EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

remixes — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:46:04 GMT

Blimey is there anything it dont do!! sounds very good indeed. Another great review guys keep it up.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Avatar69 — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:55:21 GMT

Hello, thanks for the speedy review, made me feel very happy about my purchase. One quick question. How hot does it run seeing as you have given one a good blast?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

paul1999 — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:57:08 GMT

Thanks for purchasing the unit and getting the review out so quickly and informatively - great job !

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

shezad — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:01:54 GMT

Thnx a lot for the review....Already booked one yesterday... This baby is coming home today.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:33:50 GMT

Avatar69 - warm but not excessively hot, even after 48 hours' continuous use.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

jock_scott70 — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:47:51 GMT

Great review. That's my saturday sorted - if I can find one!

My DVD collection says "Thank You, What HiFi?"

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Gary233932 — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:50:02 GMT

Andy you said

"Just been through the 606 manual, and while it says PLIIx will work with multichannel inputs up to 96kHz, there's a discalimer that says it may not work with 'all source formats'. I guess we'll just have to wait until we have one to play with."

can you comfirm the source formats supported thanks

Gary

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Livers — Sat, 03 May 2008 09:08:04 GMT

Excellent, that's at least one decision made. All I need now is decide what speakers and TV to accompany it.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 03 May 2008 09:15:46 GMT

Gary

Haven't specifically checked PLIIx operation with every source format possible - I guess if this is important to you that's where a dealer with a demonstration sample earns his or her keep!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

le_vicar — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:30:13 GMT

Could you please recomend some 5.1 speaker packages that will get the best out of this system. Thinking of around the £500 to £1000 area, although this is not set in stone.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Volcane — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:58:21 GMT

If I was being *really* picky I'd have liked the assignable inputs to be renameable but for £400 that would be an unrealistic request.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:20:21 GMT

le_vicar, obvious choices would be the QAcoustics 1010i, Monitor Audio Bronze BR2 and Tannoy Mercury F1 Custom packages.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

le_vicar — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:52:16 GMT

Thanks for that Andrew. If I had to go for a style package (inc sub), due to wife related issues, what would you recomend?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Paulthefilmfan — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:55:22 GMT

I want to get one sharpish but can the mains cable be replaced by a better one, as it looked liek it couldn't in the picture of the rear facia? A Big respectable company like Onkyo should have put a proper 3 pin mount on the back in my opinion. Other than that hicup its all good in my book.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:33:59 GMT

le_vicar: KEF 3005, Tannoy Arena Lite, maybe the Quad L-ite would be a good choice

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:35:46 GMT

Paulthefilmfan: no, it's a captive mains lead, as on the 605.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

professorhat — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:02:14 GMT

Nice to know. I'm still targeting the 875 I reckon (or 876 by the time I've paid off my credit card - any non-committal rumours when this might be released, assuming this is the model number they'll use!)

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:55:02 GMT

Not sure on that one, profchap - Mr Editor Melville, freshly returned from China and a visit to the IAG factory, is soon to head East again to visit Onkyo in Japan, where I gather he'll be finding out the plans for the second wave of releases, due later in the Summer.

But 876 would seem logical - that's purely speculation, and no solid information at all.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

pvmellor — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:15:24 GMT

I'm thinking to get the Panasonic DMP-BD30 to go with this, as i understand that i can then get the hi def audio. However the Panny seems to be criticised for its poor upscaling capability - would this do a better job? Could i then turn off the upscaling on the BD30 and use this to do it instead?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

acoley — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:24:55 GMT

Thanks for the review, especially as I jumped before I had seen any reviews and ordered one at the same time as ording an Monitor Audio RS6 AV package. However, I'm slightly worried about the stereo performance. I currently have a reasonable Marantz CD player and a Cambridge Audio 540 amp. Would I be better leaving this alone or swapping to the 606 for CD's? If I used the existing amp, could I feed this "straight through" the 606? I would appreciate your advise on the best arrangement.

