I've read descriptions of these two Onkyo
receivers,and I noticed the only difference between them is that the 676 has fifteen more watts per channel. The 676 also costs 300 bucks more than the 575. So,is it really worth paying a lot more money for 85 watts per channel?
Also,I heard Onkyo receivers have hissing problems. Has this been corrected?

The 676 also has S-video switching AND a learning universal remote. The 575 doesn't have either but the 575x has S-video. The price difference between the 575x and the 676 is minimal, but you do save a lot by going with the original 575.

Depending on how big your room is the 575 might just be enough. Personally I think the universal remote is clincher http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/wink.gif

Well,ZenerDiode,I'm really not much into gadgets or lots of bells and whistles on audio products. In fact,I'm more of a the simpler,the better type of person. I don't even know what S-Video switching is.
Anyway,I assume you've owned or stil own a 575. Can you recommend it? My room isn't that big,either. I just want a rather inexpensive
receiver that just sounds good,you know?

keith,

actually the S-Video switching is a very important feature. If you have a DVD player and another device that has S-Video output (say Dreamcast) and your TV only has one S-Video in, then you would need the S-video switching capabilities of the 575x or 676. Also consider the Denon 2800.

I currently own the 676 and I can whole heartedly recommend it. I have had no problems with it whatsoever and the 5-channel stereo feature (available in both the 575 and 676) is simply amazing. The 85W/channel the 676 outputs is too much for my small living room (14X10), so depending on the size of your room, I think the 575 would be more than enough. My recommendation though, would be the 575x or 676 because of the S-video switching...one of the most important feature in a good receiver IMO.

PS, check out www.ubid.com...sometimes, they have these receivers for real cheap.

I have the 575x and I love it. See my sig for the components matched with it. I was waiting and waiting for the 575x to be released for the S-video switching feature. My living room is 20x14 and it's more than enough power @ 70w/ch. I didn't check into the pricing on the 676 but I got my 575x from onecall for $379 plus $15 for 2 day air shipping.

------------------
Main system
Sony 32" Trinitron, Onkyo TX-DS575x, Pioneer DV-525, JBL Music1 mains, Phase Technology 1C center, Advent Baby II surrounds, Infinity BU-120 sub
Auxiliary system
LXI 46" Rear Projection TV (old), PC-DVD DXR3, Onkyo 3130Pro, Acoustic Research AR3a, JBL Center, KLH surrounds

I had a 575, but returned it because of an issue with Jurassic Park DTS. The store gave me a 575x as a replacement. The only differences between 575 and 575x are s-video switching, a lighted remote (yes, it is a learning remote, as was the 575's) and different speaker binding posts for the surrounds.

If the only difference between the 575x and the 676 is the power, and you've got a small room, go with the 575x. My 575x more than fills my smallish living room, and I don't even come close to using it's full potential. (darn apartment)

Besides, you can always use that extra $300 for movies...

And don't be scared by the Jurassic Park issue. It turns out it was caused by the Onkyo's "Re-EQ" feature which is supposed to adjust sound designed for a large room (i.e. movie theater) for a smaller room. Turning this off solved the problem. And yes, I DO feel guilty about returning a perfectly good receiver...

Well,thanks for the opinions. I've read many
reviews for the 575x,and the general consensus is that it's a good,solid,reasonably priced receiver. I think I'll buy it this weekend.

It sounds like you've already made the decision to get the 575x which sounds like a good one for you.

I might add that the 70 wpc is rated pretty conservatively. This is a high-current receiver and if I'm not mistaken each channel has its own amp. Especially if you have a self-powered sub and leave the speaker settings set to 'small' this unit has plenty of power. It probably compares to other units rated at 100 wpc or more. In my 14x20' room it will easily exceed a tolerable listening level for movies, without even cranking it very high. The remote is learning too.