Buy Onkyo 607 or wait for newer/higher end model?

[jjminch]

Club Onkyo has a promotion, I can get a refurb'd 607 for 240 bucks shipped.

I think that is a decent price. I work overseas and am only home for a month or two out of the year. I originally wanted a 7 or 8 series onkyo but figured the 607 could keep me happy. When I'm finally done, I can move this to another room and upgrade.

Right now I have a 11 year old Kenwood el cheapo receiver. If I get the 607 and save some cash, I can run the HDMI and other cables and basically setup my theater.

I'm only worried about the power, low-end audssey and not having pre-outs, the speakers are pretty efficient, but large and capable (350watts a piece).

Speakers:
Clearwave Loudspeaker Design 2Ts (towers) w/ 10" sub on each
CLD 2CC (Center)
CLD 4T (Surrounds)

I only wanted a 5.2 setup, think the rest is overkill for my area. Can I run a zone two (2 workout room speakers) at the same time?

For reference, the 707 is about 160 bucks more. Its not that I can't afford it. Just didn't think a higher end AVR was worth it if I'm not home, but I saw what I think is a decent price (607) so I figure why not?

 

[bandphan]

http://www.clearwaveloudspeaker.com/Dynamic/2T.html If this is you mains, I wouldnt drive them with the 607.

 

[jjminch]

Yea thats them. If you go to the gallery, mine is the black, silver, and cherry set on the left.

I actually drove them with an Onk 504 (or whatever model a 180 dollar receiver was 5 years ago) at my Dads house, they got impressively loud esp in a 2 story vaulted ceiling. Thing is, that was in 2 Ch. mode with just music. Not surround with all five channels going in a demanding movie.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[bandphan]

@ 4ohms nominal across the board and 88DB 1w1m, Id want more power or the option of an outboard amp.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd buy this receiver.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200507752473&rvr_id=128211422343&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WVF?&GUID=e16e5aa61290a06c1af106b1ff014819&itemid=200507752473&ff4=263602_263622


The TX-SR805 is HDMI 1.3 capable, has 3 HDMI inputs, and has one of the most massive amplifier sections I've seen in a sub $2000 receiver, if not the most massive. Its THX Ultra certified which means it will meet its specified output ratings down to 3.2 ohms with all channels driven.

Similar price on the same unit. Both prices are extremely reasonable given that a couple have ended recently around $400 + shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/Onkyo-TX-SR805-7-1-channel-Receiver-/250681818742?pt=Receivers_Tuners

 

[jjminch]

I always wanted the 805. Thought that was the best one around, I'll check the link later, .gov computers don't allow ebay.

Next year I was planning on purchasing a 7xx or 8xx series Onkyo with a Yamaha/Behringer Pro amp for the towers. If I do buy the 607, it will then be downgraded to the family room for some 3.1 monoprice inwall setup or similiar. I'm really only going to enjoy a receiver for 3 weeks then it's back to A-stan.

I emailed the designer, those specs you posted are for the "MkII". Mine was the MKI, I didn't realize he had done a revision to them, they were built last year. I'm pretty sure they are 6-8 ohms, sensitivity looks about right but we'll see what he says.

Found a 2ch bench test for the 607. Can't find an all channels test though.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/onkyo_tx-sr607_av_receiver/index3.html

 

[Seth=L]

Here's the similar TX-SR606

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/808onk/index3.html

It does well, but doesn't hold a candle to the TX-SR805, which pretty much meets it's all channels driven even with 7 channels going. It does something like 300 watts per channel in stereo mode. It's an absolute monster.

 

[lsiberian]

The 805 or Yamaha RX-V2600 are probably the two best options. If it's just for stereo operation you might get a crown amp(crazy sale right now)

 

[jostenmeat]

I always wanted the 805. Thought that was the best one around, I'll check the link later, .gov computers don't allow ebay.

Next year I was planning on purchasing a 7xx or 8xx series Onkyo with a Yamaha/Behringer Pro amp for the towers. If I do buy the 607, it will then be downgraded to the family room for some 3.1 monoprice inwall setup or similiar. I'm really only going to enjoy a receiver for 3 weeks then it's back to A-stan.

I emailed the designer, those specs you posted are for the "MkII". Mine was the MKI, I didn't realize he had done a revision to them, they were built last year. I'm pretty sure they are 6-8 ohms, sensitivity looks about right but we'll see what he says.

