Pioneer VSX-D514 Multi-Channel Digital A/V Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used this receiver for a year, during which time I've had nothing to complain about. It's a respectable buy in its price range, sounds quite good, and is not overly complex. I've just replaced it as my primary receiver, though, because it doesn't have enough digital inputs to handle a variety of sources. To manage the optical inputs from my TV, DVD recorder, Macintosh computer, cable box, and CD recorder, I was required to buy a switching device from Radio Shack. Now my new receiver has enough inputs to manage the load, as well as vastly more power and features. The 514 has only one optical and two coax inputs.
I expect the 514 to continue to give service for a long time, hooked up the bookshelf speakers in my bedroom.
If you want basic stereo and surround capability, this is a model worth considering, but if you imagine your needs will grow like mine have, then you might want to bump up to a more expensive/expansive unit. (In case you wonder, I now have a Yamaha HRT-5890, and it early on seems an excellent choice.)
Note that I do not dabble in the black arts of the audiophiles. I'm an unpretentious listener with reasonably high expectations. I doubt if I would care about the alleged sound distinctions between, say, a Denon and a Yamaha. I do care a lot about the quality of the user's manual, and the D514 has one that is not hard to understand.
You might have a problem figuring out from the Amazon description that the 514 is 5x100 watts.

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Designed to give consumers full control over their home entertainment experience, the Pioneer VSX-D514-S 5.1-channel digital A/V receiver is a great fit for the discriminating movie and music fan. The receiver, which powers five channels at 100 watts each, is equipped with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround processing, giving DVDs a rich, full-bodied sound through a multichannel speaker system. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technologies split the audio signals among four left and right surround speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer, while Pro Logic II converts two-channel stereo sources into five-channel surround sound. On surround encoded material such as movie soundtracks, the resulting audio is powerful and explosive, while with two-channel encoded material such as music CDs, the effect is a wider and more encompassing sound field with more localized vocals.
Internally, the VSX-D514-S boasts a single compact circuit board for all digital signal processing, thus ensuring exceptional purity, plus a double-precision Motorola 48-bit DSP engine that's similar to the one used in top theaters worldwide. The receiver also offers a discrete configuration along with Pioneer's hybrid amplification system, which directs the correct amount of bias signal to each transistor for extremely low distortion. This means that Pioneer's amps are designed to handle the full bandwidth of Dolby Digital, DTS, SACD, and DVD-Audio encoded software. Add that to the high-end digital-to-analog audio converter and you have a top-shelf receiver.
Installation takes just a few minutes thanks to the Quick Setup feature, which walks the consumer through the setup process. Listeners simply tell the receiver how many speakers are connected and then select the room size. The receiver then delivers an accurate surround sound performance based on the configuration. Additional features include component and S-video switching, which allows both progressive and interlaced NTSC and HDTV signals to travel to the TV or monitor; five digital signal processing modes, including game and movie modes; multiple digital coaxial and optical inputs; and a preset LCD remote control. The VSX-D514-S measures 16.56 by 6.25 by 15.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VSX-D514-S receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.

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Proficient Audio Systems M40 80-Watt High-Current AM/FM Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this unit 1 year ago last month. Today there is no output to the speakers. Very disappointing.

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Onkyo TX-NR801 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)- an excellent receiver. Quality construction, excellent sound. The Net-Tune features work well with a minimum of setup fuss. The unit is probably a little pricier per feature than some other units, but the trade-off in sound quality and ease-of-use is worth it.
Highly recommended...

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When you're looking for the ultimate in movie and music reproduction, unlock the full potential of an audio/video receiver and expand your home entertainment with Onkyo's TX-NR801. The 100-watts-per-channel x 7 TX-NR801 is a THX Select AV receiver offering compatibility with all major home theater surround sound processing formats, plus Onkyo's unique Net-Tune distributed audio technology for the seamless integration of high-quality audio with a home computer network. Other features include 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for superior sound quality, HDTV-capable component-video switching, and Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, making it the centerpiece for an exceptional multiroom home entertainment system.Onkyo's exclusive Net-Tune capability uses a standard TCP/IP Ethernet connection to unite the receiver with MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files stored on a home PC, or to access Internet radio streams via a networked broadband Internet connection. This system also allows for up to 11 other Net-Tune clients to connect to the same network, all delivering simultaneous and independent access to music stored on a central PC. The receiver's onscreen display shows song title, artist, album, genre, and playlist information, making the entire family's music collection easy to store and access, without the clutter of CDs and their cases. Not even a CD jukebox can hold so much music, and deliver it so quickly and easily.The unit's rear-panel Ethernet connection lets you stream your MP3, WAV, and WMA audio files from your computer, in addition to being your passport to the music of the world via Internet radio. Further, the TX-NR801 incorporates high-grade parts that provide smooth and seamless listening from the latest-generation digital surround formats. The receiver offers onboard processing for THX Surround EX 7.1, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES, and DTS Neo:6. For analog sources, Onkyo's Pure Audio function allows all digital processing to be completely bypassed to preserve the purity of analog audio signals.HDTV-capable 50 MHz component-video switching and Y/C separation for composite to S-video conversion are included to maintain optimum video signal integrity. You get a total of 7 digital inputs, including one on the front panel and 2 digital outputs, as well as full 7.1-channel pre-outs for use with additional external amplification.There's also an array of multizone features, such as Onkyo's Powered Zone 2, which can drive a set of stereo speakers in another room using the receiver's rear surround-channel amplifiers, or using an external power amplifier. An onscreen display provides control of all settings as well as access to networked digital-media playlists. A backlit preprogrammed learning remote with Mode-Key LEDs simplifies system control and integration.What's in the Box Receiver, a remote control, remote batteries, an AM loop antenna, an FM indoor antenna, a set of speaker-cable labels, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