Thanks

Alan

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

bullitt — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:38:11 GMT

Thanks for great review andrew, you've covinced me ,now for the speaker bit , do you think that the Tannoy sensys 5.1 package would be a good match ,i prefer some floorstanding speakers? £729 on superfi!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:58:42 GMT

No acoley - stick to your current system.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Clare Newsome — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:53:34 GMT

Pvmellor - the people criticising the Panasonic DM30 Blu-ray player for its upscaling are probably comparing it to far pricier machines. It's very good for its budget level.

With upscaling at a budget level, however, it's always best to try all the options available to you - source, receiver or display doing the upscaling - as every different set-up will offer different skills/possibilties.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

mnoor — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:48:42 GMT

Like some others, I ordered after learning of its availability in the market and keeping my fingers crossed that its performance will be at least at par to SR605.

True enough, it has been rated a 5*.

I love the sound it produced when playing with Apocalypto and Kill Bill

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Hifiman — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:26:39 GMT

Hi Andrew, Do you think that the KEF KHT2005.3 package would be a good match with SR 606

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Mon, 05 May 2008 09:44:37 GMT

No idea. We haven't heard the KHT2005.3.

Should be fine, but until we hear it who knows?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:45:10 GMT

Yes, bullitt, the Tannoys should work well.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

WhatMeWorry — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:37:47 GMT

So, been toying with the idea of buying this receiver for quite a while now. As I'm no expert in this field (not even close) I would like to know if it's able to power speakers such as the Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo system properly?

Thanks for a great review!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:50:19 GMT

WhatMeWorry

Yes, it should have more than enough power for those speakers.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

deehell — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:20:17 GMT

Sounds great and thanks for quick review. At what point does upgrading from 606 to say 705, 805 or 875 really make sense? Is it worth spending the £200 or so it costs to move up each ladder step?

Speakers likely to be the QAV (after I heard them at Bristol and thought they looked and sounded great).

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:21:31 GMT

I think the answer is at the point when you listen to both and reckon it's worth spending the extra.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

pvmellor — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:33:14 GMT

In a related post, you mention that the best way to connect this up to a Sky+ box is with the scart going directly to the TV and just the optical audio going via the 606. I guess i was surprised to see this: i wanted to 606 (partly) because of video switching and upscaling, so i could reduce the hassle factor when i swap from sky to bd etc. Given you awarded it 5*'s, do these features actually work? Or are they more for marketing purposes :)

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:41:59 GMT

pvmellor - not just there for marketing purposes, but due to the fact that, unlike the SkyHD box, the '+' can't output component video, which is what the Onkyo will accept and upconvert/upscale - along with composite and S-video.

You could try connecting S-video from the Sky+ and upconverting/upscaling this, but I doubt whether the results would be worth it, and an RGB feed direct to a decent TV, which will of course also scale the picture to suit its display, will probably give better results.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

im85288 — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:07:51 GMT

I plan to add either the 606 or possibly the 705 amp to my existing pioneer 508xd and sky hd setup (with QAV speakers to follow). Will the upscaling of sd channels offered by the 606 be better quality than the sky hd box and the pioneer itself? I have read that it is best to set the output settings of the sky hd box to auto to allow the amp to upscale.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Tom31 — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:50:07 GMT

I haven´t spent time with hifi reviews since i bought my Rotel amplifier and JBL speakers in 1989 :)

Now i own a HD-DVD-Player, Hard-Disc-Recorder, Beamer (720p) and after reading this great review and doing a little comparison to other onkyo-receivers it´s been cristal clear - this is my receiver...

But i have a question about connecting the beamer and a HD-LCD-TV (in the future) to the receiver since all Onkyo receivers have only one HDMI-out.

Do I have to buy a splitter (up to 150 Euro) to feed both devices? (That would really be a bit sad as a second build-in connector would cost just a few bucks i think)

And if so, which splitter do you propose? (HDMI-cable is 7,5m to beamer).

Thank you and greetings from Germany...

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:05:48 GMT

im85288

I would set the maximum resolution of the 606 to '1080i', and experiment with the output settings of the Sky box into the plasma, connecting it via the Onkyo. You'll probably find the Sky box's 1080i output best, but you may prefer 720p. If it were me I'd set that to auto, too.

