A/V Receivers

Yamaha RX-V663

MSRP $550.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

Excellent price - look for it for less than $500
High-definition audio decoding/processing: TrueHD, HD-MA, raw LPCM
Video transcoding/upconversion to HDMI and component

Cons

Only 2 HDMI inputs - competition has 4
Does not pass BTB or WTW. However this is the case w/ all Yammie receivers currently out & hoped to be fixed w/ a firmware update.
no USB input, so NO firmware update.

ProSCORE
17 reviews

77

Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K

MSRP $599.00 Released June, 2008

Pros

7.1 channel pre-outs
Video upconversion to 1080p
Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player

Cons

No switched AC outlet
Only 96KHz/24bit audio over HDMI. (see manual, bottom of pg 33)
No S-Video inputs

ProSCORE
17 reviews

75

Yamaha RX-V3900

MSRP $1,899.95 Released September, 2008

Pros

4 x HDMI inputs + 2 HDMI outputs
Internet + network connectivity with Web browser control
Anchor Bay VRS Technology + PReP video processing for large displays

Cons

Anchor Bay not as good as Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX in Onkyo and Denon
No THX certification
No HDMI to HDMI upscaling

ProSCORE
13 reviews

95

Pioneer VSX-919AH

MSRP $400.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

Decodes high-definition audio over HDMI
Direct connection to iPod via USB with OSD
Good value receiver - video upconversion and high-definition audio decoding for an MSRP of $400

Cons

Only 3 HDMI inputs
No amplifier pre-outs or digital audio output
Doesn't support AAC or 176.4 kHz

ProSCORE
11 reviews

75

Onkyo TX-SR606

MSRP $500.00 Released March, 2008

Pros

4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs
High definition audio format decoding
Video transcoding and upconversion to HDMI

Cons

Doesn't upconvert to 1080p, only 1080i
Hudson II video processor is a 2D comb filter as compared to 3D comb filter with adaptive motion
Does not upscale HDMI inputs, only passes them through.

ProSCORE
23 reviews

68

Yamaha RX-V863

MSRP $1,000.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

1080p video upscaling
Burr-Brown DACs and ADCs
HD radio tuner

Cons

Poorly laid out and confusing remote control
Audio only for 2nd zone
No BTB/WTW support (0-255 RGB signals clipped to 15-235). Full Range sources (such as games) are the most affected.

ProSCORE
6 reviews

85

Onkyo TX-NR906

MSRP $2,299.00 Released August, 2008

Pros

1080p video uscaling using Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX
Burr-Brown DACs
Good price when compared to other brands with similar specs and featureset

Cons

No iTunes support on the network or did I miss something!
Firmware not publicly upgradeable
No HDMI upscaling

ProSCORE
13 reviews

78

Pioneer Elite SC-07

MSRP $2,200.00 Released August, 2008

Pros

Class D power amplifier (allows for a light build, cool and efficient operation)
Burr Brown Sampling Rate Converter (SRC) upscales audio to 192 kHz, 24-bit
Dual HDMI video output

Cons

expensive
iPod USB connection is inside the front cover
No HD Radio!

ProSCORE
9 reviews

88

Yamaha RX-V665

MSRP $549.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

Improves to 4 HDMI inputs vs. 2 in the previous generation V663
Upscales analog video sources to 1080p
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD MA audio decoding

Cons

No video upconversion to component video
No ethernet connectivity
Only 2 component video inputs

ProSCORE
8 reviews

57

Pioneer VSX-1019AH

MSRP $500.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

Analog video upconversion to 1080p over HDMI
Full color graphic user interface
Improved price-point over previous generation - now MSRP of $500

Cons

No network connectivity - no ethernet, WiFi, Internet radio
The Manual is very poor, and to date there is no user group or discussion of all the features. Pioneer should do a webinar and teach us how to fully use the system, Why is there so little info on a great system?
Not many significant improvements over previous generation 1018AH

ProSCORE
9 reviews

80

Onkyo TX-SR607

MSRP $600.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

Can decode dts HD MA and Dolby TrueHD high def audio formats
First receiver to feature the new Dolby Pro Logic IIz surround sound format
6 HDMI inputs - including 1 front HDMI

Cons

Only upconverts video to 1080i, not 1080p
No S-Video
Lackluster Zone 2 functionality - only analog audio

ProSCORE
5 reviews

67

Yamaha HTR-5960

MSRP $410.00 Released February, 2006

Pros

Plenty of inputs - both digital and analog.
Excellent power capability
Excellent distortion-free clean sound