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Kenwood VR-9070-S 7.1-Channel THX-Certified Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the VR-9070 nine months ago after finally deciding to upgrade from my ten year old Kenwood KR-V6070. Desire for Digital sound had finally crested enough for me to plunk down the dough even though my old receiver was still in great working order.
I looked at a few Sony models before settling on this Kenwood due to its price and how well my 10 year old Kenwood receiver had faired. For the price I was surprised to find a THX certified receiver that matched all my other criteria (Dolby/DTS digital decoder, adequate wattage, subwoofer connection & silver casing).
The 9070 sounds great in Digital & Pro Logic settings. I did notice a significant drop off of deep bass compared to my other receiver and I ended up purchasing a JBL sub sooner than I anticipated in order to rectify my bass needs. DVDs sound great in big action scenes, and there is good separation between channels.
The menu is rather unintuitive and difficult at first when attempting to change settings. I am rather disappointed there isn't a simple bass/treble feature. Instead, there are several different settings to navigate through in order to tweak your set-up.
I had some difficulty getting the Digital audio signal from my DVD player to work at first, but finally figured out that if your DVD player has a digital decoder built in as most do these days, then it has to be turned off for the 9070 to recognize and output a digital signal.
The aluminum case is heavy-duty and looks sleek. The flip down cover on the front keeps it looking nice and clean. The blue led display is just the right brightness and looks slick with the silver case. I only wish the connections on the front were also covered.
It does run rather hot, especially in Digital mode. I have about two inches clearance above the receiver and have had no problems with overheating even when running it over 4-5 hours. It does exude quite a bit of heat though so good ventilation is needed.
The only downfall to the 9070 I have experienced so far is the remote. Its small type is hard to read, impossible in the dark, and has almost no contrast to the color of the remote. The LCD screen might as well not be there, its only function is to display what mode the remote is in, and even then it only stays on for a few seconds. Not to mention that the screen, nor any of the buttons is backlit. The remote feels cheap in comparison, and should have a more user friendly appeal. Luckily my universal remote covers the basic volume functions so once my settings were locked in I rarely have use for the remote.
Overall a great receiver for the price.