Tom31

I don't know of any splitters for that kind of money that don't impose limitations in terms of picture quality. There are some better amplified splitters, but prices start a bit higher than that. But you could try this budget one from Keene Electronics.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

furber — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:16:57 GMT

Haven't set mine up yet, but I am a bit concerned about it saying on Page 37 of manual that turning on the receiver may cause a momentary power surge that might interfere with other electrical equipment on the same circuit. Has anyone experienced this - am I safe plugging it into an extension lead with TV and HD DVD player as well, and is this likely to happen every time it is switched on, or just the first time?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:24:20 GMT

I think that's called being overcautious. We had no such problems and I wouldn't worry about it

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

valve90210 — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:31:45 GMT

I'm currently looking into a new AV amp as my aging Marantz SR5000 is on it's last legs (the surround processor is dying causing the sound to cut out from time to time, with greater ans greater frequency).

Having read reviews of the 605 and the 606, I'm contemplating the 606 but am a bit worried that it won't live up to the sound quality of my Marantz.

I've read mention of the 605 struggling a bit on scenes with large amounts of action etc ( review was talking about the large battles in he film 300), with the possibility of the sound becoming harsh.

And with this review saying that it's a bit brash and bright for music, I'm concerned that sonically it'll be a bit ofa backwards step from my lovely warm, smooth rich sounding Marantz.

Are my concerns likely to be the case???

For info, my speakers are KEFq series all round, Q35 up front, Q85s for rears and a Q95 for centre (with a pair of Q15s waiting in the wings for when I have enough room for them)

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Valve

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:08:55 GMT

No, I think the 606 will suit your needs on every front. It doesn't harden up even when pushed hard IME, and will be a lot more musical than an amp of that vintage. It'll also work well with the KEFs.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

valve90210 — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:29:17 GMT

That's good to hear, having been used to wonderful sound from the Marantz, I really don't want to spend my money on something which sonically isn't as good.

I look forward to giving it a good audition soon.

Valve

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

hari teja — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:29:17 GMT

Mr. Everard...i'm getting a PS3, a sony lcd 40'...and i've heard about the Onkyo TX-SR606...that its the best...and i've also experienced the sony dav IS10... i want an excellent video and audio experience....

I'M A COMPLETE NOVICE...

& I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WAT A MULTI CHANNEL RECEIVER DOES...LIKE THE onkyo...

and if i go wid the onkyo receiver suggest me a good set of surround speakers below 1000$...

or would it be bette if i get a ps3, a sony lcd.... and sony dav IS10....

i'm seriously confused...

i would be GAMIN AND WATCHIN MOVIES... AND I WANT TO HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH THE TOTAL BELOW 5000$...

PLEASE DO HELP ME OUT...

THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:51:50 GMT

The Onkyo, with a set of speakers, will give you a much better sound than an all-in-one system, and will work well with the PS3

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

tricky1 — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:17:39 GMT

Hi iv a 5 to 6 year old Sony str db940 amp with the dreaded clicking syndrome, now IM about to bye a new replacement, the speakers iv got are tannoy mx1 bit old but still look and sound OK, and I have just got B&W CC6 S2 CENTRE SPEAKER, ps3 that will take care of the gaming side and blue ray DVD, so do you think the 606 will be OK, I will be looking to upgrade my speakers to b&w latter, ( but this 606 is it a big yes.)

Thanks Tricky

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Mattie — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:02:21 GMT

I've been holding off because music is equally important to me. It seems to me it's an either-or situation and it was sad for me to read that the 606 isn't so musical. Is there anything you can recommend that is really good for both HD stuff as well as music? I have the Dali Ikon 6 5.1 package that won the speaker award last year.

I know the 875 is very good but several people have reported that it gets very, very, hot. Also people seem to experience a popping sound in the speaker system when using the 875.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Arf69 — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:58:25 GMT

Im thinking of buying the 606 with the monitor audio rs6 package is the 606 capable of running the rs6 package to its full potential or would i be better off with the bronse br5 package

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:45:36 GMT

tricky 1 yes it will be fine.

Mattie I've encountered neither excessive heat or any popping sounds with the 875 over nine months' use.

