Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Processing Today’s High-Resolution Media—Including Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD—with Effortless Efficiency - Meet the first of Onkyo’s new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The TX-SR605 7.1-channel A/V receiver embodies this new generation, with its remarkable processing capabilities courtesy of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). With the ability to keep everything in the digital domain, the TX-SR605 provides complete control of every video and audio format available today. Bringing high-definition A/V processing to Onkyo’s renowned approach to sound gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatility — such as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), satellite radio connectivity, room calibration and integrated system control — the TX-SR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater.Features:
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Onkyo Loads its Most Popular Home Theater Receiver with Advanced Features for HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, and HDMI Video Upconversion
TX-SR605 is Onkyo's first AV receiver with HDMI v1.3a processing, HDMI-based system control, and HD lossless audio decoding.
Onkyo has introduced the TX-SR605 A/V receiver, adding processing for the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, comprehensive video upconversion to HDMI, and compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming to the impressive features of the TX-SR604 it replaces. The new model also features Onkyo's new HDMI-based system control capability, 7 x 90 watts of power, enhanced compatibility with the company's optional iPod control docks, and a flexible suite of multi-source/multi-zone capabilities.
The TX-SR605’s two HDMI v1.3a inputs provide the most advanced interface for transporting both uncompressed high definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and 1080p. It is among the first receivers available to include decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multichannel audio formats from Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players.
The TX-SR605 is Onkyo's first A/V receiver to include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows for automatic integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection. Common functions include one-button system on/standby control, volume control punch-through from display remote control to the A/V receiver, and a 'direct change' function to automatically select the correct receiver input and begin playback for RIHD source components.
In addition to its two HDMI inputs, the Onkyo TX-SR605 includes three component video, five S-Video, and five composite video inputs to accommodate other sources. There is upconversion of all composite and S-video inputs to both HDMI and HD-quality component video to eliminate the need for multiple redundant video connections to modern video displays. For displays that are not compatible with 480i video, the receiver also provides Faroudja DCDi de-interlacing circuitry to convert 480i signals to progressive scan. There are a total of five digital audio inputs, as well as five A/V and two audio-only analog inputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including optical digital jack, allow easy connection of A/V or audio devices such as a camcorder or portable mp3 player.
The TX-SR605 includes the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration feature that provides remarkable improvements in performance by calibrating the home theater system to its acoustical environment. With this system, the included calibration microphone is used to analyze the system's acoustical output at two unique positions in the listening area. By taking readings in two different positions in the theater room, with the included microphone in the listening position, the receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the input from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker.
The Onkyo TX-SR605 makes it easier than ever to bring Satellite radio into the living room, featuring compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming. The addition of an optional tuner system for either network enables consumers to subscribe to and receive hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, and entertainment programming. The receiver even includes onboard Neural Surround processing for reception of multichannel XM HD surround programming. Finally, there is also a high quality terrestrial radio tuner, and the TX-SR605 features 40 presets for AM, FM, XM, or Sirius stations.
Onkyo has also designed the receiver to take complete advantage of the company's optional Remote Interactive iPod dock/charger units. With the iPod placed in the dock, it becomes a source component for not only audio playback, but also for photography stored in iPod photo units. Basic iPod controls such as play, pause, stop, skip, and random / repeat functions can all be operated via the TX-SR605's preprogrammed learning remote control.
The TX-SR605 amplification modules benefit from Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry, delivering 90 watts per channels into 8 ohm loads. There are sturdy five-way binding posts for all seven full-range channels, and the rear surround channels can also be employed to provide a second set of Front L/R channels for speaker bi-amplification.
The TX-SR605 also features Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, which can be used to power stereo speakers in a second room while listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone thanks to a dedicated set of zone 2 L/R speaker terminals. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver.
The Onkyo TX-SR605 is available in both black and silver finishes, at a suggested retail price of $599.
Onkyo Announces New Features to be Available on High-End THX Certified A/V Receivers
New features include HDMI 1.3a, Reon-HQV™ HD video scaling, HD radio, Ethernet and USB connections, Neural-THX Surround™
Onkyo has announced four new THX Certified receiver models to be introduced beginning this spring, incorporating a range of high-end features and core performance improvements designed to deliver the highest levels of performance available. These new THX Certified Onkyo A/V receivers will feature HDMI 1.3a compatibility, including internal decoding for DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Each will also feature a sophisticated set of internal video processing capabilities, with two of the models boasting the first inclusion of Reon-VX HQV processing in an A/V receiver. Three of the new models, the TX-SR805, the TX-SR875, and the TX-NR905, each feature THX Ultra2 certification, while the TX-SR705 is THX Select2 Certified.
