Onkyo TX-SR876 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had this receiver for several weeks now. I was a little leary about purchasing this unit as it was being used in a room that does "double-duty" of being a place where I listen to high-end analog and digital music along with occasional use of a home-theatre. The primary purpose is music reproduction and I was tempted to go with tube-style amps and other gear in support of my vinyl record collection. But since there are always compromises in this area (space, money, etc) I decided to take a chance with this Onkyo. All I can say is WOW. I run 5.1 channels with bi-amplification on the front speakers (my one concession to music versus video). The sound reproduction is excellent. I have done a lot of comparison shopping and looked at a lot of different systems and I would have had to spend over $4-5K on hybrid tube amps to get sound better than this.
In terms of home theater, it is even better. It performs as advertised. Set-up was a breeze and the audessy is a pleasure to use and instantly "balanced" my room. For home theater use, it is incredible. Ground-shaking lows, booming sound when appropriate yet the most subtle sounds (such as dialogue at a low level) is outstanding. Some reviewers complain about it running hot. I have mine outside of any cabinet (top shelf of a component stand) and have run it for hours at 75-80% of max volume with no problems.
My two complaints are: The remote as the buttons are a bit hard to read in dim light (even with the back-lighting) and it only has 3 digital optical inputs. Given I use seperate CD and DVD players, along with a Laser Disc and other digital sources, I had to use the alternate digital cable connects. Not a big deal, I just expected more digital optical inputs.
In summary, if you are looking for a leading-edge video processing unit that has outastanding home-theater characterstics at a low price, then this is definitely it. Throw in the fact that it processes music far beyond the expectations one would have for solid-state receiver (especially at this price point) and you really have a great unit.
If you do decide to buy this, please note the dimensions and weight. This is a large, heavy receiver. And given the heat concerns of other posters, I would make sure it has plenty of "breathing room".

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Based on a winning design for high-definition home theater reproduction, the TX-SR876 is a comprehensive A/V processing "hub" with a deep reservoir of amplification power to draw on. Reveling in its new THX Ultra2 Plus certification, the TX-SR876 shows its class with a broad range of capabilities, phenomenal performance, and noticeable finesse.With its advanced HQV Reon-VX video processing-which enables upscaling to high-def 1080p-and supreme high-definition surround sound decoding, this receiver belongs in elite company. It's also one of the first receivers anywhere to employ ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) video calibration. From whatever movie, music, broadcast, or gaming source you choose, the TX-SR876 will impress time and time again.

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JVC RXD702B 7.1 Channel Surround Sound AM/FM Audio Video Receiver with HDMI Switching and Wireless PC Link Review

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(More customer reviews)Having recently upgraded my home theatre system I needed a multi-channel audio video receiver that would supply multiple input control and functionality in a relatively compact space. I wanted a receiver that would provide HDMI switching and be capable of powering large, wide range speakers. The JVC turned out to be ideal on both counts due to it's low profile yet ample power reserve allowing easy placement in my rather limited widescreen tv support shelf.
Although my HDMI DVD player interfaced beautifully, my cable service provided DVR didn't like the JVC's HDMI input and refused to pass hi-def material through the receiver. This necessitated using the DVR's and receiver's component outputs and inputs respectively. A call to my cable provider confirmed the DVR box's bad behavior and I was told I would have to wait for the providor's next upgrade. The good news is that I wasn't able to discern any significant loss of detail in hi-def material on a 1080P capable 73" widescreen DLP tv by using the component video and optical audio outputs. Your results may differ.
One feature of the JVC that I found particularly useful was it's built-in wireless USB audio streaming function. Installing the provided small antenna on the receiver and plugging in the transmitter to my desktop computer located in a different room was a snap. Now I can easily stream high quality music (uncompressed) and internet radio stations from my computer through my home theatre audio system. One caveat to be aware of is that like wireless internet, the provided USB wireless transmitter is affected by 2.4GHz home telephone systems and, believe it or not, some microwave ovens. If you have a 5.8GHz phone system you'll be fine. Wish I could say the same about the microwave.
While relatively easy to install, the JVC setup procedure requires considerable review of the comprehensive manual. I found that I had to jump around the instruction manual quite a bit before I was able to use the receiver effectively. The on screen guides are easy to follow although one has to drill through multiple menues.
The provided remote control works very well and features a retractable cover that allows one to access less used functions easily while simultaneously keeping the device uncluttered. The instructions on how to add additional external devices were very straightforward and worked flawlessly.
If you're in the market for an excellent sounding HDMI capable multi-channel AV receiver with reasonable funtionality and a relatively small footprint than I encourage you to consider this JVC receiver.

