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The "official" The Onkyo TX-SR706 Owners Thread - Page 29

post #841 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by headshrinker2 View Post

Greetings SR706ers,
How many of you are using your 706 as a preamp for separate amplifiers? If so, how much of a performance improvement do you hear? If so, what amps are you using?

I am using a Hafler XL280 amplifier for the front channels, driving my Vandersteen 1C's. I've always loved the sound of this amp, but had retired it when I was using the 605 (no pre-outs.) The 1C's are a pretty easy load, and the 706 could drive them fine, but the Hafler has great bass control and a very neutral midrange. And, I've yet to hear a receiver that has highs equal to good separates.

One benefit to this is that the receiver won't run nearly as hot since it doesn't have to drive those channels.

The question of how much improvement is debatable. I can't put a quantitative number to it, but I haven't experienced a receiver that sounds effortless like a power amp, and can drive a 2 ohm load if necessary.

BTW, I've seen a number of Hafler amps on ebay, and would wholeheartedly recommend them (assuming they work, of course!) They've always been a great value, but when found used, they're a steal. Getting a pre-Rockford Fosgate Hafler amp would be my recommendation. The XL, SE and DH series amps would fall into this category (though I believe Rockford acquired Hafler while the XL and SE's were still made.) I really don't have any experience with the Rockford/ Hafler amps; Transnova series, etc.
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post #842 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:49am
When I switch to the HDMI input on my DLP It says HDMI1 480p. It's coming out from the HDMI out of my 806 directly to the television. Why is it displaying 480p? I still haven't learned all of the nuances of the receiver yet. I finally did get the Audyssey to work early yeasterday morning. I will study the manual more tonight.
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post #843 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhskyTangoFoxtrt View Post

What type/brand of display and source are you using when you notice this?

I'd also double check all your HDMI connections. A loose cable could be the culprit, though I doubt it would cause a repeatable problem like this.
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post #844 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy3 View Post

When I switch to the HDMI input on my DLP It says HDMI1 480p. It's coming out from the HDMI out of my 806 directly to the television. Why is it displaying 480p? I still haven't learned all of the nuances of the receiver yet. I finally did get the Audyssey to work early yeasterday morning. I will study the manual more tonight.

I would bet your source is set for 480p output and the receiver is set to "through." If it is a DVD player set to 480p and you want to upscale it to 1080p, set the receiver for 1080p. If it is a cable box/dvr, it might be set incorrectly.

I have a motorola dvr that you have to set to 1080i by going into the set-up menu. To do this you have to turn the dvr off, then hold down the menu button. This accesses the resolution, 16:9 vs 4:3 settings and close caption settings.

To check the receiver's settings press "setup", "hardware setup", "5.HDMI" and then output resolution can be adjusted.

Hope this helps.

p.s. I'm assuming the 806 has the same menus as the 706, but even if not exactly the same, it should be really close.
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post #845 of 2810
2/2/09 at 10:59am
Thanks for the reply. Do you let the receiver do the center and rears?

I have a pair of Vandersteen 1B's in my "arsenal" of speakers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lvtdude View Post

I am using a Hafler XL280 amplifier for the front channels, driving my Vandersteen 1C's. I've always loved the sound of this amp, but had retired it when I was using the 605 (no pre-outs.) The 1C's are a pretty easy load, and the 706 could drive them fine, but the Hafler has great bass control and a very neutral midrange. And, I've yet to hear a receiver that has highs equal to good separates.

One benefit to this is that the receiver won't run nearly as hot since it doesn't have to drive those channels.

The question of how much improvement is debatable. I can't put a quantitative number to it, but I haven't experienced a receiver that sounds effortless like a power amp, and can drive a 2 ohm load if necessary.

BTW, I've seen a number of Hafler amps on ebay, and would wholeheartedly recommend them (assuming they work, of course!) They've always been a great value, but when found used, they're a steal. Getting a pre-Rockford Fosgate Hafler amp would be my recommendation. The XL, SE and DH series amps would fall into this category (though I believe Rockford acquired Hafler while the XL and SE's were still made.) I really don't have any experience with the Rockford/ Hafler amps; Transnova series, etc.
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post #846 of 2810
2/2/09 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhskyTangoFoxtrt View Post

What type/brand of display and source are you using when you notice this?

I'm using a Samsung PN58A550. It is connected to my receiver via an HDMI cable. There are no other sources directly connected to the TV. I'm sure the cable is OK because all other functions and sources routed through the receiver and this cable seem to be working fine. I had some wierd flickering of my satalite through the receiver the first day (also connected to the receiver via HDMI), as if it was loosing the signal, but I haven't noticed it since.
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post #847 of 2810
2/2/09 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lamonsasa View Post

Nice, how has it been going on so far? everything works good?

