OnkyoTARW255 vs. Sony TCWE475 Dual Decks
579980
This replaces a Sony TCWE475 that wiped out after I tried to extract a jammed tape (no complaints after 10 years of service).  I was inclined to get another Sony deck (currently the #1 seller on Amazon), but I'm hopeful the Onkyo may be more capable of handling a snarled tape without self-destructing before my eyes.  Also, it's a nice complement--mechanically and visually--to my Onkyo Stereo Amp (TX-8222).

Cassettes are largely dead technology, so some of the features unique to either machine will not be as relevant as once was the case.  The Onkyo boasts hi-speed dubbing; the Sony does not.  The Sony gladdens a musician's heart with a Pitch Control knob; Onkyo apparently assumes not enough music fans have good enough pitch for such a control to matter.  The Sony also comes with an automatic search feature that's not only quite effective but can come in handy for locating "tracks" whether for playing or dubbing; the Onkyo omits this feature.  Aesthetically, the Sony's full-sized volume knob (for adjusting auto record) is more satisfying than the shrunken, diminutive knob Onkyo assigns to this function.  Otherwise, I give Onkyo points for making their cassette deck more immediately readable and accessible than their receiver, with its many same-sized black buttons that are flush to the receiver's face. The instruction manualsare both complete (but not overwhelming) and clearly written (give Sony a slight edge for especially complete, user-friendly instructions and diagrams.  The Sony is slightly lighter and more compact, and sentiment and past experience would lead me to recommend it over the Onkyo, especially when the price appears to be slightly under the Onkyo's.  But the "what have you done for me lately" phenomenon has left a bad taste, leading me to recommend the Onkyo, if for only a single reason.

Both the Sony and Onkyo manuals warn against the use of 2-hour cassette tapes (they're thin and highly breakable).  Nevertheless, when I'm recording a 2-hour show away from home, that's what I felt compelled to use.  The result: one of them jammed in my Sony.  When that happens, you're s--d, because there's no way to open the door to get at and remove the defective tape.  Neither Sony nor Onkyo has answer for this predicament in their troubleshooting section of the manuals.  So my hope, possibly prayer, is that the "apparently" heavy-duty Onkyo will handle defective tapes better than my Sony did.  (Face it, nowadays equipment that costs a hundred or two is cheaper to replace than to send out for repair.)

A couple of closing recommendations.  Don't buy a used cassette deck or turntable unless it's screamingly cheap and/or you've had a chance to check it out thoroughly.  (Loudspeakers and amplifiers are an altogether different proposition.)  Also, ignore manufacturers' claims that some of the other tape decks (and turntables) are "specifically designed" for analog to digital conversion. Additionally, be wary of overusing Dolby B and especially Dolby C.  With today's compressed recordings, your results will most likely sound more full-frequencied (i.e. no muted treble) without NR.  And last, if your computer lacks a simple 1/8" audio input, you can pick up a USB adapter for several dollars.  And in most cases (since Sony and Onkyo, for example, don't try to snag innocent consumers with bogus claims about digital conversion), you'll have a better-sounding result because it's been played back on more reliable, proven audiophile equipment).  Consumers apparently soon catch on, which is why the "conversion" components with unfamiliar names rarely receive rave reviews on Amazon.
4948538
I bought this from Amazon about 6 weeks ago & so far so good. This is an upgrade from a 2005 Onkyo receiver that didn't have HDMI inputs/outputs but did have 4 digital audio inputs. My older receiver was also 7.1 so I all I had to switch out the receiver and plug in the cables. My rating for this receiver is 4.25 stars.

The audio delivers a good punch for a medium sized room. It has decoded every digital audio format I have thrown at it. I'm using Powered Zone 2 for my patio but be aware: powered zones 2 & 3 don't work with digital audio sources, only analog ones. But, there is a way around it. For example, I'm running Direct TV's audio & video to the Onkyo receiver via the HDMI cable. Since this is a digital signal Powered Zone 2 won't see this. The trick is to add an RCA cable to the Direct TV receiver's audio output & plug the other end into the Onkyo's Cable/Sat RCA input. You will now have digital audio to the Onkyo (from the HDMI cable) and analog audio to the Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 (from the RCA cable). Now I can hear the Direct TV music channels in the patio. It's nice for BBQ's, gatherings, etc. This trick will work with the other inputs too.

