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View Full Version : Is it finally time for me to get a new receiver?


movielib
04-27-08, 11:14 AM
About ten years ago I bought what was then considered the best receiver on the market, the Yamaha DSP-A1 (technically an integrated amp since it doesn't have a tuner). I paid about $1800 for it at the time which was considered a very good price since it listed for $2600 and wasn't discounted much.

It has been absolutely splendid and still works like it's brand new but, of course, it's just 5.1 and doesn't decode all the newest sound formats or have HDMI.

Although I know companies such as Onkyo, Denon and Marantz make good products I am understandably partial to Yamaha because of my experience with the DSP-A1. I wanted a unit that decoded all the current sound formats and I started looking at the Yamaha RXV-1800 but I would like to spend less. The new RXV-663 seems to me almost ideal at a much lower price and also much lower than the RXV-863. As has been noted many times, the 663 has only two HDMI inputs but an inexpensive switcher from Monoprice would remedy that.

I have seen people say the 663 can be had for $400 but I can't find such a price now. I could get 12% off the $500 Best Buy price (coupon from May7-13) and I also have a $50 gift card from the HD DVD program. With tax, I could get it for about $412. But $400 with free shipping and no tax would be better plus I'd still have the gift card.

So:

(1) Is there any compelling reason to get one of the other brands rather than the Yamaha?

(2) Is there a way to get the 663 for about $400?

I appreciate any input anyone can give me and I apologize for starting a separate thread but I was hoping my questions would not be lost in a larger thread. If the mods want to merge, please do so.

Sdallnct
04-27-08, 12:22 PM
I guess my question would be more to why you want to upgrade? So it doesn't have HDMI, do you really need to your receiver to do the video switching? Why not get a monoprice HDMI switcher for video switching?

And are you sure you can't find another way to get the "newest" surround? Or are you using a PS3? I'm not sure, but aren't there BD players out there with analog outputs that could be used?

Are you sure you will benefit from the newest sound formats? Is your system such that the arguable minor difference in sound will be noticeable?

Look, I got a full on media room, BD and HD and HD Dish. I understand "upgrading". But IMO there is a point where you really got to ask yourself "is it really worth it?" Or "would I seek more improvement by upgrading something else?".

I mean what I'm hearing is that your very happy with what you have. But it basically is missing two features. That's it. I question about chucking something you have that is working well, sounds great (assuming you are happy with the sound), just for two latest bells and whistles. I mean, in two years there will be another two or three "latest" bells and whistles. You going to upgrade again?

I'm using an older H/K. Sure I eye the new fancy stuff. But for the price I paid for my system, I'm extremely happy (no HDMI use a monoprice switcher for HDMI video switching). But I'm still very happy with the sound. And when I go listen to newer stuff, I'm frankly not all that impressed FOR THE MONEY DIFFERENCE (remember it is a law audio/video that the nicer the stuff you get you get a diminished return on each new upgrade).

Ok...rant over...the Yamaha fandome can talk more about your specific questions.

movielib
04-27-08, 12:50 PM
I guess my question would be more to why you want to upgrade? So it doesn't have HDMI, do you really need to your receiver to do the video switching? Why not get a monoprice HDMI switcher for video switching?
At present I don't yet need a video switcher. I have the HD DVD and Blu-ray players going directly into the Samsung LED DLP and I still have one HDMI input left over. I'm thinking more for the future.

And are you sure you can't find another way to get the "newest" surround? Or are you using a PS3? I'm not sure, but aren't there BD players out there with analog outputs that could be used?
I do have six analog inputs on the receiver and I have the Blu-Ray player (Samsung 1400) hooked up to it (I can change it to the HD DVD player but changing back and forth is, of course, a pain). Perhaps I don't understand but am I still missing something (e.g. Dolby Digital True HD DTS HD Master Audio) in using that (besides the two extra channels which I can live without)?

Are you sure you will benefit from the newest sound formats? Is your system such that the arguable minor difference in sound will be noticeable?
Maybe not. That's why I'm asking these questions.