Everything works fine for 1 week now.
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post #848 of 2810
2/2/09 at 1:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dudley07726 View Post

Everything works fine for 1 week now.

Sweet, just curious, what made u choose th 706 over the 606?
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post #849 of 2810
2/2/09 at 2:05pm
I am running every thing HDMI (blueray, DVR) through to Samsung HL 750 and the only speaker lights that are circled are the RF and LF should the center and surround and sub be lit as well? On my Denon 2808 all is lit up so am I missing something? thank you
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post #850 of 2810
2/2/09 at 2:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by headshrinker2 View Post

Thanks for the reply. Do you let the receiver do the center and rears?

I have a pair of Vandersteen 1B's in my "arsenal" of speakers.

Yep, I let the 706 power the center, surrounds and rear surrounds. Got the whole 7.1 system going, with a PS3 handling games and blu-ray duties.

The mains are the Vandersteen 1C's, which are recent additions. The other 5 speakers are Ed Frias designed DIY's that I built from plans on audioreview.com. I have an older Velodyne F-1000 sub that does a nice job, as well.

And, since my Onkyo seemed lonely, I just ordered the Onkyo DX-7555 cd player. I should have it on Wednesday. I can't wait to see if it sounds as good as the Stereophile review says it does.
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post #851 of 2810
2/2/09 at 4:58pm
finally brokedown and bought mine $550 from crutchfield. hope everything works! should be here tomorow
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post #852 of 2810
2/2/09 at 5:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackstang View Post

finally brokedown and bought mine $550 from crutchfield. hope everything works! should be here tomorow

Welcome to the club... lot of good info here... also here.
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post #853 of 2810
2/2/09 at 5:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackstang View Post

finally brokedown and bought mine $550 from crutchfield. hope everything works! should be here tomorow

Nice man, who was your salesman?
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post #854 of 2810
2/2/09 at 5:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackstang View Post

finally brokedown and bought mine $550 from crutchfield. hope everything works! should be here tomorow

Please let the group know what letter is above the serial number on the back of the unit once you receive it. My "B" 706 is from Crutchfield... early December. I'm curious to see if they are sending out the "fixed" units yet... I may try to get them to do an exchange if they are sending out newer stock now.
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post #855 of 2810
2/2/09 at 5:50pm
Blackstang,
This is really a solid receiver with all the right features. Be sure to spend some time with the manual.

Enjoy

Quote:
Originally Posted by blackstang View Post

finally brokedown and bought mine $550 from crutchfield. hope everything works! should be here tomorow
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post #856 of 2810
2/2/09 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by omegat3 View Post

Please let the group know what letter is above the serial number on the back of the unit once you receive it. My "B" 706 is from Crutchfield... early December. I'm curious to see if they are sending out the "fixed" units yet... I may try to get them to do an exchange if they are sending out newer stock now.


You mean whats the letter after the serial number sticker on the back of the reciever?

The one that i recieved from ABT ELECTRONICS 2 weeks ago had an "S" after the serial number.

Which letter is it supposed to have there which would mean is the fixed version?

Btw mine had problems, the auddysey didnt work (Didnt detect my front left speaker while i ran the calibration and i tried many times and even after 5 days of having it hooked up it didnt work, and also with the PS3, if i got close to the screen , i can see a single white dot appearing on one part of the screen and re appearing on another part, from 8 feet away its not visible tho but ultimatley auddysey didnt work so i returned it..

I really want to order another one because i really liked the reciever and i think my SR606 is not giving my the best performance my system is capble of (Definitive Tech setup bi-polar towers setup )
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post #857 of 2810
2/2/09 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lamonsasa View Post

You mean whats the letter after the serial number sticker on the back of the reciever?

The one that i recieved from ABT ELECTRONICS 2 weeks ago had an "S" after the serial number.

My model number has an "S" after it to designate silver color. My serial number has no letter at the end but has a "B" printed above it. According to other posts a "G" (or later) is indicative of having the HDMI board fix.
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post #858 of 2810
2/2/09 at 7:23pm
I had a problem with the menu scrambling and the screen would turn green. I bought my 706 as a refurb from Shop Onkyo and they replaced the unit. The replacement unit has worked fine now.
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post #859 of 2810
2/2/09 at 7:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by omegat3 View Post

My model number has an "S" after it to designate silver color. My serial number has no letter at the end but has a "B" printed above it. According to other posts a "G" (or later) is indicative of having the HDMI board fix.


