Onkyo TX-SR507 Owners Thread and First Impressions - Page 3

Hi All,

I recently ordered a 507, hasn't arrived yet. I apologize for my confusion, but I'm still not 100% clear on this. I ONLY use a PS3 for BD content, and I am trying to understand where the audio is actually decoded.

Does it work like this: PS3 decodes the audio from DTS-HD (or Dolby TrueHD, etc) into PCM, which is then sent to the receiver and output as PCM. So that, even though the 507 has the capacity to decode these codecs, it will never actually need to do it.

Or is it the otherway around, where the PS3 is sending the PCM to the 507, and the 507 is decoding it into the proper format?

The reason I ask is, do I really need a 507 to complete this set-up, or would any receiver that can receive a PCM signal from the (already decoded) PS3 be appropriate? Or have I (by luck) selected the correct receiver because it is absolutely necessary that the receiver be rated to decode these more advanced signals? Did this make any sense, haha?

Thanks!

The PS3 does the decoding and sends the audio out as 5.1 LPCM. The receiver doesn't have to do the decoding. You could save a few bucks by getting a receiver that accepts LPCM but doesn't decode the HD codecs if you like, but you can also "future-proof" yourself and stick with a receiver that also decodes as well in case you should ever need that ability.

Hello,

Thinking abput getting this receiver as well. This is probably an extremely dumb question, but this will be my first av receiver purchase. I see there are 2 component video inputs, but there do anot appear to be any corresponding rca inputs. I will be connecting both a wii and ps2 via component. Where should I plug in the red and white audio cables? Can I use any of them (ie vcr or cable/sat rca ins)? And then I would just set the video input to ie component 1, and audio input to ie vcr? Not 100% clear on all this stuff yet. Thank you!

so either my question was that stupid, or it got over looked because of the other posts If it is the latter, could someone please shed some light on this for me? and to clarify, when i say corresponding rca inputs, i mean there are no audio inputs right beneath the component video inputs (ie like on a tv, normally you would see the three video connections, and the two audio connections right under). and i'm assuming that the input that says 'cd' is for a component cd player (which i will eventually have). just need to know what to do with the two audio connections coming from both my wii and ps2 component cables. thanks

yes during initial setup you will pick the audio input that corresponds with the video. However you'll probably want to use an optical cable for audio as composite(red and white) is limited to two channel but either will work.

Wii or PS2 have optical out?

The PS2 does, not sure about the Wii.

Thank you guys. But the problem is, I see no corresponding audio inputs for the 2 component video inputs when looking at pictures if the back of the unit?

You're correct that they're aren't white and red RCA jacks right next to the component video inputs however you just need to assign the optical input to the component input.

For example, if your PS2 was on component 1 then you might assign optical 1 to the component 1 input. I'm pretty sure you cannot assign analog audio inputs (labeled as cbl/sat, vcr,dvr, etc on the back) to the component video input (but I could be wrong).

Thanks ikaden...that's what I was afraid of. What would I do with my Wii, that does not have any optical connections? There's no way to run audio from the Wii (through component) to the receiver with audio? That seems like poor design, unless analog audio inputs are just so out-dated nobody puts them on receivers anymore. Anyone else have any ideas?

***Ok...after I zoomed in and put my face right against my pc monitor to see the inputs on the back of the box, I do see that the component ins and the analog audio ins both have a cbl/sat and dvd/bd section (while they are not lined up, I'm assuming they are the corresponding inputs).

Thank you guys!

Can I connect my blu-ray player with the HDMI cable to this receiver and both video & sound will come out to the tv? Is the Video quality good coming out of the reciever or should I just connect my blu-ray player directly to the tv

I want to replace my Pioneer VSX-9100TX with a new Onkyo TX-SR507, mainly to join the HDMI bandwagon because I'm about to run out of digital audio inputs (PS3, Mac and Tivo HD each want an optical port, I only have two in the rear, but two of those devices support audio over HDMI). I'm looking for some validation or correction about the following.

1) The Onkyo delivers considerably less power. I have a 5.1 speaker setup, my fronts and rears are two way Infinity's with modest-sized drivers, I guess 4-5". My sub is a powered 10". Considering the limitations of these speakers, will I miss the Pioneer's power? (Will I pine for the 607?)

2) Is there any chance I'll notice a change in sound quality? For better or for worse?

3) We like to watch TV late while the kids try to sleep. Is the low-volume dynamic EQ feature better than average? The Pioneer has a "midnight" mode that's so-so.

4) Is there any chance I'll notice improved sound quality upgrading from DD and DTS to TrueHD and DTS-HD? What should I listen for to hear the difference on, say, Run Lola Run or a Pixar Blu-Ray?

These are obviously subjective questions. What's your opinion?

That's the point of HDMI 1.3a. Onkyo says the unit supports 1080p, so if you hook your Blu-Ray player up to it with only an HDMI cable (and rig another HDMI cable from Onkyo to the TV), you'll get full picture quality, and that's the only way to get the lossless TrueHD or DTS-HD audio formats.

If the incoming signal is less than 1080p, I'm not sure what the unit does. I don't think it has any kind of killer upscaler, so for that you have to step up to the 607. But if you want DVD upscaling, maybe your Blu-Ray player already does a nice job upscaling to 1080p, in which case you don't need the 607's Faroudija chip.

