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Model: TX-SR 700 Category: Receiver Suggested Retail Price: $830 Description: 6.1 DTS-ES, DD-EX Receiver Manufacturer URL: Onkyo Model Picture: View
Review by gecko311 (A) on January 22, 2003 at 10:50:11
IP Address: 206.202.68.247Add Your Review
for the TX-SR 700Below is a review based upon my uses of the TX-SR700. This is opinion only so I would recommend hearing the receiver for yourself to make a final decision.Syle/Build:
The faceplate of the TX-SR700 is very sleek (Onkyo uses Aluminium for its face plates) and minimal in buttons. This offers a touch of class yet the buttons provided are essential and the only ones needed for complete control of the receiver.
The greenish lighted lettering goes well with the polished look of the face plate and overall the visual on the receiver is as good as can be had for around this price range.
The weight runs around 27.8 pounds so it is not an extremely heavy receiver. Its dimensions are: 17 (7/8) x 6 (7/8) x 16 (15/16).
Features:
There are really too many features for this receiver to list all of them, instead go to the onkyo website and download the user manual to see a complete list. Below I will list the more important features.Processing modes:
Dobly PLII
Dobly Digital 5.1
Dobly Digital - EX
DTS
DTS - ESVarious DSP modes are available as well:
DTS Neo 6
PLII: Movie
PLII: Music
All Channel Stereo
Pure Audio (Shuts down the video circuitry for "cleaner" sound)
Direct
Cinema Filter (For reducing the brightness from movie playback).Plenty of inputs/outputs available:
Inputs:
2 optical inputs on the back, 1 on the front (This is useful for mini disks, game consuls..etc..).
1 coaxial input on the back.Ouputs:
1 optical on back
1 coaxial on back6.1 Pre-out (For an external AMP for a move to separates)
Zone 2 (L/R channel)Remote is learning and backlit. Very useful as I have reprogrammed it to control all my AV equipment.
Performance:
I have my Onkyo paired with Bose (AM-7) speakers for the Front/Left/Right channels and Monster speakers for the surround Left/Right.All I can say is WOW! I upgraded from a Yamaha RX-V590 Analog receiver rated at 75 watts per channel and plugging in the Onkyo was like night and day. After some tweaking (I set all my speakers to small, and both my Bass and Treble are turned up to the max) the sound out of my speakers is exquisite. The Bose system does not have a powered sub and the setup of it does not involve a sub coming out of my LFE so I cannot give a review of how this sounds. However, plugging the sub to the left/right/center channels of the receiver and then to the speakers creates a VERY pleasing sound and sound stage.
Some specific examples of music and movies:
Hearing Tarzan's Soundtrack is amazing for Vocals. Each speaker is intensely clear and the Bass complements this to add a warmth to the whole experience.
Another test for Vocals is Diana Krall's jazz/blues pieces which are heavily focused on her voice as the Onkyo makes it sound present and alive.
For heavier BASS listeners, the SAINT soundtrack shakes the entire house at volumes up to 70% of MAX (Anything louder just does not sound right or pleasing to the ears anymore).
LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring test out the home theater capabilities of this receiver. While playing the BalRog scene, you can almost smell the Demon's breath when he roars through your speakers!
DTS tracks such as Spy Game, Life as a House, Fast and Furious and Snatch (Superbit) all produce distinctly clear and crisp sound from all speakers. The punches from the Sub are accurate and earth rattling when called upon.Conclusion:
I have nothing bad to say about this receiver except for a few minor gripes such as remembering the Surround modes when switching between sources. I have compared this receiver/speaker setup to many others in my own home...
Other setups:
HK AVR520/Bose AM-7
Yamaha RX-V1300/Bose AM-7
Marantz SR7200/Bose AM-7I've even gone to HT stores and listened to High end separate systems such as:
B&K pre/pro ($3000)
B&K amp ($3000)and:
Krell Pre/Pro ($7500)
Krell 7 channel AMP ($7500)
Martin Logan speakers ($5000)and I must say, the Onkyo actually can hold its own against the above. Keep in mind that the above DOES sound better but for the price I paid for the Onkyo, the cost of the above separates is NOT justifyable, in my opinion.
In fact, in conclusion, I would like to remind everyone, that this is my opinion on the Onkyo. My experience could be attributed to my speakers/room acoustics etc. The best method for you to follow is to actually buy the receiver, take it home for a demo. If you are not satisfied, then use the return policy and return it.
Overall:
Style/Build: 8.5 out of 10
Features: 9 out of 10
Performance: 8.5 out of 10
Value: 10 out of 10
Product Weakness: Surround memory settings Product Strengths: Sound processing, AMP power.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: 100x6 Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None Sources (CDP/Turntable): CD, DVD Speakers: Bose AM-7 and Monster Cables/Interconnects: Optical Music Used (Genre/Selections): Diana Krall, Tarzan, The Saint Room Size (LxWxH): 25 x 18 x 8 Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Onkyo TX-SR 700 Receiver - gecko311 10:50:11 01/22/03 (2)
- Did you hear the TXSR800? - pcalvin 11:40:01 01/22/03 (1)
- Re: Did you hear the TXSR800? - gecko311 14:26:25 01/23/03 (0)
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