Arf69 I'd go for the Bronze package.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Mattie — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:50:46 GMT

That's good to hear, Andrew! In your opinion, are there other amps besides the 875 that do an equally good job musically as well as HD/picture-wise? Thanks!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Arf69 — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:39:05 GMT

why would you go for the bronze package over the rs6 is it only due to the 606 or do u think the bronze is better for the cash??

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:20:07 GMT

Mattie IME for that money no.

Arf69 with a receiver at this level the Bronze package would be more than sufficient.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Halpha — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:39:22 GMT

Hallo Andrew,

first of all thanks for this review, really really appreciated, especially against the odds (onkyo support) and considering how much we users are eager to put our hands on these sets.

One question I haven't seen answered: Onkyo declares a Farudja chipset de-interlacer on this set, any impression on how specifically this component works?

I am planning to couple this sr606 with a Pana pz, which notoriously show not great de-interlacing performances on move-type source signal: would you say the farudja on this onkyo could (partially, since it does not reach 1080p) compensate the performances of the pz?

Thanks a lot for your thoughts

cheers

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:52:41 GMT

The deinterlacing seems to work extremely well, with very little sign of any processing artefacts.

But short of ripping it out of the receiver and analysing its performance in isolation, it's just part of the equation here.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

josborne1 — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:13:03 GMT

Great review Andrew!! I had a question in regards to how the HDMI ports deal with standard 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio streams. I read somewhere that the 705 model required an optical input to take advantage to these legacy audio track types and that the HDMI only supported the new non compressed track types. Is this true with the 606 (or the 705 from your experience) or will I only need an HDMI connection say from PS3 to to play back all digital audio track types new and old?..Thanks in advance.....

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Sat, 10 May 2008 07:17:33 GMT

No, IME you can get all the formats down the HDMI - it's down to the set-up of the sending device. Sky HD, for example, delivers 5.1 on the optical, but only stereo on the HDMI.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

josborne1 — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:27:11 GMT

Thanks for the quick response Andrew.....One more question i forgot to ask, but I read originally on the 605 that if a 1080i signal was input to the 605 via component that it output 720P via HDMI. Any idea if this is still the case?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:46:28 GMT

No, due to the fact the receiver now has a scaler/upconverter built-in, and not just the converter of the 605, it can output 1080i via HDMI from a 1080i component input.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

lumdicks — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:29:11 GMT

Thanks for the great review and I have already picked one up for mine today. For speakers, do you think it is a good choice for Mirage Nano 5.1?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

oc — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:36:17 GMT

I've been looking at the price of Onkyo amps and like virtually everything they are vastly cheaper in the US (exchange rate etc.) Is there any way of taking advantage of this or are power and other technical issues unresolvable?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

mattyduk — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:51:24 GMT

quick question. thinking about getting one of these and connecting ps3, Sky HD, PC, and DVD to the HDMI inputs, and the 360 and Wii to component. Can I easily assign to switch between each device (both video and audio) ? i.e. can the aux, cd, and tape input selectors also have a video signal assigned to them ? Awaiting a reply from Onkyo on this one, but someone might know. cheers.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:16:31 GMT

lumdicks

yes the mirage nano will be fine

apart from the power requirements, unpredictable effect of a step-down transformer on the performance, shipping costs, something like 22% duty and VAT (plus any brokerage fees), finding a retailer willing to ship to the UK and what happens should it go wrong, no problems at all!

mattyduk

yes that should all be perfectly possible

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

goldeneye — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:09:13 GMT

Hey Andrew,

Thanks for the quick and thorough review. I'll be looking at picking one of these up in the next couple of weeks. What's your say on the B&W M1s for the front & back and the VM1 for the center? Am I crazy for looking at the B&W speakers - i've taken a peek at the Monitor Audio R90 product as well, but at this point still prefer the B&Ws. I'm looking for a stylish, nice sounding compact speaker package as it is a living room and not a dedicated home cinema.

Jeff

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:59:42 GMT

goldeneye - yes, the 606 should drive the M1/VM1 system just fine

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

forpaulius — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:11:15 GMT

Thanks to Andrew for nice review!!!

I have bought Monitor Audio BR 5.1 speakers package:

Front: BR6

Rear: BR1

Sub: BRW-10

Center: BRLCR

Decided to take fronts with higher power (BR6), for listening music. now left do decide about receiver ..

