Onkyo TX-SR601 6.1 Receiver Review

[Audioholics]

<font color='#000080'>A decent improvement over the TX-SR600, the 601 receiver sports a slightly beefier amplifier, 192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels, extended crossover options, more inputs and an improved Zone 2 section - to name just a few of the upgrades. We integrated this receiver into our Reference System 3 where we used it for two months and wrote a review on this mid-priced 6.1 receiver. If you're shopping Onkyo or are in the $500 price range for 6.1, read on and experience the world of Onkyo...

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[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>I have the new Onkyo 701 (not the 601) -- after previously having the 700.

I would be interested in your thoughts/review on the 701 -- particularly since it is now a THX Select receiver (while the 700, 601 and the 600 were not).

As far as the remote, once you get used to it -- it is a really good one. &nbsp;I was able to put away all my other remotes and just use the 701 remote (similar to the 601 remote -- but the 701 is back-lit).

The one really bad thing about the Onkyo remotes (601 and 701) -- is that in TV mode, the volume up/down buttons control your TV -- NOT the receiver. &nbsp;So while watching TV if you change channels, you would have to switch to receiver mode to then change the volume (to adjust for volume differences between TV/cable channels).

I solved this problem by using the remote on the display model in the store to program the volume buttons in receiver mode over to the volume buttons on my remote while in TV mode.</font>

 

[Audioholics]

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Guest : <font color='#000000'>The one really bad thing about the Onkyo remotes (601 and 701) -- is that in TV mode, the volume up/down buttons control your TV -- NOT the receiver.  So while watching TV if you change channels, you would have to switch to receiver mode to then change the volume (to adjust for volume differences between TV/cable channels).</font>

<font color='#000080'>You should check out a Yamaha remote from the RX-V1300, 1400, etc series. Their remotes feature audio-follows video switching, plus the ability to select another device without affecting the current inputs.

While I don't expect a $500 receiver to have the best remote, one of my pet peeves was switching modes and having to press the receiver button just to switch inputs. With only 2 macros, you couldn't overwrite the buttons with the advanced functionality either.

It just seemed like a lot of bouncing around to me. I'm glad it's working well for you, though.

I now use a Home Theater Master MX-700 - WOW is that a good remote control! Review coming soon...</font>

 

[Guest]

<font color='#000000'>hawke:i'm actually considering the onkyo 601 right now, so i was quite glad to chance upon your review - hvnt been able to find another one online. yr review seems to indicate that while the 601 is a competent performer, it's not really class-leading.
are there other receivers that you'd recommend - considering the $500 or below pricepoint?
my requirement is about 2/3rds music, 1/3rd video, not a very big room, and i intend to use satellite speakers.
thanks
btw - if there's someplace else i shd be posting this query, let me know. thanks</font>

 

[Audioholics]

<font color='#000080'>It's really up to your taste in features and performance. In the same class you have Yamaha (who provides no OSD for that price point, but more DSP options), Denon, Pioneer, H/K, and Sony... of course, there are more...

While other amps have reputations of being beefier, etc - unless you are really going to crank up your music to insane levels, the Onkyo will do very well. And try to disregard &quot;volume&quot; knob settings as all amps are different in how they ramp up to their max amplification levels.

So for a $500 receiver, I think features play just as much a part in the decision as the sound. Take a look at your options and see what you find. But overall, I was pleased with the Onkyo for the price. Heck, my RX-V3000 doesn't let me set input levels!</font>