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Enjoy the very best in surround sound performance with the Kenwood VR-9070-S home theater receiver, which not only delivers 100 watts of power to each of its seven channels, but also meets the demanding standards of LucasFilm's THX Select certification. Internally, the receiver is equipped with a 32-bit floating SHARC digital signal processor, a K-STAT discrete audio amplifier, and a 24-bit/96 kHz audio digital-to-analog converter that combine to deliver remarkably accurate, explosive sound whether you're watching the latest Hollywood spectacle or listening to your favorite tunes on CD. The audio experience is enhanced by the five DSP modes--arena, theater, jazz club, stadium, and disco--that simulate the acoustics of the most common live venues.
As with the best surround receivers, the VR-9070-S offers decoding for a variety of formats, including THX Select, THX Surround EX, THX Cinema, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx. The first several formats play 5.1-, 6.1-, and 7.1-channel soundtracks from the latest DVDs, while Pro Logic IIx converts two-channel audio sources such as CDs, VHS tapes, and even LPs into full multichannel splendor to create a surround-like effect. The receiver also boasts an active equalizer function that adapts to the type of speakers you own (full range, satellite, etc.) and the type of program you're listening to (movies, music, or TV). The resulting sound can meet all types of expectations, whether you like your audio tight and crisp or full of booming echoes.
The THX Select certification signifies that the VR-9070-S meets the manufacturing standards established by LucasFilm for audio accuracy and performance. Every THX Select-certified component boasts a variety of valuable features, including: re-equalization, which removes the edgy brightness of cinema sound and accurately adapts it for home playback; timbre matching, which ensures a tonal match between the front and surround speakers; adaptive decorrelation, which gives monaural surround signals a true stereo sound; bass management, which directs the bass signals to the subwoofer to ensure cinema-quality bass; peak level management, which protects subwoofers from overload in bass-heavy soundtracks; and loudspeaker synchronization, which allows you to fine tune your system for optimal "sweet spot" listening in any room. To put it simply, THX Select receivers are as close as you can come to true movie-theater sound in your own home.
Additional audio functions unique to the VR-9070-S include automatic signal detection for both analog and digital sources (instinctively switches between CD player, DVD player, or satellite receiver depending on which unit is playing); individual bass and treble controls; and a Midnight Theater mode that softens loud passages of movies so that people in other rooms won't be disturbed. And, of course, the receiver includes a quartz PLL-synthesized AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets.
Adding to the VR-9070-S's value is the receiver's ability to serve as an A/V component switcher (it's HD-compatible), which is ideal for TVs with a limited number of inputs; the HD component pass-through function; and its S-video up-conversion, which converts composite signals to S-video to improve picture quality and minimize signal loss.
For the ultimate in flexibility, the VR-9070-S offers three component video inputs for such items as DVD players and HD receivers, five S-video inputs, and five composite inputs. It also comes with five video outputs (one component, two S-video, and two composite), along with eight audio inputs (including a front-panel auxiliary and a 6-channel input) and four digital audio inputs (two coaxial and two optical). Listeners can even use the receiver to control speakers and components in other rooms thanks to the multiroom A/V and IR control outputs. The VR-9070-S, which measures 17.31 by 6.56 by 15.62 inches (W x H x D), comes with a comprehensive learning remote control and is covered by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VR-9070-S receiver, remote control, user's manual.

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Onkyo TX-DS989ver2 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the most incredible receiver ever put on the market, it does everything and more. It is heavy but with all the items it has, it has to be. It's a shame that Onkyo stopped making this model.

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Adcom Gfr-700 7.1-Channel 145-Watt A/V Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well I got this at the deal of the century new from Fry's Electronics as they wanted to get rid of the 2 they had my Brother bought the 1st one for $499 and got the last for $449, how can you go wrong on a originally priced $1999 amp while most places here sell them still new for $1300 and used for $850 to $1099. Yes its a bit behind in the times for top of the flight Surround Sound, but I use the 5.1 Analog imput for my uncompressed Audio or DTS-HD or Dolby HD. What this receiver does do is deliver pure perfect crystal clear sound at theater volume, with 5 polks hooked up and a 750 watt JBL 12in Sub, with blu ray movies over a 58in Samsung Plasma, heck who needs to go to the movies. Pop in a SACD or DVD Audio at 96k uncompressed audio is just pure joy. Believe me unless your gonna go spend $2500 to $5000 on a top flight Dennon or Yahama, this little beauty is hard to beat and at $425, plus made right here in Tempe Arizona with pure american power not this cheap Chinese crap. oh yes its great to kick back playing a Blu ray or Music on my Oppo Blu ray player. Now on operations yes its a bit high learning curve to operate this beast, but any high end receiver at the $1700 to $2500 range are all like that. the front of the receiver is very clean with just the basic controls the remote which is not lit or backlit and crammed with all your needed controls. It does come with some anoying presets on certain controls but all can be reset to your liking in the menu if you dig hard enough to find them. Using the RS32 port you can upgrade the firmware also, mine had the newest installed so I have not even bothered looking at that yet. Watch out when lifting at 60 pounds its no light weight either.
Update{ One year later the IC2 Digital Convertor went bad had to ship to Adcom main Service repair in NJ, still under warranty but cost $66 to ship thank god I bought amazons square trade extended warranty they sent out a check for the $66 shipping. Till it is returned I am using the $1000 Onkyo 890 THX 9.2 receiver, god PLEASE return my Adcom, even though the Adcom and Onkyo Theater movie 5.1 are about the same, the same cant be said of listening to any music, I am so use to the Adcoms great music sound that this Onkyo no matter what listening sound, THX, DTS, Dolby, Stereo or any other simluated sound I try, and it has a ton of them they all sound like crap compared to my Adcom, please please get it fixed I WANT MY ADCOM!!! will update once returned on how good Adcoms warranty repair is, which by the way is a bit disappointing, a $2000 should never should have a failure. PS, not a fluke, my brother bought same receiver at same time as mine and is his starting to experience the same problem.

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Yamaha HTR-5790 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned many good stereo/sound systems over the years, but I have never heard anything like what the Yamaha HTR-5790 with YPAO produces(Yamaha's RX-V1400 is virtually identical). In a room (350 square feet) of decent speakers (Infinity Alpha speakers: seven speakers and a powered sub-woofer), good cables and interconnects, and Yamaha's Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) executed, the HTR surpasses anything I have ever listened to in home systems. CD Music and DVD movies/music are redefined in the most awesome way!!!! Take time and read the manual, then set it up! Good listening!

