Onkyo's 2007 flagship A/V Reveiver which replaces the TX-NR1000. This model adds HDMI upscalling via an HQV Reon-VX Chip for High-Performance Video Processing, Audyssey MultiEQ XT, XM HD Surround, Neural-THX Surround, HD Radio, Windows Media Server, DTS HD and Dolby True HD among others.
Summary: With the death of my old CRT (24 year old Mitsubishi oak cabineted monster) I decided to go the High Def/LCD route for a new TV downstairs. After much research and deliberation I wound up going with a 52" Samsung Series 6. My Onkyo 898, while still servicable, was getting a bit long in the tooth, I also wanted to clear up the rat's nest in back of the AV Rack. With this in mind I began looking at new model AV receivers. I'd used Yammies in the past but most of my receivers had been Onkyos since I got in to hT. I checked out the specs and decided to go with the then top of the line Onkyo 905.
I was going to go retail but found one NIB on the Bay, pulled the trigger and have been quite happy since. Of cours the 906 came out a month later but C'est La Vie.
Strengths: Versatile with the ability to allow the receiver to calibrate and eq your speakers or for you to do it yourself. I wound up going with my on callibration but you don't have to. Gobs of power, well laid out remote. 4 HDMI inputs two outputs have reduced my cable clutter immensely. One cable from DVR/Cable box, one cable from Oppo DVD player, one cable out to LCD. It don't git no better. Well laid out manual very precise controls.
Weaknesses: Price, clunky firmware upgrade procedure. Very difficult to do it yourself as far as firmware updates are concerned. Heavy, runs hot.
Similar Products Used: None. My first HDMI featured receiver.
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Summary: I upgraded from a Denon 3803 and I can't believe how much better this receiver drives my Klipsch RF 83's. The Denon seemed shallow, underpowered, dull, and lifeless. I knew I needed a receiver with a better power supply to drive the difficult load of the Klipsch which can dip down as low as 3.6 ohms.
This receiver has all/more features currently available in units costing twice as much. I love the HD Radio tuner and the ability to integrate both XM AND Sirius Satellite radio. The USB port and eathernet port give it a modern feel along with the ability to easily upgrade the firmware to add features and fix bugs.
Soundwise, this beast can't be beat. I love the weight and depth it gives to the soundstage. Everything is spot on soundwise. It has the ability to upconvert all soundtracks to full 7.1 glory, PLUS the ability to upconvert all video sources to 1080p using the best in class REON processor.
4 HDMI inputs plus 2 out (not at the same time), THX Ultra 2 certification, 140 x 7 WPC RMS, 1080p upscaling, HD Radio, this thing is packed with features that more expensive units just do not have. By far the best bang for the buck currently available.
Strengths: POWER
SOUND
60 plus lbs
Torridial Transformer
Seperate power supplies
Bridgeable front channel
Ability to drive tough speaker loads
Ability to update firmware
Removeable power cord
Multiple THX surround & music modes
Ability to stream internet radio
Weaknesses: Audio lag which is correctable via a DSP update
I just found out how good Onkyo products are,..especially this receiver...some products only make a very subtle difference if any...but with this Onkyo everything came to life with fullness, detail,.. and audio quality you can really hear....its like listening to all my movies and dvd-audio all over again for the first time....what a great find....
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