Picking a Reciever

[Rowdy S13]

Ok well my friend and I are trying to hammer out the details of his system. At the current moment he has a 56" Toshiba DLP (720p) an Oppo 970, Klipsch RF-82's and thats about it. The reasoning for what he has has been price. The TV was had brand new for 1100 the DVD player is 150, and the speakers were bought new yesterday for 600. Now we come to a reciever. Were thinking either the Onkyo TX-SR604, or the Yamaha HTR-5960. Both can be had for about $400 (The Onkyo can be bought local for 400 and the Yamaha is about 350 plus shipping online) The main advantage of the Onkyo is obviously the HDMI switching, but which is the better quality reciever? Or should we be going off of features and looks, because there both the same quality? Im thinking its gonna be the latter, but Id like to hear what you all have to say.

Thanks,
Sean

 

[j_garcia]

I'd go with the Onkyo because 1) it is local and 2) features. Personally, prefer Onkyo's sound to Yamaha. Quality wise, I couldn't tell you.

 

[Rowdy S13]

I'd go with the Onkyo because 1) it is local and 2) features. Personally, prefer Onkyo's sound to Yamaha. Quality wise, I couldn't tell you.

Well he hasnt done anything yet, but thats basicly the conclusion I came to as well. Anymore opions are aprciated.

Thanks,
Sean

 

[zumbo]

The Onkyo doesn't seem to have pre-outs. That's a killer for me. The Yamaha doesn't seem to have the options needed. I say more looking. Nada to both.

I prefer Yamaha over Onkyo. I replaced an Onkyo with a Yamaha. I wouldn't choose either here. So, you see how this can go.

Better price on the Yamaha, just incase:
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=31550

369 on the Onkyo if you add to cart:
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=31563#

Just a little more $$. $569.88 shipped.
HDMI
120W x 7
Pre-outs for all channels
New
Authorized dealer
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538999334
Specs:
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200015&CTID=5000400&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

 

[j_garcia]

Yep, the Onkyos don't have preouts until the 7xx series I believe. That isn't a deal killer IMO, but definitely not a plus. Since he is going to drive the Klipsch, I would say he won't be needing an amp anytime soon.

You can get a 604 refurb for $320 at www.ac4l.com right now.

 

[Kai]

I have the Yamaha RX-V659 which is the same as the HTR model. I chose it over a similarly priced Pioneer and Denon because of the features and the sound compared to the others over the same speakers. I believe I made the right decision and love the 659.
I have not heard the Onkyo you mention so no opinion.
I compared the 659 to two models of Denon because Tweeter did not have a Denon at the same basic price so I listened to a model around $150 less and $100 more. The cheaper Denon was not even close...lacked power and features and sounded poor. The higher priced Denon did sound better. It was more powerful and the sound stage was a bit wider at the same sound level but not worth the extra $100 in my opinion especially when I was a bit over budget on the 659 as it was and the wife was "side eyeing" me hehehe.

Keep us informed.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Well we just drove through a Blizzard and picked up the Onkyo. His speakers are still by my place and he needs all his cabling, but as soon as its all hooked up and running, Ill let you all know how it is.

Thanks,
Sean

 

[angstadt530]

The Onkyo has a two channel preout for a zone two stereo, but none for zone one. On the other hand, does your friend really need preouts? I'm guessing not. If he does, Pioneer's entry models offer preouts, but no HDMI switching. However, if the DVD player is the only input, he won't really need switching capabilities anyway. Finally, if there are other inputs that aren't HDMI, the 604 won't upconvert them to allow only one cable running to the TV. (The 674, however, does upconvert, but it costs at least $100 more.)

Ok, so I think I've come to the conclusion that at this price range, you should rule out HDMI switching. Here's what I would do since price is a major issue: I would get a Pioneer 816 because it's cheap, but reliable. If HDMI switching is something he really wants/needs, the left over money could be put towards an external HDMI switcher. In addition, the preouts on the 816 would allow a power upgrade if one was ever desired in the future. ...The best of both worlds.

Edit: The Onkyo TX-SR504 would also be another great choice if preouts are not in consideration.

 

[Seth=L]

The Onkyo has a two channel preout for a zone two stereo, but none for zone one. On the other hand, does your friend really need preouts? I'm guessing not. If he does, Pioneer's entry models offer preouts, but no HDMI switching. However, if the DVD player is the only input, he won't really need switching capabilities anyway. Finally, if there are other inputs that aren't HDMI, the 604 won't upconvert them to allow only one cable running to the TV. (The 674, however, does upconvert, but it costs at least $100 more.)

