Onkyo TX-SR507 for first HT system?

Hello! I am new here, so I hope you folks will forgive me if someone else has asked about this receiver. I did a search for it but did not find any threads.

I am going to start building my first HT system, and I have been doing a bunch of reading here and elsewhere. I am thinking about getting the Onkyo TX-SR507 receiver. I guess it has not been out very long, because I have not found many reviews on it. Do any of you have any experience with it?

I was also considering a BOSE 3-2-1 that a friend told me about, but it had poor reviews. He makes it seem like BOSE is the best thing in the world, but their 5.1 systems are way out of my price range.

I am close to choosing the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speaker system. I can pick them up for anywhere between $300 and $400 bucks. There was also a Polk system (RM705) I was thinking of, but the Energy system seems to get better reviews.

I mainly like it because it has the 4 HDMI inputs, since my Samsung 61" DLP TV only came with two. Its selling for around $300-$350 which will put me right at my $700-$800 target budget.

Also, I guess the really important questions are: Would these go well together, and would this be a good beginner system for a 25x15 living room?

First, welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you have been doing your homework, that's a good thing. I will attempt to give you some suggestions and views that will be helpful.

You are correct in looking for items like you have been as opposed to BOSE (Buy Other Sound Equipment) which are very poor performers and extremely expensive. Stay away from this LoFi equipment.

No on to your questions - The Onkyo TX-SR507 is a nice receiver but I think you would get much more value for your money and performance from the next model in the line, the TX-SR607. It has gotten rave reviews, has more features, flexibility and power than it's brother and is a proven performer. If the price is out of your budget, you could look at a refurbished model which is just like brand new but costs less. Here is an example - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR607BLK/Onkyo/TX-SR607-7.2-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

As for speakers, either brand you have selected would be great. I would suggest that you audition them first to hear which ones you prefer as you can't go wrong with either the Polk or Energy Take.

In any case either of these systems would be just fine for your room and would sound amazing.

Hope this helps.

I agree 100% with Loves2Watch. The 607 from Onkyo is an excellent choice. And - STAY AWAY FROM BOSE !! Cheaply made, overpriced, underperfoming JUNK. IMHO, you can purchase an Onkyo system that sounds 10 times better, for 1/10th the price of a Bose system. The great thing with Onkyo is: you can purchase a stand alone receiver and add your own speakers, or you can purchase a complete HTiB. Either way, you'll have a Home Theater that will blow your socks off. Be sure to check around for the best prices before you purchase. :thumbsup:

I am also looking for a good HT set up. I want to buy the TCP58v10 on black friday (althought I found the TCP54v10 for $1999 at Magnolia!) and want to have the sound system in place ahead of time. So how does the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K comapre to the Onkyo Tx-SR607? I found the Pioneer review on CNET but the user reviews seem better for the Onkyo. Questions/concerns are:


THX - Since the TV can do this then should I get a sound system that can too? Which one?
Jitter - Eventually I want BluRay. Do either of these have an issue?
Upconversion - Onkyo ups to 1080i vs Pioneer's 1080P. This matters if I send all my HDMI inputs to one reciever. Otherwise, my movies should go directly to the TV for 1080P. Right?
Analog - What about my DVD's and VCR's? How well will they up convert on these systems?

Unless ALL of your HT components are THX certified (This means the HDTV, all audio and video cables, the AVR(s), the amplifier(s), the speakers and the primary viewing position relative to both the screen AND the all of the speakers), and you plan to apply for THX calibration and certification of your set up, this is a non-requirement for the components you choose. :what:
http://www.thx.com/certification/index.html

As the display you are looking at is 1080p capable, 1080i or 1080p up-conversion is not really relevent as your HDTV will display as 1080p regardless.

The up-conversion of legacy video formats like VCR is truly relative to the up-coversion chip set in the AVR or the HDTV. The 607 uses a Faroudija DCDi Edge de-interlacer and some image enhancement.
http://www.av-outlet.com/en-us/dept_335.html

However neither Mfg. indicates the actual up-conversion chip, or chip set, being utilized. So your eyes, or reviewer eyes will have to be the judge there. Most modern DVD players already have up-scaling (1080i min.) capability via their HDMI interfaces, so this will probably just be passed through the AVR on to your HDTV.

Ironically some HDTVs have better up-conversion/scaling chips in them than some of the current AVRs on the market today. So you may want to test that too.

Also consider if and how you may want PiP to work! ;)

Blu-ray should play fine through either of the AVRs depending upon your audio needs. The Pioneer has more power per channel and a color on-screen GUI when compared to the Onkyo, but again that is a personal preference. (I'm an Onkyo fan myself :D)

Unless ALL of your HT components are THX certified (This means the HDTV, all audio and video cables, the AVR(s), the amplifier(s), the speakers and the primary viewing position relative to both the screen AND the all of the speakers), and you plan to apply for THX calibration and certification of your set up, this is a non-requirement for the components you choose. :what:
http://www.thx.com/certification/index.html

As the display you are looking at is 1080p capable, 1080i or 1080p up-conversion is not really relevent as your HDTV will display as 1080p regardless.

