yeah, its new reciever time

RichterCAG · October 2008

Giving away my 5-year old H/K 330. I would like a THX certified reciever, but those are out my price range. I am looking towards the venerable and affordable... yes, you guessed it... onky 606. :eek: Betcha never saw that coming, neh?

Ok, its query time. Lets make this as short as possible for the benefit of all.
1. HDMI pass through on Onkyo 606 - is the video signal altered in anyway by the reciever?
2. What is build quality like
3. How does the wattage compare on this reciever? Onkyo claims 90watts; is this accurate or is a true wattage output nearer to 40watts? :rolleyes:

Thank you in advance

RichterCAG · October 2008

and no replies atall...

Jeff Beaird · October 2008

RichterCAG wrote: »

and no replies atall...

Check out last months Home Theatre mag... it had a write up on the Onk 606. I believe they rated it best mid priced HT receiver. Doesn't answer your question but you got a reply;)

stebesplace · October 2008

A thread floating around here mentions how the 706 is better for approx $100-$150 more. Better across the board and for a receiver that is going to last and won't be out-dated. I can't find the thread specifically though.

NewHTguy · October 2008

Just keep in mind that the 606 has no pre-outs, so you will not be able to add an amp in the future without buying a new AVR. With Rti 10s and a Csi5, you may want more power than the 606 can give.

NewHTguy · October 2008

I made the mistake of buying the 605 due to Cnet's "best buy" recommendation, which was fine with my R50s. But when I moved up to the Rti 10s, I decided I would like more power and learned too late that I could not add an amp.

If you do choose the 606, you might want to consider bi-amping the Rti 10s using your rear channels. That is, as long as you don't mind sticking with a 5.1 set up.

RichterCAG · October 2008

I think its all self-denial.
Anything under then $1k price range is crapola. Anything OVER $1k price range is out of my reach.

Seriously I want to know why a simple preamp costs $1500 just to have truehd/dts-ma and hdmi 1.3.

I do not need video processing, video upscaling, ipod dockage, multiple HDMI inputs, xm or sirrus radio, and I absolutely positively want to avoid a piece of equipment featured on cnet's editor choice or the discount bin at bestbuy.

argh!!!! :mad:

I am cool

:cool:

tcrossma · October 2008

Go used. That way you can afford the good stuff for roughly the same price as the "crapola".

stebesplace · October 2008

tcrossma wrote: »

Go used. That way you can afford the good stuff for roughly the same price as the "crapola".

Agreed. There are lots of great deals on used equipment that should fit your bill and won't be busted crap.

RichterCAG · October 2008

So far as in what I do like is the H/K 354.
It proffers a sizable wattage jump from my current hk330 and has the audio codecs.

Sami · October 2008

RichterCAG wrote: »

Seriously I want to know why a simple preamp costs $1500 just to have truehd/dts-ma and hdmi 1.3.

What's your BluRay source? PS3?

Do you like the sound of the HK or are you ready to try something that sounds different?

I have a high end HK receiver paired with external amp, and I have been thinking of getting a new preamp since I'm using PS3 as my source. I am afraid I won't like the likes of Onkyo, Denon or Yamaha because they do sound different from HK. I have decided for now I will keep the HK and later add a BR player (when the prices drop) that has analog outs. I'll save money and get to keep the preamp section of the HK that I really like.

Just an idea if the HDMI is only reason to ditch the HK...keep it, get a standalone BR player with analog outs and a HDMI switch. Cost would be about the same as the Onkyo, or much less if you can wait for the standalone player to drop in price.

stebesplace · October 2008

What exactly does everyone mean when they say the sound from an HK is different, or better than others? In addition, I have read on here that the wattage on an HK is better than most others, or more efficient where 50W = 100W on another brand, or something alone those lines. Better power supplies inside?

Sami · October 2008

stebesplace wrote: »

What exactly does everyone mean when they say the sound from an HK is different, or better than others?

Preamplifiers and amplifiers all have their own sound characteristics. Receivers have both sections and should sound different.

Do you have any local stores that let you return items without restocking fees? Fry's? Buy a few receivers, try them side by side with your old, and decide what you like the best. Try with music as well, not just new HD formats. Return the rest, and if your old receiver sounds the best, pick up something like the Sony BDP-S550 that has 7.1 analog outputs ($329 shipped from Amazon f.e.).

stebesplace · October 2008

Fry's might be the best bet for that. BB and others I believe have a restocking fee but will have to check with Fry's. I am using a yamaha (older model) now which seems to work quite well for me, but in the future as I upgrade to better speakers it would be in my best interest to get a better amp.

Sami · October 2008

Fry's has 30 day return policy on audio gear (IIRC), no restocking fees.

RichterCAG · October 2008

Sami wrote: »

What's your BluRay source? PS3?

Do you like the sound of the HK or are you ready to try something that sounds different?

I have a high end HK receiver paired with external amp, and I have been thinking of getting a new preamp since I'm using PS3 as my source. I am afraid I won't like the likes of Onkyo, Denon or Yamaha because they do sound different from HK. I have decided for now I will keep the HK and later add a BR player (when the prices drop) that has analog outs. I'll save money and get to keep the preamp section of the HK that I really like.

Just an idea if the HDMI is only reason to ditch the HK...keep it, get a standalone BR player with analog outs and a HDMI switch. Cost would be about the same as the Onkyo, or much less if you can wait for the standalone player to drop in price.

Bluray source is samsung 1400.
I have no intentions of purchasing a current generation game console.

The sound of HK is pleasant. However the sound has grown somewhat tiresome, almost too mellow for me. Perhaps it is due to overexposure as the sound of my HK reminds me of easy-listening elevator music.
I do not know what Pioneer, Onkyo, and Denon sound like.
I am very willing to try something different.

