Onkyo 706 vs. 705?

[JasonS]

Hey guys, I'm looking to update my receiver because my current Onkyo does not have HDMI. I began looking into the 705 and keep reading great things about it. After almost making a purchase, I learn that a 706 just came out. Looking at the specs sheet on Onkyo's web site I'm hard pressed to see what the difference between these are? Anyone have any experience with the 706? Any thoughts?

[Driver_King]

The 706 actually has a lot of new features that the 705 does not. I wouldn't recommend getting it because of the price difference, unless you're willing to spend more than an 805 costs.

[un4gvn94538]

there are differences that can be seen by viewing the rear of the receiver on the onk site. one thing on the top of my head is no optical out, different remote (not backlit) there are things i require on the 705 that is absent on the 706

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

The 706 actually has a lot of new features that the 705 does not. I wouldn't recommend getting it because of the price difference, unless you're willing to spend more than an 805 costs.

Price was the other issue. The 706 on Amazon is about $270 more than the 705. What are these extra features though, I couldn't even discern that?

EDIT: Basically, are the added "features" enough to justify the price if all I care about is running a good 7.1 setup with high def audio?

[un4gvn94538]

Originally Posted by JasonS

Price was the other issue. The 706 on Amazon is about $270 more than the 705. What are these extra features though, I couldn't even discern that?

EDIT: Basically, are the added "features" enough to justify the price if all I care about is running a good 7.1 setup with high def audio?

they added stuff like upconversion to 1080 while taking things away.

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by un4gvn94538

they added stuff like upconversion to 1080 while taking things away.

1080 upconversion isn't an issue since I only ever watch Blu-ray movies now anyways really.

[HOME THEATRE ADDICT!]

The main 2 things I thought were 1 more HDMI input and THX Select 2 Plus.

[Nathan P]

Originally Posted by HOME THEATRE ADDICT!

The main 2 things I thought were 1 more HDMI input and THX Select 2 Plus.

True, but according to the specs no THX processing also no optical out and one less DAC - not sure if this matters

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by Nathan P

True, but according to the specs no THX processing also no optical out and one less DAC - not sure if this matters

There is THX processing. Here's some of the stuff from Onkyo:


Full High-Def A/V Home Theater with 1080p Video Upscaling, New THX® Select2 Plus Certification and Signature Amplification

In the mid-range category, credibility is gained through exceptional performance and a high degree of functionality.There’s no better example of this than the THX Select2 Plus Certified TX-SR706 A/V receiver.With a certified amplification design and ability to process full high-definition audio and video, the TX-SR706 marks the boundary between cost effectiveness and high-end functionality. Look to some notable firsts at this level: (1) The ability to scale all sources, such as standard DVD, up to 1080p video with the industry recognized quality of Faroudja DCDi Cinema™; (2) an effecient push-pull amplification design originally created for Onkyo's high-end receivers; and (3) THX® Loudness Plus™ technology to maintain the impact of home theater even at low volume.To cap off a remarkable home entertainment component, we’ve also included RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control; advanced Audyssey room acoustic correction technologies; and XM® and SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio and iPod® connectivity options. .
Special Features

* HDMI V1.3a repeater (4in/1out, 1080p compatible)
* HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi Cinema technology
* Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding
__________________________________________________ _______________
Basically it's either pay more for this or pay less and get the 805. You have to make the decision.

[HOME THEATRE ADDICT!]

I like the 705, I got it at a reduced price because the 706 was on its way. same thing with the 805, price is down because of the 806. If I was going to look at the 706, Id get the 805 anyway and now its cheaper. in a year the 706,806 etc. will be marked down. IMO they need to slow technology down, you barely get it home and theres something new out! Gets on my last nerve!!!

[Nathan P]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

There is THX processing. Here's some of the stuff from Onkyo:


Full High-Def A/V Home Theater with 1080p Video Upscaling, New THX® Select2 Plus Certification and Signature Amplification

In the mid-range category, credibility is gained through exceptional performance and a high degree of functionality.There’s no better example of this than the THX Select2 Plus Certified TX-SR706 A/V receiver.With a certified amplification design and ability to process full high-definition audio and video, the TX-SR706 marks the boundary between cost effectiveness and high-end functionality. Look to some notable firsts at this level: (1) The ability to scale all sources, such as standard DVD, up to 1080p video with the industry recognized quality of Faroudja DCDi Cinema™; (2) an effecient push-pull amplification design originally created for Onkyo's high-end receivers; and (3) THX® Loudness Plus™ technology to maintain the impact of home theater even at low volume.To cap off a remarkable home entertainment component, we’ve also included RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control; advanced Audyssey room acoustic correction technologies; and XM® and SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio and iPod® connectivity options. .
Special Features

* HDMI V1.3a repeater (4in/1out, 1080p compatible)
* HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi Cinema technology
* Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding
__________________________________________________ _______________
Basically it's either pay more for this or pay less and get the 805. You have to make the decision.

Yes but didn't the 705 have the ability to process a 5.1 sound track upto 7.1 using THX modes?? Besides the 805 will be complete overkill for the size of room that it will be going in.

[JasonS]

Originally Posted by HOME THEATRE ADDICT!

I like the 705, I got it at a reduced price because the 706 was on its way. same thing with the 805, price is down because of the 806. If I was going to look at the 706, Id get the 805 anyway and now its cheaper. in a year the 706,806 etc. will be marked down. IMO they need to slow technology down, you barely get it home and theres something new out! Gets on my last nerve!!!

I am actually avoiding the 805 because of it's size and many different reviews have said it has a very real possibility of literally catching fire. Sorry, but I don't need my $2,300 TV going up in flames with the receiver. 705/706 is a bit more compact and would fit my media shelf better.

[Driver_King]

I have an 805 and I have a very small room. But if the shelf isn't able to hold a receiver that large, then a 705 is sufficient.

[HOME THEATRE ADDICT!]

Originally Posted by JasonS

I am actually avoiding the 805 because of it's size and many different reviews have said it has a very real possibility of literally catching fire. Sorry, but I don't need my $2,300 TV going up in flames with the receiver. 705/706 is a bit more compact and would fit my media shelf better.

I like the big beefy receivers even if I have to slip a disc lifting it. As far as it catching fire I would run some kind of fan on it myself and those are probably isolated cases, about like plasma burn in nowadays!

[tomcr]

I guess the price doesn't matter anymore.