The US Version Onkyo 507 DOES support RIHD which is compatibility with Viera Link Panasonic TV's and others. It can turn the power on and off with other components and allows you to control the components with the Onkyo remote control. It is not listed on the US Onkyo website and people were speculating that is was not included. Well I have verifed that it is and works well. No idea why Onkyo would leave this off their website since some people were not purchasing because of this.

This feature is not on by default it must be turned on. It's in the Hardware settings. Check the manual and follow those directions. I think its page 77.

Does the US version of the 507 have RIHD/CEC to enable hdmi passthrough when the receiver is off?

Yes it does.

The only ommission I have found from the non US versions is the Pure Audio. Which is unfortunate but not a huge deal.

Nice find on the video pass through...thanks for sharing!!!

As far as the audio it seems to be working for me. I simply turn up the volume on the television and I get sound. Not through the speakers connected to the 507 (obvious I think?) but I get sound through my television speakers.

Isn't that the whole point of 'pass through?' Being able to watch 'regular TV' (both audio & video) with the 507 turned off? I can't imagine one expecting to get surround sound with receiver turned off.

I have owned the receiver for a few days now and really like it. However, I have one problem that I have not been able to solve and would like to know if someone can help me. I use my PS3 as a music server via Tversity. I need it to pass analog audio to Zone 2. I have this part working by using the analog output of the PS3. My question is how do I also get sound to pass to my front speakers of the receiver at the same time I am passing analog to my zone 2? I think I have to reassign an analog audio to the front speakers but that does not seem to work. I know the PS3 does not output HDMI and analog audio at the same time which is a pain. My set up includes all HDMI inputs to the receiver with a corresponding analog audio cable to each of my components as well so I can pass to Zone 2. My other two components, DirecTV box and Popcornhour A100, play simultaneously through my front speakers and Zone 2, but not my PS3. Thanks!

So this receiver.. does not process the audio (via hdmi) and just give the audio to the TV?

I'm going to keep it this way (at least for a while). Is there a best generic set up. I ran the set up through the mike to listen to the radio (my TV and BR disc player are in delivery transit). Most of the speaker audio seems to be coming from the center. On my previous Yamaha I could turn the center speaker on and off. Can I do that here? Also is their a manual way to bring the center down a bit and the side speakers up in volume? Forgive the naivete. dennis (nyc)

Sure, go into speaker set up and change the levels. Yours is an unusual request as most want to boost the center for dialog. Or, for radio, just use the 2-ch or direct listening modes as that should just use the LR speakers.

This is incorrect. It does process HDMI audio and has the HD codecs.

I thought i read different for the 506..

True for the 506, but not for the 507.

Hi. I'm anticipating getting my tv and disc player tomorrow: Is the quick connect diagram that comes with the Onkyo (or the same diagram in the manual) the most optimal way to set up the Onkyo to (1) Samsung b750 LCD tv, (2) Panasonic dmp-bd60 blueray player, and Verizon combo HD cable box/dvr (all with HDMI connection access). As a neophyte I confuse easily and the Onkyo directions have been challenged on the B750 forum "The Onkyo 507 will decode PCM audio, DD TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, therefore, your Blu-Ray player should have its HDMI output connected to the Onkyo.

Other devices, such as your DVR, can have their HDMI output going directly to the TV and use a digital audio connection from the DVR to the Onkyo. This will enable you to calibrate the TV piture for the DVR reception. You gain video quality and loose no audio quality, this way. Thoughts in anticipation of tomorrows delivery please. Thank you. dennis

I would connect everything to the 607 to reduce cabling and complexity.

I'm not sure if it's been confirmed, but some onkyo models have the ability to show the temperature. The command is to hold display button then press on/standy together and let go the buttons. then press tone to display the temperature. However on TX-SR 507 i see different display Mine shows something like 48 .... There is the number which i think is in Celcius. Is that the temperature inside?

Hi All,

So I understand that both the 507 and PS3 can decode the HD audio formats. My question is which does it better, or are they both equal so that it doesnt matter? Currently I have the PS3 decoding the audio and sending it out via LPCM (which reads as Multichanel on the 507). Would it be better to send the audio from the PS3 as bitstream, and allow the 507 to decode? If they are both equal, I suppose sending it as bitstream is better so that I can see on the display what format is in use, correct?

I have followed all the directions on the Onkyo SR507 receiver diagram connecting the new TV via HDMI so that the BR disc player goes into the Onkyo via HDMI, and the Verizon Fios box/DVR is connected to the Onkyo via HDMI and finally the TV is connected to the Onkyo (not to the verizon box/dvr directly) via the HDMI out on the Onkyo side and the HDMI in on the TV side. I have to presume I am not explaining this with enough pertinent details to get help but I'm hoping. p.s. All connections are secure/ the TV is plugged in and turns on ("weak signal") and the fm reception works flawlessly on the Onkyo so everything has mechanical integrity. Much thanks. dennis (nyc)

(Resolved)I hadn't activated HDMI 3 on the TV which once done exploded into HD nirvana.

I tried to add it to my Verizon HD/DVR controller via the Onkyo codes but there is a different code for on than there is for off: Odd!

I was almost set on this receiver until the problems mentioned in this thread.

Has the issue with no bass when using PCM been resolved? I plan on using a PS3 so I understand I will be using PCM almost exclusively.