From early design concepts to product rollout, THX and Onkyo worked together to ensure every detail of the receivers were mapped to the THX performance standards. And THX engineers spent countless hours testing and analyzing the receivers for sound quality, usability and interoperability. Each certified receiver includes a number of proprietary THX technologies, designed to compensate for the acoustical errors that occur when movies, music and games are translated from the professional studio to the home environment.
All four receivers are both XM and Sirius satellite radio ready, and will feature a comprehensive range of audio and video connections, including HDMI 1.3a switching for three (TX-SR705 and TX-SR805) or four (TX-SR875 and TX-NR905) HDMI sources. The TX-NR905 will also feature a second HDMI output for even greater flexibility. Each receiver is capable of accommodating single-cable pure-digital audio and video transfer from HDMI sources, including 1080p and Deep-Color™ capability. Additionally, each model will include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows future integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection, and will also feature compatibility with Toshiba's CE-Link™ enabled 2007 Regza LCD TV line and Panasonic's EZ-Sync™ TV line, as well as similar protocols from other manufacturers to be announced later in the year.
Two of the new models, the Onkyo TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, will be the first A/V receiver models to include Silicon Optix's acclaimed Reon-VX HQV™ video processing. This sophisticated IC chip-based technology provides the receivers with current state-of-the-art video scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, including upscaling of all video sources to 1080p for output over the HDMI connection. Additionally, all video sources will also be upconverted to HD output via the units' component video outputs to accommodate video displays lacking an HDMI input.
The TX-SR805, TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 receivers will all feature a new dual push-pull amplifier configuration, coupled with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit and top-of-the-line Burr-Brown DACs for outstanding efficiency and high current with very low distortion. Two of the receivers' seven channels can also be reconfigured for bi-amplification with compatible speaker systems. On the TX-SR875 and TX-NR905, these two channels can also be reconfigured for bridged operation with the front L/R channels for high power output.
Onkyo's new receivers will be the first models available to feature Neural-THX Surround™ decoding for broadcasts and gaming. This new surround sound technology allows for broadcast content to be transmitted in a two-channel format, and later decoded for up to 7.1 discrete audio channels, as well as enabling 7.1-channel audio support for many modern video gaming consoles.
For simplified setup, all of these models incorporate Audyssey Multi-EQ room acoustics correction, the most powerful built-in solution available for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. This technology uses an included microphone to detect and configure speakers in the room, and then adjusts each channel's level, delay, and crossover settings to best suit the room's acoustics. By incorporating measurements at up to eight points in the listening room, Audyssey Multi-EQ provides both frequency response and time domain corrections throughout the entire listening area, rather than just at a single position.
Additional features on the TX-NR905 include a high-current power supply with a massive toroidal transformer, built-in HD radio reception and a powerful set of networking capabilities for integrated home media systems. The receiver will include an Ethernet port for support of Internet radio and streaming multimedia, as well as additional control and multimedia functions to be announced later in theyear. There is also an included USB port to allow for the addition of USB-based portable audio players, and for the use of USB-based memory devices.
The Onkyo TX-SR805 will will have a suggested retail price of $1099. The TX-SR875 will have a suggested retail price of $1699. The THX Select2 Certified TX-SR705 will have a suggested retail price of $899. The TX-NR905 will have a suggested retail price of $2099.
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Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Low Price on the Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Onkyo's TX-SR605 Home Theater Receiver delivers the sharp, crisp sound you expect from your home-theater system. With 7.1 channel surround sound capability, this receiver delivers 90 watts per channel to 7 channels covering a wide frequency range. Traditionally all receivers have AM/FM digital tuners that allow you to program your favorite AM/FM radio stations. This receiver is XM ready. All you need do is subscribe to XM satellite radio service, purchase an optional in-home antenna, and enjoy over 150 channels of XM radio. The TX-SR605 also is iPod compatible so you can play your iPod through your home-theater sound system (requires optional Onkyo DSA1 iPod dock). With the ability to select 2.1 channel virtual surround, and 5.1/6.1/7.1 channel Dolby Digital and DTS surround modes, the TX-SR604 is a receiver designed to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. HDMI 2 Input / 1 Output, 1080p bandwith - ready for next generation DVD players Auto Speaker Calibration with Audyssey 2EQ - Creates an optimal listening area, not a point - perfect for families Vector linear shaping circuitry Advanced 32-bit DSP A-form auto format sensing Non-scaling configuration Pure Audio Mode 192kHz/24-bit D/A converters Adjustable crossover (60-150Hz) Component video switching @ 50MHz - 3 inputs, 1 output 40 AM/FM/XM presets ( XM requires service subscription from XM) 6 digital inputs - 4 optical, 2 coaxial Color-coded speaker binding posts IR input and 12V trigger Multi-channel inputs Dual banana speaker binding posts Enhanced DS-A1 iPod control (DS-A1 dock device is optional) Brushed aluminum front panel H.C.P.S. (High-Current Power Supply) Dimensions(WxHxD) - 17-1/8 x 6-3/4 x 14-13/16 Weight - 20.9 lbs. Color - Black
Customer Reviews:
Great receiver for the price
Attached this to my old Pioneer DV-563A DVD player and my even older Sony 32" TV. I bought this player mainly because at the price and the feature set (mainly HDMI 1.3a), the receiver should last me for a long time.