Look, I got a full on media room, BD and HD and HD Dish. I understand "upgrading". But IMO there is a point where you really got to ask yourself "is it really worth it?" Or "would I seek more improvement by upgrading something else?".

I mean what I'm hearing is that your very happy with what you have. But it basically is missing two features. That's it. I question about chucking something you have that is working well, sounds great (assuming you are happy with the sound), just for two latest bells and whistles. I mean, in two years there will be another two or three "latest" bells and whistles. You going to upgrade again?
I am very happy with what I've got. It's been great sound for ten years. The DSP-A1 was a beast and state of the art at the time and probably still is except for the new formats.

I'm using an older H/K. Sure I eye the new fancy stuff. But for the price I paid for my system, I'm extremely happy (no HDMI use a monoprice switcher for HDMI video switching). But I'm still very happy with the sound. And when I go listen to newer stuff, I'm frankly not all that impressed FOR THE MONEY DIFFERENCE (remember it is a law audio/video that the nicer the stuff you get you get a diminished return on each new upgrade).
Sure, I guess I just always want the best (for a reasonable price) but I'm not a nut on constant upgrading and I haven't gotten a new receiver in ten years or new speakers in almost as long. I only recently got my first HDTV and even more recently the BD and HD DVD players. It just seems the Yamaha 663 is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade to the new audio formats.

Ok...rant over...the Yamaha fandome can talk more about your specific questions.
Thanks much. You have given thoughtful sensible answers and given me more to think about. I still haven't made up my mind.

Sdallnct
04-27-08, 03:09 PM
Spiky or someone else can chime in, but I "thought" if you have analog out of your BD or HD and analog inputs on your receiver, then you could get the latest and greatest. But I could be wrong. And yes, if you only have one set of analog inputs, then switching would be a pain. Course, maybe the receiver still has to decode it, I'm not sure.

Also, I may be naive, but I don't like switching video thru the receiver. If you have the option of the display doing the switching, then my old school thinking, thinks that is best. And if that is not an option, then "I would think" a stand alone switcher is just as good.

MrVette99
04-27-08, 04:52 PM
About ten years ago I bought what was then considered the best receiver on the market, the Yamaha DSP-A1 (technically an integrated amp since it doesn't have a tuner). I paid about $1800 for it at the time which was considered a very good price since it listed for $2600 and wasn't discounted much.

It has been absolutely splendid and still works like it's brand new but, of course, it's just 5.1 and doesn't decode all the newest sound formats or have HDMI.

Although I know companies such as Onkyo, Denon and Marantz make good products I am understandably partial to Yamaha because of my experience with the DSP-A1. I wanted a unit that decoded all the current sound formats and I started looking at the Yamaha RXV-1800 but I would like to spend less. The new RXV-663 seems to me almost ideal at a much lower price and also much lower than the RXV-863. As has been noted many times, the 663 has only two HDMI inputs but an inexpensive switcher from Monoprice would remedy that.

I have seen people say the 663 can be had for $400 but I can't find such a price now. I could get 12% off the $500 Best Buy price (coupon from May7-13) and I also have a $50 gift card from the HD DVD program. With tax, I could get it for about $412. But $400 with free shipping and no tax would be better plus I'd still have the gift card.

So:

(1) Is there any compelling reason to get one of the other brands rather than the Yamaha?

(2) Is there a way to get the 663 for about $400?

I appreciate any input anyone can give me and I apologize for starting a separate thread but I was hoping my questions would not be lost in a larger thread. If the mods want to merge, please do so.

I'm partial to Yamaha's also. IMO, spending a lot, is getting more then the ear can hear. I spent about $200-300 several years ago for my current unit, and it does 6.1, but no HDMI, and I swear it kick arse. It's all about speakers.

My girl friend was watching Atonement, and swore a fly buzzed her right ear. I told her that it was in the movie, and rewound for her, and again she brushed away a fly and swore it was an actual fly. After another rewind, she couldn't believe what a nice sounding HTR I have. It was a very nice compliment. :)

Superman07
04-27-08, 06:23 PM
Also, I may be naive, but I don't like switching video thru the receiver. If you have the option of the display doing the switching, then my old school thinking, thinks that is best. And if that is not an option, then "I would think" a stand alone switcher is just as good.