I’m thinking about ONKYO SR606, I`ll biamp the front speakers, and use 5.1 channel when watching movies, TV, and going to use 2 front channels while listening to music.

Do you think the ONKYO SR606 is powerful enough (and gives clean music) for these speakers?,

Or you would recommend to go for another more powerful Onkyo? Or even to consider some different receiver?

Thanks for any recomendations

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:42:09 GMT

forpaulius - yes, it will be more than good enough

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

nei — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:31:30 GMT

Hi Mr Andrew

I am novice about it, i just bought a onkyo tx-sr 606 and a kef kht 1005.2

I haven`t heard its working, i`m taking it abroad.

Do you think that package would be a good match?

I`m really appreciated for any help and thanks.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Andrew Everard — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:30:16 GMT

nei - yes, that one will work well, too...

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Kit Leung — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:55:01 GMT

Andrew,

I have a set of Sonus Faber Concertino Home for front speakers and am considering to get the 606 as an AV amp, would it be powerful enough to drive my speakers? The Concertino's are rated 88 dB/1W/1m at 6 ohms. Note that the Concertino's don't have extra terminals for biamp connection.

Thanks in advance!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Morman — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Just bought the SR606 and now in dilema over which speakers to keep/replace. I have Monitor Audio R352's(quite old but great sound) at the front, Paradigm PDR-10 subwoofer. I have Goodmans Maxim 2 and Jamo Studio 160 for the rear and surround sets but both these sets and the centre I'd like to replace. what to keep what to replace and should I avoid mixing different makes. Thanks in advance.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Morman — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:24:00 GMT

Should point out that I have at least £500 to spend on new speakers.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

blackbird166 — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:09:33 GMT

Hi, can anyone tell me if this model can matrix the back 2 channels of a 7.1 set up from a 5.1 sountrack. I know the 605 cant, but as far as i know the 875 upwards can...Cheers

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

avgadgetboy — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:23:41 GMT

Yes it does matrix to back surrounds with 5.1 sources. With AC3 5.1 or DTS 6 channel soundtracks, I managed to get sound from my back surround speaker but only when set to the surround mode "Dolby Ex" or "DTS Neo 6". Note: I'm using only a single mono speaker for my back surround due to space constraint (i.e 6.1 setup), so I can't tell if the matrix is capable of doing stereo back surrounds from 5.1 sources.

Refer to page 64 & 65 of the user manual from www.intl.onkyo.com/.../tx-sr606_manual_e.pdf

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

Hifiman — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:25:29 GMT

Hi Andrew,

Will B & W 685 Theatre package be perfect match for Onkyo SR 606 Amp

Regards

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

nadesdan — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:31:00 GMT

Hows does this compare to the sony str-da3300es?

i kknow the sont doesnt have the HD sound capabilities but supposedly this is not very useful yet.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

geedub — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:20:32 GMT

Nice review - thanks.

i'm thinking of getting one of these to go with my new Panny Th46PZ85.

I currently have an ageing Sony STR-DB-1080. Is the Onkyo 606 of a similar or better caliber to the old Sony?

Thanks

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

srellio — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:05:16 GMT

Hi guys, great review on the SR606, as always top notch. I have ordered my SR606 from Richer Sounds and a Kef KHT 1005.2 package both at £399.95, Richer Sounds are giving a 10% discount for ordering together and are going to include free fitting of banna plugs and stripping cable etc. They will even give same discount on Kef speaker stands if ordered at the same time. My current set up is a Sony 40" KDL40W3000 Bravia which is fab, I have a Sony BDP300 which is only a couple of months old and I am dissapointed with it so I have ordered a Panasonic BD30 from laskys at £293 including delivery. I have sky HD as well. I have a Bose 321 GSX for surround sound whilst it is good it just doesn't cut the mustard. I heard the Keff 1005.2 connected to the Onkyo and it is awesome. Such a great sound and the new bi directional little sub makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. So I am really looking forward to getting my kit all together. What Hif Guru's any tips for me on this set up?