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Marantz SR7002 Surround Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a bit long but I hope reviewers will benefit by my experiences.
Marantz is a name not found at most popular chain type stores, but it is one worth seeking out. I've had Marantz receivers and amplifiers since the 1970s, and that's not because I didn't consider other brands over that time. After research and demoing other brands, I kept coming back to Marantz. I have a Marantz SR7200 surround receiver that has worked flawless since I got it in 2002. But since I recently upgraded to an HD TV, an HD satellite receiver, and a Blu Ray player, I got the itch to upgrade to an HD surround receiver. The SR7200 was working fine, but doesn't have the latest PLIIx, HDMI inputs and outputs, and some of the other high definition sound and video capabilities. So my research began (and I really planned to try another brand this time). I scoured the internet obsessively (as I always do, and did for my TV and Blu Ray player), reading user reviews and professional reviews, and lab tests. I discovered the SR7002 which got very good marks, but another popular brand kept popping up as the recommended choice. It was just under a grand, so I bit the bullet and purchased the receiver. It had all of the latest bells and whistles and was a very good receiver. But for me, the warmth of the Marantz sound and the user friendly set up and menus was just not there. After a few days of use and adjusting, I returned the receiver, spent an extra $130, and walked out with the Marantz SR7002. Very wise choice for me. The SR7002 has a few less bells and whistles of the previous brand I tried, but it certainly has all of what most folks will need. It has plenty of power for my mid to large living room. The set up and menus are straight forward and very user friendly. Just as a test, I compared the quality of video I get when I run the HDMI video signal from my satellite receiver and Blu Ray player direct to the TV, and when I run the HDMI video signal through the SR7002 first, then to the TV. I cannot tell the difference. There is no loss of video quality running through the receiver first. The beauty of that is less cables to use and easier use of switching between functions. And the sound - excellent. For me, there is a warmth and fullness to the Marantz sound that I don't hear with other receivers. I've read the manual a bit more thoroughly now and have tweaked the system slightly the last few weeks and am even more satisfied. The automatic speaker "calibration" system is very simple to use and balances the speakers wonderfully. It calculates the distances each speaker is away from various sitting positions, adjusts volumes, etc. After that I did go in and made some very minor volume adjustments to suit my taste, particularly the sub and the crossover setting to the sub - everyone's speakers and tastes are different. But it's a great way to establish a solid balanced base to make personal adjustments from. The remote is fine too. It is a learning remote, and I've been able to program it to control my satellite receiver, my Blu Ray player, a DVD recorder, a VHS machine, and my TV. Very nice. I will say that I have since gotten a Harmony One universal remote that, after some experience and program tweaking with it, is excellent, and that is what I use. But I still keep the Marantz remote nearby just in case. I really could have gotten by with the Marantz remote just fine and would have been happy, but the Harmony One has other advanced qualities that are quite nice (but that's another review). So after a ton of research and a try out of a recommended brand, Marantz came through again. I'm totally satisfied. The receiver is the heart of any system; so you need to review, research, and try out for yourself; but in my experiences over the years, Marantz has always been a high quality product, and the SR7002 doesn't disappoint. If you want power and high quality sound, in a user friendly system, for just over a grand, this is it.

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Performance addicted? Just call this Marantz your enabler. With THX Select2 certification and 110 watts of continuous power per channel, the SR7002 receiver opens up the home entertainment horizon for the most demanding yet cost-conscious customers out there.Let's look at video capabilities first. You can connect up to four HDMI equipped sources to the SR7002. Direct the one you want to your display and to the SR7002’s built-in surround sound processor. Unlike earlier HDMI connections, these handle multi-channel sound with ease. Still enjoying non-HDMI sources? Rest easy. The SR7002 comes complete with format conversion lets you watch older videos through the super-convenient HDMI format. And there’s a Second Zone audio/video output, too, so you can enjoy your entertainment throughout your entire home.You’ll also find Dolby Virtual Speaker so you can enjoy an immersive surround experience with the dialog clarity inherent in a discrete center channel configuration with just two speakers.And, speaking of clarity, the SR7002 features Audyssey's remarkable Auto Calibration that examines your entire room to make those other seats just as rewarding as the ones directly in front of your display device's screen. Of course, there’s an infrared input and two DC trigger outputs so you can coordinate your entire system for convenient remote operation.You won’t have any problem fitting all this capability into your home either, thanks to a new, compact chassis that will fit more easily into even the tightest spaces. All this plus a three-year warranty.