I think there is a list over in the HD forum (may be in the BR thread(s) actually), that covers what receivers will output what.

From what I recally no standalone BR player at this time will output TRUEHD and DTS-MA HD over analog. I think the Pioneer BD-30 (or something like that) is slated to (but may not be BR v2.0?). I'm sure somebody else can chime in on this.

So esentially, if the OPs TV is already handling the switching, he'd need to upgrade his BR player rather than the receiver to be most effective. Especially if there is the option of using a HDMI switcher down the line.

By the way, do those have built in IR?

Spiky
04-27-08, 06:32 PM
Yeah, I don't think the players actually output high-rez audio via analog, yet. Certainly not MA-HD. They output the old 5.1 core, just like they do over optical. Either way would work with your A1.

My advice would be to not get rid of the A1 for a $500 replacement. Even from Yamaha, you will be stepping down in amp quality. Getting a new receiver for processing might be an idea, but make sure you get one with pre-outs. Then you can still use your better amp.

movielib
04-27-08, 07:36 PM
Yeah, I don't think the players actually output high-rez audio via analog, yet. Certainly not MA-HD. They output the old 5.1 core, just like they do over optical. Either way would work with your A1.
That's what I thought. I have the BD player set up with both the analog connections and coaxial digital audio out. I can choose which one is used by changing the output of the player through the set-up menu. My understanding is that if the disc has a lossless track it would be better to use the analog outs even if I only get the core. If it's just standard lossy DD or DTS I might as well use the digital out.

Is that all correct?

My advice would be to not get rid of the A1 for a $500 replacement. Even from Yamaha, you will be stepping down in amp quality. Getting a new receiver for processing might be an idea, but make sure you get one with pre-outs. Then you can still use your better amp.
The A1 has 110 watts/channel and the 663 has 95. Is that really so much of a difference? Or is that the wrong way to look at it? I don't really want to have two receivers in the system, if possible.

Spiky
04-27-08, 08:32 PM
The core of Dolby TrueHD is lossy Dolby 5.1, so there really won't be much difference unless there is a huge difference in the Dolby decoder in the A1 vs the player. Probably not much.

110 vs 95 is not the real issue. Sound quality comes from other factors. I haven't listened to either of these, at least not this decade, so it's tough to say anything, really. But I would guess that they've put a lot more into the A1 than a cheap receiver. The quality of the power supply would be one thing. The 110/95 numbers may not even match each other, they are forced to state how they rate amps so consumers are lied to, but they aren't forced to rate them all the same way.

Sdallnct
04-27-08, 09:46 PM
The A1 has 110 watts/channel and the 663 has 95. Is that really so much of a difference? Or is that the wrong way to look at it? I don't really want to have two receivers in the system, if possible.

Not about the watts, about the quality of those watts. In fact, in a truly high quality unit, you can all be ignore the watts (unless you are driving something weird by like maggies).

BTW, just curious, what speakers are you using?

Sdallnct
04-27-08, 09:57 PM
My girl friend was watching Atonement, and swore a fly buzzed her right ear. I told her that it was in the movie, and rewound for her, and again she brushed away a fly and swore it was an actual fly. After another rewind, she couldn't believe what a nice sounding HTR I have. It was a very nice compliment. :)

Well that is certainly one way to go. Personally I disagree. IMO there are differences in sound quality amoung receivers and there are some good sounding units out there (H/K, Onkyo, not to mention awesome sounding stuff like Outlaw or separates like Krell, etc) and some not good sounding units (Sony).

But I will agree it is a matter of opinion. Some people go with features and some go with sound quality. Of course you can go both, but gets pricey.

Again, features come and go, but good sound quality, is always "in style".

movielib
04-27-08, 09:58 PM
Not about the watts, about the quality of those watts. In fact, in a truly high quality unit, you can all be ignore the watts (unless you are driving something weird by like maggies).