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Whether you're setting up a professional home theater configuration or simply love the idea of system expandability, Yamaha's high-current HTR-5790 audio/video receiver delivers the connections and the quality to answer your call. With the THX Select-certified HTR-5790 you get the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround processing, multiroom control, and premium Yamaha sound technologies.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 110 watts-per-channel HTR-5790 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear surround channel, for which THX suggests using two separate speakers. The result is seven discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, front center channel, and a pair of rear-center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.The receiver comes outfitted with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and a dedicated microphone to help you establish the best possible sound at your primary listening position. The optimizer uses the microphone to "listen" to the sound from the speakers and determine, based on its test-signals, how best to equalize the sound for your room. Corrections include speaker/subwoofer phase relationships, speaker/subwoofer distance measurements (corrects for differences down to 5 cm), frequency response (measures and optimizes each speaker's response using a parametric equalizer), and speaker level (measures and aligns the relative volume levels of all speakers).Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5790 accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers seven audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video), eight fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections with digital-audio jacks for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite- and S-video signals to component-video to simplify TV hookup.Custom-installation features include multi-sourced zone 2 and zone 3 audio outputs, an assignable +12V trigger output, main/zone 2/zone 3 independent power control command, an IR blaster port, extended IR code compatibility, and zone 2 speaker output.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5790 benefits from Yamaha's Direct ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, microphone for YPAO, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Onkyo TX-NR1007 135 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been an Onkyo fan for years now. This is my 5th Onkyo receiver in about 9 years or so. I've upgraded for feature set rather than anything being 'wrong' with the prior models I've had. This is the highest end model I've purchases thus far. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this one around for quite a while. It's more than I needed but I was tired of upgrading and wanted something with enough HDMI inputs and features that I wouldn't get the itch.
I have a standard 5.1 surround system for speakers so I am not using the Audyssey DSX or ProLogic IIz functionality. Nor am I using the multiple zones at this time so I have no comment on that functionality.
Things I like:
Audyssey MultiXT - I've had versions of Audyssey in all but maybe the first Onkyo receiver I've had. I don't know whether they changed something or I've gotten better at setting my HT system up properly but after running through the Audyssey speaker setup on this receiver everything sounded much more balanced and even than the setup I had gotten with my previous TX-SR705. The 'sweet spot' is wider and I'm not getting the slight tonal shift as audio moves from one speaker to the next across the front speakers like I used to.
Audyssey Dynamic Volume - This is a fantastic feature! All of my audio for everything is piped through this receiver, whether I'm watching TV, Movies, Music or playing games. With my previous receivers I was always fumbling for the volume when I was watching a show and the commercials came on since they were so much louder. I don't have to do that any more. I have the Dynamic Volume feature set to Light. It makes soft passages loud enough to hear and tones down loud passages, and when the commercials come on they aren't any louder than the tv show I was watching. I do have one quibble with it. There doesn't seem to be a feature to turn it off/on based on the source you've selected. Having this feature on when listening to music is a not a good thing. This isn't a problem with Audyssey, rather an oversight on Onkyo's part.
THX Loudness - I've never really used the THX audio modes of my previous receivers much. Primarly because in order to get the sound approaching that in a theater THX recommends listening at reference volume. There are two problems with that. I live in an apartment and I like not to bleed from my ears. The THX Loudness feature works kinda like the Audyssey Dynamic volume. I find that on some movies the THX method sounds better to me than the Audyssey Dynamic Volume.
Internet radio, Pandora and streaming - The interface for this could use some work (it looks like something from the 90's) but I really like the network features. Streaming audio from my PC in the office is more convenient with this than firing up the Xbox or PS3 and it's one less peice of electronics I have to have running. I also like that the Onkyo will wake up my office pc if it is sleeping when I go to stream audio. I don't know if this is something with my pc that allows this or not but it is convenient.
Things I don't like - I thought my TX-SR705 was loud when it did audio or HDMI switching. This is louder. I'm hoping it's due to beefier switching components. Fortunately this is only an issue at the beginning of movies where they show previews and don't steal me warnings. Also on cable when watching non-movie channels and the commercials have been broadcast in different audio then the show.
One time issue with zero audio. I was watching a tv show and changed channels. After changing the channel I had zero audio. I thought it was the channel but changing the channel back or selecting a different source (tuner) didn't fix it. I was able to fix it by unplugging the receiver for about 5 seconds and plugging it back in. This was disturbing but it hasn't happened since then. If it does I'll have to call Onkyo and find out what they can do.
Overall I love this receiver even with the odd audio issue I had.

