Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

This isn't the end-all, be-all receiver. It doesn't upscale analog signals that well and it could use some better speaker posts and a removable power cord (when did everyone remove those? They used to be standard!).That said, she does a fine job for the money. My speakers sound like they have a built-in subwoofer. Its getting me another 7-12 Hz of low end in my front speakers (ran in Large (full) mode), and bass lines in movies are a real treat. I watch so many more movies now. I can't get enough of them. Runs a little hot - I wish they'd install a fan. Heat makes me nervous... and it should you too. Heat will lessen the life of any electronic device.I would've liked a network connection, but hey, its not a $1k receiver....The remote is ok, but get a universal one.The receiver has an active "clicking" sounds when I cruise the t.v. channels - like its physically switching on every channel - that is annoying. Very.Menus are easy to user - big plus there. Not difficult at all.I'm in 6 channel surround and its a delight. Even music is very good and I've owned some $1k+ amps. Yes, the dynamics could be better but 3 HDMI inputs and another front-side: Not too shabby. Especially considering I bought this open-box for a song. For what I paid the only review I give should be in church with other given thanks. Its a pretty full-featured receiver for the money and Onkyo is known for rating their power outage conservatively; the extra-boost to the low-end (not "muddy" bass either, I'm talking SLAM here kiddies) is absolutely delicious. I wish I could make use of the dual sub-woofer outputs, but my front speaks get so much more bass I have no desire to move to a subwoofer (except maybe for the rear speaks' LFE). I'd rather stay home than go to the movies. And what could be higher praise than that? This is a legitimate nerve-center home theater device. The others cut too many corners. If you can't afford it, save up or look for an open-box item.

I'll admit I was torn between buying a stereo receiver and a home theater type because I generally listen to music more often or at least with more passion. When my early-mid 90's vintage JVC RX807V started losing the left channel I knew it was time to make the move. I was used to excellent sound quality from the old 1st generation Pro-Logic JVC (all be it with the limitations of that format). The 2 channel sound quality of the JVC however was superb (120 wpc super A amp)! With quality 2 channel receivers limited at this price point ( $500.00 or less )and all the favorable reviews on the 607 I decided to try it after the usual weeks of research. I have always been a best value shopper and the price at amazon was GREAT compared to the other guys.The set up was easier than I expected. On-screen menu was good and intuitve. HDMI's to tv (Sharp 46" 1080p), Sat HD box, and Pioneer up-conversion DVD player. High quality composite cables to Sony CD changer. Set up for 5.1 format, Fronts are Boston VR1 towers, with matching Boston center. Rears are Sony SS3000's and the Sub is a Sony W2500. Now to the point: This is a very good and sometimes excellent HT receiver. Used the Audessey calibration and it was good but you may need to tweak it as I did. Power is excellent ( only 90 wpc is NOT an issue )and Dolby Digital sounds GREAT from Sat box. But, for some reason I can't get this format via my DVD player (can anyone help?). All the DVD's I've played have this format so not sure why this is, but it's frustrating. Also, I have gotten fairly loud static (only a few seconds) occasionally on both CD's and 1 DVD. I tried the CD in the car and no static. Again, annoying to say the least. I listen to a lot of music (mostly classic rock)and like it loud. In 2.1 the JVC sounded much more lifelike and warm. The Onkyo does not "bring to life" the VR1's like that. I've tweaked and tweaked but the clarity and punchiness just aren't there. Again, power is more than adequate, but the overall sound quality is somewhat flat. Not harsh at all, just a little dull. One last gripe; having to go into a menu to change the EQ settings can be tedious as you lose the audio (TV) source when adjusting it. Leading to a lot of trial and error. Bottom line is, I WANT to like this receiver but overall I'm not sure I do. Any suggestions on an alternate or improvements I can make on this one would be much appreciated. Thanks.