Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI - Product Profile

The Onkyo TX-SR606 Home Theater Receiver offers 7.1 channel processing with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, four HDMI audio/video inputs with video switching and upscaling, Sirius Radio ready, and is iPOD Dock compatible. This receiver also features the Audyssey 2EQ Dynamic EQ automatic speaker setup and room correction technology. The TX-SR606 has an MSRP of $579. For further details on the features of this receiver, keep reading this product profile.

The TX-SR606 offers four HDMI inputs and one output, as well as two 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-SR606 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The TX-SR606 can also upconvert all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

The TX-SR606 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. The SR606 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-SR606 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the SR606 also has a set of preamp outputs for multi-zone operation.

The TX-SR606 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the TX-SR606 to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the TX-SR606 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs.

Another useful audio feature is the ability for the TX-SR606 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.

Speaker connections on the TX-SR606 consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring.

The Onkyo TX-SR606 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 SR606 is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

The Onkyo TX-SR606 features 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 upscaled up to 1080i via the HDMI monitor outputs.

The fluorescent front panel display and the Onscreen Menu system, in conjunction with the supplied wireless remote control, makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast.

To make using the subwoofer easier and more precise, there is a built-in adjustable crossover function for the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channel.

In addition, the incorporation of Lip-Synch adjustment on the SR606 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

The TX-SR606 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has Sirius satellite radio accessibility. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving 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 SR606, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system.

The TX-SR606 features an automated speaker setup and room correction technology called Audyssey 2EQ. By connecting the provided microphone to the SR606 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 manual adjustments after the auto set up is done in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

In addition to the automatic speaker setup system offered by Audyssey 2EQ, the Onkyo TX-SR606 also incorporates the Audyssey Dynamic EQ feature. Dynamic EQ allows for real-time frequency response compensation when the user changes volume settings, For more specifics on how Dynamic EQ works in relation to volume settings and room characteristics, and how this can benefit the user, check out the official Audyssey Dynamic EQ page.

Final Take

With the TX-SR606, Onkyo has incorporated high end features in a reasonably priced home theater receiver, such as four HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, and Sirius satellite radio and iPOD compatibility.

On the other hand, some features missing from the TX-SR606, that have been included in previous generations of Onkyo receivers in this class, such as the TX-SR605, include XM-radio compatibility and Neural Surround processing, as well as a third HD-component video input, and a front panel digital audio input.

Also, another feature that this lacking, that would have been nice to include are 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog audio outputs. This would have added to the flexibility to the SR606, enabling the user to attach more powerful amplifiers, if desired, turning this receiver into an inexpensive, but flexible, multi-channel preamp/processor.

However, the missing features are minor when you consider the targeted market for the SR606. If you are planning to purchase a mid-range priced home theater receiver, with lots of HDMI inputs, and potentially good performance, then TX-SR606 may deserve your attention.

The TX-SR606 is available in either black or silver finishes at a suggested retail price of $579 -Compare Prices (Black) - Compare Prices (Silver) .

For a further look at features and specifications, check out the Official Onkyo TX-SR606 Product Page and User Manual.