Cons

poor support
needs to be well ventilated - can get quite hot
overstated power rating

ProSCORE
3 reviews

81

Marantz SR5003

MSRP $800.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

quality internal components and circuit design
decodes high-definition audio formats: Dolby TrueHD, dts HD MA
Upscales to 1080p
90W is powerful enough for the majority of speakers and room sizes

Cons

With an abundance of customization and tons of feature, it is not be the best receiver for a non technical person
Only two coax inputs

ProSCORE
7 reviews

93

Sony STR-DG920

MSRP $599.00 Released June, 2008

Pros

1080p video pass-through support
4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI

Cons

Any pre amp outputs
Manual says you can't use an HDMI-to-DVI cable to your TV.
Does not appear to have a switched AC outlet (for active subwoofer)

ProSCORE
12 reviews

85

Yamaha RX-V765

MSRP $649.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

attractive aesthetics
satellite radio ready
iPod compatible

Cons

utilizing iPod, Bluetooth, and other functionality requires add-ons sold separately
Yamaha sends mixed signals - site reports both 7.2 and 7.1 channel configuration on the same page
can't reassign audio inputs

ProSCORE
5 reviews

85

Onkyo TX-NR905

MSRP $2,099.00 Released August, 2007

Pros

BTL for powering massive mains with surround amp assistance in 2-channel mode.
THX Ultra2 certified
Burr-Brown DACs on the new TI architecture.

Cons

Runs extremely hot
audio processing adds slight delay from video
Reon-HQV instead of true top quality Realta

ProSCORE
19 reviews

70

Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH

MSRP $750.00 Released June, 2008

Pros

110W per channel
good connectivity options
1080p upscaling
Advanced MCACC Audio Setup
THX Certified

Cons

fairly expensive

ProSCORE
3 reviews

93

Sony STR-DG820

MSRP $400.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

High-definition audio decoding including DTS HD-MA and TrueHD
1080p video support as pass-through
4 HDMI 1.3a inputs

Cons

No transcoding of analog video sources to the HDMI output
Clunky remote
Manual says you can't use an HDMI-to-DVI cable to your TV.

ProSCORE
6 reviews

65

Onkyo TX-SR875

MSRP $1,699.00 Released July, 2007

Pros

Reon-VX HQV video processing (1080p)
Upscales all video sources to 1080p/HDMI
Supports bi-amplification and bridged operation

Cons

No tweaking of the REON processor except to disable xvYCC
Problems with HDMI handshaking with some video sources
Automated Audyssey setup required some manual tweaking for acceptable results

ProSCORE
23 reviews

85

Denon AVR-3808CI

MSRP $1,599.00 Released July, 2007

Pros

All video sources switched to the HDMI output
Includes 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
USB 2.0 ports and Ethernet connectivity

Cons

Cannot upconvert 1080p component video to the HDMI output
Poor 1080i deinterlacing (HDMI 1080i to 1080p conversion)
Expensive compared to Onkyo competition

ProSCORE
12 reviews

84

Onkyo TX-SR507

MSRP $400.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

Audio over 4 HDMI inputs
Dolby TrueHD and dts HD MA decoding
Dynamic Volume feature

Cons

Should be price a little cheaper
Only three digital audio inputs
No analog video upconversion to HDMI

ProSCORE
2 reviews

50

Denon AVR-1910

MSRP $549.00 Released May, 2009

Pros

Audyssey dynamic volume and dynamic EQ
HD upconversion when connected via HDMI or component
independent crossover for each channel

Cons

no pre-outs for use with nicer amplification
no on screen user interface
on screen functions suck!

ProSCORE
5 reviews

75

Sony STR-DH800

MSRP $400.00 Released June, 2009

Pros

4 HDMI + 3 Component video inputs
Sirius compatible
Digital Media Port

Cons

No front HDMI
Fewer HDMI than Onkyo
No S-Video inputs

ProSCORE
2 reviews

58

Yamaha RX-V3800

MSRP $1,699.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

LAN-connected - can stream MP3, WMA, WAV
4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
Upscales SD sources to 1080p

Cons

No HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
Only upconverts 480i/p, and only over analog
Uses unproven Anchor Bay Technologies ABT1010 scaler instead of Faroudja or HQV

ProSCORE
10 reviews

74

Pioneer Elite SC-25

MSRP $1,299.00 Released July, 2009

Pros

Digital (Class D) amplification - lightweight, efficient and cool running
quality Burr-Brown ADCs and Wolfson DACs
7.1 channels with powerful 140w amplification (per channel)
iPhone support (as opposed to just iPod support)

Cons

very similar to previous generations
lacks THX Ultra2 Plus certification

ProSCORE
3 reviews

85

Sony STR-DA6400ES

MSRP $2,500.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

upscales SD content
PC streaming and networked upgrades
120W per chanel

Cons

No HD radio
HDMI inputs are not upscaled
Audio streaming requires TV on (no display of audio tracks etc on AMP front panel)

ProSCORE
5 reviews

48

Yamaha RX-Z7

MSRP $2,699.95 Released October, 2008

Pros

8-point automatic calibration
Internet + network connectivity with Web browser control
Anchor Bay VRS Technology + PReP video processing for large displays

Cons

The GUI which appears on TV can be improved. The back speaker terminals dont take 10AWG wire hence bannana pugs/ connectors are required.
Not many additional features for the price
No album art; a feature found on the RX-V3900

ProSCORE
4 reviews

90

Onkyo TX-SR876

MSRP $1,599.00 Released September, 2008

Pros

Silicon Optix Reon HQV-50 Video Scaler
Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, and Auto Setup
Output Any Video Signal in 1080P (via HDMI output)
2 HDMI Outputs

Cons

Only 4 HDMI Inputs
No USB ports

ProSCORE
6 reviews

85

Sony STR-DA4400ES

MSRP $1,500.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

6 HDMI inputs
Video upscaling to 1080p
High-resolution audio decoding

Cons

2nd HD video zone is only component video (not HDMI)
No support for wireless rear speakers
Overkill on the number of HDMI inputs

ProSCORE
7 reviews

89

Sony STR-DN1000

MSRP $499.99 Released May, 2009

Pros

4 HDMI inputs
upscales standard definition content to full 1080p high definition
attractive aesthetics
satellite radio ready (requires an add-on)

Cons

pretty much the same internal components as the older STR-DG920
unattractive and reflective faceplate

ProSCORE
4 reviews

94

Pioneer Elite VSX-59TXi

MSRP $2,358.00 Released June, 2004

The VSX-59TXi is the third receiver from Pioneer that allows advanced high-resolution multi-channel digital interface (i.LINK) for DVD-Audio and SACD connectivity and one of the first receivers to incorporate Dolby Pro Logic IIx. Advanced MCACC also features X-Curve, a popular measurement used in professional theaters and dubbing suite designs, which compensates for psycho-acoustic effects...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Yamaha RX-V1900

MSRP $1,399.95 Released September, 2008

Pros

8-point automatic calibration
HD Radio
4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs

Cons

No HDMI scaling
focus on what's important to your needs and don't compare apples to oranges.
Not much improved over pre-decessor; nor much better features for the price compared to RX-V663

ProSCORE
6 reviews

85

Yamaha RX-Z11

MSRP $5,499.00 Released November, 2007

Pros

11.2 channels - 140W x 7, 50W x 4
WiFi, LAN, USB
1 HDMI input on the front panel

Cons

Very expensive
Four surround presence channels are useless unless you reassign them to auxiliary zones.
At this price point, it should have one more HDMI input (it has 5) to guarantee you don't run out

ProSCORE
8 reviews

64

Onkyo TX-SR605

MSRP $499.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

Great price for its specs/feature (MSRP $499, JR.com listed at $399)
HDMI switching and transcoding
High-def audio support - both TrueHD and DTS-HD MA

Cons

Could use more than 2 HDMI inputs
1080i component video gets downconverted to 720p when transcoded to HDMI
No video upconversion (only transcoding to HDMI/component)

ProSCORE
7 reviews

73

Denon AVR-988

MSRP $1,119.00 Released October, 2007

Pros

Great build and sound quality
Decodes all the latest HD surround formats
Plenty of clean power even in 7 channel operation

Cons

Small bug that affects input display signal in DTS-MA 7.1 (reads it as 5.1 but still decodes in 7.1). Can be fixed by sending unit off to Denon for a firmware update.
Only 2 HDMI inputs (newer model AVR-989 does offer 4)
Does not blend on screen menu over video sources through the HDMI output. (Switches from video source to menu instead)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

67

Yamaha RX-V365

MSRP $249.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

great value for the price
automatic speaker calibration system
slick, quality aesthetic

Cons

no audio over HDMI
no HD audio decoding
automatic setup is hit or miss

ProSCORE
2 reviews

60

Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH

MSRP $1,000.00 Released June, 2008

Pros

dual zones
powerful 110W amplification
satellite radio ready
Lucas THX

Cons

fairly expensive
poor heat dissipation

ProSCORE
2 reviews

80

Denon AVR-1909

MSRP $649.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

Decodes high-definition audio formats
Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ
You can rename inputs up to 8 characters