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Onkyo TX-NR3007 140 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I researched my AVR choice for months, read plenty of reviews, both pro and consumer, and settled on this one. There are several home theater forums as well that were very helpful- although realize that on any internet forum you tend to concentrate those who are having problems with the unit. People who don't have problems don't tend to say as much- and that goes for any product.
For me, this thing works like a champ. I chose this over the 1007 for 1)better video processing (Reon chip), 2) independant power supplies (video/aduio/etc), and at the time, I found it for a great price, only a bit more than the 1007. It also has Dolby Dynamic volume, which the 1007 doesn't have- but I use the audyssey dynamic volume anyways. The backlit remote is nice too- although not a reason to buy this over the 1007. At first, I wasn't sure if the Reon chip was worth it, my projector suppossedly has the same chip, but I can tell a big difference upconverting my Dish 720p. The image looks much better when I let the Onkyo do the upconversion as oppossed to my projector. Likewise, it does a better job with DVD material compared to my BR which also upconverts DVDs, just not as well as the Onkyo.
There are plenty of comprehensive reviews about all the many, many features this unit has. I'll let you research those. Compared to other brands, this seemed to have the most bang for the buck. No other 9.2 recievers in this price range. Few THX Ultra certified recievers in this price range. More HDMI inputs than anyone else. I currently have a 5.1 setup with high quality quadrapolar surrounds, and to be honest, I don't think I'll be getting rear surrounds any time soon. I will probably add height next. From everything I've read height makes more of an impact than rear surrounds.
Plenty loud, plenty of headroom. Customizations out the wazoo. Audyssey microphone automatically sets up the unit for you. Mine runs warm, but after a full length movie with the sound cranked up it's not hot by any stretch.
I don't use the net features, can't comment.
So far I use it with my dish 622 box (HDMI), panasonic BR (HDMI), sanyo DVD (component), macbook (HDMI), airport express (optical) and hooked up to a samsung plasma (HDMI) and epson projector (HDMI) without any problems.

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Outlaw Audio Model 2200 Review

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(More customer reviews)After much debate I purchased the 2200 monoblock to power a passive sub for HT and stereo music. ~$50 cheaper through Amazon than through Outlaw's web page - even though it is still shipped directly from Outlaw???? I'm using the sub out from an Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver. I was originally considering a pro amp like QSC or Crown, but didn't want to deal with the line level voltage differences, or fan noise. I was worried that the 2200 didn't have level controls, EQ, Crossover like other SW amplifiers, but it turns out the Onkyo has more than enough flexibility to control these features. The 2200 easily overpowers the rest of the system and you can fine tune the amount of bass you want. This is a very impressive component. It is very low profile and provides lots of no nonsense power. It runs very cool as well, especially compared to the receiver. You can't go wrong. [...]

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Onkyo TXDS989 Surround Sound Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This receiver has ample power, conservatively rated at around 130Wpc into 8 ohms, and an almost mind-boggling number of connection options for different sources, as well as 7.1 speaker outputs. It handles analog, digital, and optical inputs.
But, and this is only a minor weakness, the high end - that is, cymbals, triangles, etc. - seems to "splash" somewhat. Now, no other equipment I've ever had was better. But, really GOOD equipment can make a cymbal or orchestral triangle sound much better, with more clarity and "true" ring, rather than this "splashiness".
That's all I can find wrong with it. I suspect it's in the pre-amp section because I connected a high-end external amplifier (>300Wpc and >$4000) and still had that splash - from very good source material. BTW, my main speakers are two Final 0.3s with another pair in the back channels, 2 Magnepans for sides, and a Creative Technology BP2004 for center and sub-woofer duty. The external test amp was made specifically for electrostats. Output to each speaker is individually adjustable as to level and we took care to get those right at my listening position.
I use an Onkyo DS939 DVD player (~$1800), an Onkyo CD turntable, a Nakamichi cassette tape deck, and my local cable TV thru a VCR. Video output goes thru a Farudja NRS to a NEC 50" plasma display, 1376x768. Good surround sounds from appropriate DVDs, but I'd like my louder classical pieces to sound better in the highs. I sent Onkyo an e-mail asking about this "splash" but they didn't respond. They would probably say I had bad source material or speakers. That would be nonsense. I even had an audio consultant in for 3 hours trying to figure it out (it was his high-end amp we tested with it), no dice. Still, I'm glad I have this Onkyo equipment. I guess I can't have EVERYTHING (damn!).

