Onkyo TX-SR508 Vs. Upcoming Denon AVR-591

[dalessandro12]

I was trying to wait for the Denon AVR-591, which was suppose to go on sale in May but it still doesn't have a release date. Amazon is taking pre-orders but I started looking at other receivers in the $350 price range and am reading up on the SR508.

The SR508 is 7.1 and is rated at 80w@8ohms, which is a plus right there but I only have 5.1 speakers at the moment but it is on par with the 75w@8ohms the Denon is rated.

Which receiver is better? I am looking for something with adequate power, 3D HDMI 1.4 compatible (for future proofing), minimum of 4 HDMI (which they both have). I'd prefer upconverting analog signals (which the Denon does - not sure about Onkyo) but it isn't a deal breaker.

EDIT: Onkyo's website - no analog upconversion

 

[sholling]

I would buy a $300 refurbished TX-SR607 from Accessories For Less over a 508 for analog up-conversion assuming you have a need for it.

 

[bigbassdave]

I agree that the 607 would be a better choice but if you feel you must have HDMI 1.4 then the 607 isn't going to cut it for you

 

[dalessandro12]

Thats tempting. Can someone educate me on the 3D compatibility of HDMI1.3? I am (or was) trying to build a 3D compatible system (for the kids). I've done some research that it can work but it is very confusing.

The SR607 looks like everything I want minus HDMI 1.4a. Will 3D work on this still? I have ordered a 3D ready Mistubishi which I understand needs a converter to format the 3D correctly, but can I do HDMI 1.3 from Blu Ray to AV and from AV to my convert/DLP?

Also, what is the warranty converage from Onkyo if I buy from accessories4less.com?

 

[sholling]

I was going by your old TV when I suggested the 607 however if you want 3D then you need the newer (508/608) receiver. If you want analog upscaling you need to go a step up on the food chain.

Refurbs get a 1 year factory warranty.

 

[dalessandro12]

I was going by your old TV when I suggested the 607 however if you want 3D then you need the newer (508/608) receiver. If you want analog upscaling you need to go a step up on the food chain.

Refurbs get a 1 year factory warranty.

The TV in my sig is the "old" 2007ish 3D Mistubishi and Samsung used in their DLP's but it is a new 2009 TV. They are releasing a converter for the new 3D Blu Ray to the Mitsubishi/Samsung format.

 

[dalessandro12]

I just read that the 508/608 have HDMI passthrough so audio signals can be played through the TV speakers if I don't want to turn the receiver on. This is a huge plus for me since I have little kids - although I always want to run things with the full audio, if they are sleeping or we are just watching a kids show, I don't have to have the receiver on.

So far, I am leaning toward the 508. Only thing it doesn't have is analog upconversion but my only analog signal is the Wii, which to me, isn't really worth upconverting (I do use Netflix streaming but use my HTPC with HDMI out). Powerwise, I think it should sufficient for my needs.

 

[rnatalli]

Between those two, I'd go with the 591 simply because it uses Audyssey MultEQ instead of 2EQ.