Onkyo TX SR-606 vs Denon AVR 1909 help me decide

[Blu3]

I'm considering either the Onkyo TX SR-606 or the Denon AVR 1909. The 606 is $320 and the 1909 is $450, but I don't know how long these prices will hold up for, especially on the Denon, so if I knew which is better I might buy today/this week. I've been checkin out the 606 and it's appealing for bang for the buck, but I can stretch the Denon if it's worth the extra cash.

My current set up is a PS3 with a 1080i plasma, but I'd like to get a receiver than I can use with an upgraded blu ray player and 1080p display in the future. Upconversion is a plus but I don't see it as necessary, since plenty of blu ray players will upconvert and that's what I'd get in the future, unless the receiver can do a better job or enhance the image, in which case, let me know, since the 606 can only upconvert to 1080i.

My main goal with the receiver is the audio, first for movies with the lossless decoding, then music (upsampling a plus). Initially a 5.1 surround, but able to connect a 7.1 system for future upgrade. Both of these can do that. Zone 2 support is not a must have, though I think both of these have Zone 2 as well. Ability to hook up an iPod is definite plus, even if I need additional accessories (not sure if both can do that). The Denon lists more lossy codecs than the 606, is this an advantage for the 1909? Any advantage/disadvantage for lossless between the two?

I'm looking for 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output as the primary, everything else secondary. Both claim to output 90W for 7 channels - does this mean they output 90W in each channel when all 7 are connected? Which receiver actually holds up in power output? IIRC the 606 shows a 0.08% distortion while the Denon is a bit higher at 0.1% - anything to worry about? Which has the better DACs? The description of the Audyssey seems better on the Denon (MuiltEQ + Dynamic Volume + Dynamic EQ) compared to the 606 (2EQ only?). Which has the better SQ?

I've read some reviews that mention heating issues with the Onkyos, but I haven't found anything similar with the Denons. Any known issues with either?

Sorry about the long post, I'm trying to get a good receiver for my money. This is all I know about these two, and they are my top choices, but I'd like to see what the gurus say, and that's you guys. If you know of others that I might be interested in, feel free to post a link for me to check'em out.

Thanks!

[crackinhedz]

the Denon 1909. most definitely.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

the Denon 1909. most definitely.

Can you elaborate?

Whys and why nots

[elwaylite]

Dunno if you bought yet, but I just replaced a 605 with a 1909. Sounds better, and the Audyssey setup takes more points and is VERY accurate.

Not looking back.

[JMFB77]

Hmm now I need to decide witch one I want the 606 or 1909. I am leaning to the 1909. I will be using this with a PS3 as well.

[elwaylite]

You'll still have better SQ and auto calibration on the 1909.

[Blu3]

My choice ended up being the 1909, but now I've been bitten by the bug and will hold out for the onkyo 876. I wanted a THX A/V with burr browns, which the 1909 doesn't have, and a denon of that caliber is out of budget.

[Driver_King]

I don't believe the 876 has Burr-Brown DAC's but I do know the 875 does.

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

the Denon 1909. most definitely.

+1. Of course, your ears should determine which receiver is right for you. IMHO, if your primary concern is sound quality, I'd recommend the Denon over the Onkyo. They have great amplification sections, use good DACs, and are more musically refined than the Onkyos.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I don't believe the 876 has Burr-Brown DAC's but I do know the 875 does.

According to Onkyo it does:

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=f

Is it a typo?