[salvasol]

I think you want to stay with the Onkyo 6100 instead of 5100 in your list.

The 5100 has HDMI passthrough only and the 6100 is repeater (see this comparison ); I think is better to get a complete package instead of just the AVR ...like you said, you can upgrade later.

 

[salvasol]

One example we're considering is the Onkyo SR606B

Thoughts?

606 is good ...there's another 576 that seems okay too; here is the Comparison Table :T

 

[salvasol]

Congratulations :T

Based on the image below which would be "surround back" vs. surround?

Surround back will be the speaker placed in the corner...

I adjusted the receiver to put out a little more to that speaker than the others for balancing.

I tried to use the Audessey setup, but it's bombing b/c I don't have all 7 channels hooked up yet (per their user manual error code readout)

Are you using an SPL meter??? ...you need to have the same output level (75db) on each speaker :yes:

What do you mean when you said "It's bombing because you don't have all seven channels hooked up" ....I'm currently using my Yamaha 7.1 as 5.1 and when I use the autocalibration with YPAO it detects and set the AVR without any problems.

Maybe you need to go into the setup and check that the AVR is setup to output 5.1 not 7.1 (I'm sure there will be an option where you will tell the AVR that there's no Back surround speakers connected)

 

[salvasol]

Anyone know why the "Level Calibration" is greyed out in the menu on the Onkyo 606?

I assume is because you can't change it after running Audyssey....if you change it manually, you will override all the setup Audyssey did :yes: (BTW, I use YPAO so I'm not familiar wit the Onkyo).

Also....after running the Audessey wizard, my average comfort listening level is a little higher (ie 50 instead of 40).

EDIT: NM last statement.....i **think** this would make a difference. The office door (right) is open and the windows in the living room are open, so sound is traveling everywhere....i'll watch same tonight with everything closed to see where it stands.

I suggest you to run the Auto calibration with the same conditions you will use the room when watching movies (ie. closed windows, doors, etc.) that way, Audyssey will adjust accordingly ...that's what I did on mine.:yes: