Best receiver in the $500-700 range

[jluv]

I'm pretty sure anyone with even a basic home theater knows that HDMI carries both audio and video, and is the best way to do so.

That's the whole point. When using the PS3 as the source, the receiver won't see the input over HDMI. Because of that, I have to bypass the receiver and run HDMI directly to the TV. That's great for video, but i still have to get audio to the receiver. Since it won't handshake using HDMI, I have to run optical for audio from the PS3 to the receiver. And yes, that sucks, because I don't get Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD using optical. THAT's the problem.

It used to work fine over HDMI. Then one day, it started taking longer for the receiver to see the PS3. That timeframe grew longer and longer. Then one day, it wouldn't see the PS3 at all. Just "no input". That would happen about 1 out of 3 times, and then most of the time, and now all of the time. And it sucks more because now I have a second Onkyo that is starting
to do the same thing.

'

This makes no sense to me. HDMI 1.3/1.4 carries Hi Definition audio + video from source to the device. Even it's a PCM downmixed 2 channel audio, you still get audio. I don't understand at all why you would use an optical cable to carry audio when you are using HDMI. That tells me that it is a source device issue or settings issue and not a handshake or HDMI issue. And you certainly aren't getting to experience Hi Definition codecs like DTS-MA or DolbyTrueHD over an optical cable. You are just getting the core soundtrack.

Something is not right in your set up, if that is the case. Or the settings on the source device are not set up correctly.

I can unplug my Panny BD player HDMI cable from my Onkyo, bypass it, and run it directly to the Panny Plasma and get PCM audio + 1080p/24 frame video. I just leave everything plugged into the Onkyo AVR because it upconverts all HDMI video sources to 1080p and passes it to the HDTV. Well, at least it will do so when I stream a 720p HD Netflix movie. And I don't experience any handshake issues, so I guess my point is moot.

[mschmoyer]

I'm in the market as well hoping to get good opinions out of this thread...I think the answer to the issue above is to find out if this issue is solved in current versions before buying an Onkyo. That being said please continue on with reviews of other receivers.

How about Pioneers with the nifty iPhone app for a remote? Anybody using that? Opinions?

[2K2 LS1]

I'm not doubting that. However, I'm just saying I've never had an issue. And I've also rectified such issue by insuring the latest firmware is on the BD player itself. And, if it's a long cable throw, toss in a HDMI repeater which as been an issue in many instances I've encountered.



Firstly, you are talking about very high end HT management systems when you mention AMX and the like. I'm talking about gear for the average user in the average living room/bedroom. And now with the growing popularity of DLNA. That's really all the average user is going to be looking for.

You are right. Opinions are just that, opinions. All subjective. I just stick with what works. Polk, Infinity, Onkyo, Panny Plasmas, Panny BD players, Dayton cables, APC UPSs, APC line conditioners, etc..seem to work reliably day in and day out for me.

HDCP handshake issues are always going to be an issue with different components.

And if I ever did have an issue with someone having handshake issues with a PS3 connected through an Onkyo AVR, I would just put in a HDMI hub allowing the the PS3 to bypass the HDMI switching of the Onkyo all together. And just run the PS3 straight to the TV. Unless, it's an older generation HDTV, it's going to have multiple assignable HDMI ports. Problem solved.

FYI#1: I've corrected HDMI handshake issues on varying brands switching AVRs by enabling HDMI pass through while on Standby. It's usually set to disabled in the default settings.

FYI#2: It's www.avsforum.com , not www.avsforums.com. I've been a member of there for a few years. Have had a few conversations with Film Mixer and Ralph Potts.

so sorry for the incorrect link. I have it bookmarked! been a member since 07' as well.

seems like you are wanting to go on and on about your knowledge. and beat a dead horse. but it's cool it's all in fun as we all have been around this board for too long. and yes when I say this board I mean this group of guys here that just happened to fall on a newly remade site.

I too currently had to put my PS3 and Xbox 360 on an HDMI hub due to handshake issues in part from the cheap onkyo receiver I have downstairs but also due to the fact of the length or the hdmi cable I am using since it is a fireplace mounted tv

FYI #1 Cedia Certified
FYI #2 AMX Ace Installer Certified
FYI #3 Lutron Programmer and Installer
FYI #4 RTI Certified
FYI #5 Control 4 installer and programmer
FYI #6 Creston Installer

Just for shits and giggles those are a few under my belt, but they aer like ASE's certs everyone in the industry has them

[2K2 LS1]

FWIW I have a recently refurbished Onkyo TX SR 607 for sale to the first $350

[LS1Goat]

I'm pretty sure anyone with even a basic home theater knows that HDMI carries both audio and video, and is the best way to do so.

That's the whole point. When using the PS3 as the source, the receiver won't see the input over HDMI. Because of that, I have to bypass the receiver and run HDMI directly to the TV. That's great for video, but i still have to get audio to the receiver. Since it won't handshake using HDMI, I have to run optical for audio from the PS3 to the receiver. And yes, that sucks, because I don't get Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD using optical. THAT's the problem.

It used to work fine over HDMI. Then one day, it started taking longer for the receiver to see the PS3. That timeframe grew longer and longer. Then one day, it wouldn't see the PS3 at all. Just "no input". That would happen about 1 out of 3 times, and then most of the time, and now all of the time. And it sucks more because now I have a second Onkyo that is starting
to do the same thing.

I see you point. However, I don't think this is an issue confined to just Onkyo AVR. This is a PS3 issue. I say that because I've never had a handshake issue with a mid to high end HDMI switching Onky using various other brand source equipment. From what I've read the PS3 has been problematic in other areas as well. i.e. lens issues, buggy firmware updates, and up until recently having to use a disc to use netflix.

Your situation is less than ideal as you are only getting the core soundtrack off Blu-ray titles. I would be upset as well, but I bet Onkyo is not the ONLY AVR to have HDCP problems with PS3.

[LS1Goat]

so sorry for the incorrect link. I have it bookmarked! been a member since 07' as well.

seems like you are wanting to go on and on about your knowledge. and beat a dead horse. but it's cool it's all in fun as we all have been around this board for too long. and yes when I say this board I mean this group of guys here that just happened to fall on a newly remade site.

I too currently had to put my PS3 and Xbox 360 on an HDMI hub due to handshake issues in part from the cheap onkyo receiver I have downstairs but also due to the fact of the length or the hdmi cable I am using since it is a fireplace mounted tv

FYI #1 Cedia Certified
FYI #2 AMX Ace Installer Certified
FYI #3 Lutron Programmer and Installer
FYI #4 RTI Certified
FYI #5 Control 4 installer and programmer
FYI #6 Creston Installer

Just for shits and giggles those are a few under my belt, but they aer like ASE's certs everyone in the industry has them

No need for a pissing contest. Hell, you should see how many IT related certs I have. And like you said, they have diminished value as everyone has them trying to get their foot in the door in this particular field. Experience trumps any piece of paper any day of the week. If you are interpreting this conversation as a I am better than you discussion, then you are mistaken.

However, I take note of something you said above as related to what I said earlier that I use a work around on HDCP issues using a HDMI hub.

I too currently had to put my PS3 and Xbox 360 on an HDMI hub due to handshake issues in part from the cheap onkyo receiver I have downstairs but also due to the fact of the length or the hdmi cable I am using since it is a fireplace mounted tv :)

Point 1. This may account for the disparity in our conversation. I'm not talking about entry level Onkyo gear.

Point 2. Can't tell you how many times I've seen this has been the cause of handshake issues, regardless of the brand name AVR. This is common. As you probably well know. I think this is what I take issue with. I had a friend call me up giving me a tirade about how much Onkyo sucks because it wouldn't handshake with his new Samsung BD-6500. I went an checked out his arrangement (in big basement that had equipment concealed across the room all running through the wall for a clean look) He had a crazy long cable throw in set up. I dropped the one long leg. Added two shorter legs using a HDMI repeater/hub. Fixed. Problem solved.

Audiophiles will debate gear and spec's Ad nauseam. If you're a member avsforum, you can cetainly see threads that go on for pages about cable quality or 3D consumer technology. IMO....It's all subjective and very close to being the same when you get into $1K & up AVR gear. I'm a big Onkyo fan for reasons I've already stated. Some people have had different experiences. I get that. Just like I will never buy another Sony AVR or Samsung BD player ever again. Despite the debate, it doesn't mean I don't like or disregard the proven quality of brands like Marantz, Harmon/Kardon, and some of the Denon series. Hell, I've heard some DIY vacuum tube amplifiers that sound incredible.

[momo]

Personally, I have never found onkyo to be as accurate as harman kardon.

Fact.
Aside from all this HDMI bs, the better HK units have some of the best SQ of all the common consumer receiver brands. (source: my well trained audiophile ears)

When I stepped down from a parasound halo pre-pro & amp setup the only brand I could tolerate was the current hk (older non hdmi) I have now. In all fairness I didn't test a denon at home, just at a store and at a friends.

[2K2 LS1]

No need for a pissing contest. Hell, you should see how many IT related certs I have. And like you said, they have diminished value as everyone has them trying to get their foot in the door in this particular field. Experience trumps any piece of paper any day of the week. If you are interpreting this conversation as a I am better than you discussion, then you are mistaken.

However, I take note of something you said above as related to what I said earlier that I use a work around on HDCP issues using a HDMI hub.



Point 1. This may account for the disparity in our conversation. I'm not talking about entry level Onkyo gear.

Point 2. Can't tell you how many times I've seen this has been the cause of handshake issues, regardless of the brand name AVR. This is common. As you probably well know. I think this is what I take issue with. I had a friend call me up giving me a tirade about how much Onkyo sucks because it wouldn't handshake with his new Samsung BD-6500. I went an checked out his arrangement (in big basement that had equipment concealed across the room all running through the wall for a clean look) He had a crazy long cable throw in set up. I dropped the one long leg. Added two shorter legs using a HDMI repeater/hub. Fixed. Problem solved.

Audiophiles will debate gear and spec's Ad nauseam. If you're a member avsforum, you can cetainly see threads that go on for pages about cable quality or 3D consumer technology. IMO....It's all subjective and very close to being the same when you get into $1K & up AVR gear. I'm a big Onkyo fan for reasons I've already stated. Some people have had different experiences. I get that. Just like I will never buy another Sony AVR or Samsung BD player ever again. Despite the debate, it doesn't mean I don't like or disregard the proven quality of brands like Marantz, Harmon/Kardon, and some of the Denon series. Hell, I've heard some DIY vacuum tube amplifiers that sound incredible.

No dice on the shorter run. I ran a 6 footer from the equipment to the tv and had the same issue. Quite a pain to take the tv down, just to troubleshoot on a hunch

I have had also had 2 and 3000 series Denons. They can range from $900-2500 for the ones I have had. I can tell you what. Those pieces of equipment are like the Rolls Royce of Avr's IMHO!


On a side note for those reading and thinking all they have to do for a handshake issue is possibly buy two shorter hdmi cabes and use hdmi repeater/hub. Just know you can get longer cables 50-75' with hdmi repeaters built in. But know they ARE directional!

[2K2 LS1]

BTW any takers on an Onkyo TX SR606 or 607?

[LS1Goat]

I have had also had 2 and 3000 series Denons. They can range from $900-2500 for the ones I have had. I can tell you what. Those pieces of equipment are like the Rolls Royce of Avr's IMHO!

And that's how I feel about the Onkyo TX-NR series.

BTW any takers on an Onkyo TX SR606 or 607?

Something just struck me as being funny. A person who obviously loathes Onkyo gear, well, has a lot of Onkyo gear

[71chevellejohn]

Most likely take outs from installs that were having problems with the Onkyo gear. (see post #12)

[2K2 LS1]

Most likely take outs from installs that were having problems with the Onkyo gear. (see post #12)

You sir are correct! They serve their purpose as an ordinary AVR but nothing that makes me say hey I wanna keep this equipment lol

As you probably have encountered, this is an everyday occurrence when you are on service calls/upgrade installations. You accumulate stacks of electronics and before you know it you are throwing them away or posting so much on craigslist and ebay you have to get an email address just to manage them

BTW what's you best take away piece of equipment from a customer? SO far for me mostly receivers and subwoofers, and the occasional small lcd.

[kingston250]

you can find a good one in this price range from craigslist or ebay.

[jluv]

Your situation is less than ideal as you are only getting the core soundtrack off Blu-ray titles. I would be upset as well, but I bet Onkyo is not the ONLY AVR to have HDCP problems with PS3.

Old thread!

No issues at all with my PS3 and my Yamaha. It's a better receiver in every way.

[bcoop]

Old thread!

No issues at all with my PS3 and my Yamaha. It's a better receiver in every way.

Jared, which model? I really need to replace this Onkyo so I can beat the shit out of it and set it on fire. I HATE this thing.