... my house and this one is by far the best receiver even without using the power amplifier
355659
I have 3 different flat antenni for different TV's in my house and this one is by far the best receiver even without using the power amplifier.  Excellent buy...
4288202
Bought this to replace a Pioneer 1022-K, which on paper is a far superior receiver, but in reality has issues.

My old receiver had HDMI problems with my Xbox One and Comcast Cable boxes, everything else worked fine, Xbox 360, PS4, Fire TV, Blu Ray, but both the Xbox One and Cable Box had an issue where when you switched back from any other input you would get a grey static screen and you had to switch it to that input several times before it would produce a picture. Enough about that.

I chose this receiver because it had the bare minimum requirements I need, and honestly puts out a lot lower power than I would have liked, my main speakers are a set of old Infinity SM122s, which are large speakers and love lots of power, and the reviews. I read reviews of every single receiver from every reputable brand priced between $250 and $700, and they all had the same reviews, great piece of kit, but lots of one and two star reviews because of poor HDMI performance and HDMI failure, except this one, when I bought it it didn't have a single one star review, and only a single two star (which came from a person who obviously hadn't read the description and wasn't reading the owners manual).

On to the good stuff!

This receiver is great, the sound it produces is fantastic, even without the gobs of power that the Pioneer was rated for, the old speakers sound better with this receiver. The ability to name the inputs is nice, very nice, my family aren't as thrilled with futzing around with electronics as I am, and having the display tell them that they have chosen "xbox1" or "FireTV" makes it much easier for them to live with. And most importantly the HDMI works perfectly with all of our devices, no annoying grey screens or having to toggle the input ten times to get a picture.

The networking feature is simple and effective, I am happy with that. That is another issue that the Pioneer had issues with, it had great networking features, but for weeks at a time the networking flat wouldn't work. I also like the smartphone app on the HK much better.

The smaller size of the unit frees up valuable space on the stand, which is nice, and allows more room for air to circulate. This receiver runs much cooler than the Pioneer as well, which I hope will lead to a longer life (although I didn't have the Pioneer long enough to find out if it lived up to the long life of my previous Pioneer products). My dad still has some HK components from the seventies that are soldiering on today, and still being used daily  (I grew up in a house with lots of music, mostly through that old Harman Kardon setup and EPI speakers). Honestly four or five years will be plenty, by then there will be new video formats to deal with, and all kinds of new features I will want (this networking stuff is constantly evolving),

If you are on the fence on this one, and your hangups are the number of HDMI ports or power output, don't be. For the power output I am running a pair of Infinity SM122 front speakers, and the 70WPC this receiver puts out drives them louder and harder than I will ever need, and while they are efficient speakers, they are huge and very power hungry old fashioned floor speakers, if you are using smaller home theater style speakers 70WPC and a good sub will be enough to blow you away, and the sound will be crystal clear, which is what buying HK is supposed to be about anyway. If you are determined to have a 7.1 setup, then why are you reading this? If you have gotten this far give this receiver an audition, you may find that while on paper it looks a little plain, in reality it is jam packed with great sound.
3570439
I've been using Yamaha receivers for couple year and this is my latest upgrade. The receiver is so great and makes me feel the music and atmosphere in movies. I have 5.1.4 setups and the receiver can handle it very easily. Best of the best.
111188
After 1 year of use, 3 different configurations in two completely different rooms, I still absolutely love this receiver.  I have the receiver paired with 7 Polk speakers, and I still think this rocks. Take care to use speaker wire of the appropriate AWG for the length of the run for the surround sound speakers (my satellites need 20 ft of wiring to get the wires into less conspicuous locations).

With HD Radio and plenty of local stations using it (and an iPod), I skipped the whole networking thing.  Rhapsody and Napster aren't worth it to me.