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Yamaha HTR-6180BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)After a month, still belive it is everything that was promised. Wanted an HD radio. And so far, every San Fran FM station I can find comes in in HD and has a 2nd HD channel with it!
Agree with other posting at other sites, the remote control is a little confusing, but getting yourself a Harmony RC seems to be the only way to go these days!


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Channels: 7
RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 105W x 7
RMS Output Power (1kHz)
Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 735W
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital EX/ Dolby Pro Logic IIx (Plus)
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6
Pure Direct
HD Radio Tuner
iPod Compatibility (With Optional YDS-10)
Bluetooth Compatibility (With Optional YBA-10)
Compressed Music Enhancer
Neural Surround
XM HD Surround
SRS (Circle Surround II)
THX Processing
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
XM Satellite Radio Ready
HDMI (In/Out): (3 / 1) Ver. 1.3
i.Link (IEEE 1394)
Component Video (In/Out): (3 / 1)
A/V Inputs (S-Video) 5 (All S-Video)
Digital Inputs/Outputs [O: Optical, C: Coaxial] (O: 4, C: 2 / O: 1)
Front A/V with Digital Input (S-Video / Optical)
Front Mini Input for Portables
Front USB Input For Flash Memory Drives
LAN Terminal RJ-45

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Marantz SR7005 Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a fan of vintage Marantz stereo equipment, their 60s/70s amps, receivers, and tuners were always well made, elegant, and had a signature warmth sound to them. This was during their Saul Marantz and Superscope days. But in the 80s and 90s they were owned under the Phillips brand, and their gear was never quite the same since; be it quality, tonality, and certainly esthetics.
Now a days the company is under D&M Holdings ("D"enon and "M"arantz), and Marantz is bouncing back to it's former self; there's an emphasis being paid again to style (in this case the classic "porthole" design), simplicity (two-knob unit with a concealed interface, logos of features are on the top of the unit as to keep the front face clean-looking), and construction (the sr7005 packs a lot of sound but can fit just about anywhere).
Above all, my fellow vinyl purist will be happy to hear, the Marantz SR7005 brings back the MM PHONO STAGE with a ground! For a long time this was taken out of their receivers (and not just with the Marantz brand) which was puzzling when the company's logo is: MUSIC MATTERS.
Look, not to get too long winded here, so I'll just say this I'm an avid vintage audiophile, an FLAC and AIFF nut, and a HT semi-guru, and this SR7005 does the trick. No buyer's remorse here! A huge step up from the Sony DA5ES unit I was using for home theater stuff, which was just about the same price in 2002.
I'm running the SR7005 with Aperion Intimus 5B Harmony HD surround speakers, mostly use it for 2 CH music and the thing is incredibly warm and above all tweak-able (direct pure analog mode, 2CH w sub, PLII/DTS Neo:6: Music, Movie, and Game mode, even a mode to compensate for lossy mp3 files which sounds pretty good).
With movies, the Audessy XT set up worked beautifully and accurately. It may not, however, be the latest version from Audessy and "only" a 7.1 receiver, but I can live with that. Blu-ray/DVD movies sound and look amazing.
Another thing to note, this amp, when cranked up has never distorted on me, with any speaker (I also ran it with a pair of vintage Henry Kloss Advent Loudspeakers), which is a testament to the hardware. If your receiver is distorting or overdriving, it's crap.
My few complaints are: no S-Video input which is a let down for things like my N64 and SNES that I may want to pull out one day. And, while it seems all companies are doing it these days, I can't stand the digital volume knob; you'll have to keep spinning and spinning to lower or increase the volume. Granted you can program the volume to start at a certain -db but I'd preferred it to have been analog, with a finite 0 and max volume on the barrel.
Other happy surprises:
you can set the blue ring and "porthole" to "off" if you find it distracting to the eye.
Airplay is rad! Spend the $50 and you can turn on the SR7005 and control it via your iTunes. You can also control the Marantz on your iPhone via their free app.
You can also shut down shown INPUT modes so that when you're toggling through the inputs with the left knob, you don't have to pass by inputs that you aren't in use.
Please rate if this review was or wasn't helpful!
Thanks

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