Onkyo TX-NR906 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Simply amazing! I must say, this has to be one of the most sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment that I've ever owned. I don't even know where to begin. Did I mention this thing is amazing?
I was running a Bose Lifestyle 48 prior to this, but when I finally decided to make the most of HDMI connections, I shelved the Bose and stepped up to the ONKYO. What a breath of fresh air! There are so many features of the TX-NR906 that I like. Starting with the remote control--I'm sure it's common practice nowadays for receiver remotes to be fairly smart, but this guy is really bright. I've managed to teach it all the commands from my three main remote controls (TV, BD & CD Players), more or less, just by pointing the controllers at each other and clicking. I'm referring to commands that aren't usually part of a universal controller's arsenal. The large number of connection choices are really coming in handy, as well. I'm maxing out the HDMI inputs and have one of the two outputs connected to my TV. There's a ton of digital audio options as well. The front panel offers a number of connection choices, including a USB port for playing MP3s.
Another aspect of this receiver that I really like is the fact that this system not only sounds phenomenal when playing movies, but sounds equally as incredible playing CDs or listening to music from my PC. With previous systems it always seemed like one was better than the other, but with the TX-NR906, I really feels like I'm getting audiophile quality sound from all components. Oh yeah, did I mention? HD FM radio sounds phenomenal! I don't have XM or Sirius yet, but that's on the short list of near term upgrades. There's an antennae connection for both.
This receiver is the hub of my home theater. Putting things in perspective, my setup includes a Samsung LN46A750 46-Inch 1080p DLNA LCD HDTV with RED Touch of Color, Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, a Sony 5-Disc Carousel CD Player, Dell XPS Pentium D 3.0 GHz/3.0 GB RAM/VisionTek Radeon HD4850 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express Graphics Card, Playstation 3 80GB, Motorola digital cable box/DVR , and Aperion Audio's Intimus 5T Hybrid HD speaker system. All this, combined with the TX-NR906, really sounds and looks incredible. I'm utilizing HDMI for video on all components. I'm also supplementing the digital cable box's audio with a coaxial cable. Similarly, I'm augmenting the BD Player's audio by connecting audio cables via the multichannel jacks.
I bought the TX-NR906 in October 2008 and so far, I haven't found anything I dislike. The only minor thing I will point out is with the remote control. When you are teaching it commands from your other remotes, you might have to try it a couple of times. At first, I thought that some of the commands weren't going to be able to be taught, but I stuck with it and eventually was able to teach it all commands. No big deal, just don't give up if it doesn't work right away.
Whether you're watching HD TV, listening to your favorite music, watching the latest release on Blu-Ray, or playing the hottest shooter on your PC or PS3--if you have the money, this receiver is the perfect addition to any home theater.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo TX-NR906 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Multi-dimensional, superbly crafted, and loaded with impressive specs, the TX-NR906 A/V home network receiver is a true champion for the age.With seemingly endless abilities-including HQV Reon-VX video processing, dual high-def HDMI outputs,Audyssey room correction technologies, and multi-room audio and video distribution-the TX-NR906 leaves no base uncovered. Built around an isolated power block and pre-processing unit, this network receiver reveals the full potential of virtually any media.This includes any internet- or computer-based sources accessed via its network apparatus (which incorporates a new vTuner interface and Certified for Windows Vista? status). It's also equipped with CD-quality HD Radio, Satellite and Internet Radio, and XM HD Surround sound capability.The TX-NR906 is the first receiver of its kind to include ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) video calibration, further enhancing its groundbreaking pedigree.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Onkyo TX-NR906 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Read More...

Pyle P1002AI 1000 Watts Hybrid Receiver and Pre-Amplifier with AM-FM Tuner/iPod Docking Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just received this on Friday and hooked it up to our new Bose environmental outdoor speakers 251 putting out 200 watts per channel. Hooked up Itouch ipod to it, was working great at first, but then unit started going haywire until it ultimately FROZE and none of the operations worked properly. Called their support office today and was informed that this unit is NOT compatible with Itouch ipod models and it will short out the unit if you try to dock it in the included dock on the top. The dock on the top is made for older generation ipod models. However, you can purchase a universal ipod doc that hooks up to the back of the unit via RCA outputs if you want to use this unit with Itouch ipod. Doing this will charge the Itouch, but then in order to hear your songs you may also have to hook up the Itouch via the Ipod/Mp3 jack on the front of the unit. Once this is hooked up properly, the sounds is AMAZING for the Bose speakers that we have! It's reallly incredible and sounds like an outdoor concert. I only gave it three stars because the manual has no directions in it and no way of knowing that if you try to connect Itouch into the ipod dock that it will short out the unit. Had we known that from the beginning in the item description or the manual it would have saved us a lot of headaches trying to figure out what the problem was! Also, another FYI, the technical support agent suggested purchasing their lower end model P1001AT that DOES NOT have the ipod dock at the top if you are going to strictly use an ITOUCH ipod with it. Again, you would just have to purchase a separate universal ipod doc.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle P1002AI 1000 Watts Hybrid Receiver and Pre-Amplifier with AM-FM Tuner/iPod Docking Station

