Onkyo Tx-sr607 vs 706

[SN95GT50]

I am looking at the both the Onkyo Tx-sr607 & Onkyo Tx-sr706, the 607 is the newer model while the 706 is last years model but the next level higher.

I am looking to replace a lower end Pioneer unit that does not have HDMI capabilities. I would like the new unit to use the HDMI for the audio as well as the video.

My inputs to the receiver would be
Cable box (supports HDMI)
Samsung BD2500 blu-ray
Wii (component video).

My outputs from the receiver would be
Panasonic 50" Plasma 1080i
Yamaha mid/low range speakers including sub (5.1 package deal from best buy)
Outdoor speakers that would use the other speaker outputs

It looks as if both of these will upconvert my Wii which I really want, what do I actually get by going to the newer model? What would I get by going to the higher level model.

What would you do 706 is about $40 more expensive. The 607 is $329 & the 706 is $369, both refurbished. Anything else in this price range I should be considering?

SN95GT50

 

[MDS]

As with most receiver manufacturers, when you go up the model line you get incremental additional features for a large increase in price. In this case, the prices are similar because both models have been out for awhile. It shows you how quickly prices on electronics drop.

The 7xx series is where Onkyo adds pre-outs for each of the channels, IR in, Multi-EQ speaker setup and sometimes THX certification. The power increase is marginal and will not be noticeable.

If you won't be adding an additional amp and are fine with the speaker setup using only 2 or 3 postions, then you don't need the 7xx series. Every year Onkyo migrates features from their higher number receivers down into the lower models. At this point, the 607 has everything one would reasonably need.

 

[lsiberian]

As with most receiver manufacturers, when you go up the model line you get incremental additional features for a large increase in price. In this case, the prices are similar because both models have been out for awhile. It shows you how quickly prices on electronics drop.

The 7xx series is where Onkyo adds pre-outs for each of the channels, IR in, Multi-EQ speaker setup and sometimes THX certification. The power increase is marginal and will not be noticeable.

If you won't be adding an additional amp and are fine with the speaker setup using only 2 or 3 postions, then you don't need the 7xx series. Every year Onkyo migrates features from their higher number receivers down into the lower models. At this point, the 607 has everything one would reasonably need.

The 706 lost some features too though.

It still has the robust amp section though.

 

[Nomo]

Simply put; I would not buy a HT receiver without pre-outs.
IMO, it limits a system's upgradabilty.

I had hoped that at some point Onkyo would put pre-outs in their 6xx models, but they seem content to stay behind the curve.

On a side note: Onkyo's numbering system is making my brain hurt this year.
I had to Google 706 and 607 to see which one was this year's model.

 

[SN95GT50]

I currently have a Pioneer VSX-D514 that I would be replacing with the 607, will I notice much of a difference? Hate to spend money and not hear a sound improvement. More importantly, the wife needs to hear the improvement.

Second I will be upconverting my Wii vi component video, one of the knocks on the 607 is the video upconvert, will my Wii video be worse with this receiver than running component in to my 514 and component to my panasonic 1080i plasma?

SN95GT50

 

[lsiberian]

I currently have a Pioneer VSX-D514 that I would be replacing with the 607, will I notice much of a difference? Hate to spend money and not hear a sound improvement. More importantly, the wife needs to hear the improvement.

Second I will be upconverting my Wii vi component video, one of the knocks on the 607 is the video upconvert, will my Wii video be worse with this receiver than running component in to my 514 and component to my panasonic 1080i plasma?

SN95GT50

You won't ever convince them.
Trust me. Mine can't tell the difference between computer speakers and the home theater.

What is your budget?
I just looked up your receiver and you would get hdmi switching which makes setting things up a bit easier.

Plus the auto eq stuff might help you with setup.

 

[SN95GT50]

The benefit that I was hoping to see from the upgrade was the HDMI connectivity and improved sound.

The improved sound I was expecting from the new AVR and formats and mostly from the ability to use the auto speaker setup. I have an odd shapped room with my rear speakers at different distances behind the listener (these are quite a ways behind the listener). I do not know where to start with speaker setup and currently just have the rears cranked up a bit to compensate for the distance.

SN95

 

[Knucklehead90]

For a bit less money the Onkyo RC160 might be a consideration. It has a few less features than the 607 but is essentially the same AVR. It has no front panel connections and the amps are rated 10 watts less than the 607. It retains the 5 HDMI ports on the back.

 

[MatthewB.]

All recievers within a set price range will sound the same, it's when you get into the mid price and high end that you will notice changes in sound. So you may get a slight improvement with the 7xx series.

 

[SN95GT50]

I understand that going from a low end to a low end won't offer any improvement, but, my current AVR is about 6-7 years old. I would expect to experience a difference with the newer equipment.

Are the speaker cailbration/setup functions very good? Like I mentioned, I have an odd shaped room and no experience in setting the levels. Would I see a benefit from the calibration function?

SN95GT50

 

[Knucklehead90]

The calibration features on modern AVRs are a starting point to setting up speaker levels for most. Some people are quite happy to leave the settings alone - others such as myself will always fiddle with them to get things adjusted to where we like subs and center levels etc.

The more you spend on an AVR the better quality setup program you get and the better the sound will be - usually.

I doubt you'll hear 'a world of difference' between a new avr and what you have now. Buy a new avr for features - not for sound quality. For better sound get new speakers.

 

[SN95GT50]

I got the 607 for Christmas and got everything hooked up Sunday night, my wife noticed the difference immediately which is what I wanted. Later that night I did the auto setup with the microphone, the sound got even better. I cranked up Harry Potter and couldn't believe all the noises coming from each direction. I will post the settings later and would appreciate advice on tweaking the settings.

I do have one question right off, I can't get the volume adjustment of the receiver to show up on the TV, I have the OSD set to on and the location set to bottom (tried top as well) and it does not show up. I am running all HDMI except for the Wii that comes in Component and then HDMI from the receiver to the TV.

Any recommendations on movies that will really make this thing show off? Particularly something that the kids (7 & 11) can watch?

I am really impressed by this receiver, I purchased it refurbed from Accessories4Less and would not hesitate to buy from them again, this thing looks brand new. The only thing missing was the batteries for the remote and I am not convinced that they wren't there and I lost them.

John

 

[sholling]

I had a Pioneer VSX912 in my bedroom and upgraded to the Onkyo TX-SR606 and I've been very happy. You won't hear much difference because at that price amps are amps but the Onkyo doesn't seem to run out of steam the the way the Pio did. But the big thing is the Audyssey auto setup.
I would get the 607, or for very little more money (<$500) the 707. As others have said the 70x series adds preouts.