BTW, just curious, what speakers are you using?
Cambridge Soundworks. Not the best but as I buy many things, I think a great value for the price. I've been very happy with them.

movielib
04-27-08, 10:06 PM
The core of Dolby TrueHD is lossy Dolby 5.1, so there really won't be much difference unless there is a huge difference in the Dolby decoder in the A1 vs the player. Probably not much.
OK, I get that and I'm not really surprised but good to know for sure.

How about PCM 5.1 uncompressed, or when it just says PCM 5.1?

110 vs 95 is not the real issue. Sound quality comes from other factors. I haven't listened to either of these, at least not this decade, so it's tough to say anything, really. But I would guess that they've put a lot more into the A1 than a cheap receiver. The quality of the power supply would be one thing. The 110/95 numbers may not even match each other, they are forced to state how they rate amps so consumers are lied to, but they aren't forced to rate them all the same way.
Again, not really surprised. I don't doubt that the A1 was far better relative to its time than the 663 is relative to the best that's out there now. But how about compared to each other? Since so many electronic products keep getting cheaper and better is not a $500 receiver today better quality than a $500 speaker (even adjusted for inflation) ten years ago? Would I really be going way down in quality going from the A1 to the 663?

Sdallnct
04-27-08, 11:22 PM
Again, not really surprised. I don't doubt that the A1 was far better relative to its time than the 663 is relative to the best that's out there now. But how about compared to each other? Since so many electronic products keep getting cheaper and better is not a $500 receiver today better quality than a $500 speaker (even adjusted for inflation) ten years ago? Would I really be going way down in quality going from the A1 to the 663?

You could be.

I have a pair of KEF 103.3 speakers that are 20+ years old. But I would put them up against most new speakers today. Their a quality and quality does not go out of style.

I'd take a 10 year old quality amp against most of the new "chip" receivers in overall sound quality.

A lot of the newer stuff is about packing as much as possible in a small box. Not about sound quality. For example, I don't believe the awesome sounding Outlaw audio has HDMI.

movielib
04-28-08, 11:29 AM
Does anyone know what the difference is between Yamaha's RXV and HTR series? The HTR 6160 seems to be virtually identical to the RXV 663. Here's a comparison page at yamaha.com:

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=&compitem2=567571&compitem3=567572&CTID=5000200&VNM=LIVE&B_compare.x=37&B_compare.y=12&comp_items=567571&comp_items=567572

Spiky
04-29-08, 09:54 AM
Last I knew they were identical for certain models. But the RX series goes higher and the HTR series goes lower.

They make different model numbers to sell at different types of stores, so they can all claim lowest price.

There are new digital amps that cost less and give surprisingly good sound. Panasonic receivers are an example of this. And there are a couple companies now using a form of Bob Carver's Sunfire amps, which run cool even at ridiculous wattages like 7x400wpc. Other than that, amp technology is pretty much the same as it has been for decades. And so is their pricing structure.

movielib
04-29-08, 10:46 AM
Last I knew they were identical for certain models. But the RX series goes higher and the HTR series goes lower.

They make different model numbers to sell at different types of stores, so they can all claim lowest price.
So would you say it wouldn't make much difference between getting the 663 or the 6160? Etronics has the 6160 for $373.45 shipped. The 663 would be a little less but it's out of stock. I have bought from Etronics before with no problems. Their ratings on the web are pretty good.

I'm still not set on this but that seems such a good price that it's worth the gamble, if that's what it is.

I'm still also open to other options. I just read Onkyo has a new generation coming out soon. Any other recommendations in that under $500 price range?

klemsaba
04-29-08, 08:50 PM
Save your money and put it towards either the new Panasonic or Sony Blu-ray players (coming out this summer and fall) that will output all the audio formats over the 7.1 analog outs. That way you can still enjoy your receiver and hear the latest and greatest audio.

movielib
04-29-08, 09:48 PM
Save your money and put it towards either the new Panasonic or Sony Blu-ray players (coming out this summer and fall) that will output all the audio formats over the 7.1 analog outs. That way you can still enjoy your receiver and hear the latest and greatest audio.
The new receiver wouldn't cost any more than one of those Blu-Ray players, I assume. And the receiver will also upgrade my Toshiba A35 HD DVD player.

Also, my present receiver is only 5.1.

movielib
04-29-08, 11:17 PM
The new Onkyo TX-SR606 (upgrade from the 605) is out in a couple of weeks. Four HDMI inputs! J&R has it up for pre-order for $449.00 shipped. That's awfully tempting.

Spiky
04-29-08, 11:20 PM
So would you say it wouldn't make much difference between getting the 663 or the 6160? Etronics has the 6160 for $373.45 shipped. The 663 would be a little less but it's out of stock. I have bought from Etronics before with no problems. Their ratings on the web are pretty good.

I'm still not set on this but that seems such a good price that it's worth the gamble, if that's what it is.

I'm still also open to other options. I just read Onkyo has a new generation coming out soon. Any other recommendations in that under $500 price range?
AFAICT, they are identical. Go to Yamaha's site, put each on a different window or tab in your browser. Flipping between the 2 doesn't change an iota of the text, even in the specs.

Onkyo's current generation is quite capable, too. There is always a new generation coming out. Unless there is something huge on the horizon, like HDMI 1.3, don't wait too many months, you'll be waiting forever. Onkyo and Yamaha are already there with HDMI 1.3 and HD audio decoding. So....waiting is becoming less appetizing.

Although at this point, trusting what anybody says about DTS compatibility may be a sign of being a complete moron.

movielib
04-29-08, 11:43 PM
Onkyo's current generation is quite capable, too. There is always a new generation coming out. Unless there is something huge on the horizon, like HDMI 1.3, don't wait too many months, you'll be waiting forever. Onkyo and Yamaha are already there with HDMI 1.3 and HD audio decoding. So....waiting is becoming less appetizing.
I know what you're saying about waiting. There's always something better coming.

That's why I'm almost convinced right now about the Onkyo 606. Amazing since I was almost dead set on Yamaha. The difference between two and four HDMI inputs for almost nothing (since I'd probably get the $50 HDMI Monoprice switcher if I got the Yamaha) just might put the Onkyo over the top for me.

DJ_Longfellow
05-01-08, 03:40 PM
I was looking at the Onkyo 605 at one point, then I obtained $175 in Best Buy GC's. So, I turned to the Yahama 663, but now the the Onkyo 606 is coming out, I'm not sure what to get. I wish BEST BUY had some good receivers. The 4 HDMI inputs is a NICE feature. I need at LEAST three to contain all my components (360/PS3/Cable Box)

Spiky
05-01-08, 11:23 PM
Best Buy = Source of DVDs

Really nothing else. Maybe video games.

movielib
05-04-08, 09:55 PM
I pre-ordered the Onkyo TX-SR606, in silver, from J&R.

Mr. Salty
05-04-08, 10:56 PM
I've been looking at a higher model of Onkyo because I needed at least three HDMI inputs. I just read about the 606 today and I'm salivating for it. It looks like great bang for the buck. I'm eager to read what you think once you get it.

movielib
05-06-08, 07:20 AM
I just got a backorder notice so it might be a while. I can wait.

Mr. Salty
05-06-08, 03:57 PM
Yeah, I don't think that model is supposed to street for a couple more weeks.

movielib
05-06-08, 06:24 PM
I'm seeing that Amazon now has the Onkyo TX-SR705 for $518, just $69 more than the 606 (or $79 more for the silver). One generation earlier, one less HDMI input but a step up from the 600 series.

I'm wondering if that would be better given how close in price they now are.

Help!

Tuan Jim
05-08-08, 04:31 PM
How is it a step up given the earlier generation and fewer inputs? I'm still pretty new with this standalone receiver thing. Planning on getting the 606 right now - but maybe someone can clarify something for me - I see a lot of different audio formats listed for this system but I don't see DD 5.1 explicitly mentioned -- is that covered by one of the other DD descriptions, or is this primarily a DTS receiver (or can most handle both by now).

I apologize for the ignorance, but any info would help.

movielib
05-10-08, 08:26 PM
How is it a step up given the earlier generation and fewer inputs? I'm still pretty new with this standalone receiver thing. Planning on getting the 606 right now - but maybe someone can clarify something for me - I see a lot of different audio formats listed for this system but I don't see DD 5.1 explicitly mentioned -- is that covered by one of the other DD descriptions, or is this primarily a DTS receiver (or can most handle both by now).

I apologize for the ignorance, but any info would help.
I'm sure the 606 decodes regular DD 5.1. I think it decodes every DD or DTS format in existence today.

The 700 series has some features the 600 series doesn't have. It's more powerful and has pre-outs, for example. I'm sure if there's a 706 coming it will have everything the 606 has and much more. But even the 705 has some things the 606 doesn't have. Here's a comparison:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdComp.asp?g=10420&s=0&c=4&cc=01&compareItems=580TXS606B&compareItems=580TXS705B

Anyway, my decision has been made for me. I thought I'd have a little more time and could cancel the 606 if I wanted but it has shipped. It's supposed to arrive on Tuesday.

I'm sure I will be delighted.

movielib
05-19-08, 03:09 AM
My receiver came Tuesday but I didn't have a chance to set it up until Sunday. I spent most of the day transferring all the connectors from my old receiver to the new one and learning all the set ups for the new one.

I'm getting whatever an HD DVD or Blu-Ray disc has - all the DD and DTS formats (I know there's skepticism about DTS Master Audio - all I can say is that the receiver says I'm getting it). I seem to be getting the full benefit except that I don't have center surround speakers so it's 5.1 instead of 7.1. I was a little concerned that this receiver doesn't have pre-outs (except for the subwoofer) but I can honestly say that the receiver's amp seems like more than enough.

I couldn't be happier and I unreservedly recommend the Onkyo TX-SR606.

Tuan Jim
05-26-08, 07:58 PM
My receiver came Tuesday but I didn't have a chance to set it up until Sunday. I spent most of the day transferring all the connectors from my old receiver to the new one and learning all the set ups for the new one.

I'm getting whatever an HD DVD or Blu-Ray disc has - all the DD and DTS formats (I know there's skepticism about DTS Master Audio - all I can say is that the receiver says I'm getting it). I seem to be getting the full benefit except that I don't have center surround speakers so it's 5.1 instead of 7.1. I was a little concerned that this receiver doesn't have pre-outs (except for the subwoofer) but I can honestly say that the receiver's amp seems like more than enough.

I couldn't be happier and I unreservedly recommend the Onkyo TX-SR606.

Wow, I was just about to mssg you and ask if yours was still backordered like mine. I placed my order on 5/9 (black model) and was notified on 5/16 that it was now backordered -- after being on "ships in 1-2 days" status when I placed the order. A little frustrating to say the least, but I'm still waiting on my speakers from Best Buy as well so it's not as bad as it might be.

movielib
05-27-08, 12:17 PM
Wow, I was just about to mssg you and ask if yours was still backordered like mine. I placed my order on 5/9 (black model) and was notified on 5/16 that it was now backordered -- after being on "ships in 1-2 days" status when I placed the order. A little frustrating to say the least, but I'm still waiting on my speakers from Best Buy as well so it's not as bad as it might be.
I was kind of surprised that mine shipped as soon as it did. There's probably less demand for the silver (but I like it).

There were probably a lot of of preorders for the 606, especially since J&R had the best price. And if other early buyers have been as enthusiastic as I am the demand has certainly kept up.

Hang in there, it's worth the wait. I'm sure you will be happy with it.

Tuan Jim
05-29-08, 09:23 PM
Well the JR guys wrote back and said they literally haven't heard a thing about dates for the next shipment of black models - so I told them silver and they said it should ship out the same day (today). At least it'll match my TV if nothing else.

Tracer Bullet
05-30-08, 10:33 AM
I just ordered this in black from Tiger Direct (through Amazon) and had no problems getting it. Placed the order Monday and it was delivery Thursday.

Tuan Jim
05-30-08, 09:03 PM
I just ordered this in black from Tiger Direct (through Amazon) and had no problems getting it. Placed the order Monday and it was delivery Thursday.

Yeah, I probably could have canceled my order and placed it somewhere else. Not sure why I stuck with JR this time.

movielib
06-09-08, 07:25 PM
Tracer and Tuan: how do you guys like it? I love mine and I finally set it up with my Logitech Harmony remote (replacing the old Yamaha in the activity sequences). It was a little annoying since most of the names of the input settings at the Logitech site don't match the ones in the 606 (interestingly, the inputs did match for my ten year old Yamaha) so I had to find them by trial and error.

At first, when setting up the receiver, I was getting dialog from all the speakers with non-HD sources (old regular DVD player, VCR, TiVo) but I found the setting for using Dolby Pro-Logic II for them which cured it.

Great receiver.

GreenMonkey
06-10-08, 04:50 PM
I'm curious to see how the 606 works out for you guys.

I'm happy with my 605. I bought it cutting edge new and it has a few issues that the newer firmware versions don't have - white clipping via the component-> HDMI path, and occasionally the HDMI monitor out / onscreen stops working for no good reason (had to get up today to help the wife, it needed to be turned off and on once).

I could probably disconnect everything and drag it to an Onkyo service center to update to newer main firmware but that's a 100 mile drive for me.

I may upgrade to the 606 in the next year if cash becomes available and it gets a little cheaper. I could use the extra HDMI inputs (that $99 Netflix box looks cool but my HDMI & component videos are tapped out).

Tuan Jim
06-28-08, 12:58 PM
Well I finally got around to wiring everything up this week. Don't ask why it took so long.

I hooked it up, turned it on and started the speaker calibration (I'll run my HD-DVD DVE disc later) - then I realized I was supposed to be seeing something on the TV screen rather than just the little receiver screen.

I have no idea why, but my TV isn't showing anything. I've tried two of the different HDMI inputs on my TV (still have another I guess I could try) - which were working perfectly fine this week when my Xbox360 and DVD player were plugged into them separately - but using a brand new HDMI cable from monoprices.com, I'm getting no connection at all from the HDMI Out port on the receiver to my TV.

Admittedly the very first time I realized that I had forgotten to change the input settings on my TV but once I remembered - it still didn't matter.

This is really frustrating. I was hoping to finally get this all taken care of before a friend comes by tomorrow, but at this rate, I might have to unplug everything and just run the systems through the TV again.

Any suggestions? I'd really prefer not to have to go to Best Buy tonight for another HDMI cable, but I'm not sure what the issue could be.

edit - I think I got it. I guess I had to manually fiddle with the HDMI input controls on the front of the receiver, and suddenly the TV's working again. weird.

movielib
06-28-08, 05:34 PM
Well I finally got around to wiring everything up this week. Don't ask why it took so long.

I hooked it up, turned it on and started the speaker calibration (I'll run my HD-DVD DVE disc later) - then I realized I was supposed to be seeing something on the TV screen rather than just the little receiver screen.

I have no idea why, but my TV isn't showing anything. I've tried two of the different HDMI inputs on my TV (still have another I guess I could try) - which were working perfectly fine this week when my Xbox360 and DVD player were plugged into them separately - but using a brand new HDMI cable from monoprices.com, I'm getting no connection at all from the HDMI Out port on the receiver to my TV.

Admittedly the very first time I realized that I had forgotten to change the input settings on my TV but once I remembered - it still didn't matter.

This is really frustrating. I was hoping to finally get this all taken care of before a friend comes by tomorrow, but at this rate, I might have to unplug everything and just run the systems through the TV again.

Any suggestions? I'd really prefer not to have to go to Best Buy tonight for another HDMI cable, but I'm not sure what the issue could be.

edit - I think I got it. I guess I had to manually fiddle with the HDMI input controls on the front of the receiver, and suddenly the TV's working again. weird.
I remember when I set it up I had, I think, the same problem. You have to set up each device you're using an HDMI cable with to one of the inputs. The manual: "Assign each HDMI IN to an input selector in the HCMI Input Setup (see page 43)."

There are default assignments so if you don't do anything that's what they'll do. I suspect that's what happened to you.

Or whatever. I don't really remember for sure but I got it to work. :lol: