Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Prologic IIz

The Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver brings high-end audio/video performance, as well as flexibility, at an extremely affordable price. This receiver is rated to deliver 90 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio decoding, as well as two new audio features: Dolby Prologic IIz and DTS Surround Sensation audio processing.. On the video side, the TX-SR607 has 5 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and up to 1080i upscaling via Faroudja DCDi video processing. The TX-SR607 is listed at $599 and comes in a Black or Silver finish. For more details, check out the TX-SR607 Product Page. Compare Prices

The TX-SR607 offers a total of Six (5 rear/1 front) HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Two HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite 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-SR607 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The TX-SR607 can also upconvert all standard definition analog video input signals to 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 two subwoofer preamplifier outputs.

The TX-SR607 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-SR607 to extract 7.2-channel audio from any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the TX-SR607 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.

The TX-SR607 is also the first home theater receiver to feature Dolby Prologic IIz processing. Dolby Prologic IIz offers the option of adding two more front speakers that are placed above the left and right main speakers. This feature adds a "vertical" or overhead component to the surround sound field (great for rain, helicopter, plane flyover effects). Dolby Prologic IIz can be added to either a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel setup.

Another new audio feature is DTS Surround Sensation, which allows 5.1/6.1/7.1 channel audio to be heard within a two-channel soundfield. This adds more depth to the two-channel environment.

Speaker connections consist of color-coded dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way binding posts for all main channels.

A useful speaker connection option is the ability for the TX-SR607 to be used in a full 7.2 channel configuration, or in a 5.2 channel setup in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operation in a second room. However, if you want to use the full 7.2 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. in this setup you will have to add a second amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2.

The Onkyo TX-SR607 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 5 Hz to 100 kHz the SR607 is up to challenge from any source, including Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Video Processing:

The Onkyo TX-SR607 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 makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast; wireless remote control provided (see photo). Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channels.

Additional Features - AM/FM/Sirius Satellite Radio:

The TX-SR607 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in connectivity for a Sirius Radio Tuner. Subscription and optional tuner/antenna are required for receiving Sirius Satellite Radio Service. Their are also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM stations.

The SR607 also features an automated speaker setup function called Audyssey 2EQ. By connecting the provided microphone to the SR607 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.

The Onkyo TX-SR607 also incorporates the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume features. 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.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume stabilizes the sound listening labels so that the softer parts of a soundtrack, such as dialog, is not overwhelmed by the impact of loud portions of the soundtrack. For more details, check out the Audyssey Dynamic Volume page.

Final Take

With the TX-SR607, Onkyo has incorporated high end features in a reasonbly priced home theater receiver, such as six HDMI inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, Sirius satellite radio and iPOD compatibility, and two new audio features: Dolby Prologic IIz and DTS Surround Sensation.

Also, the TX-SR607 has a "Universal Connection Port" on the rear panel that will accept an accessory Onkyo HD-Radio Tuner or iPod Dock. Another connection feature that is included is a front-mounted HDMI input, which is great for Game Systems, such as the Sony Playstation 3 or high definition Camcorders. For more added flexibility, the TX-SR607 also have two subwoofer line outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 7.2 channel description).

On the other hand, the TX-SR607 does not have a dedicated Phono input for a turntable, nor does it have any S-Video inputs or outputs.

Two other notable omissions are the lack of of 5.1 channel audio inputs as well as the lack of 5.1/7.1 channel preamp outputs. What this means is that if you have an SACD player or DVD-Audio compatible DVD player that does not have an HDMI output, then you will not be able to access multi-channel SACD or DVD-Audio content from those devices using analog audio connections.

One the other hand, if you are planning to purchase a mid-range priced home theater receiver, and you don't need multi-channel analog audio inputs, a dedicated phono input, or S-Video connection, the TX-SR607 offers practical features that complement the new generation of source devices, such as Blu-ray Disc and Upscaling DVD players, HD Cable/Satellite Boxes, and even Game Consoles, such as the Sony PS3.

The TX-SR607 is available with either a Black or Silver finish with a suggested retail price of $599. Compare Prices.