I personally wouldn't spend the money on an Onkyo again. Their warranty is junk for anything over 1 year old problems. And at that point, you have to pay to send the receiver in for "evaluation", and then they'll likely just offer you a refurb at a "discounted" price. That in my case, ended up with shipping everything back and forth, was more than the cost of a comparable NEW one from a competitor. I'd stay far away from Onkyo, but YMMV
I had problems with my 5.1 onkyo going into protection mode and the HDMI broke on it within a year or so of ownership on two separate occasions.
I was able to drive it to a service center to be fixed under warranty, so I didn't have to pay shipping... but it's the only receiver I've ever had issues with... and was a hassle. I've never had a problem with any of my other receivers which I've had for many years (Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer), so I'll stick with one of those brands and avoid Onkyo personally.
I've had 2 of these, spanning about 10 years. no issues at all. sound is incredible. They can have heat issues if in a sealed cabinet. Will buy one again when looking to upgrade.
I could use a new receiver. Anyone have experience with Onkyo?
I have one of the earlier versions of this receiver (The TX-NR616), and my experience with it has been great throughout the 5+ years I've owned it. This is the 2016 model, and if my budget would allow for it, I would definitely pick up one of these, not because of any issues with my current one, but simply for the newer features mine does not have:
4K HDR Pass-through (HDR10 out of box, Dolby Vision after Firmware update) Dolby Atmos/DTS-X support Googleast (built-in Chromecast - requires Firmware update) Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth
The problems with bad HDMI boards in Onkyo receivers some other reviewers mentioned were primarily an issue with those receivers released around the same time as mine (2012), and AFAIK have not affected any units in recent years. Still, as with any tech purchase over $150, I'd recommend getting a SquareTrade warranty or something similar to cover it, just to be safe, as any product series will inevitably end up with some lemons.
Worth noting, Onkyo has since released a newer 2017 version - the TX-NR676 (They skipped making a TX-NR666, likely because of the biblical associations with that number).
The biggest difference between the two are that the TX-NR656 has 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs (7 back - 1 front), but only the first 3 support HDCP2.2, and thus full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through, whereas the newer TX-NR676 has only 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs (6 back - 1 front), but they all support HDCP2.2/full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through. The front HDMI input is somewhat useless in my experience, as plugging in anything there means constantly having a cable sticking out the front. So which would be a better fit largely depends on how many devices you have, and how many of those make use of the advanced 4K features. Of course, only the TX-NR656 is on sale now, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope the information ends up being of some help, and good hunting!
I could use a new receiver. Anyone have experience with Onkyo? I have one of the earlier versions of this receiver (The TX-NR616), and my experience with it has been great throughout the 5+ years I've owned it. This is the 2016 model, and if my budget would allow for it, I would definitely pick up one of these, not because of any issues with my current one, but simply for the newer features mine does not have:
4K HDR Pass-through (HDR10 out of box, Dolby Vision after Firmware update) Dolby Atmos/DTS-X support Googleast (built-in Chromecast - requires Firmware update) Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth
The problems with bad HDMI boards in Onkyo receivers some other reviewers mentioned were primarily an issue with those receivers released around the same time as mine (2012), and AFAIK have not affected any units in recent years. Still, as with any tech purchase over $150, I'd recommend getting a SquareTrade warranty or something similar to cover it, just to be safe, as any product series will inevitably end up with some lemons.
Worth noting, Onkyo has since released a newer 2017 version - the TX-NR676 (They skipped making a TX-NR666, likely because of the biblical associations with that number).
The biggest difference between the two are that the TX-NR656 has 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs (7 back - 1 front), but only the first 3 support HDCP2.2, and thus full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through, whereas the newer TX-NR676 has only 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs (6 back - 1 front), but they all support HDCP2.2/full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through. The front HDMI input is somewhat useless in my experience, as plugging in anything there means constantly having a cable sticking out the front. So which would be a better fit largely depends on how many devices you have, and how many of those make use of the advanced 4K features. Of course, only the TX-NR656 is on sale now, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope the information ends up being of some help, and good hunting!"/>
How come they no longer put switched outlets on the backs of these receivers anymore?
I haven't seen any in this price-class for close to a decade now; I think the fact that most of the devices you would connect to the back (TV, Cable Box, etc) are no longer basic "dumb" electronics that only require live power to turn on properly is probably a big factor. Most of these devices also include some form of basic computer platform, which generally don't respond all that well to regularly being turned off "hard" (i.e., power cut) rather than "soft" (allow them to prepare and turn themselves off). They are also generally designed to stay in low-power standby mode rather than be completely cut off, so doing so can interfere with their intended UX functionality.
Another reason is probably just cost - since the feature both has the possibility of interfering with the operation of connected devices AND would cost money to implement, it's somewhat of a lose-lose proposition for the manufacturer. In addition, CEC over HDMI can be used to send signals to the relevant connected devices to turn themselves off, which the industry has largely accepted as providing the same basic functionality (even if it doesn't always work the way we consumers want it to).
How come they no longer put switched outlets on the backs of these receivers anymore? I haven't seen any in this price-class for close to a decade now; I think the fact that most of the devices you would connect to the back (TV, Cable Box, etc) are no longer basic "dumb" electronics that only require live power to turn on properly is probably a big factor. Most of these devices also include some form of basic computer platform, which generally don't respond all that well to regularly being turned off "hard" (i.e., power cut) rather than "soft" (allow them to prepare and turn themselves off). They are also generally designed to stay in low-power standby mode rather than be completely cut off, so doing so can interfere with their intended UX functionality.