No, mine was BLACK, not silver, on the white sticker on the back of the receiver which has the serial number written on it, after the serial number there was the letter S in bold print.
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post #860 of 2810
2/2/09 at 7:58pm
I just picked up the Onkyo sr706 and i'm hoping to get insight on what's the best way to set this unit up for upconverting. i don't quiet understand how upconversion works and which unit is actually doing the upconversion

I'm currently running the folloiwng setup.

Samsung 2550 blu ray
Onkyo sr706
Samsung LN52A650

The 2550 is connected to my receiver via HDMI along with my xbox 360 and then i have my receiver connected to the tv via hdmi.

When playing Sd dvd's which component is actually doing the upconverting? Is there a preference of having the blu ray player doing the upconverting vs the onkyo or vice versa?
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post #861 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuk32 View Post

I'm using a Samsung PN58A550. It is connected to my receiver via an HDMI cable. There are no other sources directly connected to the TV. I'm sure the cable is OK because all other functions and sources routed through the receiver and this cable seem to be working fine. I had some wierd flickering of my satalite through the receiver the first day (also connected to the receiver via HDMI), as if it was loosing the signal, but I haven't noticed it since.

First thing I would try is another input on your display, it may be a HDCP issue.

It might also be a scaling issue - try setting the resolution on the 706 to through

Lastly, I would try a reset on the receiver.
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post #862 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CHAS ZOSS View Post

I am running every thing HDMI (blueray, DVR) through to Samsung HL 750 and the only speaker lights that are circled are the RF and LF should the center and surround and sub be lit as well? On my Denon 2808 all is lit up so am I missing something? thank you

Have you run the Audyssey?
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post #863 of 2810
2/2/09 at 8:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Desisuperman View Post

I just picked up the Onkyo sr706 and i'm hoping to get insight on what's the best way to set this unit up for upconverting. i don't quiet understand how upconversion works and which unit is actually doing the upconversion

I'm currently running the folloiwng setup.

Samsung 2550 blu ray
Onkyo sr706
Samsung LN52A650

The 2550 is connected to my receiver via HDMI along with my xbox 360 and then i have my receiver connected to the tv via hdmi.

When playing Sd dvd's which component is actually doing the upconverting? Is there a preference of having the blu ray player doing the upconverting vs the onkyo or vice versa?

Your choice. You can usually choose to have either the BP do the upconverting or you can elect to have the 706 do it for you -Try a test to see which one you think does the better job.
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post #864 of 2810
2/3/09 at 1:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhskyTangoFoxtrt View Post

Have you run the Audyssey?

Yes, I ran it twice. All speakers work the lights are just not indicating they are on. thanks
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post #865 of 2810
2/3/09 at 5:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CHAS ZOSS View Post

I am running every thing HDMI (blueray, DVR) through to Samsung HL 750 and the only speaker lights that are circled are the RF and LF should the center and surround and sub be lit as well? On my Denon 2808 all is lit up so am I missing something? thank you

What listening mode is displayed? Is sounds as if you are in 2 channel mode.
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post #866 of 2810
2/3/09 at 6:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhskyTangoFoxtrt View Post

First thing I would try is another input on your display, it may be a HDCP issue.

It might also be a scaling issue - try setting the resolution on the 706 to through

Lastly, I would try a reset on the receiver.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrt,

Thanks for the ideas. I didn't realize you could reset the receiver - how?
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post #867 of 2810
2/3/09 at 7:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuk32 View Post

WhiskyTangoFoxtrt,

Thanks for the ideas. I didn't realize you could reset the receiver - how?

To reset the AV receiver to its factory
defaults, turn it on and, while holding down the
[VCR/DVR] button, press the [ON/STANDBY] button.
Clear will appear on the display and the AV
receiver/AV amplifier will enter Standby mode.

Be sure to program your HDMI inputs.

Hope it helps.
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post #868 of 2810
2/3/09 at 7:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CHAS ZOSS View Post

Yes, I ran it twice. All speakers work the lights are just not indicating they are on. thanks

Is this the situation on different sources, codecs, and listening modes?
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post #869 of 2810
2/3/09 at 7:23am
Hey guys,

I have a Motorola HD DVR hooked up to my 706 via HDMI and whenever I switch channels for a second my display on the 706 says "Dialog Norm" and then it gives me a decible level which is different for each channel.

I can't find anywhere in the manual that references this and I want to know if it's something that I have any control over.

Anybody have any idea?
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post #870 of 2810
2/3/09 at 10:26am
Does anyone notice when a BD player changes track or shifts scene (FBI warning to Studio image, menu to actual movie, etc...) the 706 takes a long time to shift the track/pick up image?

Sometimes mine takes a while and I end up missing the first 30 seconds of video while the 706 shifts tracks. I can see the timer on the player going, but there is no video for about 20 seconds while the 706 "kicks" in.

Help or common?
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