The up-conversion of legacy video formats like VCR is truly relative to the up-coversion chip set in the AVR or the HDTV. The 607 uses a Faroudija DCDi Edge de-interlacer and some image enhancement.
http://www.av-outlet.com/en-us/dept_335.html

However neither Mfg. indicates the actual up-conversion chip, or chip set, being utilized. So your eyes, or reviewer eyes will have to be the judge there. Most modern DVD players already have up-scaling (1080i min.) capability via their HDMI interfaces, so this will probably just be passed through the AVR on to your HDTV.

Ironically some HDTVs have better up-conversion/scaling chips in them than some of the current AVRs on the market today. So you may want to test that too.

Also consider if and how you may want PiP to work! ;)

Blu-ray should play fine through either of the AVRs depending upon your audio needs. The Pioneer has more power per channel and a color on-screen GUI when compared to the Onkyo, but again that is a personal preference. (I'm an Onkyo fan myself :D)

FYI the Onkyo uses a Faroudja DCDi Edge chipset for upconversion

I was wondering about everyones opinion on factory reconditioned receivers,do you think that you are getting someone elses headache or are the receivers sent back to onkyo and fully inspected 100% and then are all of the options of the receiver tested to make sure they are fully operational? and do they all come with a factory warranty?I think that the deals at accesories4less are quite good but I am very new at this so what the hell do I know! but if you can save a $100 or more why not.

First, welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you have been doing your homework, that's a good thing. I will attempt to give you some suggestions and views that will be helpful.

You are correct in looking for items like you have been as opposed to BOSE (Buy Other Sound Equipment) which are very poor performers and extremely expensive. Stay away from this LoFi equipment.

No on to your questions - The Onkyo TX-SR507 is a nice receiver but I think you would get much more value for your money and performance from the next model in the line, the TX-SR607. It has gotten rave reviews, has more features, flexibility and power than it's brother and is a proven performer. If the price is out of your budget, you could look at a refurbished model which is just like brand new but costs less. Here is an example -
As for speakers, either brand you have selected would be great. I would suggest that you audition them first to hear which ones you prefer as you can't go wrong with either the Polk or Energy Take.

In any case either of these systems would be just fine for your room and would sound amazing.

Hope this helps.


Thanks! I will check out the 607, is it pretty "safe" to buy refurbed receivers?

I was wondering about everyones opinion on factory reconditioned receivers,do you think that you are getting someone elses headache or are the receivers sent back to onkyo and fully inspected 100% and then are all of the options of the receiver tested to make sure they are fully operational? and do they all come with a factory warranty?I think that the deals at accesories4less are quite good but I am very new at this so what the hell do I know! but if you can save a $100 or more why not.

Thanks! I will check out the 607, is it pretty "safe" to buy refurbed receivers?

Yes it is safe to purchase refurbished equipment from Accessories4less as they are an authorized Onkyo seller. The equipment you buy from them has been repaired if/as necessary (by the Onkyo factory) then thoroughly tested (much more so than a factory new unit). A great bargain, in my opinion. I have purchased much equipment from them and it has all been top notch.

So will my 5.1 surround setup work just as well on a 7.1 receiver?

So will my 5.1 surround setup work just as well on a 7.1 receiver?

Absolutely...

Thanks Loves2Watch

OK, so the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system is on the way. I think I will have to wait for the X-mas bonus to get the receiver. Between now and then I might as well get the wires run.

I have read that you should go with heavier cable for longer runs. Just some rough math puts my wire runs between 30 and 40 feet per (10 up the wall and 25 over). What guage speaker wire would be appropriate?

OK, so the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system is on the way. I think I will have to wait for the X-mas bonus to get the receiver. Between now and then I might as well get the wires run.

I have read that you should go with heavier cable for longer runs. Just some rough math puts my wire runs between 30 and 40 feet per (10 up the wall and 25 over). What guage speaker wire would be appropriate?

You'll be safe with 16 gauge on that short of run but for the cost difference, you can go with 14 AWG. I get my speaker wire from this place:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239

You'll be safe with 16 gauge on that short of run but for the cost difference, you can go with 14 AWG. I get my speaker wire from this place:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239

I agree...

You'll be safe with 16 gauge on that short of run but for the cost difference, you can go with 14 AWG. I get my speaker wire from this place:


Thanks! I have used Monoprice before for HDMI cables and was very happy. Again, thanks to a little research I chose not to buy the expensive Monster cable and went with the $6 offering from them. I am extremely satisfied with the result, and the savings!

So the Take Classic came today, sweet!

One odd thing, they sent the Energy ESW-V8 sub, instead of the ESW-8 that is usually included with the 5.1 set. I have read up on the two, and it seems that the one they sent me is the better sub. The site I bought from (Bob and Ron's World Wide Stereo) was selling the set for $20 cheaper than Amazon. I'm certainly not looking a gift horse in the mouth, but does this seem ok to everyone?

Also, I have been reading the instructions and it says the rear satellites need to be 2 feet from the wall unless you are using a vent plug. Unfortunately mine have to be on the wall, and a 2 foot clearance won't be feasible. So my question is: What is a vent plug, do I really need one, and where do I get them if I do?

Sorry for all the questions, I am just very excited about my first HT! :banana:

Anyone?

The vent/port plug is a cork shaped device which does exactly what it's name implies and yes it must be used when mounting the speakers on or close to the wall. If you can't find something locally that fits, you could cut a piece of 2" thick foam to fit snugly and use them if you don't want to order any from Energy.

When making your own plug, make sure that nothing falls or gets into the speaker enclosure (pieces of foam, etc.)


Hope this helps.