Onkyo 606 vs 706

[Klaus]

Ok, about to finally make the jump into a HDMI receiver. My problem is the HDTV I am currently using is component input only(1080i). I am having a problem figuring out if the 606 or the 706 will "pass through" the 1080p signal from the PS3 to my 1080i component input HDTV. I see in the specs they both mention not being able to upconvert to 1080p/i. Anyone have the definitive info on this?

Also, with the 706 I believe I will be able to take advantage of all the audio formats the PS3 can send to it - either having the PS3 convert or the Onkyo. Is this correct?

Thanks - can't wait to get into a 7.1 system finally.

[aramis109]

The only major differences between the two are wattage, THX certification, a few more sound modes... and a blue LED dial.

Both of them are capable of decoding all the HD codecs. Neither of them will need to with the PS3- since it can't bitstream them, it has to send them out LPCM.

As far as upconversion, that feature has to deal with HDMI upconversion from analog to digital.

[CRMA]

This is what I have done and it worked well for my 1080i system.
1. I used a HDMI cable from the ps3 to the Onkyo 605 for audio so I could get HD Sound.
2. I used component out from PS3 to Onkyo and Onkyo to my Component Video Source(TV/Projector) at 1080i.
3. I configured the HDMI to my PS3 audio setting and Component Out to my video setting and I have no problems.
If you are using a HDMI out from the Onkyo it will upconvert to 720p or 1080p if you use it as a video source. If you are using a component output it will read 1080i and not have to drop down to 720p.

[Klaus]

Originally Posted by CRMA

This is what I have done and it worked well for my 1080i system.
1. I used a HDMI cable from the ps3 to the Onkyo 605 for audio so I could get HD Sound.
2. I used component out from PS3 to Onkyo and Onkyo to my Component Video Source(TV/Projector) at 1080i.
3. I configured the HDMI to my PS3 audio setting and Component Out to my video setting and I have no problems.
If you are using a HDMI out from the Onkyo it will upconvert to 720p or 1080p if you use it as a video source. If you are using a component output it will read 1080i and not have to drop down to 720p.

Interesting information - that's probably exactly what I will need to do. Question for you (or anyone): knowing what you know now is there any reason to spend the extra cash for the 706? I don't need a ton of power and don't really care what the front looks like....

[crazyBLUE]

The 706 has pre-outs , The 606 does not ! If you ever think of adding an amplifier you would need the pre-outs !!

[CRMA]

Originally Posted by Klaus

Interesting information - that's probably exactly what I will need to do. Question for you (or anyone): knowing what you know now is there any reason to spend the extra cash for the 706? I don't need a ton of power and don't really care what the front looks like....

I dont need the extras. It has been awesome and THX is just a label that really doesnt help me at all. Get the 606, I think 279.00 shipped, and by some blu's with the left over cash!!

[BLindsay]

yeah what does that thx cert actually mean, what are some tangible benefits?

i see the point on the pre-outs, those would be nice but most good dedicated amps that are a worthy upgrade are rather pricey right? In my case by the time i have the money for a good dedicated amp, and the space to take advantage of it it will probably be time for me to get a new reciever anyways, in my case im only in a 12x15 room so the 90w of the 606 would be enough for my polk monitors in my little room.

Refurb 606 $299 ($350 new)
Refurb 706 $399 ($550 new)
Refurb 805 $475
Refurb 806 $599 ($630 new)

[dhitoshi]

upgrades on TX-SR706:
upconvert all sources to 1080p via the Faroujda Cinema series chip "Torino", the TX-SR606 has an Edge series chip "Hudson 2"(though with HDMI sources you are better setting the scaler to pass-through)
if you do use the video scaler you can tweak the video on INDIVIDUAL inputs, the TX-SR606 only has one master video output setting.
There is a better version of Audyssey on the TX-SR706
Better remote
Phono input (though who really cares?)
Pre-outs for all 8 channels (some customers buy the 706 as a pre/pro since the Anthem D2 pre/pro we sell is $7499 alone, and they can buy the Anthem A5 & A2 amplifiers with an Onkyo TX-SR706 for less than just the Anthem D2, that and Anthem D2 currently does not have any lossless audio decoders and it only accepts 6-channel PCM not 8 channel. Anthem will be showing the D2v at CES 2009 which will address those issues. I can get all these lines below cost as a salesman, and I still went with the Integra DTC 9.8 pre/pro since I already had two 5 channel amps, otherwise I would have bought a TX-NR906.

