I hope this review can be of help to others. I guess I am a dinosaur, but my first concern with a receiver is the sound - after all, the main function of a receiver is the ability to reproduce the audio. Today, it seems as though a lot of emphasis is placed on video switching and video signal processing. In these areas, I cannot comment on the Onkyo's performance, as I do not use these features. I put all HDMI outputs directly into my tv, and use digital l(optical, or coax) to the receiver. I have been told that "true" HD can only be utilized through HDMI, as there is no compression in the audio. However, I cannot hear any "compression". I would suggest to anyone to try Master and Commander.... The cannon are right in your living room.
Now on to the audio of this receiver. It has tremendous power and frequency range, and decodes Dolby Digital without a hitch. I am pleased with the clarity and separation of all channels. I find the "all channel stereo" quite nice effect.
It has a lot of nice features, such as re-naming inputs, input level adjustments - makes all sources have same relative volume when switching between sources, assignable digital inputs,straight forward manual speaker setup, a digital equalizer that can be independently set for individual speakers, etc., etc.
I tried a Yamaha receiver ($1400 OTD), and returned it.
One thought is that the modern receivers are touted with all this power output (980 watts in the case of the Yamaha), but have lesser input power (about 620 watts for the Yamaha) cannot produce the stated power to ALL channels ALL the time. Therefore, the power ratings are not truly factual. The heart of a receiver is it's power supply - and that includes (usually) a massive transformer. Any receiver that has a rated "input" of say, 600 watts, can only provide a little under 600 watts continuous. The Yamaha weighed in at a mere 27 pounds, and my Onkyo is a hefty 39 pounds. Most of the additional weight is the transformer - power supply. Although it may sound funny, look to the weight of a receiver - which is in direct proportion to the weight of the power supply. This is where Onkyo shines - usually very conservatively rating their receivers.
The only downfall I have found on this receiver, was the "Audyssey" setup - it did not recognize my rear speakers properly, and I didn't care for the EQ that it decided was needed. But the manual setup is straight forward and quite flexible, and as sound is a very personal experience, and no microphone will ever match what you want your ears to hear.

I hope this review can be of help to others. I guess I am a dinosaur, but my first concern with a receiver is the sound - after all, the main function of a receiver is the ability to reproduce the audio. Today, it seems as though a lot of emphasis is placed on video switching and video signal processing. In these areas, I cannot comment on the Onkyo's performance, as I do not use these features. I put all HDMI outputs directly into my tv, and use digital l(optical, or coax) to the receiver. I have been told that "true" HD can only be utilized through HDMI, as there is no compression in the audio. However, I cannot hear any "compression". I would suggest to anyone to try Master and Commander.... The cannon are right in your living room.
Now on to the audio of this receiver. It has tremendous power and frequency range, and decodes Dolby Digital without a hitch. I am pleased with the clarity and separation of all channels. I find the "all channel stereo" quite nice effect.
It has a lot of nice features, such as re-naming inputs, input level adjustments - makes all sources have same relative volume when switching between sources, assignable digital inputs,straight forward manual speaker setup, a digital equalizer that can be independently set for individual speakers, etc., etc.
I tried a Yamaha receiver ($1400 OTD), and returned it.
One thought is that the modern receivers are touted with all this power output (980 watts in the case of the Yamaha), but have lesser input power (about 620 watts for the Yamaha) cannot produce the stated power to ALL channels ALL the time. Therefore, the power ratings are not truly factual. The heart of a receiver is it's power supply - and that includes (usually) a massive transformer. Any receiver that has a rated "input" of say, 600 watts, can only provide a little under 600 watts continuous. The Yamaha weighed in at a mere 27 pounds, and my Onkyo is a hefty 39 pounds. Most of the additional weight is the transformer - power supply. Although it may sound funny, look to the weight of a receiver - which is in direct proportion to the weight of the power supply. This is where Onkyo shines - usually very conservatively rating their receivers.
The only downfall I have found on this receiver, was the "Audyssey" setup - it did not recognize my rear speakers properly, and I didn't care for the EQ that it decided was needed. But the manual setup is straight forward and quite flexible, as sound is a very personal experience, and no microphone will ever match what you want your ears to hear.

Overheated and Failed after 4 months
After 4 months the unit overheated and failed after watching tv through a sat receiver. Unit is now dead. Repair Service is a real pain. There have been some cases of the receiver spontaneously catching fire. Told by repair center that all onkyo mid-range receivers run extremely hot. Avoid onkyo for their dreadful design.

This unit worked great until June when it quit working. Dropped it off at the warranty service center that Onkyo recommended. The service center is great but Onkyo has had me on hold for parts for 2 months. The Warranty Service Center can't fix it because they don't have the parts. Apparently, I may have to wait another 1-2 months. If you feel like rolling the dice go ahead and buy this unit. Maybe you will get one that won't need any parts. Maybe you will, then you will probably be up the creek. Do not buy Onkyo unless you have money to burn. As far as I know, I may have to throw this thing away if they can't get the parts.

Bougth this from Amazon to replace my old Pioneer Elite receiver. It is a great machine with THX, digital Dolby sound and 7.1 channel capabilities. After going thru the installation process, it seems to much simpler. The sound is fantastic.
The only complaint is that it will switch my 16:9 screen to 3:4 screen randomly when I change TV channels. Have not figured out a way to lock it yet. Other than that, TV is still sharp with good sound. I am happy,.