Replacement for Onkyo 606 a/v Receiver

[Steve Campbell]

Hi folks

Looking to replace my Onkyo 606 a/v receiver that I've now had for a few years & in "research" mode. Reason for change : it won't pass through 3D signal and I now have the dreaded Onkyo HDMI relay problem on one channel (intermittent & on Game channel so not critical!)

So...what should I be looking for with latest updates and similar or slightly better performance ? I've been very happy with the Onkyo and it's performance...so what model should be my "upgrade" or "replacement" be if Onkyo ? What other options should I look at ? I'm not an audio expert or "phile" so educate me on my options and why I should look at that particular model :-)

Inputs are : Sky HD+, Sony Blue Ray, PS3, Digital video cam + ipod connections
Speakers : Kef KHT 3005 5:1
TV : Samsung 7000 series (if that matters)

Thanks all.....

[Jarcy]

Of course it depends on your budget and what extra features and connectivity might appeal to you.

I believe that Pioneer are flavour of the month for sound and reliability, but can be pricey.

Often overlooked are Marantz (stablemate of Denon). You get a lot of features and power for your buck, and musically they're very nice. Not many places stock them to demo though, so you may need to search online. Perhaps an SR-5008 or SR-6008 would suit.

Can't go wrong with Yamaha either.

[pmanson]

Recently upgraded from my 605 to the 609.

Main reason for the upgrade was to make use of the smaller footprint of the amp (eg. it will fit in a cupboard). It was quite reasonable (£280 IIRC) which compares well to the £400 I paid for the 605 7 years ago.

[varsas]

Sony and Yamaha have new models coming out soon (sony '50 series and the yamaha '7) so might be worth looking out for bargins on those. For what it's worth I have a Sony 820 and it drives me crazy with it's (lack of) usability, might be worth sticking with Onkyo if you like them and their philosophy of command/control fits in with your kit.

[TEKNOPUG]

I've always had Denon units and can't really fault them. I guess all the main players (Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer etc) are much of a muchness at a similar price point. The only thing that has really moved on in the last few years is network connectivity. This may or may not be important to you.

My current Denon doesn't have network features but then I have a Panny TV, Sony BRD, Tivo and PC all connected, so hardly an issue.

[Steve Campbell]

Thanks all. Connectivity may or may not be useful for me (not yet, but might be in the future !).

I was more looking for equivalent spec (or slight upgrade) with 3d capability. Don't listen to much music through it (mainly from ipod so I'm no audiophile :-)) but I guess with the connectivity of the new receivers I might be tempted to stream music directly.

I like Onkyo, it's been a good machine for me...but I'm not wedded to them.

One of the key factors may be size in the end, as the current Onkyo only just fits in the furniture "hole" with not much to spare in terms of height.

Keep the thoughts coming.....

[TEKNOPUG]

Budget?

[Steve Campbell]

I don't have one....I'm not after high end...probably ~ or < £500 but no reason I can't go higher for the right product for me.

[varsas]

Slim receivers include the Marantz NR series, Yamaha RX-S600 and Harmon Kardon AVR 171. I expect Sony do one too but I don't know about it. A 'standard' AV reciever is nigh on 6 inches high, plus you need an inch+ for cooling.

Remember that DLNA/network connectivity/.mp3 playback etc can all be provided by a connected blu-ray player. It doesn't have to be done on the AVR, unless you want bluetooth.

[Steve Campbell]

Been into Richer Sounds this morning, had a good long chat with the sales guy looking at options and a further research on the internet this afternoon.

Decided to go for an Onkyo TX-NR626. It seems that is the equivalent to my old 606. At £279 (about to be superceded)...that price looks an absolute bargain and it will do everything I need to do. It's a 2013 machine that was selling ~£500 not too long ago.

Back to the shop tomorrow to make the purchase.

Thanks all for your comments.

[varsas]

Cool.et us know how you get on, I need an AVR with twin HDMI outs...

[pmanson]

Made a mistake on my earlier post I've got the 626 and very happy with it

[Steve Campbell]

Just to close the post....very happy with purchase of the 626. New model much easier to set-up than the old. I did have to fiddle around with the a/v sync delay to get the sounds and picture sync'd up for Sky (which I had to do with the old one aswell).

I think it has a better output for dialogue as the TV and BR seem to have "clearer" dialogue than the 606 although haven't really tested it fully yet. Plenty of punch also when I tested it on a few blue-rays and DVD's for action scenes (my wife shouted at me to turn it down as it was rattling the furniture...always a good sign :-)).