Cons

No upscaling of HDMI sources
Only 2 digital optical and 2 digital coaxial inputs
Setting up receiver is very tedious and manual is not user friendly

ProSCORE
8 reviews

79

Sony STR-DA5500ES

MSRP $2,000.00 Released October, 2009

Pros

DLNA Client functionality
full decoding for all current HD formats
multiple zone capabilities

ProSCORE
2 reviews

100

Yamaha HTR-6250

MSRP $479.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
automatic speaker calibration system
compatible with iPod Dock and Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver (sold separately)

Cons

poor upconverted image quality
no multi-room functionality
on screen display is text based, looks antiquated

ProSCORE
2 reviews

56

Denon AVR-5308CI

MSRP $5,199.00 Released December, 2007

Pros

Ethernet, WiFi, USB streaming
Includes powerful Realta HQV video chipset
HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
A ton of inputs/outputs (6 HDMI in, 2 HDMI out)
The best receiver I've ever had. Simply spectacular

Cons

Very expensive - $5199

ProSCORE
13 reviews

86

Sony STR-DG720

MSRP $299.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Processes uncompressed LPCM audio signals over HDMI
3 in 1 out HDMI capability with streamed audio/video
Simple automatic calibration

Cons

Doesn't transcode or upscale analog sources to HDMI or component
Only has 2 x 5-way binding posts used for the Front L/R speakers in zone A
Cheap, generic included remote - Harmony or bust.

ProSCORE
5 reviews

68

Integra DTR-6.9

MSRP $1,000.00 Released August, 2008

Pros

Capable of bi-amping, which, in effect, drives the primary front two speakers with dedicated amplifiers for the High Pass and Low Pass portions of the frequency range.
Decodes all the latest formats for enhanced utilization of Blu-Ray discs and what-not.
Audessey room adjustment is simple to use and actually surprisingly effective.

Cons

Lots of menus and settings to adjust.

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Yamaha RX-V1800

MSRP $1,300.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

Nice, warm sound out-of-the-box
Flexible multi-zone configurations
Upscales analog video up to 1080p over HDMI
Plenty of input/output options including 4xHDMI 1.3
Excellent video quality

Cons

No network connectivity

ProSCORE
5 reviews

93

Harmon/Kardon AVR 254

MSRP $649.00 Released --

Pros

Beautiful On Screen Interface
Great Sound
User Upgradable Firmware

Cons

Drops HDMI audio when you pause live TV on Motorola DVR's
Can't disable Video Upscaling
User Manual is too big, needs a simple quick start guide.

ProSCORE
4 reviews

67

Denon AVR-2309CI

MSRP $849.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

1080p upscaling
HD audio decoding
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
4 x HDMI inputs

Cons

No analog pre-outs
Audyssey Dynamic Volume control is useless, does not work

ProSCORE
4 reviews

79

Sony STR-DA3400ES

MSRP $1,000.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

4 x HDMI inputs
1080p upscaling
HD audio decoding
Has pre-outs for all channels for external amps
Xross media bar interface
2nd zone of stereo audio

ProSCORE
4 reviews

100

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH

MSRP $1,600.00 Released August, 2007

Pros

LAN / Internet streaming
Send room acoustic data to your PC over RS-232
Upscaling using Faroudja chip to 1080p over HDMI
Advanced MCACC system /w full phase control
Looks great; nice build quality

Cons

Lackluster UI compared to competitors

ProSCORE
18 reviews

88

Sherwood R-904N NetBoxx

MSRP $649.95 Released September, 2009

Pros

class D amplification - more efficient, cooler, powerful, small
compact - space saving design joins A/V receiver with 'smart' media streaming device
powerful 700W of amplification

Cons

expensive
unconfirmed digital PC format support / network streaming capabilities
Does not upscale video to 1080i/p.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

73

Yamaha RX-V465

MSRP $379.95 Released February, 2009

Pros

easy to set up using YPAO - automatic system calibrator
HD audio support
affordable price

Cons

poor remote control
long input switching delays
No analog 5.1ch input

ProSCORE
3 reviews

70

Denon AVR-989

MSRP $1,119.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

dynamic volume/EQ
powerful 115W per channel amplification
1080p upscaling

Cons

fairly expensive
some reported hdmi handshaking issues
manual provides help but isn't well written

