Onkyo 507 or Pioneer 819?

[acritzer]

Although I have yet to convince my wife that this is a good idea, I'm considering a new receiver. This might end up being something I put off for a while. I'm using an older Onkyo, but I do have multi-channel inputs and HD sound that way. The upgrade would be mainly for the benefit of HDMI connections, and the improved power/sound from a newer device.

Anyway, got prices from Amazon of mid $200's for either of these. Probably 90% of use would be for Blus, then a bit of music. Speakers I'm using are listed in my sig.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Although I have yet to convince my wife that this is a good idea, I'm considering a new receiver. This might end up being something I put off for a while. I'm using an older Onkyo, but I do have multi-channel inputs and HD sound that way. The upgrade would be mainly for the benefit of HDMI connections, and the improved power/sound from a newer device.

Anyway, got prices from Amazon of mid $200's for either of these. Probably 90% of use would be for Blus, then a bit of music. Speakers I'm using are listed in my sig.

Not bad prices. Would you have an opportunity to go listen to both of them in person? If so, I would do that and let your ears decide. Both are solid entry level receivers that should satisfy your needs easily.

[solarrdadd]

with your speakers, i think either will be fine. you cannot use the analog out from your player as neither of the receivers have multichannel inputs; both receivers support all HD codecs. you will have to go HDMI bitstreamed to get your HD audio from now on. neither of them have pre-outs so there will be no upgrading to an amp with either of these receivers, however, that may not be important to you and at the price your getting, it's no big deal. take your pick and i'm sure you'll be happy.

keep us posted, best of luck!

[acritzer]

So no preferences to either one?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

So no preferences to either one?

I would say no, as they are entry level receivers and have the same amenities. If you are in need of a lot of HDMI inputs, I say go with that one.....but they are quite similiar. I have a Pioneer, and if you want a recommendation, I say Pioneer.....but that is more about me and the fact that I love thier AVR's more than it is myself being objective.

[acritzer]

I know generally, Onkyo runs hot. I feel like my current one gets pretty warm. At this point I have two HDMI devices (three if I were to change my Xbox 360 to HDMI).

If I'm able to sell my current Onkyo with the boxed speakers it came with for 100-125 I may pull the trigger.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

I know generally, Onkyo runs hot. I feel like my current one gets pretty warm. At this point I have two HDMI devices (three if I were to change my Xbox 360 to HDMI).

If I'm able to sell my current Onkyo with the boxed speakers it came with for 100-125 I may pull the trigger.

I had the Onkyo 605 and it does run hot.....but it worked like a champ. I can't compare my Pioneer now to my old 605 as I jumped up on the receiver scale. My current Pioneer Elite is remarkably better in just about every way than the 605, but it should be as it is a mid-higher end level receiver. Needless to say, I love the Elites now.

[acritzer]

Yes, it would be nice to REALLY upgrade.

I think I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need to get anything new at this point. I just did all my speakers and the difference was huge. Being happy with what I have now should be my goal (at least for a while )

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Yes, it would be nice to REALLY upgrade.

I think I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need to get anything new at this point. I just did all my speakers and the difference was huge. Being happy with what I have now should be my goal (at least for a while )

If you are already getting HD audio with your current receiver and just want a new receiver for the sake of having HDMI, then that is up to you. It does seem a bit of a waste of money if what you currently have is doing the job. I know your new speakers are probably being powered fine with your current receiver, as the Polks are not very power hungry.

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

If you are already getting HD audio with your current receiver and just want a new receiver for the sake of having HDMI, then that is up to you. It does seem a bit of a waste of money if what you currently have is doing the job. I know your new speakers are probably being powered fine with your current receiver, as the Polks are not very power hungry.

Agreed, getting HD sound now, with 5 new speakers. Save money now, get something worthwhile later. Honestly, investing in a Harmony remote might be more practical at this point.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Agreed, getting HD sound now, with 5 new speakers. Save money now, get something worthwhile later. Honestly, investing in a Harmony remote might be more practical at this point.

If you are fumbling around with 2 or more remotes, then absolutely. They are awesome....everyone loves the Harmony One. My 880 is still chugging along, but it has had a charging base issue (not resting properly in the cradle to recharge) for a while now...I am tired of fixing it too.

[acritzer]

Yeah, the One gets a lot of praise. Being the tight wad I am though, I may try and find something that's less expensive, but still offers the basic functionality. I don't know that much about the different models though, so I'll have to investigate. Touch screen probably isn't all that important to me. Being able to program macro commands though might be.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Yeah, the One gets a lot of praise. Being the tight wad I am though, I may try and find something that's less expensive, but still offers the basic functionality. I don't know that much about the different models though, so I'll have to investigate. Touch screen probably isn't all that important to me. Being able to program macro commands though might be.

Here is the link to the Logitech Harmony Remote Thread.

Good luck!

[Steve]

I'm just throwing this out there, but I agree with forsberg. If you're currently getting HD sound, then either of the two receivers you're looking at now won't really be an 'upgrade' other than having the convenience of HDMI. IMO it's more of a lateral move. My suggestion is, since you're already getting HD sound, to save up some more and buy a mid-level receiver rather than an entry-level model. That way you're really getting an upgrade.

Also I'm another Harmony user and they're definitely worth looking into.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[lojack1976]

I have to agree with others. You're already getting HD sound, so the next step would be to make a true upgrade to a much better receiver. You would be doing yourself a big favor by waiting until you can afford a higher end unit that will actually give you a sound upgrade.

The move to HDMI would not be worth it in your scenario unless you are getting a lot more with it with improved sound and power being the most important. These entry level receivers aren't going to give you anything you don't have now aside from HDMI.

[greekjgg]

What are we refering to as HD sound? This does not do uncompressed audio?

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by greekjgg

What are we refering to as HD sound? This does not do uncompressed audio?

I mean I can use the Dolby HD and DTS HD tracks on Blu Ray movies. Even though I have an older receiver, with multi-channel outputs and inputs and the player doing the decoding I still get loss-less sound.