Found a 2ch bench test for the 607. Can't find an all channels test though.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/onkyo_tx-sr607_av_receiver/index3.html

I have an 805 that has always been acting as pre/pro. You are thinking, huh, but it was the cheapest thing with MultEQ XT at the time (as did the 705, but I got this for the same price, and it has other perks too). The 805 does get very hot though in 6 ohm mode.

I like the idea of saving until you can afford the outboard amp and receiver at the same time, pending further research of your Mk1.

The 805 or Yamaha RX-V2600 are probably the two best options. If it's just for stereo operation you might get a crown amp(crazy sale right now)

Well, spill the beans, and tell him/us where the sale is going on.

At least for the XTI series, I'd like to let you know about a couple of things, jjminch. What I like about it: solid amp for the money. Speakon connections. Free Band Manager software from Harman/Crown that you can play with on a laptop (You can store up to 20 EQ/setup presets; I've tried a bunch, that I implement post-Audyssey.) Lots of flexibility in setup for something like subwoofer(s).

What I don't like: brighter than all hell. Even my normal go to window tint doesn't do jack, either on the display itself, nor the power-on light. I have to use solid black tape to tame the brightness. There is still subtle light bleed through from the vents, but I can live with this. Just the teeny weeny power-on light was otherwise making a very bright blue square on my projection screen. These things aren't designed for the home, they are commercial amps. No, there aren't any display brightness settings, AFAIK. Secondly, there is no 12v trigger as is normal with consumer amps.

 

[jjminch]

jjminch wrote:
Hey Jed-

If I remember correctly, they are 6-8ohms.


"Correct for the MK1 2T. They do like power though IMO. Look for something with a BIG power supply." Jed

So there you have it, they are power hungry 6-8 ohm speakers.

The Onk 606 did decent in the all channels test, although after comparing the 606 and 607 figures in 2 channel mode, I bet the 607 is a little weaker. 607 was around 90watts versus 120 watts for the 606 or something along those lines.

For the room: It's about loft about 12' wide, 20' long, and 10' high with hardwood floors. All components are going into a big coat (now media) closet. So noise, bright lights, etc, don't matter.

I'm leary of the Onk 805 just cause its a few years old now. I know it was the best thing going, just not a fan of used consumer stuff because I've had so many break after just a few years.

Will be used for 70% movies/xbox, 30% music. Still like to check out that amp though, not a fan of this Dayton amp I got for the subs, so where can I find it?

 

[sholling]

You can always go with a refurbished 707, they are rated for a 4ohm load.

 

[jjminch]

The 707 is tempting at 385 shipped. If I do get that, there will be no upgrading for a few years.

Also found the crown amp, looks like a decent piece of gear.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--CWNXLS202

It's tempting to buy them both, run the mains off the crown amp, and pretty much be set powerwise for good. But if I get the cheaper Onk, saves me money for a Blu ray player and other items.

 

[jjminch]

WAF signed off on the 707. I'm skipping banana plugs and other things to make up the diff. Probably won't go with the crown amp, I'll see how well this runs everything first.

Reading the owners forum on AVS. Trying to decide if the 65 bucks for the extended warranty is worth it.

Also need to figure out a fairly cheap idea for a remote extender since this is going in a closet, don't have the funds for a RF Harmony or similiar.

 

[bandphan]

http://www.amazon.com/RFS200-PowerPak-Bundle-MasterControl-PowerBlaster/dp/B000FL9E6U

 

[Seth=L]

http://www.amazon.com/RFS200-PowerPak-Bundle-MasterControl-PowerBlaster/dp/B000FL9E6U

WAF signed off on the 707

Which is odd because the TX-SR805 looks nicer IMO, however it is much larger tipping the scale at 51 pounds, and it's one of the longest receivers I've seen.

The TX-SR707 looks a lot like the TX-SR707 in the front.

 

[jjminch]

The signing off on the 707 wasn't because of size or looks. I just said if I bought the other one (607) I'd replace it in one year, this one in 2.5 years. She doesn't really care what it looks like since it's going in the closet.

There is no doubt the 805 looks better. If they were available new I would definately pick one, as the features on that are way more interesting than "height" speakers. But no WAF approval on spending a similiar amount on "used equipment".

Remote link looked interesting, thanks.

 

[jjminch]

I ended up buying the 707. In case anyone is in the market for one, US Appliance has the best deal going.

Got a new 707 with an Ipod dock for 464 shipped (promotion plus discount "pss10").

That is better than a refurb from the Shop Onkyo store promotion.

Off to start a thread with questions on the Crown Pro amp.