The Onkyo TX-SR606 Owners Thread

[R1NLP]

I figured I would go ahead and start this since my 606 was delivered yesterday.

It's been great so far. I've done a bit of testing with a few HD DVDs (Bourne Ultimatum, Pan's Labyrinth, & The Matrix Reloaded) and my Xbox 360 (GTA IV). Even my crappy speakers sound great. I can't wait to get home so I can put it through its paces a little more!

Here's what I'm running.

Display

-Sony KDS-60A3000

Speakers

-I'm running 7.1 with my Onkyo HTIB speakers (These will be next in line for an upgrade)

Inputs

-Toshiba HD-A2 (HDMI)
-Xbox 360 (HDMI)
-PS3 (HDMI)
-Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD DVR (HDMI)
-Nintendo Wii (Component)

I'll be happy to answer questions, but I can't guarantee a speedy response as I work a lot.

[N3W813]

Couple of questions for 606 owners with HTPCs.....

1. HDMI connection to receiver, do you get a black screen if you turn on your HTPC first before you turn on the TV, forcing a reboot?

2. When you pause videos with DD or DTS, do you sometimes get a loud pop/crack when you resume the video, both HDMI and SPDIF? (digital signal resync)

3. Can you output 24p through the receiver to the TV unmolested?

4. Does the 606 clip BTB and WTW?

Thanks!!

[RusticR6]

does it matrix the hi def audio to 7.1?

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by RusticR6

does it matrix the hi def audio to 7.1?

Judging by the discs I tested (which included Pan's Labyrinth - oops) it does matrix the lpcm signal to 7.1. I'm not running bitstream to the reciever so I can't comment on that.

[Bugg77]

Originally Posted by RusticR6

does it matrix the hi def audio to 7.1?

The short answer is yes...

The long answer is, Please take a few minutes and download the manual. The answers you're looking for will usually be there and I usually have better luck searching the manual before coming to AVS.

More specifically, start on Page 58 and work your way down from there.

[RusticR6]

i will look at the manual, but since he has the receiver and offered to answer questions, i figured i would ask. He pretty much has similar equipment to mine as well.

thanks for the page #

[Bugg77]

Originally Posted by RusticR6

i will look at the manual, but since he has the receiver and offered to answer questions, i figured i would ask. He pretty much has similar equipment to mine as well.

thanks for the page #

No problem... I just tend to like to see these things for myself.

[shinksma]

Originally Posted by Bugg77

The short answer is yes...

The long answer is, Please take a few minutes and download the manual. The answers you're looking for will usually be there and I usually have better luck searching the manual before coming to AVS.

More specifically, start on Page 58 and work your way down from there.

Well, the problem is manuals don't always represent everything clearly/truthfully (xref Sony BDP-S300 manual and TrueHD decoding...). So the concern is valid, but it seems, based on what is posted here, the 606 will matrix a 7.1 signal from a 5.1 LPCM signal.

R1NLP: how does the 606 handle video upconversion and/or transcoding? Does it trash a 720p component signal when it tries to upconvert to 1080i HDMI? Does the receiver allow you to pass the 720p component signal as 720p HDMI, or must it upconvert as well as transcode?

And something else not clear in the manual, but apparently the 605 does it, so the 606 should too: does the 606 output over component the video it receives via S-video or composite? (The manual indicates it will output all video sources via HDMI, or as the original type only).

shinksma

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by shinksma

R1NLP: how does the 606 handle video upconversion and/or transcoding? Does it trash a 720p component signal when it tries to upconvert to 1080i HDMI? Does the receiver allow you to pass the 720p component signal as 720p HDMI, or must it upconvert as well as transcode?

And something else not clear in the manual, but apparently the 605 does it, so the 606 should too: does the 606 output over component the video it receives via S-video or composite? (The manual indicates it will output all video sources via HDMI, or as the original type only).

shinksma

I'm actually not upconverting at the moment. I jumped at the chance to run everything via HDMI. The only thing I use component for is the Wii which won't do 720p. This is something I'm curious about so I'll test it when I get the chance.