Pyle Pro's amazing new 1000 watt Hybrid Reciever and Pre-Amplifier is the perfect solution for any home or office audio needs. Using sophisticated circuitry and premium components for uncompromising musicality -- this reciever is famous for delivering powerful and accurate sound. Complete with i-Pod docking port -- simply plug in your i-Pod and enjoy hours of high quality music. Experience warm, detailed sound from all your music sources with the P1002AI integrated amplifier. This powerful amp and reviever can easily power up to 4 speakers and has a separate gain control for the preamp and subwoofer. Unit includes AM/FM radio with auto-seek, 2 mono RCA outputs dedicated for subwoofer use, and tons of other great features. You won't find a higher quality amp/reciever at a lower price.

Get 60% OFF

Click here for more information about Pyle P1002AI 1000 Watts Hybrid Receiver and Pre-Amplifier with AM-FM Tuner/iPod Docking Station

Read More...

Onkyo TX-NR1007 135 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been an Onkyo fan for years now. This is my 5th Onkyo receiver in about 9 years or so. I've upgraded for feature set rather than anything being 'wrong' with the prior models I've had. This is the highest end model I've purchases thus far. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this one around for quite a while. It's more than I needed but I was tired of upgrading and wanted something with enough HDMI inputs and features that I wouldn't get the itch.
I have a standard 5.1 surround system for speakers so I am not using the Audyssey DSX or ProLogic IIz functionality. Nor am I using the multiple zones at this time so I have no comment on that functionality.
Things I like:
Audyssey MultiXT - I've had versions of Audyssey in all but maybe the first Onkyo receiver I've had. I don't know whether they changed something or I've gotten better at setting my HT system up properly but after running through the Audyssey speaker setup on this receiver everything sounded much more balanced and even than the setup I had gotten with my previous TX-SR705. The 'sweet spot' is wider and I'm not getting the slight tonal shift as audio moves from one speaker to the next across the front speakers like I used to.
Audyssey Dynamic Volume - This is a fantastic feature! All of my audio for everything is piped through this receiver, whether I'm watching TV, Movies, Music or playing games. With my previous receivers I was always fumbling for the volume when I was watching a show and the commercials came on since they were so much louder. I don't have to do that any more. I have the Dynamic Volume feature set to Light. It makes soft passages loud enough to hear and tones down loud passages, and when the commercials come on they aren't any louder than the tv show I was watching. I do have one quibble with it. There doesn't seem to be a feature to turn it off/on based on the source you've selected. Having this feature on when listening to music is a not a good thing. This isn't a problem with Audyssey, rather an oversight on Onkyo's part.
THX Loudness - I've never really used the THX audio modes of my previous receivers much. Primarly because in order to get the sound approaching that in a theater THX recommends listening at reference volume. There are two problems with that. I live in an apartment and I like not to bleed from my ears. The THX Loudness feature works kinda like the Audyssey Dynamic volume. I find that on some movies the THX method sounds better to me than the Audyssey Dynamic Volume.
Internet radio, Pandora and streaming - The interface for this could use some work (it looks like something from the 90's) but I really like the network features. Streaming audio from my PC in the office is more convenient with this than firing up the Xbox or PS3 and it's one less peice of electronics I have to have running. I also like that the Onkyo will wake up my office pc if it is sleeping when I go to stream audio. I don't know if this is something with my pc that allows this or not but it is convenient.
Things I don't like - I thought my TX-SR705 was loud when it did audio or HDMI switching. This is louder. I'm hoping it's due to beefier switching components. Fortunately this is only an issue at the beginning of movies where they show previews and don't steal me warnings. Also on cable when watching non-movie channels and the commercials have been broadcast in different audio then the show.
One time issue with zero audio. I was watching a tv show and changed channels. After changing the channel I had zero audio. I thought it was the channel but changing the channel back or selecting a different source (tuner) didn't fix it. I was able to fix it by unplugging the receiver for about 5 seconds and plugging it back in. This was disturbing but it hasn't happened since then. If it does I'll have to call Onkyo and find out what they can do.
Overall I love this receiver even with the odd audio issue I had.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo TX-NR1007 135 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black)

