Extensive comparison TX-NR708 and VSX-1120-K

Few notes:

Unsure why you have a Panasonic wins category; presume you mean Pioneer.

I would update your chart to show the Pioneer's price as $500 to $600.

Pioneer wins on video processing.
Pioneer has a backlit remote.
Pioneer can be controlled by a computer.

Onkyo has an OSD for source and volume (there are some questions as to its impact on PQ).

And for the record, a second subwoofer output is meaningless. a y adaptor for $5 does the same.

The 708 internet radio isn't optional - it is a fully internet ready AVR. It comes standard with Internet Radio Connectivity - SIRIUS Internet Radio - vTune - Last.fm - Pandora - Rhapsody - Slacker - Mediafly - Napster
Some of these services are pay to play and some are free such as vTune and Pandora. Rhapsody is not - I don't know about the others.

They are both decent AVRs and most buyers looking to spend $600 max will likely be happy with either one.

Marvell Qdeo is superior to the Farjouda in both synthetic and realworld testing. The Marvell Qdeo is the best AVR video processor I have tested, nudging out the ABT's 2015/0 chipset in the Denons and HQV Reon XV in the higher end Onkyos. Read a bit about my testing here: www.winstonseviews.com

It boils down to a question of favorite "flavor" and what set of features best meet your needs. Some people like what Audyssey does while others like MCACC - it is a bit like arguing that vanilla ice-cream tastes better than chocolate ice-cream, you can't argue it - it is just a question of preference.

Some love dynamic EQ while others such as myself find it too bass heavy and artificial in my listening room.

Buy whatever sounds best to you and meets your needs. Specs posted should just be a starting point to determine IF a certain piece meets your needs - after that, it comes down to preference once you audition them.

A few corrections to the Pioneer stats - the 1120 has 6 HDMI's in - 5 rear and one front. It also supposedly outputs 120 watts per channel, not 110. While not the same as DSX, the Pioneer does offer "front height" channels. While the Pioneer doesn't offer all the various internet streaming options that Onkyo does (Pandora a big one), it does allow you to connect Bluetooth devices via an add-on that works very well and you can stream audio content from your Apple or Android device easily - sound is very good too since they utilize technology from Air Studios to help with compression. Finally, Pioneer includes the iPod cable with the 1120, Onkyo makes you puchase their dock separately. Both are very capable receivers, which one you choose should depend on the few differences in features that would tip it one way or the other for you. My 1120 replaced a 705 (no issues), I just liked the extra features (iPhone app, video processing) that Pioneer offered plus it was cheaper at the time. With the deals on the 1120 right now it has a bigger price advantage then what you list unless you find a refurb via A4Less.

Edit: I think its wrong to give the Onkyo an advantage for having Audyssey vs. MCAAC - that is a personal flavor issue and I don't want to stir that debate. As an owner of an Elite and an older Onkyo that has Audyssey I like MCAAC better - but that's just me. I can understand why others like Audyssey and some of the things it does that MCAAC doesn't.

If you don't require hdmi 1.4, you will want to check out the Marantz 7002 on amazon (srry i can't link on this forum yet). I would be buying this as my $600 choice, however it's rather large and too tight of a squeeze for the depth of my shelf , but if you don't have space constraints, definately give it a look.
I believe the 1120 has better video processing, but if that is not ur top priority....

It's going for $599, list is 1399.

Stay away from Pioneer, I had one of those and did not impress me at all. Got my self a Yamaha and don't regret, or just go Onkyo. Good luck

Purchased the VSX-1120-k from Amazon for $425.00 last week. I found a 50.00 instant online rebate by doing some searching and found it on a website with link to Amazon for the rebate. Use rebate code 1020fall for getting the 50.00 back from Amazon and call them directly if it doesn't go through. Free shipping included and arrived in 2 days.
I also found open box at Newegg for under 400.00 on both the VSX-1120-k and VSX-33. VSX-33 was gone in 1 day.

Thanks for the commentary, it is a good point to mention about the video processor for us that can't keep up on all these units (read: newbs). I am going to go with the VSX-32 based on the commentary.

Great choice!

Don't the Onkyo's still have issues when the signal is lost, clicking and delay when signal is back. I checked out some when the store I go to had them, they quit carrying them. Probably not an issue when watching blue ray or dvd, but could be annoying when watching cable or sat. Have they improved that, haven't been able to check any of the newer ones out, where I live only able to demo Denon and Yamaha, not much selection

Also curious why Onkyo gets the win for Audyssey, when Pioneer has MCACC. I've used both (only MultEQ for Audyssey, and they are both great.). Pioneer also has Burr Brown DAC's, but that doesn't really matter.

sayeth the man who couldn't set his avr up right...

While Onkyo doesn't include a cable or a dock, full iPod support is offered via the front usb port - including transport, menu navigation, shuffle/repeat, and album art. So no dock needed.

I had been considering getting the 1120K, and hadn't even considered the NR708.

I see it also appears to have Multi-Channel Analog ins, whereas I dont believe the 1120K does. That, and the 12volt trigger, were 2 of the reasons I was leaning towards risking a POD with a Marantz 5004 over the 1120K.

I just dont know that I'd want to look at the words "Onkyo" on the front of my reciever for the next decade. Of course the last Onkyo I heard had a record player and an 8-track built into the cabinet...... its been awhile.

But it does appear to be better deal, feature wise, especially since I dont really care much about video processing.

I know that this is an old thread by I just wanted to clarify a few things as I've also been evaluating these receivers during my decision process:

- Pioneer has 120wpc
- Pioneer has Wolfson DACs
- Pioneer has new Marvel video processor

This is why I chose the Pioneer.

Also pioneer has the iPhone control app, so between that and bluetooth, you have full control of the receiver with your phone.

If u have an iPhone, or plans to get one, it makes this receiver a no brainer.

The tx-nr708 now has a iphone app also.

That's what Pioneer tells you, but it was benched at less than 50wpc into 7 channels. No biggie really as that's enough to power most speakers. The Onkyo has almost twice the power consumption (756W) so probably more power overall.

As long as we're updating... the Onkyo does support SACD. It accepts DSD over hdmi, although whether their current models convert it straight to analog when in direct/pure mode is still unclear (older models did, but the wording in the newer manuals is vague enough to make it questionable).

In any case, Onkyo converts the dsd to pcm in order to process it (as do others).

The Pioneer supports TrueHD as well.

The Pioneer does not appear to have a dedicated phono input (although the manual offers a cryptic "If your turntable has line-level outputs... connect it to the CD inputs instead.").

The Onkyo also offers s-video inputs, if that matters to you.

This is exactly the thread I am looking for! I am trying to decide between these two receivers. I currently have an older Onkyo TX-SR800 receiver and I am looking to upgrade.

Does anyone know what the TX-NR708 LAN port can be used for? I know you can configure the VSX-1120-k using a web browser. I wonder if the same is true for the TX-NR708.

@tridyman - Can you elaborate why you were unimpressed with the VSX-1120-K ??