplish my goals correct??
Thanks again for all the imput. More confused than ever and need to save more secret $$
Wolud a Sound bar accomplish my goal or is it better to build a true5.1

concealer404

If you like music, then i wouldn't bother with the soundbar.

You're on the right track. Receiver is the next upgrade, then rears or amp as you see fit.

The HK that they're talking about would be a nice step.

Pycroft

Yes, Receiver all the way!

mrbofus

All Very interesting opinions and suggestions here. Doing further research...

1)has any of you HK usere had any issues as stated in some reviews, static, update issues etc?
2) any issues with pre-owned or refurbished equipment?
3) reading specs, how do you tell or how is it stated it has pre-outs?
4) for some reason I keep looking at onkyo. There is a newTXSR607--input on this? ebay for under 400 bucks
---looking forward to the replies

Pycroft

1) I've had the HK354 and had no issues. If you purchase from authorized dealer, the unit should come with latest firmware, and it seems most issues were resolved. If not, of course, it comes with warranty - but no issues for me so far.
2) Nope...this is my second refurbished receiver, and no problems
3) I just asked here...so no info really
4) I had the ONkyo 606, which was the previous model to the 607. Again, I was happy with it for HT, but not for music. It's fine in the power rating, good sound with the polk speakers I've heard it used with. No pre-outs.

cnh

mrbofus wrote: »

All Very interesting opinions and suggestions here. Doing further research...

1)has any of you HK usere had any issues as stated in some reviews, static, update issues etc?
2) any issues with pre-owned or refurbished equipment?
3) reading specs, how do you tell or how is it stated it has pre-outs?
4) for some reason I keep looking at onkyo. There is a newTXSR607--input on this? ebay for under 400 bucks
---looking forward to the replies

I agree with Pycroft above...but if you want to go with an Onkyo get the 706 refurbed....probably 400-450 or less.....Check out Club Onkyo....on Onkyousa.com site.....and www.accessories4less they have refurb Onkyos too. Also if you're thinking about HK...also consider a Marantz with pre-outs....check the second site above for those too...I know the 6000 series has pres and perhaps the 5000 might.....I'll check.

Marantz are usually a 'musical' amp like an HK and also offer good power for HT appllications..should sound good with Polk speakers.

cnh

mrbofus

concealer404 wrote: »

HDMI is pretty much only used on things that have to do with video.

I only ask because if you can plug your HDMI cables into your TV directly and switch like that, you'll be able to get a lot more reciever for your money i think.

But that's assuming that you'll want to add more/upgrade speakers later, add an external amp, etc etc etc... What are your future plans with this?

what, where and how do I determine what kind of HDMI cables to get. Noticing several different kinds.
Also I see some AVR listed with HDMI 1.1 or higher. Whats the diff?
As always, thanks for the continuing education.
Now if someone could just bonk me on the head and convince me what AVR to purchase I can quit agonizing and start listening
Greg

mrbofus

Len wrote: »

I would reccomend staying with the RTi line. Either the series you have with the 8s or the RTiA series would be a very good choice, as the line is timbre matched and will blend the best with your 8s. If you can locate a CSi3 or 5 and FXi3 or 5 and a PSW or DSW series sub or 2 would round it out nicely. That would be a great system. I have RTi12s for my fronts CSiA6 for my center and FXiA4 for the surrounds and 2 DSWPRO600s for subs. You should check out our website. There are some great buys. Good luck.
The Polk Ebay store has some RTiA series stuff available. O yea Receiver I think others have covered that pretty well. I am using Denon equipment but here at Polk we do use alot of the Denon & Onkyo stuff and are pleased with it's performance.
Len

Len,
Thanks for the System line up idea, You mentioned the CSi3 or 5 series. Is that pre CSiA model? That would match my RTi8s ?? And where might I find them?? What model of denon are you using or have you used?
greg

Mike LoManaco

xcapri79 wrote: »

It looks like you finally came around. For a main room system, I don't think you will find many on this forum recommending anything other than a receiver with pre-outs. This does at least two things for a reasonable incremental cost increase. (Reasonable in relation to the cost of the speakers and all the music one buys)

1. It generally gives you a better quality receiver with improved multi-zone capability, and a better built-in amp and power supply.
2. The pre-outs allow you to add an external amp.

It's not that I necessarily "came around," Capri, it's just that I was trying to explain to the OP what he needed when upgrading to a power amp -- he would need a receiver with pre-outs or a pre/pro, which we know. I'm still not in a personal position to switch out my Onkyo 605 just yet.