Onkyo TX-SR605 Home Theater Receiver with HDMI and both XM and Sirius Radio

The Onkyo TX-SR605 Home Theater Receiver brings high-end audio and video performance features, as well as flexibility, to a more affordable price range. With built-in HDMI switching, Faroudja video processing, iPOD connectivity, XM, and Sirius Satellite Radio Compatibility, the Onkyo TX-SR605 is worth a look and a listen. The Onkyo TX-SR605 has an MSRP of $599.

The TX-SR605 offers two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and S-Video inputs, two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The TX-SR605 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The TX-SR605 can also convert all standard definition analog video input signals to either component or HDMI video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

The receiver has four assignable digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and two Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output. NOTE: The TX-SR605 does not have dedicated phono inputs for a turntable.

The SR605 also has a set of 5.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1 channel analog audio connection options. The TX-SR605 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the SR605 also has a set of preamp outputs for multi-zone operation.

The TX-SR605 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. In addition, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx. processing enables the TX-SR605 to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the TX-SR605 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs. The TX-SR605 also includes Neural Surround processing, which allows access to surround sound programing that may be on XM satellite radio.

Another useful audio feature is the ability for the TS-SR605 to be used in a full 7.1 channel configuration, or in a 5.1 channel configuration in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operation in a second room. However, if you want to use the full 7.1 channels for your home theater environment, you can still run an additional 2-channel system in another room by using the Zone 2 preamp outputs. However, you will have to add a secondary amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 delivers 90 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms via its seven internal high-current WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) power amplifiers. With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz the SR605 is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Speaker Connections

Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 features both Component and HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition video input signals are deinterlaced using Faroudja DCDi video processing and converted to progressive scan via the component or HDMI monitor outputs.

The fluorescent front panel display makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channel.

The TX-SR605 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in XM and Sirius Radio Tuners and has the capability of decoding XM 5.1 channel broadcasts with its Neural Surround decoder. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving XM or Sirius Satellite Radio Service. There are also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM/XM or Sirius stations or channels.

With the optional iPOD dock, in conjunction with the 605, you can incorporate your iPOD listening and control right into your home theater system.

In addition, the incorporation of Lip-Synch adjustment on the 605 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

Additional Features - Audyssey 2EQ

The SR605 also features an automated speaker setup function called Audyssey 2EQ. By connecting the provided microphone to the SR605 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The Audyssey 2EQ uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

Final Take

With the TX-SR605, Onkyo has incorporated high end features in a reasonably priced home theater receiver, such as HDMI 1.3a video and audio capabilities, Faroudja DCDi video processing, incorporation of both XM and Sirius satellite radio, and iPOD connection compatibility. If the TX-SR605 delivers what Onkyo promises, the bar would certainly be raised in terms of features and performance per dollar, and would certainly meet the needs of most mainstream home theater consumers.

If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, the Onkyo TX-SR605 may deserve your attention.

The TX-SR605 is available in either black or silver finishes at a suggested retail price of $599. Compare Prices.

For more specifics, check out the Onkyo TX-SR605 Product Page.

Lastly, the TX-SR605 is also included as the receiver in Onkyo's HT-SP908 Home Theater System. For more details, check out my Product Profile of the HT-SP908.