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- Good sound quality
- Automatic speaker setup and room equalization
- On-board decoders for high-definition audio
- Great bang for the buck
- Poor video upscaling
- Can run warm
- Better performance with movies than music
Critics and users heap kudos on the Onkyo TX-S606 home theater receiver for its great combination of performance, features and value. In terms of features, this 7.1-channel receiver is loaded, including an effective automatic speaker setup and room equalization system designed by Audyssey. Decoders for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA high-definition audio tracks available on Blu-ray Discs are on board. Connectivity includes four 1080p-capable HDMI 1.3a inputs. Analog video can be upscaled to 1080i for output over HDMI, but performance in that regard is this receiver's weakest point. The other concern is that the Onkyo TX-SR606 can run on the warm side. If you have a bigger budget, the Onkyo TX-SR706 (Discontinued) has better video upscaling performance, a more advanced speaker setup and room equalization program, and THX Select2 Plus certification, meaning it will deliver movie-theater sound levels for moderately sized home theaters.
There's no shortage of professional reviews for the Onkyo TX-SR606. Home Theater magazine and UltimateAVMag.com weigh in with the results of extensive hands-on and bench testing. CNet also weighs in with a worthwhile, if slightly contrarian opinion. Across the pond, British sites like What Hi-Fi and TechRadar.com also have interesting reports.
Onkyo TX-SR706 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)
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| Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) | |
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Our Sources
1. Ultimate AV Magazine
UltimateAVMag.com has the most comprehensive review of the Onkyo TX-SR606. The report includes both comprehensive real-world testing and bench testing. The receiver is not rated, but it is compared to a Sony STR-DA4300ES (*Est. $800) and is said to beat it in most regards.
Review: Onkyo TX-SR606 A/V Receiver, David Vaughn, June 2008
Home Theater magazine also provides a highly detailed report on the Onkyo TX-SR606 home theater receiver. Kim Wilson concludes that it's "far and away the best AVR under $600 (heck, under $1,000) that I have had the pleasure to review," and the magazine names it a Top Pick in its buyer's guide for AV receivers.
Review: Onkyo TX-SR606 A/V Receiver, Kim Wilson, Aug. 2008
3. CNET
CNET's report is also lengthy, though more discussion is spent on features and functionality rather than performance. Steve Guttenberg and Matthew Moskovciak seem to like the Onkyo TX-SR606 well enough, but they are disappointed by video upscaling capabilities and say performance is better with movies than music.
Review: Onkyo TX-SR606 Review, Steve Guttenberg and Matthew Moskovciak, July 15, 2008
Despite some small technical differences, this review of the Onkyo TX-SR606 in Britain's TechRadar.com provides some valuable insights. Like CNET, TechRadar.com feels sound is better with movies than music, but the Onkyo TX-SR606's overall performance and features add up to an extraordinary value.
Review: ONKYO TX-SR606, Editors of TechRadar.com
5. What Hi-Fi? Sound and VisionDetails/Subscribe
Britain's What Hi-Fi? covers the Onkyo TX-SR606 in a brief review. All the important points are covered, however, and a star rating helps accurately rank the receiver against its competition.
Review: Onkyo TX-SR606, Editors of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine
6. Amazon.com
After nearly 100 owner-written reviews, the Onkyo TX-SR606 home theater receiver racks up an impressive overall rating of 4.5 (out of five) stars. While the quality of the individual reports varies, many are detailed and truly helpful.
Review: Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver, Contributors to Amazon.com