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Cerwin-Vega Xls-15S-Na 15-Inch 120-Volt Xls Series Powered Subwoofer Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this sub for a very good price (better than the one advertised here), and I am very pleased with its performance. It delivers deep and loud bass while maintaining clarity. However, it is a very large sub woofer, therefore acoustics play a key factor if one wishes to get optimum performance. Room placement is the easiest way to get the best performance. Different rooms call for different placement for good performance, therefore the user must tinker with the position of it. With it being so big, that might be a problem in smaller rooms because there might only be one place where it fits.
All in all, I am a satisfied customer because of its clarity, ability to handle low frequencies, and its capacity to be earsplitting. You can not only hear but actually feel the bass it produces!!


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THIEL MCS1 in Dark Cherry High Performance Surround Shelf or Stand Loudspeaker (Front/Center, Single, Dark Cherry) Review

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(More customer reviews)These speakers have lived in the humid climate of Hawaii (without air conditioning) for many years and are doing beautifully. They are very well made and the wood quality on the exterior is excellent. The sound is pure and clear from a Carver Receiver. For those who like true sound vice over produced sound, these are worthy of consideration. This has been a very compatible combination.

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The 3-way magnetically shielded MCS1 is the big brother to the SCS4, providing similar tonal characteristics but with greater output capability. Known for outstanding imaging and staging characteristics, the MCS1 employs all metal driver diaphragms for excellent rigidity, short coil long gap and copper stabilized motor systems for very low distortion even at very high output levels. The midrange/tweeter assembly in the MCS1 is one of Jim Thiel's most groundbreaking designs, utilizing a single voice coil and mechanical crossover for both output devices resulting in extremely low distortion. Built from 1-inch thick cabinet walls with abundant internal bracing and a 2-inch thick precision-machined anti-diffraction baffle, the MCS1 is larger and heavier than the SCS4, but is also ideally suited for either vertical or horizontal, shelf or stand placement.
Designed to provide maximum performance with vertical, horizontal, shelf, or stand placement.

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Onkyo TX-NR5007 145 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Onkyo TX-NR5007 in February 2010 to replace my Onkyo TX-SR806. Going from the 806 to the 5007 was like day and night. The sound from the 5007 is easily the best I've heard from any receiver. I work in an electronics store and I hear many units daily from the Denon AVR-4810CI and the Pioneer Elite SC-27 and they, in my opinion, can't match the Onkyo in terms of sound and features.
The new TX-NR5007 have 192kHz/32bit Burr-Brown DACs, and 4 independent power supplies for better sound. Along with those features for sound, this receiver includes the HQV Reon 1080p upscaling that even makes my HD inputs look better when compared to the Faroudja chip that was in the TX-SR806. For those interested in making the picture look even better, it's ISF certified and you can use this feature to professionally calibrate day and night picture modes for each input.
The networking features also great. I use Pandora radio a few times a week and am very happy with the quality. I had a problem setting it up though. None of the stations showed up on my internet radio until after I reset the entire receiver. This receiver can also stream music from media servers such as your PC, and it can also play music off of a USB hard drive or thumb drive.
I'm powering Klipsch XF-48's as the left and right channel, and three Klipsch XL-23's as a center channel, and left and right surrounds, along with a Definitive Technology Supercube Reference subwoofer (5.1 setup). What's surprising is that there is still room for four more speakers and one more subwoofer (9.2 setup). If you don't need a receiver that's capable of passing through 3D signals (HDMI 1.4), I would recommend that you get this receiver because I've never heard one that sounded better especially at this price point. Please make sure you can fit and carry this beast before purchasing though. It is gigantic and it weighs near 60lbs.


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The Onkyo TX-NR5007 offers a mouthwatering feature set designed to satisfy even the most demanding home theater purist. The expanded 9.2-channel configuration allows you to enjoy multi-zone playback as well as the latest surround formats by Dolby, DTS, and Audyssey. Advanced networking capability, meanwhile, enables you to incorporate PC-based audio and internet radio into your home theater set-up.
The Onkyo TX-NR5007 home theater receiver with 9.2-channel configuration (see larger image).

