Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page

For Sale Ads FAQ / News / Events

Below 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 - ES

Various 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 back

6.1 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-7

I'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.

• Did you hear the TXSR800? - pcalvin 11:40:01 01/22/03 (1)
  In Reply to: Onkyo TX-SR 700 Receiver posted by gecko311 on January 22, 2003 at 10:50:11:

  Just wondering if the extra money would be well spent...
  
  

  ---

  • Re: Did you hear the TXSR800? - gecko311 14:26:25 01/23/03 (0)
    In Reply to: Did you hear the TXSR800? posted by pcalvin on January 22, 2003 at 11:40:01:

    I didn't get a chance to hear the 800 since it wasn't out when I purchased my 700. However, depending on what price you can get it for, I'd go for it. I paid around $719 for my 700 and I think you can get close to that for the 800 which is a good deal.
    CNET did the rating for the 800 and they liked it so much that it has their highest rating so far.

    -gecko311
    

    • 800 review

    
    

    ---



---

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Signature Sound

[ Signature Sound Lounge ]

---

You can not post to an archived thread.

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]


---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---