Mid-Range Receiver with 5.1 --> 7.1 Matrix Sound

[krizzz]

I am in the market for a new receiver and want to get the most out of 5.1 soundtracks. So the matrix feature seems pretty sweet.

I know the Onkyo 705 has it, but I'm not sure if the 706 does. I've also read quite a few posts saying the 706 isn't necessarily an upgrade over the 705.

Any recommendations on a solid mid-range A/V receiver that does Matrix (and all the other expected things like TrueHD, etc.) for about $500? Onkyo is not a requirement. I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks.

[Hendricks4333]

Originally Posted by krizzz

I am in the market for a new receiver and want to get the most out of 5.1 soundtracks. So the matrix feature seems pretty sweet.

I know the Onkyo 705 has it, but I'm not sure if the 706 does. I've also read quite a few posts saying the 706 isn't necessarily an upgrade over the 705.

Any recommendations on a solid mid-range A/V receiver that does Matrix (and all the other expected things like TrueHD, etc.) for about $500? Onkyo is not a requirement. I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks.

Pioneer VSX1018, Mine should be here monday or tuesday, but I hear nothing but great things.

[bacot11]

The 706 is definately an upgade over the 705. The 706 is thx select 2 plus certified. Which adds audessey dynamic eq and thx loudness plus. Making low volume listening of all sources much better imo. And yes the 706 can matrix any 5.1 souce to 7.1 even the lossless codecs. THe 706 doesn't get as hot as the 705. I have mine in a tight space and it stays relatively warm, but not hot.

[krizzz]

Good info! I like the endorsement of the 706, but I've read that you can't pass 1080P through natively. The receiver still adds its post processing to those signals. Am I incorrect on that? Because if so, sounds like a 706 is the way to go.

PS I'm connecting to a PS3 if that sways any opinions.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by krizzz

Good info! I like the endorsement of the 706, but I've read that you can't pass 1080P through natively. The receiver still adds its post processing to those signals. Am I incorrect on that? Because if so, sounds like a 706 is the way to go.

PS I'm connecting to a PS3 if that sways any opinions.

1080p via HDMI is passed through untouched. What I believe you're referring to is upscaling of analog inputs.

[krizzz]

Any thoughts on the Onkyo 706 vs. Pioneer 1018?