I no longer have S-Video or Composite cables for any of my equipment, including my old gaming systems. I use component for everything that won't run HDMI.

[shinksma]

Originally Posted by R1NLP

I'm actually not upconverting at the moment. I jumped at the chance to run everything via HDMI. The only thing I use component for is the Wii which won't do 720p. This is something I'm curious about so I'll test it when I get the chance.

I no longer have S-Video or Composite cables for any of my equipment, including my old gaming systems. I use component for everything that won't run HDMI.

Thanks, I (we) appreciate the effort whenever you can check stuff out.

My questions are mostly for my own curiosity (I also strive for an all-HDMI solution), but I know others are very interested. Like you, I have a Wii to connect, and competent transcoding is important.

shinksma

[R1NLP]

On a lighter note. The Audyssey test tones gave my cats a great scare.

Hilarious.

[Straffer44]

Can you use banana plugs with main left/right speakers?
thanks
stephen

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by shinksma

Thanks, I (we) appreciate the effort whenever you can check stuff out.

My questions are mostly for my own curiosity (I also strive for an all-HDMI solution), but I know others are very interested. Like you, I have a Wii to connect, and competent transcoding is important.

shinksma

I tried turning the upscaling on and off while playing a little Super Mario Galaxy. I can't be 100% sure, but it seems to improve the picture. Not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless.

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by Straffer44

Can you use banana plugs with main left/right speakers?
thanks
stephen

Not that I'm aware of.

[slandy]

What are the main features of the 606 VS the 605 I currently have?

[Spazbiohaz]

Originally Posted by R1NLP

I tried turning the upscaling on and off while playing a little Super Mario Galaxy. I can't be 100% sure, but it seems to improve the picture. Not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless.

What about a game like Zelda or even the new Mario Kart. I think it maybe noticeable in Zelda as that was very jaggies originally. I just bought this receiver from abt.com for 449 shipped. I can't wait, the decision came due to the 1080i upconvert for my Wii and Dreamcast. So any tidbits would be great.

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by Spazbiohaz

What about a game like Zelda or even the new Mario Kart. I think it maybe noticeable in Zelda as that was very jaggies originally. I just bought this receiver from abt.com for 449 shipped. I can't wait, the decision came due to the 1080i upconvert for my Wii and Dreamcast. So any tidbits would be great.

I'd love to test those for you but I sold Zelda and haven't purchased Mario Kart yet. GTA IV is the only game the finance committee would authorize at the moment.

[Bugg77]

Originally Posted by Straffer44

Can you use banana plugs with main left/right speakers?
thanks
stephen

I don't have a 606, but almost all AVRs in this price range allow you to connect your speakers with banana plugs. From looking at the pictures and reading the manuals it sure doesn't look like banana plugs will work.

See the manual page 16

[afrogt]

Originally Posted by Bugg77

I don't have a 606, but almost all AVRs in this price range allow you to connect your speakers with banana plugs. From looking at the pictures and reading the manuals it sure doesn't look like banana plugs will work.

See the manual page 16

Sure you can use banana plugs with all the speaker terminals. Look at rear view picture in the link. Its up on Onkyo's website. The banana plugs go straight into the back of each speaker terminal, there is clearly an open hole right there. I've got an Onkyo 573 and the terminals are the same and I use banana plugs on my receiver.

http://onkyousa.com/zoom.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR606

[R1NLP]

I played around with some Blu-ray movies last night. Sunshine has one of the most immersive soundtracks I've heard in a while. The sound completely enveloped the room. Again, I was able to confirm that the 606 can matrix the 5.1 lpcm to 7.1 using PLIIx.

One thing that I noticed is a slight popping sound when using the PS3 to play certain discs. Has anyone else heard of this issue? Regardless, I'm really happy with this reciever. I can't wait to watch a full movie.

[mpkelley20]

Originally Posted by R1NLP

I played around with some Blu-ray movies last night. Sunshine has one of the most immersive soundtracks I've heard in a while. The sound completely enveloped the room. Again, I was able to confirm that the 606 can matrix the 5.1 lpcm to 7.1 using PLIIx.

