Onkyo TX-SR805 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Coming up to speed with this model Onkyo receiver must be like someone trying to learn to use a computer for the first time. You learn by playing around with it for many hours to understand all of the features because you certainly are not going to figure it out by the manual.

To me the biggest hurdle was understanding that not all inputs can be directed to all outputs. Makes sense that an HDMI input cannot be directed to an analog output and vice versa. But I did not expect that I could not direct the optical input from my CD player to Zone 2 for example. That took trial and error and yes, the manual did note that fact, rare, but it was in the manual.

Overall I am happy with this unit and am anticipating the real benefit when I finally hook-up a Blu-Ray player via HDMI as my conventional DVD player can only be connected via analog connections making the Onkyo useless at managing my connections and upconvert when the TV is connected by the HDMI connection to take advantage of my High Definition DVR.

================ 7/12/08 Update
Note that after I had written this review, I had spoken to Onkyo product support concerning the connections and routing of various inputs to non-like outputs. The manual is contradictory and in some cases plain wrong. I found that I could for example route the component outputs of my DVD player to the HDMI Monitor output. This is accomplished (as with all routing configurations) through the receiver's setup menu where you managed and specify the connected inputs and outputs. In fact, when I realized that I could connect the SPDIF outputs of both my DVR and DVD player to the receiver, I now experience some of the best 5.1 surround sound this receiver delivers.

This receiver has every modern decoding ability available on physical media. For the price I think it a fantastic bargain. I replaced my Denon AVR 5700 with this unit in order to gain the new HD DD and DTS as well as more capable video switching ----- and to my ears - cannot tell a difference in sound quality. The only qualm I have about this unit is it does run hot. The Denon rarely got warm, but this receiver gets hot, even out in open air. I would strongly recommend against putting this receiver in a closed off AV cabinet. For the money - fantastic bargain.

PROS: I absolutely love it. I paired this with with Polk audio: CS2 center, 60 towers, RC85i wall souround, and RC80i in ceiling for back surround. With a large living room and cathedral ceilings, the SR805 leaves room to spare. I read some of the complaints and I believe most are unwarrented. You should read the manual before you by a product to see if it meets your individual requirements. It does everything that it says it will.
CONS: To push this much power, it is heavy and it is large. Not really a con (bigger is better for me), but if you intend on putting this in a standard audio rack, make sure you check the length first as it is a bit longer than cheaper AV units.

This is a very nice receiver! I love the remote. Has macros to turn everything on and off with one button. Best receiver I've had. HDMI is great. Has all the new audio formats. Buy it and enjoy!

Beware, the audio decoding chip in this unit is defective. When used to decode the DTS-HD MA bitstream of certain blu-ray discs (the fly, avpr and others) this unit will cause a loud "POP" in your speakers (may or may not damage your speakers). I have this unit, I have this problem, no firmware has been released and tech support is no help (actually they are quite obnoxious be prepared to get talked to like you are incompetent). Otherwise the unit is excellent but due to the lack of customer support I would recommend another manufacturer (this is the last, in a long line of Onkyo receivers, that I will buy). [...]