H/K AVR 247 or Onkyo 605?

[master_8ball]

I am looking for some input as I'm about to buy a new receiver. I just got back from a local electronic store here in Canada. They are "offering" me either the H/K AVR 247 or the Onkyo 605 for $500. I know lots of people on here like the Onkyo and have heard that they are far more expensive here in Canada than they are in the states, but what is the better receiver? They both seem to have the same functionality but the guy at the store suggested the H/K over the Onkyo as he claims it has a clearer sound. Any help would be great as to what you think is better and how the price is.

Thanks

[richteer]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

I am looking for some input as I'm about to buy a new receiver. I just got back from a local electronic store here in Canada. They are "offering" me either the H/K AVR 247 or the Onkyo 605 for $500. I know lots of people on here like the Onkyo and have heard that they are far more expensive here in Canada than they are in the states, but what is the better receiver? They both seem to have the same functionality but the guy at the store suggested the H/K over the Onkyo as he claims it has a clearer sound. Any help would be great as to what you think is better and how the price is.

Thanks

H/K is the darling of places like Futureshop, but I've not been overly impressed with them. Best thing to do: listen to both of them, using the same material, on a decent set of speakers.

[un4gvn94538]

605 for 500?! that seems kinda steep

[Psychonaut]

Yeah I was gonna say, people are showing it for less than $300 quite often. Maybe it's different in Canada.

[BStecke]

Are you going to be watching any SD sources? I would lean toward the 605 for two reasons. Number 1, the 247 has built in video upscaling for SD sources that, a) cannot be turned off and b) isn't very good. Also, the 247 will only work with PCM for your lossless audio. The 605 will decode TrueHD, DTS MA, and of course, accept PCM. If you have a player that does the decoding, then you don't need a receiver that will do it, but if you're choosing between the two, I'd make sure you're set for the future and get the Onkyo which has more capabilities, just in case you want to bitstream your audio.

[CGYBLU]

Originally Posted by Psychonaut

Maybe it's different in Canada.

Bingo

[bkbluray]

I just ordered the Onkyo 605.

They're offering it on Ecost right now for $249.99. It's refurbished, but comes with a one year warranty (parts and labor).

This is the lowest price I have seen so far.

BTW, there are 2 left.

[Metalheadisme]

HK will have a sound that is a tad warm while the Onkyo will sound a lot colder... not bright, but colder... hard to explain. I auditioned both and thought the HK had a clear edge, which is why I am patiently waiting for the new HK's in june/july. Judge for yourself though.

[bkbluray]

Although, I'm not sure Ecost ships outside of the U.S.

[master_8ball]

Thanks for the input guys... just to clarify a few things....

I have 80gig PS3 so I dont need the reciever to have HD Master Audio...

I wont be watching any SD signals, my PS3 is through HDMI and I have a HD cable box and upconverting dvd both using component.

Cant really find either of them cheaper here unless I order from the USA which is going to hurt for shipping costs and I have heard if I go with Onkyo and order from the states the warranty voids.

But I am beginning to wonder if $500 is that great of a deal.

Can anyone confirm that both of these have HDMI 1.3a?

[BStecke]

Again, my only warning for you is to think about the future. You may not always be using the PS3. If you're getting them for the same price, personally I would get that one that's at least up to date.