This receiver sounds great to my ears, and the automatic speaker setup program was very easy to do. It does go through the process three times and I initially thought that it wasn't working properly, but it finished eventually (3-5 mins). For a non-perfectionist like me, it sounded very good and was very convenient.
Loads of features that are almost overwhelming at first. The receiver feels very solid (well-built) and heavy and I had to adjust the shelves on my cabinet to make more room (my older Sony receiver didn't take up as much room).
My Pioneer outputs DVD over analog only, and the way the receiver handled it confused me a little bit. My understanding was that when I hit DVD on the receiver, it would listen on the digital input (assignable), and if I hit multichannel, it would listen on the analog input. When I was listening to SACDs though on DVD, I could hear sound, which didn't make sense to me; there should be no digital output from my DVD. I thought for a sec that the flashed firmware had allowed me to output the SACD signal digitally, but after testing the connections, it appears that either setting is picking up the analong SACD signal. I think the DVD setting processes the signal with Dolby (or whatever), whereas the multichannel setting just outputs the signal directly to the speakers.
If you've got an SACD player that can output the DSD stream over HDMI, be aware that this receiver does not decode DSD streams. I think Onkyo's next model up (the SR805) does.
Overall I think this receiver is great. The sound is incredible. Loads of features and inputs. Remote can be programmed to control my other components (DVD, TV, etc.) so there's no need to get a universal remote. Looking forward to lots of years of listening from this receiver.
HDMI 1.3a and 1080p Is The Future
The reason I purchased the Onkyo TX-SR605 was because I was assembling components that I could enjoy for years to come, not just months. And this AV receiver offered me that ability and gave me the best bang for my buck. While many seem to focus on video upconversion, I was more concerned about maintaining and or maximizing the HDMI 1.3 and or 1080i/p capabilities of my HD DVR cable box (Motorola DCT-3412), my HD DVD player (Toshiba HD-XA2) and my HDTV display (Samsung LN-T4665F). In other words, I wanted a AV receiver that was at least equal to and "compatible" with superior quality video inputs and display output, not one that would overcome their limitations. In my research, I learned not to expect an AV receiver under $1000 to provide superior video upconversion. So I opted to purchase one that would enable me to purchase and utilize the superior video and audio qualities of superior AV components. I'm fortunate to live in an area where nearly all the TV channels I watch are available in HD, so SD upconversion is relatively unimportant to me. My advice to those who already have high end video inputs, or are about to purchase them, would be to buy this receiver because you don't "need" to spend $1000. If you're going to be using older components for quite awhile yet, you'd be better off saving your money until you can afford higher quality components before you purchase this AV receiver. Just my personal opinion.
Here's what it does.
This receiver does a great job. It replaced a 7 yr old Denon 1601 that quit working one night. It drives my 5.1 Polk system at least as good as the older Denon, which always sounded great. At this price, good sound quality is probably a given, so this review is more about the features that set this unit apart. Let's talk video first.
The nice thing about the video processing is that you can hook anything up to it, and it will send the video feed to your TV through one cable. Its basically a big switch, letting you easily change between A/V sources. You just leave your TV on the input through which it is connected, and it feeds the TV whatever source you pick, and sends the audio through the speakers. I hooked up my Samsung DLPSamsung HL-S5688W 56" 1080p DLP HDTV to it via the HDMI output. I used the two HDMI inputs to connect my Samsung DVD player and my Comcast Motorola HD-DVR. I also hooked up my Samsung VCR through a composite input and RCA cables for the VCR's audio. The Onkyo basically passes anything its sent through the HDMI inputs out through the HDMI output. You don't get any upconverting if you use the HDMI inputs and are outputting via HDMI. If you feed it 1080i through the HMDI inputs, it will output 1080i. Feed it 1080p, and you get 1080p output. (I've set my DVR and DVD players to send it 1080 input.) This is not true of the component inputs. It will send those inputs out as 720p, even if you feed it 1080. Just use the HDMI inputs for your 1080 sources. If you have more than two 1080 sources, this Onkyo might not be for you, since it only has two HDMI(1080 capable) inputs. I guess you could get an HDMI switch HDMI 3 Ports Switch With Remote (or some other brand) if you needed it in the future, or just watch your third HD input (video game, maybe) at 720p, or maybe your TV has another HDMI input itself. Another oddity is that it won't send digital sound out the HDMI that you associate with the component video inputs. This is only a problem if you need the TV to produce sound. I use the 5.1 speakers for all sound, so I don't care. The video it outputs seems to be a little better looking than video straight from the source, but I'm not sure its noticably different.
(A word on upconverting of video. Its just interpolation. Upconverting tries to add lines were there were not lines in the original source. Its not going to make SDTV look like HDTV. It might make it look a little better, but its in the eye of the beholder, and some sources seem to look better upconverted than others. Too me, it isn't worth much. My DVR can upconvert, as can my DVD player and even my TV. I've tried them all, and don't think any of them can improve an SDTV picture much. If you want to try this receiver's upconverting, there's a hidden menu to turn on upconverting 480 HDMI input to 720p, but it will also make it downgrade 1080 HDMI input to 720p. Holding down the aux and power buttons will activate the hidden menu. I leave it off, which is called auto mode, but have my DVR upconvert 480 to 1080 before it sends it to the Onkyo. Other things in the hidden menu are standard video settings like sharpness, contrast, etc.)
I also like the remote. Its fairly small, yet controls all my equipment very well, even the Comcast/Motorola DVR. My wife has put away all the other remotes, so that's a good sign. She can operate the entire system with the included Onkyo remote. My 65 year old parents even figured out how to use the entire system, so the remote must be pretty good. It helps that the Onkyo's switching simplifies everything so much. Another feature that is nice is the front panel inputs. You can hook up your digital camera very easily that way. It even has an optical audio input on the front.
The setup is pretty straight forward, especially if you have some experience setting up home theaters. If not, the manual explains things well enough, and a little Internet reading will get you all the way there, if you are like me and enjoy tinkering with the settings. The onscreen display is great. You do have to use the menu system on the front panel to tell it to output the setup menu via the HDMI, otherwise the blank screen will frustrate you. The Audessey auto-speaker calibration does a fairly decent job of configuring your system for your room, measuring distance and equalizing the volume, setting timings and equalizing sounds. I think I improved it by using the manual 5 band equalizers, though. I thought my center speaker sounded flat, so I tinkered with the equalizer and am much happier. I tried messing around with Audessey's crossover settings, but couldn't improve them any, though. Audessey also correctly set up the speaker distances.
One main reason I bought this thing was the future proofing features. It has the Dolby TrueHD and the DTS-HD, so if those every come out I can use them. I can also upgrade to a 7.1 speaker system, but my living room really isn't configured to handle that many speakers. It also offers I-pod connectivity and XM and Sirrius satellite radio connectivity, should I ever want those.
Some common complaints I've read are speaker popping noises and that it runs hot, and some people think that overheating causes the popping. I don't have the popping problems, and I don't think it runs too much hotter than my older Denon. I have it in a decently ventilated cabinet, though. I don't think it would do well in a closed up cabinet without any airflow. My ventilation is simply a crack at the bottom front, and at the top back. Hot air rises out the top back, pulling in cool air from the front bottom. I have about 6 inches of space between the receiver and the top of the cabinet. The receiver is a bit tall, so you should measure your space before your buy it. Make sure you can allow for this ventilation space on top of it.
Lastly, I like some of the many different listening "modes". Dolby Prologic IIx is better than the old Prologic on my Denon. It improves the surround effects of non-DD or non-DTS TV shows. It has the 5-channel stereo that I liked so well in the Denon, too. The other modes seem like gimmicks, though. It does do a good job of picking the appropriate mode, but you can also tell it what to use as a default mode for each source. For example, if the TV feed is in DD or DTS, it uses DD or DTS, but if its in Prologic, you can specify to use Prologic II cinema. However, if your TV show is a concert, you can change it to Prologic II music.
In summary, the Onkyo will simplify your system, allows for future expansion, is easy to use, sounds great, and costs less than anything else out there with this feature set. I recommend it.
Shop for other Onkyo Home Theater Receivers
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Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Onkyo TX-SR805 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Onkyo TX-SR875 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
Onkyo TX-NR905 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver