Sorry if this has been brought up before, but the search engine didn't turn up anything. Anywho, I'm looking to get a new receiver soon, and would consider spending a little more $$$ for one with PL2 if it is any good. I still have a lot of VHS tape that haven't made it to DVD yet, plus most of the TV shows I watch on a regular basis are in surround, so it would certainly be something I would use quite often. I'm also looking at the Onkyo TX-DS696 and the DS595, and would appreciate any info about either model. Thanks!

We sell the Onkyo product at our stores. To be perfectly honest with you, from my experience with PLII, the sound isn't that great. For movies it's ok, but it really kills the sound of music. I would still use the 5 channel stereo for the music. Of course, I am use to digital sound so anything less is disappointing. The 595 is a great choice though. Plenty of power and lots of extras make it a great receiver.

-Jeff

Both great receivers.

The Onkyo 696 adds more power, component video switching, and preamp outs.

The good news is that you don't have to pay a premium for them. They cost the same as the 575x and 676 that came before them.

Yep, at this point you shouldn't have to pay anyhting extra for DPLII as it's standard on the new Onkyos and Kenwoods and most other manufacturers will be doing the same soon. I have the 595 which suits my needs just fine. The 696 is more powerful and includeds component video switching in addition to the S-video and composite switching on the 595. DPLII is a wonderful feature if you watch a lot of broadcast or cable TV or still have VHS tapes and LDs.

You might want to also look at the Denon 3802 which has DPLII. I just purchased one yesterday in fact.

Jeraden, I'm looking at the Denon 3802 myself. Where did you get it?

I'm debating weither to get it from a Denon dealer or an online dealer in fear or the warranty from Authorized Denon dealers.

What are your thoughts?

I bought mine from buydig.com, which was just the lowest price I could find after shipping. I've never been overly worried about not having manufacturers warranties honored. I've purchased a ton of stuff online and never had a problem with anything breaking. Not sure of how difficult it is to get it serviced if the warranty is not honored, but I didn't think it was worth the extra $$ as insurance, since 99% of the time you won't need to have it serviced anyways.

Hmmmm! That's interesting because I have heard the exact opposite. Here's the thread in the avsforum:

http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/005610.html

Based upon good reviews we bought my parents an Onkyo and built a HT sound system around it. The PLII sounds pretty nice.

It cracked us up because they had a really nice RPTV, but were using just its built-in sound system("what is all this home theatre stuff you kids keep talking about?"). Hooked it all up and put in Saving Private Ryan. I swear they ducked a couple of times. Now they know.

Well, I played a little more with the 595 yesterday. As far as music in PLII, I was not real happy with it. I haven't honestly had a chance to listen to a non-digital movie in PLII yet (i.e., VCR or something). But you are right, the reviews are great! I am sure for movies it will be a much needed inprovement over PL.

-Jeff

It sounds great for broadcast TV and video. The OP of Futurama is very cool.

You might want to try some of the music from the list of recommended demo titles at Dolby's website:

http://www.dolby.com/tech/co.br.0102.PLIIDemo.pdf

Jeradan, I was thinking of the same thing. Price difference between a Denon dealer and the cheapest price online was around $400! Even if the first repair set me back $200 I would still be better off.

Plus, if Denon makes their components as good as they do then I shouldn't have a problem.

Just got my 3802 today. At work now but will check it out when I get home and post my opinion. I'm upgrading from a crappy receiver though, so I'm sure anything is better than it.

Hooked it up easy enough. Tried out the DPL2 as well as the DTS Neo. Didn't really hear too much special from the Neo, but the DPL2 sounded noticeably better than plain old DPL. Whether its worth spending several extra hundred dollars for I'm not sure, but its definitely a nice thing to have.

I was looking at the Onkyo 595 and the Denon 2802 but decided on the Marantz 5200. They all have about the same features and I've always liked Marantz gear. The Onkyo was cheapest and no one has any deals on new Denon receivers.
Greg