Which receiver is better

[Wingman1977]

I'm planning to purchase a new receiver (to replace my current Onkyo) and I'm caught between two Models: STR-DN1000 7.1-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver and Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black). (I can get this for the same price as the Sony and PC Richard here so price is not a issue between the two). I'm torn between the two since I like the features that each one offers. Please, no fanboyism comments.

[blarneyrubble]

I am not a fan of Sony receivers (except the es line). Onkyo's are nice but run very hot. If you are alright with the heat I would say go with the onkyo.

[Beta Man]

I'd probably get the Sony...... although I'm sure that's not a popular opinion here......

In all honesty, I probably wouldn't get either of them though...... what is your budget, and what features do these have that you like, and what do you "need" it to do? I would ignore the stated outputs in terms of wattage all-together if I were you.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by blarneyrubble

I am not a fan of Sony receivers (except the es line). Onkyo's are nice but run very hot. If you are alright with the heat I would say go with the onkyo.

Heat wouldn't be a issue since I would have it in a open area.

[Steve]

Of the two I say you could probably flip a coin. However, I agree with Beta Man that I probably wouldn't buy either one of them. Provide the information he asked for and we can all go from there.

[wicked]

I have the DN1000. It is a great A/V R for the money. It has everything you can ask for at this price point.

Many people will say not the Sony...that is only because they do not like Sony in general. I got mine at Newegg for 299.99 shipped. I don't think you will find a brand new A/V R with the specs as the 1000 at a better price point.

However, if you are looking for pre/pro this Sony does not have them. You will have to go with the ES line. If you are looking for 1080p upconversion, the 1000 only goes 1080i. If you are using all HDMI, then you do not have to worry about it.

P.S. That Onkyo RC-160 is ugly

[callas01]

I think you should hear them if you can. You may find that you like the sound of one over the other. I find now that my tastes are changing a little and I like the warmer sounds of Marantz and Yamaha. Personally I don't like the sound of Onkyo receivers. I think you should decide what sounds better to you. Performance wise they will be about the same, as said above, neither will produce the stated watts per channel, however you should expect about 60% of stated watts.

[emoxley]

I'd definitely go with the Onkyo, especially since you say heat won't be an issue. You're right, don't close it in and it shouldn't be an issue. My 805 is supposed to be one that runs very hot. It's not closed in, and it barely gets warm.

Onkyo gives a lot of bang for the buck. The Sony decodes uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI). The Onkyo decodes bitstreamed Dolby TrueHD and dtsHD Master. It uses Burr-Brown DACs, the Sony doesn't. The Onkyo has 5 HDMI inputs, the Sony has 4. The Onkyo has 3 each of optical and digital coax, the Sony has 3 optical, 1 coax. The Onkyo has Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. The Onkyo does 1080p upscaling, Sony 1080i (if that matters), The Onkyo has pre-outs, in case you ever want to add an external amp, and it's 4 ohm certified. It even has a phono input, in case you have a turntable to play albums. The Onkyo just gives so much more for the money, that it's not even funny.
Good luck with whatever you decide on.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by emoxley

I'd definitely go with the Onkyo, especially since you say heat won't be an issue. You're right, don't close it in and it shouldn't be an issue. My 805 is supposed to be one that runs very hot. It's not closed in, and it barely gets warm.

Onkyo gives a lot of bang for the buck. The Sony decodes uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI). The Onkyo decodes bitstreamed Dolby TrueHD and dtsHD Master. It uses Burr-Brown DACs, the Sony doesn't. The Onkyo has 5 HDMI inputs, the Sony has 4. The Onkyo has 3 each of optical and digital coax, the Sony has 3 optical, 1 coax. The Onkyo has Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. The Onkyo does 1080p upscaling, Sony 1080i (if that matters), The Onkyo has pre-outs, in case you ever want to add an external amp, and it's 4 ohm certified. It even has a phono input, in case you have a turntable to play albums. The Onkyo just gives so much more for the money, that it's not even funny.
Good luck with whatever you decide on.

The Sony does decode HD audio for both DD and dts. The Onkyo 160 he is looking at only upscales to 1080i, and according to their website, the 607/160 doesn't use Burr Brown DACs, it begins with the 707.

[emoxley]

Ok.........nice catch.
It looks like I accidently clicked on the page for the HT-RC180, instead of the 160. Sorry about that. I could have sworn I was on the right one...........

Just 2/2 on optical and coax inputs too. No phono input.
I'd still go with the Onkyo. I have no experience with this particular Sony, but from past experience with Sonys, Onkyo is easier to setup and use, for everyone, but especially if you're new to HT. If the Sony has auto calibration, that may have fixed some of that problem though. I think Sony makes some great tvs and BD players. Just not the best receivers, until you get into the ES line. Even then, I'll choose Onkyo over Sony.


EDIT:
Just looked at Sony's site again. I see now that it says it decodes the HD audio.
It has me wondering if something is wrong with my computer or connection. Maybe pages aren't displaying right? I know I'm not blind, and I'd bet money that wasn't there before. This is just too strange!

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by emoxley

Ok.........nice catch.
It looks like I accidently clicked on the page for the HT-RC180, instead of the 160. Sorry about that. I could have sworn I was on the right one...........

Just 2/2 on optical and coax inputs too. No phono input.
I'd still go with the Onkyo. I have no experience with this particular Sony, but from past experience with Sonys, Onkyo is easier to setup and use, for everyone, but especially if you're new to HT. If the Sony has auto calibration, that may have fixed some of that problem though. I think Sony makes some great tvs and BD players. Just not the best receivers, until you get into the ES line. Even then, I'll choose Onkyo over Sony.

No pre-outs on the ONKYO HT-RC160 either, except for subwoofer. Just like the SONY. Multi channel inputs & pre-outs give you an upgrade path, well worth the extra $.

[Wingman1977]

Look like I'll be leaning towards the Onkyo since I have experience using them. I also like the ease of use they have. I'll instead pick the Onkyo TX-SR707 since it offers a bit more. Thanks for the help fellas.

[Steve]

Just my opinion here, but in the same price range as the Onkyo 707 is the Marantz SR5004. I would get the Marantz instead.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Just my opinion here, but in the same price range as the Onkyo 707 is the Marantz SR5004. I would get the Marantz instead.

Actually, I can get the TX-SR707 for $599 @ B&H. $849 would be going overboard for me.

[emoxley]

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

Actually, I can get the TX-SR707 for $599 @ B&H. $849 would be going overboard for me.

Is B&H an authorized dealer? If not, you won't have a warranty.
Amazon.com has it for that same price right now, with free shipping. They are an authorized dealer.

[Pondosinatra]

None.

I'd look at Marantz, Yamaha, or Pioneer instead.

[nezff]

onkyo anyday

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by emoxley

Is B&H an authorized dealer? If not, you won't have a warranty.
Amazon.com has it for that same price right now, with free shipping. They are an authorized dealer.

Yes, they are:http://www.us.onkyo.com/loc_results.cfm
They are 5th on the list. I live only 30mins away from B&H by train. I took my current receiver to get serviced and they I'm not paying for the repair (it came with a standard 2 yr warranty and bought the unit last March).