ProSCORE
3 reviews

75

Pioneer Elite SC-09TX

MSRP $7,000.00 Released December, 2007

Pros

10.2 surround channels
Loaded with features
200 Watts of continuous power to 10 channels

Cons

Expensive - $7000
Overkill

ProSCORE
3 reviews

67

Denon AVR-888

MSRP $749.00 Released October, 2007

Pros

Analog to HDMI up conversion
Independent volume-level settings /w memory for each audio source
Great build quality

Cons

No HD audio decoding (ie. Dolby TrueHD or dts MA)
Horrible user interface and documentation
horrible user documentation

ProSCORE
6 reviews

53

Sony STR-DG1100

MSRP $900.00 Released --

Pros

Upscaling to 1080p
Good features for the money. (not at original price, but at discontinued price)
Upconversion to HDMI (not just pass-through)

Cons

Discontinued
No high-definition audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD MA)
Discprepancy between reported output power and power supply power rating

ProSCORE
3 reviews

36

Onkyo TX-SR805

MSRP $999.00 Released --

Pros

Input channel names on LCD display can be customized.
3 HDMI v1.3 inputs
Dolby TrueHD decoding

Cons

Popping from speakers when changing source audio or audio type (DTS HD to TrueHD, and vis versa)
When connected to a HTPC, via PCI->HDMI, display on LCD goes out of area
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding requires player to send audio in bitstream format

ProSCORE
4 reviews

84

Denon AVR-4308CI

MSRP $2,499.00 Released July, 2007

Pros

Includes built-in WiFi
Internet and network streaming of digital audio (mp3), Internet radio
4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs, 2 x HDMI 1.3a outputs

Cons

Cost
Mediocre 1080i Deinterlacing
Problems

ProSCORE
12 reviews

85

Yamaha HTR-6140

MSRP $379.99 Released February, 2008

Pros

On-Screen Display for setup and customization
Cheapest Yamaha to support HDMI audio decoding.
Renamable inputs.

Cons

Does not support Dolby HD audio.
No S-video inputs or outputs.
Doesn't do upconversion of video signals.

ProSCORE
4 reviews

62

Yamaha HTR-6180

MSRP $999.95 Released --

Pros

Video upscaling to 1080p
High-def audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA)
Phono input

Cons

Only has 3 x HDMI inputs - fewer than competition

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Yamaha HTR-6130

MSRP $230.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Value-price receiver with HDMI-passthrough support
Compatible with Blu-ray 1080p/24 fps
Decent audio ouput power - 100 W

Cons

Button-style input selector isn't as nice as a knob
Doesn't decode HD audio
No video transcoding or upscaling

ProSCORE
2 reviews

56

Pioneer VSX-818V-K

MSRP $249.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

5-way binding post terminals for all surround channels
Impressive output power rating
Available in silver and black

Cons

No HDMI audio processing - no PCM
When adjusting volume with knob, sound level does not change until finished moving knob
More expensive than competition

ProSCORE
5 reviews

74

Onkyo TX-NR5007

MSRP $2,499.99 Released September, 2009

Pros

THX Ultra2 Plus certified
up to 3 zones - utilize separate sources in all
9.2 channel with fully balanced line level outputs
includes quality backlit remote
dual HDMI outputs

Cons

complicated configuration for the non-experienced audiophile / technophile

ProSCORE
2 reviews

93

Sony STR-DA5300ES

MSRP $1,699.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
Excellent graphical user interface

Cons

Doesn't upscale lower resolution HDMI sources to 1080p
Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi
No network streaming functionality

ProSCORE
10 reviews

81

Cambridge Audio Azur 640R

MSRP $1,299.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

available in silver and black
7.1 channels x 120W
built in AM/FM tuner

Cons

HDMI switching only - no transcoding between digital and analog
expensive to the majority of consumers
remote is difficult to use - buttons are small and difficult to distinguish

ProSCORE
2 reviews

75

Onkyo TX-SR706

MSRP $899.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

THX Select2 Plus Certification
Video upscaling to 1080p over HDMI
4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD MA

Cons

No switched AC outlet
On-screen menus only output over an HDMI output.