Pros:
Great sound quality at all volumes
Handles every audio format my Blu-ray and DVR throw at it
Better than average GUI
HD Radio
Attractive remote for most uses

Cons:
Never got the subwoofer setup balanced -- with good, full-range speakers (24 Hz low end on my mains), the bass was overwhelming for every configuration I tried. So, I ditched the subwoofer (really!) and became beyond content. The auto setup correctly compensated and put in the "right" amount of bass.
"Late night" compression doesn't really work very well -- it's okay, but it still lacks something.
A minor detail, the speaker connections on the back are too closely spaced, imho.

As a note: setting up 7 speakers and 3+ components does involve a significant know-how, so I think the 1-star review didn't know what to expect.
4010701
The Onkyo TX-NR905 is the best receiver that I have ever owned. I replaced my previous Onkyo receiver which was a TX-DS989 and at the time was a excellent receiver. The setup could not have been simpler. I loved the on screen menu which was very intuitive, I did not have to open the manual. The most incredible feature is the Audessy speaker setup. I plugged in the included microphone and immediately the setup screen popped up and told me where to place the microphone and after about 20 min of it sending sounds though the speakers it knew exactly the distance of all my speakers I was really impressed with that function it made setup a whole lot easier, plus the sound that comes from it now is INCREDIBLE!!! and it is because of this new feature it is more accurate than I or anyone could be with speaker configuration. The video up conversion has made my HD picture even more crisp, I am very impressed with that as well. There a ton of other features that makes this so worth the money for example the ipod connection, HD radio, The built in ethernet allows you to access the built in web server so you can use your computers browser (Safari, Mozilla or Internet Exploder) and enter internet radio stations. Lets see....Sirius and XM features, etc... I highly recommend this receiver.
I also highly recommend the Panamax M4300-PM for your power supply filtration needs. I like that it displays the voltage on the front and has nice LED lights that shine down on the receiver to give it a really nice ambience.
Just a FYI Onkyo only will honor its warranty if you buy from a authorized dealer.
4828437
Wow! Wow! Wow! That is all I can say about this superb multi channel receiver.  I have a new 37" flat screen tv, a new blu ray player and my existing speakers for a 5.1 surround experience.  The receiver is what makes or breaks a home theater experience so which one you purchase is very important.  Price is not a factor for me when purchasing a receiver.  I did much research of professional reviews, user reviews and looked at its true capabilities.  This one looked like the perfect fit for me.

And that proved to be an understatement.  Setting up a piece of equipment has never been easier.  The instruction booklet and on screen menu are so simple to use and very explicit in describing why each step is taken and what each option will provide.  HDMI cords provide the best and highest quality of sound and video.  I simply attached my DVR, blu ray player into the slots in back of the receiver.  This receiver has 4 available hdmi inputs so you can attach 4 different pieces of eqiuipment for hdmi connection.  Amazing - such a bonus.  Then I easily followed the instructions to attach my speaker wires, hooked an HDMI cord from the receiver out to my tv and I was set to go.

SET UP IS SO SIMPLE.  There is a first step that performs initial setup of the receiver and is a step that can always take you back to the original settings if you make some mistakes and need to start fresh.  The auto calibration works amazingly well.  I performed the task with the steps given and it accurately measured the distance of each speaker from sitting position and set levels perfectly.  You also have 3 different calibration settings for 3 different listening locations.  So when I am in bed I click position 2 and the speakers adjust to my new location.  Awesome!

The unit also has a dynamic range compressor with settings to blend the loud and soft noises more closely together.  I needed this for I live in an apt. and without using this features the noise level on action blu rays got very loud.  There is also a night setting which lowers the base but keeps the audio at a perfect listening level.

Finally, for the first time, I have my regular tv always in surround sound and I am blown away.  This receiver also has excellent audio with the blu ray using tru audio and all audio options available on blu ray are here.  You will be blown away by the experience it provides.  All speakers work amazingly well.  Another plus is my tv accepts up to 1080p hdmi and this receiver delivers it.  There are 3 different movie audio modes and so many other options I have had no need for yet.