THX modes can be helpful with many soundtracks (the studios that seem to include "home theater mix" are Disney & Buena Vista, in the language settings studios will mention not to use "Re-EQ" which is a THX technology.
At hi-fi shop I work, many people will spend the extra for the TX-SR706 after doing a demo with the batmobile scene in Batman Begins: first without THX on and then watching the scene again with the THX processor on. I have been into home theater since the laserdisc days, and have used THX units since the Onkyo TX-DS939, my last receiver was the TX-NR901 before upgrading this past year.
Spend the extra on the TX-SR706, this year it shares more with the 806's features than last year's 805 almost being a 875.
I may pick a 706 up for my bedroom system instead of using my TX-NR901. A 606 limits my future options of putting better amplification in that room.

[Klaus]

Ok, to throw another option into the mix... what about a 805 refurb? $549 would be right in my price point and that's what they are going for.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Klaus

Ok, to throw another option into the mix... what about a 805 refurb? $549 would be right in my price point and that's what they are going for.

That would be better , Taking A step up !!

[Klaus]

From sorting through all the posts comparing the 806 to the 805 it looks like there is no reason to "upgrade" to the 806 because it actually loses some features - am I correct on this?

[FilmmakingFiasco]

Originally Posted by Klaus

Ok, to throw another option into the mix... what about a 805 refurb? $549 would be right in my price point and that's what they are going for.

Can anyone point me in the direction of an 805 that around this price point AND still in stock? I have been looking for one since the 30th and cannot find any.

[dhitoshi]

Originally Posted by Klaus

Ok, to throw another option into the mix... what about a 805 refurb? $549 would be right in my price point and that's what they are going for.

The joke in the industry on "B" stock or refurbished units is that "B" means broken. Most extended warranties are almost worthless via online retailers since it is a third party that actually is the warranty company. If you want to buy an Onkyo refurbished unit, buy it direct from the Onkyo store on Onkyo's website. You can buy 2 extra years for $65 and this is covered by Onkyo. Refurbished units only have a 1 year warranty. Be careful of online retailers, many are not authorized dealers and there is NO warranty coverage if you have a problem. I see so many "new" units listed in the forums for less than dealer cost (no one is going to be in business long if they sell product for less than they paid for it, these are most likely refurbs). I loose count of how many people bring in internet purchased units into the service department at work. Many are denied warranty service by Onkyo for either being sold by a non-authorized dealer or the serial numbers have been altered. The Onkyo's have a very low defect ratio, whenever I see people rant about broken Onkyo's, they usually have been purchased at a super bargain online. We have sold at least 125 TX-SR606's and only 2 have been brought back with problems, though one was a "only does it at home problem" the customer was past the return policy and wanted a 706. Denon now has a "black-box" in their AVR's that tells a service center the actual serial number & how many hours of use....and so on so it is even easier to deny warranty service. Denon has turned into a bigger pain than Harman Kardon for warranty claims and reliability.
If you want to save money on a refurb, shoponkyo.com has the TX-SR706 for $549. They currently do not have any refurb 805's. If you find a refurb 805 make sure the dealer is listed on Onkyo's authorized dealer page at onkyousa.com. You can only buy the Onkyo extended warranty if the unit has a receipt from an authorized dealer and is still within warranty.
Also, I suggest not putting the AVR in a closed cabinet, the Onkyo's get hot because they are HIGH CURRENT amplifiers. Check out reviews from Hometheatermag.com that publication actually tests AVR's with ALL channels driven. The electronics industry is self regulated and companies can list whatever wattage figures they want. Most test AVR's with only 2 channels driven. Look at some of the past reviews of different brand AVR's, Onkyo & Harman Kardon are the usually the only ones that their entry and mid-level models actually do the power they list.

[aramis109]

There are lots of authorized dealers of Onkyo refurbs that I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from. My 605 refurb has been going strong since I got it approximately 6 months ago.

[Klaus]

Thanks for all the help. I ordered a 806 tonight.... I love refurbs but for $40 more I figured I would get a new unit.