Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Silver)

I bought this receiver because of the impressive feature set and positive reviews. It is an attractive unit, and setup was very easy. The on-screen menus are very intuitive. As other reviews have mentioned, it does run very hot.

I really wanted to keep this unit, but there is definitely a buzz/hum issue when using the HDMI connections. When there is a low signal or no signal going to the surround speakers, there is a very audible tone that constantly feeds through the speakers. Higher volumes can drown it out, but if you are listening in a quiet environment, then hum will definitely distract you.

I have returned the unit for this reason.

Instead of getting this 606, get the whole home theater system of the Onkyo HT-6100 instead. It includes a 606 with an *additional 40 watts* per channel receiver model SR667. Not to mention coming with 130 watts speaker, a 290 watt subwoofer, and an IPOD dock that plays both IPOD music AND movies for just an additional $200 or less!

That makes buying the SR606 or even the 705 pointless unless you already have speakers.

Trust me, I've done months of research on Onkyo systems to find the best deal, and buying the HT-S6100 home theater in a box (HTIB) is by far a better deal than buying the SR606 or 705 and seperate speakers if you're trying to get started from scratch on a budget.

Once again, the S6100 included a 606 receiver with added 40 watts per channel MORE POWER and 130 watt speakers and 290 watt sub and an A/V IPOD dock for less than $200 more.

This product had everything I was looking for - including HDMI 1.3a. I was less concerned about upconverting to 1080i as all the components that I am plugging in were HDMI. I have my DirecTV DVR and upconvert DVD player connected. Setup was a snap. I am using mine with a 5.1 configuration - and so far I have not been able to get the automatic calibration microphone to properly work. I set things up manually and everything appears to sound just fine. One piece of advice - I previously had a passive subwoofer - this unit requires a powered subwoofer. I was able to purchase one on Amazon for $99 - also from Onkyo that is doing a wonderful job. Great product for the money and I highly recommend this unit.

$326. on Oct 5; $372. on Oct 6.

Everywhere in between for the last few weeks.

What do you think causes the sometimes-4-times-daily price fluctuations? Amazon sales? Competitor price changes?

I purchased this receiver to replace an older Pioneer that did not have the capability of decoding some of the newest sound fields like True HD and Master HD. With a Blu-Ray and HD player hooked up to this receiver that could at least bitstream all of these sound fields I needed a new receiver that could decode them - that was the main reason for the purchase. I also wanted a receiver with as many HDMI inputs as possible - this one has 4 and I have already used 3. Add all the other features of the receiver and for less than $400 you have an unbeatable bargin priced receiver. I own an Onkyo 705 as well and I can honestly say that in many ways I like Onkyo's 606 better, especially the lower price, nearly identical features and an extra HDMI port. I don't take advantage of the units ability to upcovert to 1080i, but the reviews I have read from othe users have been positive about this feature as well - but don't expect it to offer the quality of a receiver costing hundreds more that utilizes a Reon for upconversion - for example Onkyo's 875/876. The final point I would make is that last year's verison of this receiver, the 605 received a lot of great reviews, this years replacement takes things to a much higher level fixing a few bugs that the 605 had - well documented bugs - go to AVS Forum for more details. The unit runs cool, not hot, after 4 or more hours of use it is only warm to the touch and my receiver is located in a enclosed cabinet. Prices vary on Amazon, so check often and you will be surprised at the great price you can get this feature packed receiver for - best of all it will be all you need for many years to come and Amazon does a great job of standing behind their products.