Many electrical components now come with a simple set up guide and a cd you must use to print out or look at the actual users guide.  This receiver has a 115 page user guide and everything is laid out step by step.  And as I said the menu that appears on the tv is very user friendly.

I have written such a lengthy review for recievers are very important and deciding which one to get is a difficult task.  I have never had a receiver that worked this well, was so easy to set up and had so many features.  Also important is that it has the capacity for any new advances that may come out in blu ray or hi def services.  This unit also has set up for up to 7.1 audio.  I only have 5.1 and that was so easy to set up.  But it has the capacity if I ever want to get more speakers or blu rays start releasing in 7.1 audio.

I highly recommend this receiver.  It is not settling in any way.  It has all the features you need and performs superbly.  You will love it.
4953014
This receiver is amazing.  Recently purchased to upgrade my home theater, replacing my old Denon.  I have been using Denon receivers for 20 years and their quality has never gone down and the first receiver I purchased in 1994 is still working today!
2688840
I owned a 2252B in late 70's early 80's. loved the sound but sold it when I got tired of neighbors, police, landlords, and having to move so many times! I just could not resist cranking it. Over the years I have bought at least ten receivers trying to find THE SOUND I LOVED SO MUCH. Clean, clear bass, mids and treble that were lifelike and not too bright or shrill.  WOW DO I LOVE THIS RECEIVER! More than enough power. SOUNDS FANTASTIC! I wanted old school stereo, as if the band is in front of me. I have it hooked to two yamaha YST-SW315 subs and Polk LSi9's. If you want to be the envy of all who hear this setup don't waste a ton of money, This is all you need, Just add DVR and OPPO Blu-ray Player. I also had my Marantz 6300 turntable restored and added a Grado platinum cart. I'm set for life. Oh ya, don't forget room treatments.
2255208
from the wi-fi, to the sound quality I love this receiver. I had an issue with the wierless at firs but once I figured that out I could not be happier with it. I would recommend it to any one who asked.
1384119
I recently purchased this receiver with a pair of jbl s38 speakers for fronts, a jbl s-center channel speaker, and jbl n26 rear speakers, and I have never heard a home theater setup sound so good at this price.  I have definetly heard better....from 4000 receivers, but for 99.9 percent of the population (me) this receiver is brilliant.  It has 6 total digital inputs (3 coaxial, 3 optical), multiple digital outputs, enough power that I have not yet brought my self to crank the volume for fear of ruining my hearing (for some reason Harman/Kardon underrates their receiver's power.  100 watt/channel sony is equal to about 40 watts or less on the HK scale), a really nice looking front and easy to use receiver, and to top it off you don't need a degree in home theater to set it up in a few minutes.
The only downside to this receiver that I have found is the lack of component video input/output, but this won't be a factor for the majourity of people.  One thing I was very happy, and actually suprised about, was that this receiver not only does a superb job at digital surround (DTS, Dolby Digital), but it also puts out transparent, crystal clear stereo sound from your favorite cds.  So many of those "home theater in a box" setups, with mini speakers and a subwoofer are able to nicely reproduce movies, becuase no single speaker/pair of speakers has to carry the load the entire time.  During Stereo listening, on the other hand, these setups really falter.  Sound becomes distorted, volumes are not very capable, and the sound is very tinny.  The HK avr 310 exposed to levels of ambiance to songs that i've been listening to for years.
 The inclusion of Logic7 and the best Pro Logic I have ever heard on any receiver, make watching tv a whole lot more fun.  I've owned this reciever for about three monthes now, and have only spent probably twenty-five minutes total setting it up, and I get great results.  In this price range, I challenge anyone to find a receiver that even comes close to the Harman and Kardon avr 310.
PS: This receiver comes with a two year warranty from h/k if something were to go wrong.  In past experiences with Harman Kardon, they have been exceedingly helpful in terms of repairs/replacements.
4038244
I am running this receiver in a 7.1 home theater setup and it does all the decoding and amplification that I need. It replaced a high end AVR-4806CI model for comparison. It does up-scaling to 4K video to my Sharp TV and looks great. Highly recommended if you doesn't need WI-fi, otherwise you will need to purchase a WI-fi receiver for the Ethernet port. Highly recommended.
3337347
I have had a few reciever's in my day, but this is the best so far. I have had Aiwa, sony, and Onkyo's. I previously had the Onkyo 606, and as fate would have it my reciever had a flaw. After any random amount of time it would power off, or go to stand by mode. I tried every scenario that customer service could make up. I purchased the same reciever for my father with the same set up and never had a single problem. To make a long story short I retuned my 606 and decided to upgrade to the 607 or 706 or 707. After price comparison and THX certification thoughts I went with the 707! Best choice yet. It has a little more power, 10 more watts per channel to be exact, but the power distribution is way better. The THX certification means everything. It is like someone is being held accountable and it shows. Even at low levels the sound is clear and even, which is what you would expect when you buy a good reciever. The 707 has 2 pre outs for subs which may or may not be a big deal over other recievers. I have polk speakers and a very nice sub for a complete 7.1 theater surround sound system powered through 12 gage wire(do not get cheap on your wire!) and with this reciever no one leaves unimpressed!!!!
338705
I love this receiver. It has full 7.1 sound and all the basics I need for my theater setup. The sound fields are very well set up and all are useful depending on what you are listening to. My other (more expensive) receiver is a Pioneer and the majority of its sound fields are downright crude and irritating except for the "auto" setting. The Sony setup menu could be a little more user friendly. The auto speaker setup with the microphone seems to work well. Speaker outputs aren't quite as configurable as I'd like but that's not a big deal since my speakers are well matched to begin with.  The FM sensitivity is merely adequate, as are most tuners these days, but who listens to FM radio at home anymore?
Overall this is a great receiver for the money - everything I need without all the bells and whistles I rarely would have used anyway. This is my second Sony receiver. The first one lasted for many years of trouble free service. As simple as this one is I expect it to last quite awhile as well.
998778
Im not going to write a lot because I don't have the time.

