Receivers: Pioneer VSX-816 or Onkyo TX-SR505 or Denon AVR687 ?

[msas]

Narrowed my choice for a budget receiver down to these 3, all of which are $299 or less. I've read a great Professional reviews on the Pioneer (Hometheatermagazine) and also on the older Onkyo 504, not the newer 505. For me, the HDMI pass through is a nice feature, though i won't use it unless i have too, which goes for all the video out connections. Ease of use seams to favor the Onkyo over the Denon. The Pioneer has a cool remote but the receiver is not "iPod Ready", although there are ways to still hook one up obviously. Other than that they all seem like great values for the money, i'm just not sure if i'm missing any key features that would really set one out from the others. Thanks for any opinions!

 

[dotVIBE]

I'd say the key feature between the bunch is HDMI. I'd probably go for the Onkyo. Though Clint does recommend the 816... hmmmm. And most people prefer denon's sound to onkyo.

Hehe. You know, if it was me, I'd get a Yamaha RX-V659. Or the RX-V661 if you can stretch the cash. but i'm sure you'd be pretty happy with any of those, so don't stress too much. the differences are minor.

 

[Seth=L]

Agreed, aside from the Denon sounding better than the Onkyo, they likely sound almost exactly the same.

 

[koala68]

I have Denon AVR687 and I am happy with the sound while operating it is painful, the manual is poorly written. If you want your wife or kids to be able to operate it... go with something else. For the others I don't know them at all. I am not all that experienced.

 

[MDS]

My vote is for the Onkyo but I always vote for Onkyo because I've had many (still do) and have never had a single problem. The interface is well designed and easy to use and you can do everything from the remote control except assign the digital inputs.

 

[Seth=L]

My vote is for the Onkyo but I always vote for Onkyo because I've had many (still do) and have never had a single problem. The interface is well designed and easy to use and you can do everything from the remote control except assign the digital inputs.

Onkyo takes the cake for ease of use in most all cases.

 

[alexsound]

Narrowed my choice for a budget receiver down to these 3, all of which are $299 or less. I've read a great Professional reviews on the Pioneer (Hometheatermagazine) and also on the older Onkyo 504, not the newer 505. For me, the HDMI pass through is a nice feature, though i won't use it unless i have too, which goes for all the video out connections. Ease of use seams to favor the Onkyo over the Denon. The Pioneer has a cool remote but the receiver is not "iPod Ready", although there are ways to still hook one up obviously. Other than that they all seem like great values for the money, i'm just not sure if i'm missing any key features that would really set one out from the others. Thanks for any opinions!

Onkyo 604 would be a better choice than any of the above receivers and
you can get it in Black for 280.00 new. Here's the link. These guys are
reputable AND authorized Onkyo dealers.
www.accessories4less.com

 

[Seth=L]

Onkyo 604 would be a better choice than any of the above receivers and
you can get it in Black for 280.00 new. Here's the link. These guys are
reputable AND authorized Onkyo dealers.
www.accessories4less.com

This is a notable post. (Seth=L takes note of this post)