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Onkyo TX-NR1008 9.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)You know how it is. Take a look at your entertainment area. How many pieces of hardware are sitting there? A TV, a cable box, maybe DirecTV; a CD player, maybe an iPod dock. DVD player? Blu-ray disc player? Old VCR? An Airport Express for AirTunes, perhaps? How about a PS3, an Xbox, a Wii? Apple TV? Slingbox? Hulu player? Mac mini media station? How many speakers you got? 5? 7? 9? Maybe there are speakers elsewhere in the house, and you'd like to be able to watch TV here and listen to music there? Do you like Pandora satellite radio? What about XM HD?
Of course, all your hardware is cutting edge, just bought yesterday, right? No? HDMI, component, S-video, coax analog video, coax digital video - how many formats you got? Your TV - is it 1080p, or 1080i? What about your audio? All digital? Digital optical, digital coax - or do we have some good old RCA jacks? White/Red left/right? Or are we talking about a full surround setup? (Maybe you're like me and have a legacy pair of Tannoy bookshelf monitors, coaxial cones, that sound fantastic bi-amped. And maybe that last sentence sounded like the ravings of a lunatic.)
I don't know what you got. And neither do the good folks at Onkyo. So in this one grand box, they have provided doggone near as many solutions as you could possibly need.
For video, it can take 6 HDMI inputs, and send them to one or two outputs, a main (and if desired a sub) output. Upcoding can be disabled; or everything can be auto-upcoded; or you can force everything to upcode to a certain rez. (Since my old TV only supports 1080i, I needed the ability to force up and downcoding to that format; the lower-line Onkyos only upcode to 1080p and that wouldn't have worked.) There are also about a gazillion other ways to input video into this beast, and you can configure the machine to link any input to any button on your remote. For example, I have my PS3 coded to the 'game' circuit, whereas my DirecTV box is "CBL/SAT". The machine is fully HDMI 1.4a compliant, which means upcoming 3D will work right out of the box; and it supports HDMI audio return, although when you really find out what that is you may not want it.
For audio, it can take 2 optical audio, or 3 digital coaxial audio, or about 1 gazillion RCA-type audio inputs, amplify them, and output them direct to your speakers. If you want a 9.2 super surround setup, with R,L, center, R/L front high,R/L front wide, R/L surround, R/L surround rear, and a powered sub or two: this box gets the job done. However, in that case, there are no amps to spare for zone 2 or zone 3, which means that you'll need a separate power amp to power those separate zones.
If you want powered zones, you have to sacrifice some of your surround speakers. For me, I wanted 5.1 surround with bi-amped front speakers (the tweeters and woofers of the fronts are powered each by a different amp), so I lost powered Zone 2; I still have powered Zone 3. Zone 3 routes to a pair of outdoor speakers on my deck, so I can relax with Pandora Internet jazz (ah, Thelonious my old friend) while my lady is inside watching the cackling buffoons on Project Runway in all their hideous glory.
You do have to hook the machine up to a hub that is gatewayed to your Internet connection, and that has to be a wired connection. (I use an Airport Express to bridge my home wireless network to a cat6 cable that connects to the Onkyo; this setup has the added benefit of AirTunes, which, via a mini-phones cable (or 3.5 mm mini optical to TOSLINK, your choice) serves up my iTunes library to the amp, and that process can be controlled from my Mac laptop or iPhone.)Wow, it gets technical. Thank goodness the Onkyo menu is clear and easy to read. I will say, make sure the Internet is up, connected, and actively serving to your Onkyo before you power the Onkyo on for the first time; or you will have some difficulty getting connected later (you'll have to go into the Network setup area and 'save' the network settings.) The firmware upgrade is highly recommended. It takes 45 minutes; the RHMI setting has to be 'off', and the amp has to be in USB mode for it to work; that was annoying.
Sound fidelity is awesome and the settings are intuitive. I especially appreciate the myriad ways of dealing with power-on loudness; you can make sure you never blow out your speakers, or your eardrums, by navigating the easy to use menu.
One thing I wish I'd known before I bought this unit: the powered Zone 2s and Zone 3s can only accept analog sources. That means that optical audio and coax-digital audio cannot be piped to your zone 2 and zone 3. Luckily, most devices that serve that kind of audio also output analog audio; you can just plug that audio into a separate input and route *that* to Zone 2 or 3 instead. Annoying, but understandable; probably saved Onkyo a few bucks. Internet radio behaves like an analog source for this purpose, and that's a blessing.
The remote, which is backlit and easy to use, can also be programmed as a universal remote, which is handy, although it is IR, not RF, so it will never truly be the Master of All Remotes.
Internet radio on this baby is AWESOME. I can't get over having my own Pandora station outside on my deck; Onkyo also contracted with a company called vTuner that provides about a thousand channels. The Pandora client is full featured, lets you reconfigure and approve/disapprove of music, and even shows the album cover art on screen. Pandora streams to this beast at 128 kbps joint stereo, which is PandoraOne quality - regular Pandora is 64kbps aacPlus joint, which is compressed and tinny - but you don't need to subscribe, and I've yet to hear an ad.
Let's not forget Audyssey DSX: it is a little mike that you put at ear height at each listening area (i.e., chair) in your quiet surround sound field, and the machine automatically configures each speaker level and EQ to preset specs. It works really well, and the task is something that took dozens of hours to do by hand in older surround sound setups.
So yeah, this baby tames the confusion, knocks out its opponents (there is nothing else available below the $5K pricepoint that accomplishes everything I mentioned above) and unifies the audio-video title, sort of like Mike Tyson did to the heavyweight championship. I think you gotta be a little bit of an AV geek to set it up, but my lady, who is not all that geeky, instantly understood the remote - it's pretty much nearly one-touch.