This receiver has done nothing but the best for me. Everything about it makes the set-up experience and the actual sound experience better than I have had before.

100% positive.

Recommended!
908623
I primarily use this receiver to listen to music and stream HD video from my computer. It's set up through a Display Port to HDMI adapter, and I've connected a pair of the THX-certified Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers through the headphone jack (I'm on a budget and I already had the ProMedia speakers). My TV is a 32" Toshiba HDTV. I didn't need any of the fancier features of other receivers, such as network capability, since I'm already using my computer.

Video performs as expected, and the HDMI-CEC feature is super convenient. And yes, the sound is excellent! I've been using high-end computer audio hardware for years (e.g., M-Audio's consumer sound card line, Echo Indigo sound cards for laptops). I'm not an audiophile per se but I appreciate good sound. Let me tell you: This receiver delivers! It really lets the speakers shine: bass is tight with significant oomph, mids are clear, and highs are crisp. The dynamic range is also phenomenal. Everything from the tinkling of keys to loud explosions come through, adding layers of depth to the experience. Listening to music and watching TV and movies has never sounded so good.
895936
This is my second Yamaha stereo receiver. The first was a CR 2020 purchased about 32 years ago. That unit produced 150w per channal and had a natural clean sound. The right channal finally went out so I purchased the RX 497 to replace it. This unit at 75w per channal sounds even better then the CR 2020. Obviously 30+ years of tech advances does make a difference. If you are looking for clean natural distortion free sound this is the unit to purchase.
4716064
I love this receiver, after comparing several model from Yamaha, I decide to go with an old model which also had very good feedback.
I am not desapointed at all. It does the job very well, the sound and other several options avalable on this receiver are more than ennought for my leaving room.