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

mrhansen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:59:29 GMT

Andrew, great review

I am still going strong (stereo wise :-) with my NAD 3155 after 25 years of solid use, but it is now time to enjoy the AV side as well. Have just been cabling for 7.1 and ready to install projector, AV system and speakers. Was reading this review with great pleasure but am not sure if it is the right receiver as listening to music will still have the main focus. Can you recommend a system (receiver, projector, speakers and DVD?) in the price range around £2500-3000.Thank you very much.

Michael

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

RiKx — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:11:08 GMT

I have a yamaha dsp-ax757se, denon dvd-1920 and kef Q5 / Q9c / Q1 / PSW1000 setup all due to their what hi-fi reviews. I have been really happy with the yamaha (i previously had an str-db 930/940) I dont find it very user friendly but it is very versatile with the video upscaling and assignable inputs etc. My only gripe was that you can't get it to use the sub with non-5.1 sources via auto setup as the q5s are detect as being large enough to cope without it. This means that you cant have the benefit of the sub on music. However the other day i was listening to some metal (BFMV) and i noticed that at the high volumes it seemed to become a little tinny this was much more prevelent on my previous sony's which is a large reason i moved to the yamaha.

Anyways the point is i use amp mainly for movies (HD for xbox and have PS3) and games but also a fair whack of music. Is this amp going to be musical as the yamaha or not even as? would it pair well with my kefs? due you think the brightness at vol could be the dvd-player or speakers fault? Would you recommend the 606 as an upgrade? or sonically would it be more of a side-step?

thanks for your help!

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

JS — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:49:54 GMT

Hi Andrew

Just a quick question, I'm thinking of picking the TX-SR606 to replace my much loved but dying Integra dtr-5.2.

Will the onkyo unit sound as good as the integra?

I bought a pioneer 9120 awhile back, ended up taking it back, sounded dead and lifeless compared to my integra unit, Just don;t want to make the same mistake with the onkyo unit.

Thanks

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

P.O — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:42:04 GMT

Good evening Mr Everard!

Thank you for your review!

I have been thinking to buy the 605, but now after your review I think I go for the 606. I just have one question. I am a classical musician, so there are some classical music at home, but also Maiden etc.. You say it's not the most musical receiver, so should I go for someone else or should I buy this one? I have the KEF KHT 2005.2. (A girlfriend who thinks this surround things is rubbish, so this was the best deal I could get..)

I hope you will answer my question from the (now) light Sweden!

Thank you!

P.O

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

clarinetman — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:46:51 GMT

Hi Andrew,

Am in the process of upgrading. Bought an Oppo DV-980H DVD/SACD/CD player for audio use, not DVD. My main interest is classical music. I'm now looking for an amp that will give good results from the SACD function of the oppo (I'm not impressed with the analogue o/p (phono) SACD sound from the Oppo, but am amazed at the normal CD sound compared with my faithful old CD player). Would you say it was sensible to buy the Onkyo for SACD/CD, or should I go for a 'conventional' amp?

Many thanks.

re: EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR606 builds on Award-winning success

dranixsus — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:42:57 GMT

Hi Andrew,

Hope you are doing well.

I have a huge doubt, i want to buy a sound system, and what i aprecite its qualaty and detail more than power, i was thinking in

Front : 685 B&W

Back : 685 or 686 B&W ? is it worth to have the 685 in the back for estra detail?

Maybe is the future i by a pair of 864 and do a 7.1 system - will i need to change the subwofer if i do that?

Center : Htm62 B&w

Sub: Asw08 B&W

And for the receiver i was thinking in a 606 or a 875 onkyo.

I will use the system more for Movies, X-Box 360, Ps3 and sometimes music.

And for Pc Games? is it good for Pc Games or do i need THX Ultra?

But the 875 its to expensive in Portugal. 1600 €

an the 606 it costs 650 €.

Is it worth the diference in price? for this speakers?

Please Help.

I'm using only your web site and magazine to guide me...

Before i was using a Pc Surround system - Creative 6.1 - with an Audigy Pro

Will this be a good upgrade?

Will i really notice a diference when listening to audio in stereo?

I'm Portuguese so i apologise if theres any mistakes...

Thanks in Adavace

D.S