ProSCORE
2 reviews

83

Sony STR-DA5000ES

MSRP $599.99 Released February, 2004

The Sony STR-DA5000ES is a high-end audio/video receiver designed to provide a more luxurious option for users interested in a digital and higher standard audio device to compliment their latest high definition equipment. The DA5000ES features first and foremost a 7 channel direct drive digital amplifier (170 watts per channel) which allows the device to...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Denon AVR-889

MSRP $749.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

dynamic EQ and volume settings
decent 100W per channel
1080p upscaling
affordable price

Cons

doesn't offer the same price:performance value as the model below it, the AVR-789

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Harmon/Kardon AVR 354

MSRP $799.00 Released --

Pros

attractive
sleek

Cons

The Watt spec are different from its competitors.
expensive for the power and features

ProSCORE
4 reviews

58

Sony STR-DH100

MSRP $150.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

Inexpensive stereo receiver is an alternative to high price surround system
decent power @ 100 W per channel
A/B audio zones

Cons

No digital audio inputs (optical or coax)
No video connectivity
No front inputs

ProSCORE
1 review

57

Yamaha RX-V361

MSRP $200.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

Inexpensive
Great value receiver - component switching, surround sound
Performs component video switching

Cons

Obscure menu interface
Only two binding post connectors - the rest are spring-clip
HDMI connections are for Video ONLY

ProSCORE
8 reviews

74

Onkyo TX-SR307

MSRP $300.00 Released April, 2009

Pros

3 HDMI inputs
Lowest price point Onkyo receiver since the stereo TX-SR304 from a few years ago
Audyssey Dynamic Volume and EQ

Cons

Only two component video inputs
No video upscaling or transcoding to component or HDMI
No high-definition audio decoding

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Sherwood RX-4103 2 Channels Receiver

MSRP $80.00 Released --

Pros

Good sound quality for the price.
Discrete amplifier design plays loud and clear.
Has tone direct function for pure sound reproduction.

Cons

No direct station tuning available.
No binding post speaker terminals (the RX-4109 which replaced it does though).
No tape monitor loop or Preout/Main-in for use of an EQ.

ProSCORE
1 review

62

Sony STR-DG520

MSRP $199.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Good value receiver with 2 HDMI inputs
Compatible with Blu-ray 1080p/24 fps
Decent audio ouput power - 100 W

Cons

No video transcoding or upscaling
No front inputs
Only 3 digital audio inputs in total (2 optical + 1 coax)

ProSCORE
3 reviews

27

Denon AVR-1709

MSRP $449.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

dynamic volume and EQ
80W per channel should be fine for the majority of speakers and rooms
7.1 compatible
3 x HDMI inputs

Cons

no 1080p upscaling - next model up has it
no HD audio - next model up has it

ProSCORE
3 reviews

58

Panasonic SA-XR700

MSRP $1,000.00 Released --

Pros

EZsync to communicate with other compatible panasonic devices

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Onkyo TX-SR506

MSRP $379.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

3 HDMI inputs supporting 1080p
Second zone of audio
Bi-ampable front speakers

Cons

HDMI pass-thru only - no audio
No analog video upconversion
Only 2 component video inputs

ProSCORE
3 reviews

58

Sony STR-DH700

MSRP $300.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

affordable price
7.1 channel, 105W/channel
feature rich

Cons

no s-video
poor audio quality
no true EQ settings (just bass and treble adjustments)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

69

Denon AVR-689

MSRP $399.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

dynamic volume and EQ
affordable price
good brand name

Cons

no HD audio
no 1080p upscaling
one model up offers both of these cons

ProSCORE
2 reviews

50

Onkyo TX-8255

MSRP $199.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Inexpensive, stereo receiver - good for people not wanting the complexity of surround sound
A/B speakers with 5-way binding post connections
Can be found for just over $150

Cons

No digital coax or optical inputs
No additional connectivity other than stereo analog audio - No XM, Sirius, iPod, Ethernet, HD Radio
Only 50W per channel

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Marantz SR7002

MSRP $1,399.99 Released October, 2007

Pros

Upconverts video sources to HDMI
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA
2 HDMI 1.3a outputs
Dual assignable component video outputs
Decent price

Cons

Not a toroidal power transformer

ProSCORE
2 reviews

92

Onkyo TX-NR807

MSRP $999.99 Released August, 2009

Pros

THX Ultra2 Plus certified
quality upconversion of all standard definition content to 1080p via HDMI
upgradable firmware via Ethernet
great value - high end features and sound with a quality build for a more mid-range price

Cons

recovers from the TX-SR806 - but still cannot touch the TX-SR805
requires good ventilation

ProSCORE
1 review

83

Manufacturer

MSRP

Release Date

Video Inputs

Audio Inputs

Number of Channels

Watts per Channel

Product Line

SKU

Join ProductWiki:

Login to ProductWiki:

Or..