PS3 and Onkyo TX SR-606

[Blu3]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting the sr-606 as my first receiver and I was wondering if it's a good match for my PS3. I've been reading up here as much as I can but I can't read everything I read somewhere that the PS3 can't bitstream lossless over HDMI, is that true? Is there any way I can use the sr-606 to handle the lossless audio decoding from the PS3? If not, does it still play the lossless audio as PCM from the PS3 in multi channel? Does it do any video processing as well?

And does anyone know what kind of warranty the onkyo comes with from Amazon? I can't find anything about it on their website..

[andyman1970]

Originally Posted by Blu3

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting the sr-606 as my first receiver and I was wondering if it's a good match for my PS3. I've been reading up here as much as I can but I can't read everything I read somewhere that the PS3 can't bitstream lossless over HDMI, is that true? Is there any way I can use the sr-606 to handle the lossless audio decoding from the PS3? If not, does it still play the lossless audio as PCM from the PS3 in multi channel? Does it do any video processing as well?

And does anyone know what kind of warranty the onkyo comes with from Amazon? I can't find anything about it on their website..

No, the PS3 can not bitstream lossless audio through HDMI.
If you're going to use the PS3 as your Blu ray player then the only way to get lossless audio with the receiver is is you set the pS3 to LPCM instead of bitstream.
The only thing you won't get with the PS3 doing the decoding is 7.1 DTS, but I believe the Onkyo 606 is only 5.1 so that shouldn't be an issue.
The onkyo does process video as well so you just need to run 1 HDMI from PS3 to receiver and another HDMI from receiver to TV.
All onkyo products come with a 2 year manufacture warranty unless it's a refurb then it comes with a 1 year warranty.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by andyman1970

No, the PS3 can not bitstream lossless audio through HDMI.
If you're going to use the PS3 as your Blu ray player then the only way to get lossless audio with the receiver is is you set the pS3 to LPCM instead of bitstream.
The only thing you won't get with the PS3 doing the decoding is 7.1 DTS, but I believe the Onkyo 606 is only 5.1 so that shouldn't be an issue.
The onkyo does process video as well so you just need to run 1 HDMI from PS3 to receiver and another HDMI from receiver to TV.
All onkyo products come with a 2 year manufacture warranty unless it's a refurb then it comes with a 1 year warranty.

I think the 606 can do 7.1, but that's ok, I'm only planning on a 5.1 speaker set up, at least for now. I was hoping to use the 606 for the decoding though, oh well. Anyone know how the PS3 compares against the 606 in audio decoding? Am I missing out a lot?

How much improvement in video do you think I can expect from the 606 over the PS3?

[un4gvn94538]

first: the ps3 CAN decode 7.1 dts ma.
second: the 606 is 7.1

as far as the diff in who is decoding, thats a matter of opinion. i use the 705 with the ps3 and will eventually get a standalone player. so either way, im set. it sounds good. i think the 605 or the 606 is a good first receiver.

[CYMBOL]

I also am looking to get the PS3 with the 606 - I keep reading reviews where they say the "Movies sound awesome, but the music could sound better."

In my experience, movies always sound a bit better - they are mixed for a home theater experience.

Would you guys who own the 606 say that the music fidelity is lacking in anyway?

Also, if you don't have Sub but have some robust floor standing speakers (I have 12" woofers in both my front channels) - do you lose any bass?

Thanks to anyone who can clarify.

[Driver_King]

What ohm rating and wattage are your speakers?

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

What ohm rating and wattage are your speakers?

Right and Left floor speakers, I believe 8 ohm - and I think the max is rated at 240. (They are Studio Monitors.) The center, and rears are Cambridge sound works - I forget the rating - but I believe they are over a 100 watts.

[Driver_King]

You may want to look into a more powerful receiver for your speakers, like the 805 or separates.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

You may want to look into a more powerful receiver for your speakers, like the 805 or separates.

Unfortunately, I'm on a budget - the 606 looks like it gives the most bang for the buck these days. I'd really like to get the 805 - just not where my money is at these days. (New baby is eating up the income. . . . almost literally. )

[Steve]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Unfortunately, I'm on a budget - the 606 looks like it gives the most bang for the buck these days. I'd really like to get the 805 - just not where my money is at these days. (New baby is eating up the income. . . . almost literally. )

If you can possibly swing it, I would recommend stepping up to the 705/706 at least for your speakers. The main benefit in your situation is that the 705/706 has pre-outs so you could add an external amplifier down the road when your budget allows.

IMO the lack of pre-out connections is the biggest downside to the 605/606 receivers.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by fireman325

If you can possibly swing it, I would recommend stepping up to the 705/706 at least for your speakers. The main benefit in your situation is that the 705/706 has pre-outs so you could add an external amplifier down the road when your budget allows.