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The TX-NR1008 is an upper-mid-range A/V powerhouse designed to give you maximum set-up flexibility in the home. Its 9.2 speaker channels let you enjoy a multichannel source in your main room, plus powered audio in two other rooms. Or you can use the extra channels to take full advantage of the new surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Other processing highlights include DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD for pristine lossless audio on Blu-ray Disc, and HDMI upscaling of all video sources to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema. As a network A/V receiver compatible with Windows 7 and DLNA, the TX-NR1008 lets you stream audio from your PC or from internet radio channels such as vTuner and SIRIUS. Set up and calibration are easy and accurate, thanks to ISF video calibration, a new overlaid graphical on-screen display, and Audyssey room correction and equalization. Bi-amping capability and a smorgasbord of the latest connections complete what is an outstanding entertainment package.

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Onkyo TX-NR809 THX Certified 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had the previous generation 808 for several months, but had the need for a second receiver and wanted one I was already familiar with. Quite simply, I'm amazed at the sound quality of the 809. All music and movies sound much, much better - and the 808 is no slouch. The sound is richer, fuller and more balanced for all audio files - hi def files on my server, but also streaming music at low bit rates. Surround sound decoding and balance for movies is much improved and really adds to the "you are there" experience. The 809 helped me greatly with one of my major problems - subwoofers that don't have a lot of bark when Bruce Willis blows away the bad guys. Subs now sound much deeper and finally shake the floor and the only difference in my system is the 809. Onkyo has obviously put a lot of work into improving the audio processing technologies. GUIs are better - especially for the net function/button. I literally couldn't pull myself away from the 809 for hours after I set it up - I had to see how much better everything sounded. Couldn't be happier and consider the purchase worth every penny.

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With its advanced processing and fabulous array of connections, the TX-NR809 is ready to lift the roof off. Eight HDMI inputs handle all your high-def content, from master-quality audio to up scaled 4K video. Home network capability lets you bring streaming internet radio and PC audio to your living room. And the drop-down front panel conceals a plethora of one-touch audio controls and A/V inputs. Video -whether standard or high definition- gets the royal treatment from a high-quality HQV Vida processor and independent ISF calibration for each source. Advanced audio options include bi-amping, 7.2 multichannel pre-outs, and distributed multi-zone audio. As you'd expect from a receiver near the top of Onkyo's mid-range line-up, construction is first-rate. A massive transformer, symmetrical L/R channels, separate power and pre-amp blocks, and a highly rigid chassis provide the bedrock for a superlative audio performance. Built with the serious home theater fan in mind, the TX-NR809 offers a class-leading mix of power, features, and performance.

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Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the ONKYO TX-NR808 to replace my aging 10 year old Lexicon DC-2 pre-amp and Carver Professional amps. The Onkyo powering Miller and Kreisel THX 750 5.1 speaker system.
I figured that after 10 years I could use a audio update even though the Lexicon is still a amazing piece of equipment but I didn't want to spend $6500 this time around.
I wanted a receiver that had all of the newer DTS and Dolby surround formats and could power the 4 ohm M&K speakers.
It sounds great I love the video switching and the great on screen display of settings.
I have a Netgear 9150 Digital entertainer Elite hooked to it with only one HDMI cable. Being able to use the HDMI really cleans up the cabling since it can also send the audio over the same cable. Same thing goes for my HD cable box, HDMI no seperate audio cable needed.
I haven't had any problems with the Ethernet not connecting, even though I did let it update via the internet. The streaming off connected networked computer is nice also, without any problems. Pandora works flawlessly.
For the price and features it cannot be beat.
Also Amazon has it for the lowest price.


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Meet Onkyo's mid-range powerhouse. The TX-NR808 earns its prestigious THX Select2 Plus certification by blending the latest connectivity and processing technology with Onkyo's renowned amplification prowess. As a network-capable receiver, the TX-NR808 is your gateway to streaming audio from your PC or internet radio. Other connection highlights include seven HDMI 1.4a inputs with 3D and Audio Return Channel capability; 7.1-multichannel analog inputs for legacy components; a Universal port for Onkyo peripherals; a USB port for iPod models and flash memory devices; and an analog RGB video input for your PC. Employing two advanced 32-bit DSP chips and low-jitter 24-bit Burr-Brown DACs, the TX-NR808 effortlessly handles your audio-processing needs. Whether it's lossless Dolby and DTS formats on Blu-ray Disc, or new-dimension surround formats from Audyssey and Dolby, your audio signals retain every lifelike nuance.All things considered, the TX-NR808 is a serious challenger for the middleweight crown.

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