As Onkyo's first ever 9.2-channel receiver, the TX-NR1007 combines network capability and advanced A/V processing with a myriad of surround sound speaker possibilities. For instance, you can use Audyssey DSX or Dolby Pro Logic IIz to create an expanded, more immersive 9-channel soundstage for games and movies. Alternatively, you can supplement one of several different 7.2-channel set-ups in your main room with 2-channel sound in a second room. Along with the assurance of THX Ultra2 Plus certification, the TX-NR1007 brings greater convergence to your home entertainment. Audio files from a networked PC or streaming internet radio can be fed to the receiver, and then processed and output with customary Onkyo power and fidelity. Audyssey MultiEQ XT ensures a well-balanced, room-matching speaker set-up, while ISF video calibrationand 1080p upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Cinema work to get the most out of your video sources. Merely cherry-picking the specs, though, doesn't do justice to this mighty receiver-we suggest giving it an audition and letting your own eyes and ears be the judge.

Get 28% OFF

Click here for more information about Onkyo TX-NR1007 135 Watts 9.2-Channel AV Surround Home Network Receiver (Black)

Read More...

Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product has a really low star review for no reason except people can't objectively review something. (see rant below review)
It works and works great. The sound quality is amazing, like listening to radio on CD. If you are an NPR listener and your station supports HD, get this! It works, works well with the receiver I have and I have the Onkyo Ipod dock plugged into it too, (which also works flawlessly)
My only caution is to buy a powered external antenna ( I have a Terk that's a few years old). Most receivers will not pick up well enough for HD with the awful FM antenna (aerial to some) supplied, especially if you are far from the source. You've spent the money for an Onkyo HD Tuner, so buy an extra antenna. Hint: Many old TV "Rabbit Ears" will work, new or old.
Overall, a good investment if you like radio and like it clear. Yes, it's pricey, but think it was worth it. Get a good external antenna and you won't be disappointed.
Now, for the rant:
First off, don't give an item a bad review if it's DOA. Send it back, get a new one and then review it. Sometimes, you get a lemon, whether it's a car, appliance or an HD tuner! Yes, it's disappointing, but it happens. Make sure it works with your system before you buy it, the description lists which receivers it works with. If your situation doesn't allow you to return it, that's not the fault of the product, so don't give it a bad rating.
Sorry, had to get that out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner

Say goodbye to analog hiss and distortion, and hello to the diamond-sharp digital sound of HD Radio. With an ever-growing range of exciting new channels and program formats to choose from, HD Radio represents the future of free-to-air radio. And what better way to access this audio goldmine than with the UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner? The UP-HT1 sends high-quality digital audio via a single cable to your compatible Onkyo receiver's Universal Port*. The same convenient cable also powers the tuner unit, saving on cable clutter. The tuner features 40 random presets for FM and AM stations, so there's never any shortage of entertainment. Lastly, a rear-side Universal Port input gives you the option of "daisy chaining” a second compatible device, such as the new UP-A1 Onkyo Dock for the iPod.*Compatible models: TX-SR507, TX-SR577, TX-SR607, and later models from Onkyo's 2009 A/V receiver range.

Click here for more information about Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner

Read More...

Harman Kardon AVR7550HD 7.2 Channel Audio/Video Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well this product worked for me for about 3 months. Everything was going fine and then all of the sudden the audio cut out. I turned it off and then back on and nothing worked. I tried unplugging it and waiting a few and then trying again, I even did the factory reset and still nothing. I called harman kardon and I have to send it back to them for another one, pain in the ass.... but other then that, its pretty awesome when it works.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harman Kardon AVR7550HD 7.2 Channel Audio/Video Receiver

7x 110W 7.2-Channel A/V receiver with HDMI V1.3a repeater, audio/video processing and upscaling to 1080p, Harman Kardon A/V receivers are renowned for their power, performance and ease of use, and the AVR 7550HD will only enhance that reputation. Among the fi rst receivers to offer Dolby Volume technology, which automatically adjusts volume levels when switching between sources and channels, the AVR 7550HD delivers 110 watts of power to each of the seven channels, plus two subwoofer outputs. It accepts a universe of inputs, including HDMI, component, S-video, USB and broadband Internet, as well as The Bridge II docking station (included) for iPod A/V playback, control and charging. Every Dolby and DTS technology is here, as is Faroudja DCDi Cinema and our exclusive Logic 7 processing. Zone II remote, Zone II OSD and A-BUS technologies work together to greatly simplify multiroom A/V applications. And the EzSet/EQ II system fi ne-tunes system performance to the acoustic needs of your space in justa few easy steps.

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Harman Kardon AVR7550HD 7.2 Channel Audio/Video Receiver

Read More...