Ok, so I think I've come to the conclusion that at this price range, you should rule out HDMI switching. Here's what I would do since price is a major issue: I would get a Pioneer 816 because it's cheap, but reliable. If HDMI switching is something he really wants/needs, the left over money could be put towards an external HDMI switcher. In addition, the preouts on the 816 would allow a power upgrade if one was ever desired in the future. ...The best of both worlds.

Edit: The Onkyo TX-SR504 would also be another great choice if preouts are not in consideration.

I have tried to make this point concerning HDMI a few times, but I will point it out none the less. The Onkyo TX-SR604 not only switches HDMI, it decodes the audio over HDMI. This is a useful feature if the buyer decides to use one of the HD formats and wants 7.1 LPCM.

I would also like to second the Yamaha HTR-5990, I believe it is a great deal and it is a real powerhouse. I have the previous year's model and it is very good, solid product. It has tons of features so you won't find it lacking.

 

[Rowdy S13]

So if I understand this right, all were gonna need for cabling is 3 HDMI cables? He has the Oppo player, and a HD sat box, and then out to the TV.

Sean

 

[Seth=L]

So if I understand this right, all were gonna need for cabling is 3 HDMI cables? He has the Oppo player, and a HD sat box, and then out to the TV.

Sean

The Oppo should have come with an HDMI cable. So you only need two more.

 

[Rowdy S13]

The Oppo should have come with an HDMI cable. So you only need two more.

Well thats true, and since Im picky as hell I have my oppo cable as well, so we only need 1. But I was making sure that it will all handle Audio and Video. I can tell you hes very excited to get it all done, but at the same time hes trying to do it right. So hes waiting till he has a center and all his wiring before bringing home his oh so tempting speakers. Works well for me, cause Im enjoying these beasts.

Sean

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receivers

I have the Yamaha HTR-5860 (last years version of the HTR-5960) and recommend it. All your money is going towards sound quality and the amp and not video features. I plan to take advantage of the pre-outs and add an Emotiva amp to drive a full HT with 4 ohm speakers.

A lot of cable boxes have issues with receivers that act as an HDMI repeaters, so you will avoid this by connecting the video sources directly to the TV. You can get a manual HDMI switch from monoprice for about $30.

 

[Seth=L]

I have the Yamaha HTR-5860 (last years version of the HTR-5960) and recommend it. All your money is going towards sound quality and the amp and not video features. I plan to take advantage of the pre-outs and add an Emotiva amp to drive a full HT with 4 ohm speakers.

A lot of cable boxes have issues with receivers that act as an HDMI repeaters, so you will avoid this by connecting the video sources directly to the TV. You can get a manual HDMI switch from monoprice for about $30.

He wants the audio and video to run via HDMI, that Yamaha cannot do this.

If you consider a budget increase- http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538999334

This receiver is a monster, and it is well worth the price. It has a feature pack that could make a grown man cry. 3 zone capability, HDMI switching and audio processing, and all the inputs and outputs you need. It has plenty of power as well.

As for the HDMI cables, yes the ones that came with the Oppo will carry audio and video. Make sure that it is setup to do so in the DVD player. I don't have experience using Oppo, so I am not sure if it's default is HDMI w/audio, but it can be setup to do that.

 

[zumbo]

That ZUMBO recommended. Can't believe y'all didn't jump all over that one.

 

[j_garcia]

LOL. Wasn't that the third post in this thread?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

He wants the audio and video to run via HDMI, that Yamaha cannot do this.

If you consider a budget increase- http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538999334

Seth,

Great AVR, and great find at that price!

 

[zumbo]

Seth,

Great AVR, and great find at that price!

I found it DMNIT. I studied features on Yamaha's site. Then, located the deal from an authorized dealer. OP got the Onkyo.

 

[Seth=L]

I found it DMNIT. I studied features on Yamaha's site. Then, located the deal from an authorized dealer. OP got the Onkyo.

Yes, sorry Zumbo. I usually credit (time sensitive, and in this case I should have), I simply forgot.

But none the less, awesome deal on a great receiver.

 

[zumbo]

Yes, sorry Zumbo. I usually credit (time sensitive, and in this case I should have), I simply forgot.

But none the less, awesome deal on a great receiver.

Just can't believe OP didn't jump on that Yamaha receiver. You know what's up though!