One thing that I noticed is a slight popping sound when using the PS3 to play certain discs. Has anyone else heard of this issue? Regardless, I'm really happy with this reciever. I can't wait to watch a full movie.

Wasn't there a popping sound problem with the 605 as well? Looks like that issue was not addresses at Onkyo.

Hot hot does the AVR run? That was another issue with some of the *05 models from last year.

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

Wasn't there a popping sound problem with the 605 as well? Looks like that issue was not addresses at Onkyo.

Hot hot does the AVR run? That was another issue with some of the *05 models from last year.

Actually, I don't think it's an issue with the reciever. It only happens when I'm using the PS3 to play movies. I don't hear any popping when I'm using the HD-A2. I've tried both Tru-HD and DTS-MA tracks without any problems.

[mpkelley20]

Originally Posted by R1NLP

Actually, I don't think it's an issue with the reciever. It only happens when I'm using the PS3 to play movies. I don't hear any popping when I'm using the HD-A2. I've tried both Tru-HD and DTS-MA tracks without any problems.

I am so close to pulling the trigger on this but for some reason I am still sitting here waiting for the Sony 920 to be released. Why?????

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

I am so close to pulling the trigger on this but for some reason I am still sitting here waiting for the Sony 920 to be released. Why?????

I have no idea. I'd snatch it up if you can find one.

[mpkelley20]

Actually, Amazon now has them in stock with Prime shipping...but for $499...it's tempting and Amazon does offer 30 day price guarantee.....

[shinksma]

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

Wasn't there a popping sound problem with the 605 as well? Looks like that issue was not addresses at Onkyo.

Originally Posted by R1NLP

Actually, I don't think it's an issue with the reciever. It only happens when I'm using the PS3 to play movies. I don't hear any popping when I'm using the HD-A2. I've tried both Tru-HD and DTS-MA tracks without any problems.

The issue with popping on the x05 series Onkyos happened when DTS-HD MA audio was bitstreamed to the receiver.

In R1NLP's case, since the PS3 does not bitstream, it decodes internally, this is not the same issue.

And the A2 does not decode nor bitstream DTS-HD MA (but it does decode the core regular DTS stream).

So this seems to be purely a PS3 issue with how it "turns on" the LPCM stream. Whether there is something "not right" in the 606 that makes it worse I cannot say.

shinksma

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

Actually, Amazon now has them in stock with Prime shipping...but for $499...it's tempting and Amazon does offer 30 day price guarantee.....

That's how much I paid, plus 3.99 for overnight shipping. Total came to 502.99.

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by shinksma

The issue with popping on the x05 series Onkyos happened when DTS-HD MA audio was bitstreamed to the receiver.

In R1NLP's case, since the PS3 does not bitstream, it decodes internally, this is not the same issue.

And the A2 does not decode nor bitstream DTS-HD MA (but it does decode the core regular DTS stream).

So this seems to be purely a PS3 issue with how it "turns on" the LPCM stream. Whether there is something "not right" in the 606 that makes it worse I cannot say.

shinksma

That pretty much sums it up. Let me also add that the "popping" isn't especially loud, but it is noticable.

[mpkelley20]

Probably a stupid question but can you hook up a 6.1 speaker setup to the 606? I am currently running an older Onkyo (502 I think) with a 6.1 setup and like the way it sounds. Not sure a 7.1 will benefit my room setup so I am not sure what I will do when I upgrade my receiver to one with HDMI if they do not support 6.1.

thanks!

[R1NLP]

Originally Posted by mpkelley20

Probably a stupid question but can you hook up a 6.1 speaker setup to the 606? I am currently running an older Onkyo (502 I think) with a 6.1 setup and like the way it sounds. Not sure a 7.1 will benefit my room setup so I am not sure what I will do when I upgrade my receiver to one with HDMI if they do not support 6.1.

thanks!

It does support 6.1. You just connect the rear speaker to the rear left surround terminal.