Rotel RSX1560 or Onkyo TX-NR5007?

[DBDALY]

Looking to purchase either the Rotel RSX1560 or the Onkyo TX-NR5007
Pros and cons of each? Which do you think is the better receiver? Both are in the same price range I believe. The Rotel is a 7.1 and the Onkyo is a 9.2 but really will only use the 7.1 setup.

 

[AVRat]

Welcome DB. What speakers will you be using? How large is your space? Would you consider the Denon 4310?

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-avr-4310ci

 

[bandphan]

The Rotel is a well made unit but doesnt have near the features of the Onkyo. IMO Id look at something like the Integra DHC 9.9 or 9.8 and and external amplifier which cost ruffly the same price or cheaper.

 

[DBDALY]

Still upgrading

AVRat,
Still upgrading the speakers, right now all that I have is Energy's. Room size is big, about 15 x 17. Klipsh 12" sub. I've heard some real horror stories on Dennon customer service, I have a Dennon ow that I'm upgrading out of. But I heard that have some major issues with HDMI, support is almost nil. That don't seem to stand behind their products as in the past. I almost purchased the 4308CI and was high on it but am now glad I didn't

 

[bandphan]

AVRat,
Still upgrading the speakers, right now all that I have is Energy's. Room size is big, about 15 x 17. Klipsh 12" sub. I've heard some real horror stories on Dennon customer service, I have a Dennon ow that I'm upgrading out of. But I heard that have some major issues with HDMI, support is almost nil. That don't seem to stand behind their products as in the past. I almost purchased the 4308CI and was high on it but am now glad I didn't

FWIW Onkyo's CS isnt stellar. If you purchase from a well known dealer then it shouldnt be a problem either way.

 

[TLS Guy]

Looking to purchase either the Rotel RSX1560 or the Onkyo TX-NR5007
Pros and cons of each? Which do you think is the better receiver? Both are in the same price range I believe. The Rotel is a 7.1 and the Onkyo is a 9.2 but really will only use the 7.1 setup.

Rotel all the way. You get good basic engineering without quality spoilers. Just make sure you have good speakers. The other brands have a lot of programs to try and turn sow's ears into a silk purses.

 

[AVRat]

I definitely wouldn't base too much of my buying decision on CS, but if I was Denon would be toward the top of the heap over the other mass production manufacturers.

Your room is actually on the small side and even the Onkyo 807 would be sufficient, if it meets your features/speakers requirements.

Which models Energy/Denon are you upgrading and what speakers are you considering? Perhaps you could elaborate on the upgraded system's usage?

 

[DBDALY]

My system now is pretty old, I can't remember off the top of my head what Model the Denon is. But it needs to be updated. Speakers are Energy Pack 5 if I recall. The room was/is actually 17 x 32 feet but I switched the layout and am using 1/2 the configuration now (opposite direction) I also want more zones for exterior as well as other levels in the home for music. I have a 65" Sony LCD Widescreen, Xbox 360 have not picked up a blueray yet. I will after I get the sound right. As for the speakers, not sure what to do there yet.

 

[bandphan]

My system now is pretty old, I can't remember off the top of my head what Model the Denon is. But it needs to be updated. Speakers are Energy Pack 5 if I recall. The room was/is actually 17 x 32 feet but I switched the layout and am using 1/2 the configuration now (opposite direction) I also want more zones for exterior as well as other levels in the home for music. I have a 65" Sony LCD Widescreen, Xbox 360 have not picked up a blueray yet. I will after I get the sound right. As for the speakers, not sure what to do there yet.

Pick the speakers first, then choose the avr that has the features you need. You might not need 7.1 and could do 5.1 depending on the speakers. The room will want a strong sub though. You might consider what type of control you need for the zones and what additional equipment might be needed. Again going with separate amp/s, which will lend itself to cost effective upgrades in the future, is something to consider.

 

[TLS Guy]

Pick the speakers first, then choose the avr that has the features you need. You might not need 7.1 and could do 5.1 depending on the speakers. The room will want a strong sub though. You might consider what type of control you need for the zones and what additional equipment might be needed. Again going with separate amp/s, which will lend itself to cost effective upgrades in the future.

I agree with that. I consider after sales service important, and a big item to rate what and where you buy.

We are told we have a service economy, but I find we have precious little service left.

 

[AVRat]

With a 65" screen size, you don't really want to skimp on speaker size, small satellites need not apply. And I'm not saying larger floorstanders are needed either, but may be what you want. Speakers are definitely a subjective preference depending on what your ears like. As Bandphan alluded to, a new sub may be needed to up the ante for the HT experience.

For zoning, any of the receivers/pre-pro we recommend will be capable and your wants may determine one configuration over another. For example, the Onkyo 1/3/5007s can do a 5.2 setup as well as power 2 stereo zones without the need for separate amplification. But don’t expect the receiver’s amps to power a multitude of speakers on 1 zone. This would be handled better with a separate outboard amp.