IMO the lack of pre-out connections is the biggest downside to the 605/606 receivers.

Thanks for the input - I am researching a lot and trying to get the most bang for my buck - I was wanting to stay under $400 (I know, not a lot when looking in HT equipment - but I want lossless sound and I'm looking to get it int time for X-Mas.)

I read some reviews on the 706 and one thing that keeps popping up with all these reviews is that the sound seems to suffer in the music department (compared to movies).

Now, I don't know that that is a fair comparison - movies (especially Blu-rays) are often recorded in MUCH higher quality and mixed for the Home Theater experience. Listening to a MP3 probably won't have the same punch.

However, I've heard some sound systems that produce an AMAZING sound experience with Cds. This is a big factor for upgrading my current reciever - Movies sound pretty darn good, but music seems to suffer, especially out louder levels.

Can anyone provide their 2 cents on this (606/706 owners)?

Thanks guys,

[Uniquely]

I find that my system sounds better for movies than music, but that could be the klipsch speakers, the 606, or a combination of the two. That being said..... music mixed for movies sounds awesome; so it could most likely be the quality of the music I am playing as well....... mostly mp3's.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

I find that my system sounds better for movies than music, but that could be the klipsch speakers, the 606, or a combination of the two. That being said..... music mixed for movies sounds awesome; so it could most likely be the quality of the music I am playing as well....... mostly mp3's.

I expect movies to sound better since they are mixed for Home Theater and usually have much, much higher resolutions (especially Blu-ray for movies or music).

However, would you say your music sound good, or great? Right now, my reciever does "ok" with music - heavy rock tends to sound the worst. As I turn up the volume it at first begins to sound "more full", but soon begins to lose fidelity. I'm hoping the 606 will drive my speakers (which can shake the house with some movie soundtracks or certain music Cds) to produce much higher fidelity and as I turn up the volume, retain a robust sound.

But like I said, most reviews don't seem to impressed with the music produced by the Onkyo recievers - so I'm really worried about that.

[aramis109]

Meh, I have the 605 and was watching Baraka this weekend. Some of the audio was reaching these amazing resonances with the surround and it was absolutely incredible! I have to say that if that music sounds that good, there's no reason to say that the 605/606/705/706 can't be a "musical" receiver.

I've also watched the Stones BD, and I thought it sounded incredible as well. My mp3 collection I would rate as "average"- most are 320kbps encoded, but they just sound ok. However, that all leans towards the source instead of the receiver.

To me, I don't think you're going to be deficient with the 706 should you decide to swing it. I think the pre-amps are a VERY good reason for you personally to look at it (based upon your current speakers).

[Driver_King]

If you shop around right, you can get a good deal on the 805. Click the link in my sig below. From time to time, they get a stock at or below that price. I got mine for $375 in May off eBay!

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

If you shop around right, you can get a good deal on the 805. Click the link in my sig below. From time to time, they get a stock at or below that price. I got mine for $375 in May off eBay!

Funny - the 806 is over a $100 less than the 805 on Amazon.

Anyway, I was looking at both the 706 vs. the 806 - considering that money is tight (the new baby's day care alone is $175 a week, with diapers, food, etc. - that's an easy $1000 cash I'm out a month, so money is bit tighter these days. . . . Oh how I miss those days with money. ):

Ok, so, does the 806 REALLY warrent the extra $100, or would it be fairly negligible? Would I even really notice.

Again, I have pretty decent Studio Monitors with a 12" Woofer in each for the mains, I can feel the air move when bass hits on some movie soundtracks, and I have capable center and surround speakers - in a fairly spacious living room (I see about 12 feet or so, away from my 65".)

If money wasn't an issue - I'd go with the 806 - but since it is, anyone think that the 706 wouldn't more than meet my needs. . . . or would I be missing out by not getting the 806?

Again, I appreciate you guys taking the time to post back. Thanks,

[Driver_King]

Go for the 805. You need to wait to find a good deal. There was no way that back in May I would even think of forking out $700 on a new 805. The sound quality, power, and extra features it has are definitely worth it.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Go for the 805. You need to wait to find a good deal. There was no way that back in May I would even think of forking out $700 on a new 805. The sound quality, power, and extra features it has are definitely worth it.

I've been waiting for that one to go down but it just won't budge.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Go for the 805. You need to wait to find a good deal. There was no way that back in May I would even think of forking out $700 on a new 805. The sound quality, power, and extra features it has are definitely worth it.

What about the 706 @ $500? Isn't that good? Would you say the 706 is close to the 805?

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

I've been waiting for that one to go down but it just won't budge.

On Amazon the 806 if $599.

[Driver_King]

Silver.