Another reason is probably just cost - since the feature both has the possibility of interfering with the operation of connected devices AND would cost money to implement, it's somewhat of a lose-lose proposition for the manufacturer. In addition, CEC over HDMI can be used to send signals to the relevant connected devices to turn themselves off, which the industry has largely accepted as providing the same basic functionality (even if it doesn't always work the way we consumers want it to)."/>
Comments & Reviews (10)
I was able to drive it to a service center to be fixed under warranty, so I didn't have to pay shipping... but it's the only receiver I've ever had issues with... and was a hassle. I've never had a problem with any of my other receivers which I've had for many years (Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer), so I'll stick with one of those brands and avoid Onkyo personally.
I have one of the earlier versions of this receiver (The TX-NR616), and my experience with it has been great throughout the 5+ years I've owned it. This is the 2016 model, and if my budget would allow for it, I would definitely pick up one of these, not because of any issues with my current one, but simply for the newer features mine does not have:
4K HDR Pass-through (HDR10 out of box, Dolby Vision after Firmware update)
Dolby Atmos/DTS-X support
Googleast (built-in Chromecast - requires Firmware update)
Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth
The problems with bad HDMI boards in Onkyo receivers some other reviewers mentioned were primarily an issue with those receivers released around the same time as mine (2012), and AFAIK have not affected any units in recent years. Still, as with any tech purchase over $150, I'd recommend getting a SquareTrade warranty or something similar to cover it, just to be safe, as any product series will inevitably end up with some lemons.
Worth noting, Onkyo has since released a newer 2017 version - the TX-NR676 (They skipped making a TX-NR666, likely because of the biblical associations with that number).
The biggest difference between the two are that the TX-NR656 has 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs (7 back - 1 front), but only the first 3 support HDCP2.2, and thus full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through, whereas the newer TX-NR676 has only 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs (6 back - 1 front), but they all support HDCP2.2/full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through. The front HDMI input is somewhat useless in my experience, as plugging in anything there means constantly having a cable sticking out the front. So which would be a better fit largely depends on how many devices you have, and how many of those make use of the advanced 4K features. Of course, only the TX-NR656 is on sale now, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope the information ends up being of some help, and good hunting!
I have one of the earlier versions of this receiver (The TX-NR616), and my experience with it has been great throughout the 5+ years I've owned it. This is the 2016 model, and if my budget would allow for it, I would definitely pick up one of these, not because of any issues with my current one, but simply for the newer features mine does not have:
4K HDR Pass-through (HDR10 out of box, Dolby Vision after Firmware update)
Dolby Atmos/DTS-X support
Googleast (built-in Chromecast - requires Firmware update)
Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth
The problems with bad HDMI boards in Onkyo receivers some other reviewers mentioned were primarily an issue with those receivers released around the same time as mine (2012), and AFAIK have not affected any units in recent years. Still, as with any tech purchase over $150, I'd recommend getting a SquareTrade warranty or something similar to cover it, just to be safe, as any product series will inevitably end up with some lemons.
Worth noting, Onkyo has since released a newer 2017 version - the TX-NR676 (They skipped making a TX-NR666, likely because of the biblical associations with that number).
The biggest difference between the two are that the TX-NR656 has 8 HDMI 2.0 inputs (7 back - 1 front), but only the first 3 support HDCP2.2, and thus full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through, whereas the newer TX-NR676 has only 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs (6 back - 1 front), but they all support HDCP2.2/full 4K/60Hz HDR pass-through. The front HDMI input is somewhat useless in my experience, as plugging in anything there means constantly having a cable sticking out the front. So which would be a better fit largely depends on how many devices you have, and how many of those make use of the advanced 4K features. Of course, only the TX-NR656 is on sale now, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope the information ends up being of some help, and good hunting!"/>
I haven't seen any in this price-class for close to a decade now; I think the fact that most of the devices you would connect to the back (TV, Cable Box, etc) are no longer basic "dumb" electronics that only require live power to turn on properly is probably a big factor. Most of these devices also include some form of basic computer platform, which generally don't respond all that well to regularly being turned off "hard" (i.e., power cut) rather than "soft" (allow them to prepare and turn themselves off). They are also generally designed to stay in low-power standby mode rather than be completely cut off, so doing so can interfere with their intended UX functionality.
Another reason is probably just cost - since the feature both has the possibility of interfering with the operation of connected devices AND would cost money to implement, it's somewhat of a lose-lose proposition for the manufacturer. In addition, CEC over HDMI can be used to send signals to the relevant connected devices to turn themselves off, which the industry has largely accepted as providing the same basic functionality (even if it doesn't always work the way we consumers want it to).
I haven't seen any in this price-class for close to a decade now; I think the fact that most of the devices you would connect to the back (TV, Cable Box, etc) are no longer basic "dumb" electronics that only require live power to turn on properly is probably a big factor. Most of these devices also include some form of basic computer platform, which generally don't respond all that well to regularly being turned off "hard" (i.e., power cut) rather than "soft" (allow them to prepare and turn themselves off). They are also generally designed to stay in low-power standby mode rather than be completely cut off, so doing so can interfere with their intended UX functionality.
Another reason is probably just cost - since the feature both has the possibility of interfering with the operation of connected devices AND would cost money to implement, it's somewhat of a lose-lose proposition for the manufacturer. In addition, CEC over HDMI can be used to send signals to the relevant connected devices to turn themselves off, which the industry has largely accepted as providing the same basic functionality (even if it doesn't always work the way we consumers want it to)."/>
Thank you!