Replacing Onkyo HT-R530 from htib. looking at Onkyo tx-nr515/616/717.

I am looking to upgrade an Onkyo ht-r530 from a htib setup. Receiver works and sounds great, but would like to upgrade for HDMI and sound.

What I need:

Sound quality
Up conversion for older Xbox 360 and wii
On screen display
MHL
5.1 is enough
Android app control
Need to be able to use Logitech remote to switch between devices.
3D
HDMI pass with receiver off
Would like 4k for future proofing

I was wanting to know if the sound quality will be any better on the receivers listed over my current receiver, and if there is a big difference in the models I listed. Was leaning toward the tx-nr616 for $50 more than the 515. Will there be any sound quality upgrade if I spent an extra $200 for the 717 over the 616?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Edited by tshrimp - 10/23/12 at 9:24am

Any suggestions?

I went to the store and looked at several models, and still leaning toward the Onkyo's.

Is the TX-NR717 much of an upgrade over the TX-NR616 (specs of THD seem better on the 717), and what would be a comparable receiver from Yamaha?

Thanks

I understand what you are saying, but my Onkyo htib speakers actually sound better than my polks connected to my Yamaha, and are sold as individual speakers with very good ratings.

I also just found a good deal on a Denon avs1913. Is this as good as the Onkyo tx-nr616? I have never been a big Denton fan, but would consider. I see where the avs2113 is more on par with the 616.

One reason I am looking to upgrade is for HDMI. I currently can only use my receiver for audio only.

Thanks so much for the reply. I have a question about the Audyssey. My brother has it on his Onkyo (not sure what version) and it made things sound worse. He ended up disabling it and doing things by hand and it sounds much better now (was there when he set everything up). My Yamaha has YPAO (I think that is what it is called). It was the same. Sounded bad after I ran it, and I had to tweak the heck out of it. So not sure I am sold on the automated EQ stuff.

On reason I am worried about the Denon over the Onkyo is 2 fold. A friend of mine had an Onkyo 606 (HDMI went out) and "upgraded" to a higher end Denon which he loves. But he did say to me that the only thing he liked better about the Onkyo was the sound quality. That has me worried a little as I want great sound quality.

One other thing I noticed is receiver weight. The Denon is about 5 lbs lighter than the Onkyo. I am not a pro, but every receiver I have purchased that has been on the light side has ended up back at the store. Will the matter here?

Also the reviews on the TX-NR616 are outstanding from professional testers. I know the online reviews have showed some issue, but a recent Firmware update shows to have fixed the issues.

The Denon also has fewer features than the Onkyo (such as MHL) which I might use in the future.


To summarize:

1) Is Audyssey difference really big enough to be a deal breaker since no automated EQ has ever worked well for me? (has there been any test with one receiver setting up with low end or no Audyssey and one with Higher end Audyssey and unknown testers pick best sound?) Concerned about the placebo effect.
2) If TX-NR616 Firmware update has fixed the issues would it be a higher end receiver?
3) Are the extra features worth the sacrifice? (In other words if the Denon is better is it enough better to give up the features?)
4) What would I be getting with the Denon over the Onkyo other than upgraded Audyssey?
5) Is the Weight difference telling a story?

Thanks for the help. Sale on both are Ending tomorrow, and I hate being in a rush (maybe they will be extended)

Thanks for the response. You are correct here is what I have now. http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/onkyo-ht-s780-black/4505-6740_7-31481416.html

It got great reviews when it came out, and am not sure if upgrading will get me much.

I assume Onkyo is just putting there name on the speakers they are selling, but who knows. These are similar as they no longer make mine. http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B000GU78Z4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351181110&sr=8-1&keywords=onkyo+speakers

They do sound very good IMO. A friend of mine actually bought some Boss speakers and after listening to my setup he returned them and got the same ones I have. Cousin has Klipsh. Not sure what model, but they cost him $500 used, and my polks are RM6750.

I just noticed that the Denon doesn't even have AM radio (my talk radio and sports will be affected). I am also worried about what I call the "Honda Syndrome". This is where someone like the product no matter what the looks, quality, etc. I read here that Denon is great all over this board, and that might be true, but I am worried about the "Honda Syndrome".

Is Denon really that much better sounding then Onkyo? In a blind sound test would I notice the difference? Reviews online show very similar audio quality. With so many features missing from the Denon my fear is I am not thinking of a feature I will want to use and not have it. No worry with the Onkyo as it has everything. I know sound is king, but is the light weight Denon (20lbs) better than the Onkyo (25lbs). I know weight is not everything, but every light weight receiver I have owned was crap and sounded average at best. I did see an Onkyo tear down, and the reviewer stated how high quality the parts were.

Thanks for all your help. Hard choice. I am thinking about keeping my current setup as it sounds good, but the prices are very good right now on the two receivers.

Edit: Just found this and it compares the two receivers along with 2 others. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AhtQ0KI9vZ0PdFVMbnBRakE0TFc5X1hyV19yX1pYUlE&output=html
Edited by tshrimp - 10/25/12 at 11:34am

I want to thank everyone for their help. I ended up going with the Onkyo TX-NR616.

Reason was 2 fold:

1) Pro reviews on the web for the Onkyo were stellar. Usually same as the Denon 1913 for sound, but with more features.

2) Waited too long and the Denon went off sale and is now much more expensive.

I am concerned about the quality issues, but have an Onkyo now and it has been very good, and like to stick with a company until they give me a reason not to. If all that is keeping the TX-NR616 from being a great receiver is a Firmware update than I think I will be good. I just hope the firmware update isn't hiding a hardware issue. But for the price I am getting, and because Onkyo has always done me right I will give it a try. I hope I don't regret the Aud 2EQ, but then again I have never had much luck with those anyways.

Also did see a breakdown of the Onkyo in a video, and the reviewer commented on the quality parts compared to a Pioneer and a Denon. Pioneer worse, then Denon, (2113) then Onkyo (NR-TX616). He did give the nod to the Onkyo, but thought the Denon might have slight edge though very slight edge on sound.

Airplay is also not a factor for me even though I have a lot of apple gear (Mac, iPod). If I went this route I will get Apple TV. But for those looking for an internet tv player. Look at Roku 2. Thing is amazing. Also the new Roku stick should work with the Onkyo as it has MHL port.

Thanks again for all the help.