Sami · October 2008

In that case try out different receivers from your local shop that lets you return w/o fees.

The reason why I asked about PS3 is because that's the negative thing about it, the lack of analog outputs. It's actually much more than just a game console and bluray player. I have two and I hardly play games on them. But it doesn't do analog so I am stuck with DTS Core over optical with it. Unfortunately neither does your Samsung so it's either new HDMI receiver or new BR player.

RichterCAG · October 2008

I am choosing to hold to the decision for a new AVR. Perhaps seperates one day. My current AVR, the HK 330 is definitly commited elsewhere and will only be in my posession for a shortwhile longer.

The Samsung 1400, my bluray source, has 5.1 analog outs. I have used these before to connect with my HK330. It has worked well. Even so, I want an a complete HDMI interconncet, I want the newer surround modes especially TrueHD and DTS-MA.

After some shopping around through eBay and Videogon, I have found the Pioneer VSX01TXH to match my wants. Of course I have visited manufacturer websites and avsforum.com I assume by now that is a given assumption.

Using the Harmon Kardon AVR330 or H/K lineup a point of reference for sound/tone, could someone make a comparison between that line and the Pioner Elite? Perhaps I am jumping ahead of myself in asking this since I am obviously assuming the current generation of Pioneer Elite sound alike thus making a comparison more difficult.

Never the less, any help along those lines would be beneficial.

doggie750 · October 2008

We are in the same shoes, might wanna do a search under my threads. I am going for HKs354, this should suit your needs, but then again I can wait 'till next year.

I like the high end Pioneer Elites that ranges from 1600+ (07 or 09)but any lower dont fall for it just do HK354.

in all honesty, they're all the same.........HKs, Onks, DENs, Sons, etc....
remember there's xfactors: cable, placements, etc....

GL

Sami · October 2008

RichterCAG wrote: »

After some shopping around through eBay and Videogon, I have found the Pioneer VSX01TXH to match my wants. Of course I have visited manufacturer websites and avsforum.com I assume by now that is a given assumption.

Looks good on paper, and that $500 price tag is not bad. However...no preouts = no amplification upgrades with this receiver.

Fatbrando · October 2008

Are you Freakin' kidding me? Giving it away? I'd gladly take that AVR330 off your hands! I have the lowly AVR130 and it has no Pre-Outs and I'm in need of adding an amp as soon as I get my hands on some SDA's. 2 Channel Rules!!! If it's still available, please let me know!

FB

RichterCAG · October 2008

Fatbrando wrote: »

Are you Freakin' kidding me? Giving it away? I'd gladly take that AVR330 off your hands! I have the lowly AVR130 and it has no Pre-Outs and I'm in need of adding an amp as soon as I get my hands on some SDA's. 2 Channel Rules!!! If it's still available, please let me know!

FB

Giving it away to close family.

Sorry

Fatbrando · October 2008

Don't be sorry! Just keep on Polkin'!

FB

RichterCAG · October 2008

The problem here is brand recognition and consumers' value of a given brand's position in the market place. I do not yet posess the educational baseknowledge to describe in detail the market conditions. Never the less I feel compelled to point out the fact that flagship recievers from Pioneer Elite and Denon are practically no different except for pricing and the perceieved 'value' of the product a consumer has of a box on the retailers' shelf. Yes, I know this is obvious. But its so frustrating when I am willing to shell out the cash for a product(s) I want and yet I am offered only one real option and all the other respective companies with their products are left to flesh out the market place.

Like political canadates; only one real runner and the rest are strawmen.
We must not allow a mine shaft gap!

Alright, H/k 354 it is then.

What are the sales figures for Harman Kardon in 2008?
There must be a reason why H/K recievers offer features traditionally reserved for $1k products.

ben62670 · October 2008

Another vote for HK. I had one that was only 50wpc, and it was much better than my yami at 110wpc. Nice laid back sound. Great for RTi owners. I used mine to drive my SDA's, and worked real good as a pre.
Ben

RichterCAG · October 2008

Alright, I am back. I am back and with a new reciever in hand.
I chose the... *drumb roll* Onkyo 805 :cool:

Purchased at the Bloomington, Il Circuit City for under $600 in retail box.

stebesplace · October 2008

Well that is certainly a nice upgrade! Congrats, and a full report would be good.

RichterCAG · October 2008

Just got my 805 setup.
Driving Polk RTi10 and Polk CSi5.
Using Poltergeist TrueHD 5.1

And this reciever does not seem to drive my RTi10's any harder then my older 55watt Harman Kardon 330.

Perhaps something I am missing here?
I hope so.

RichterCAG · October 2008

here are the details.

Q: Did you run Audyssey?
A: No.
Q: How are your crossovers set?
A: 80hz THX. LFE/Sub is turned off.
Q: What did you set your 805's speaker impedance control to?
A: 6Ohmz. All of my polk are 8ohm.
Q: How large is your room?
A: 15'wide, 18'long hardwood ceiling, carpeted floors.

jilee86 · October 2008

ben62670 wrote: »

Another vote for HK. I had one that was only 50wpc, and it was much better than my yami at 110wpc. Nice laid back sound. Great for RTi owners. I used mine to drive my SDA's, and worked real good as a pre.
Ben

Really? That bit about the HKs being good with RTi's is good to hear for me. I just bought a refurb AVR-245 that'll be here tomorrow for use with RTi A3 fronts.

As for the SR-606, I got one for my parents in July because of the positive reviews on the net. I'm quite pleased with it. It does get extremely toasty even when it's not driven hard at all. There also seems to be an occasional buzzing noise that rears its head, though not enough to be a deal-breaker at its price point.

yeah, its new reciever time

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