Need help with receiver choice!!! Onkyo vs Pioneer

[palleg33]

I am close to purchasing. A couple last minute questions and a thanks to all who have really helped me. I have recommended the site to friends and family

Will the Onkyo 607 be able to play xm radio and will I be able to play a separate audio in Zone 2?

Does it "lower the volume on commercials" like the Pioneer 1019.

I am now leaning towards onkyo. I can get the 607 and a Panasonic bluray player for 525 while the Pioneer 1019 costs close to that without the bluray player. Otherwise, the Pioneer seems about perfect as well.

 

[rnatalli]

I believe the 607 has a Sirius port on the back. It also has Audyssey Dynamic Volume which is a better implementation than Pioneer's ALC IMO and Dynamic Volume works on all sources, all formats.

 

[palleg33]

Will the Sirius port work with XM given the merger?

 

[ddcobb]

I'm looking to get my parents a new receiver for Christmas to replace their Denon 2801 which is on its last leg. I was leaning towards the Pioneer 1019 but the damn things won't go on sale and they look to be out of stock most places.

My parents have Definitive Technology ProCinema 100 speakers and an old Mitsubishi 65 inch Diamond series tv so upscaling/converting isn't really an issue at the moment. Any downside to the 1019 given their setup? The receiver resides in a closed cabinet so I think the 607 may run a little too hot for them. Any feedback/commentary greatly appreciated!

 

[raprice3]

I just ordered the 607 from Amazon for $400 (ordered it on Friday at 3:00pm, had it delivered at 10:00am on Saturday). It was easy to set up, and I am very happy with it. All of the video goes through the HDMI cable to the TV -- even the analog signal from the VCR gets output through the HDMI out cable. Only one cable from the Onkyo to the TV -- much better than before.