The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there is slight problem that I haven't figured out yet. Every time I change the channel on Direct TV, the TV loses the video signal for a few seconds (TV displays "no input."). After a few seconds the video comes back. I don't know if this is causing extra wear & tear on the TV's internal components (circuit boards, fuses, etc.). I have tried multiple things (including the update) but haven't solved this problem. I don't know if anyone else has experienced this or if it's only happening to me.
3411434
I got it from Best buy , And it is horrible !for the money the Denon are the best on the market !, ARCAM its dream ...
 so , the Onkyo Fuzzy  sound, Not Crispy !!! just regular sound ,,
U can go to Best buy and try one .... and Denon ... u will see the different on face !)this one 550$ with taxes..the Denon was 630$ wth taxes .. but the 80$  nothing compare to the quality ..
 Thank you
4454625
I have installed two pairs of these speakers in my 6.1 surround system.  I am using these for surround left, surround right, rear, and center.  Combined with two&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Sony-SS-F6000-Floor-Standing-4-Way-Speakers-pair-black/dp/B000OG4E20/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Sony SS-F6000 Floor-Standing 4-Way Speakers (pair, black)</a>&nbsp;for the front, one&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Polk-Audio-PSW505-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-Single-Black/dp/B000092TT0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black)</a>, and driven by&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Onkyo-HT-RC360-7-2-Channel-Network-Audio-Video-Receiver-Black/dp/B004UR487U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2-Channel Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black)</a>.  The system sounds amazing for the price.  For wall mounting these speakers I strongly recommend&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Pinpoint-AM-10-Universal-Bookshelf-Speaker-Wall-Mount-Pinpoint-AM10/dp/B0016KJ9XW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Pinpoint AM 10 Universal Bookshelf Speaker Wall Mount - Pinpoint AM10</a>.  I had planned to use a&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Sony-SS-CN5000-Dual-Center-Channel-Speaker-Each-black/dp/B000OGA81Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Sony SS-CN5000 Dual Center Channel Speaker (Each, black)</a>&nbsp;as the center channel, but as far as I can tell these SS-B1000's use the same tweeter and driver for a much lower price.  I don't think you can do better than this speaker for the price.
3312651
I've had this on my Onkyo receiver for about a month. I stream Pandora mostly and so far no problems.
4217090
Sound output is distinct and clear. Coupled with its upscaling.  I am enjoying the NR555. With movies or music the sound is emersive. You will need a subwoofer if you can't bi-amp your speakers to get the bass it can deliver. I have a set of Paradigm Monitor bi-amp speakers coupled with a Paradigm  SE Center Speaker and I am very happy with the output quality of the Onkyo.
348763
I am a long time Onyko AV receiver fan, having used these for the last ten years.  When it was time to upgrade my TX-SR804, I picked the TX-NR709, because I have a TX-NR708 in use in another room and really like it's performance.  However, although the two receivers are almost clones, Onyko made some changes in the calibration firmware that actually degrades performance, rather than improving it.  Even with the latest firmware the Audyssey calibration boosts the surround channels much higher in gain.  The only way I can get things to sound normal is to reset the TX-NR709 to the factory default and to manually calibrate the speakers.  I first thought it might be the fault of the setup microphone so I tried the setup mike from my TX-NR708.  Same Problem!  I called Onyko tech support to find out if others reported a similar problem.  Not to their knowledge.  Hopefully the NJ tech support people will report this to Onyko engineering for possible firmware correction.
4185051
I bought the Onkyo S6300 recently, I also purchased additional 16 guage audio cables (the speaker cables included are really low quality). it sounded good when I played a couple of movies (streaming from netflix through my Wii)I thought it would sound better after I calibrate it using the audyssey mike but it actually got worse and I quickly reverted back to the default setting before it was calibrated.
It was when I played some music through the reciever that I realized how bad the speakers really were, I have an ancient panasonic sterio system and the quality of sound from the sterio system was a world apart compared to that from the Onkyo. I tried using the Panasonic speakers instead of the Onkyo and it was obvious that, it was the speakers that were making such a huge difference, I then went out and bought a Sony speaker to replace the Onkyo center speaker and that made it even better.
If you plan to play music as well through the Onkyo I would strongly suggest that you just buy the receiver and the subwoofer and get better quality speakers for the rest. I have the 5 Onkyo speakers sitting snug in a cabinet.
2036534
Bought it refurbished direct from Onkyo. Also, I bought the 2 yr extended warranty. It quit [no sound] after 2.5 years but was fixed free under warranty. While it was being repaired, I bought the TX-NR636, and will use the 616 as a backup if the 636 needs repair. Between the two of them, I've got at least 1 receiver at any time.
1907669
FIrst off I'm an audio engineer on a budget!  I was a Yamaha guy.  And I was going to upgrade my old Yama to a new one with HDMI inputs and upgrade to HD audio.  But for the price I was astounded by the Onkyo 808.  Sound is full and dynamic!  With Audyssey Multi EQ and it's Audyssey Dynamic EQ kicked in I've never heard a receiver give a consistent level of quality I've never heard before from top to bottom end from every speaker.  It is something to hear for yourself.  It has replaced the old "loudness" button as you know it to help get that kick you want at ANY volume.

Now for the bad.  I made all the necessary firmware upgrades.  But there is a 24p bug in the Faroudja chip.  It will stick every so often on a frame which is very annoying.  I was about return the unit even though I was very pleased with the sound quality.  I wanted to use this receiver as a HDMI switcher and to extract it's HD audio from my blu ray collection.  So I did some research and found there are forums for the 708-1008 models and they ALL have the same 24p issue.  If you use 30p or 60i (cable, Wii, VHS etc) it will play fine.  I've used various sized HDMI cables and Blu ray players but no solution except one. You need to turn off the Faroudja processor. They have a bug that causes a dropped frame every 41s with a 24p source.  It is in the manual and it's easy to do.  You do lose the on screen display but the read out on the unit is big enough.  Note when you defeat the chip it's the CLEANEST signal to your projector/TV  so it's not a bad thing it's just a pain cause I do appreciate the up scaling of my other sources to 1080p which this unit does just fine.

I do HIGHLY recommend this receiver if you feel comfortable to switch the Faroudja chip on and off when your watching your 24p Blu-rays or if your fine with making your Blu-ray player send out a 30p signal instead.  In my set up the difference between 24p and 30p is noticeable.  24p being the superior.  But to each their own.

Hope this helps!

JBL 7.2 System
Sony 570 Blu Ray
HD-20
106" Grey Wolf
Toshiba HD-DVD A2
Comcast Motorola
Wii
4224698
Like the previous reviewer, had a similar issue with the hdmi switching, called onkyo, they said never heard of it before and suggested to get it serviced or return it.  we will see if the new one works.  the product might just need better packaging, protection for the HDMI board or need to ship the receiver separately from the speakers.
1513556
The Onkyo TX-SR606 is an improved version of the popular Onkyo TX-SR605. The TX-606 features an upgrade to 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs, up from 2 HDMI 1.3 inputs in the TX-SR605. The 606 is loaded with features usually found in much more expensive systems. It can upscale video to 1080i over HDMI. It can decode HD audio sources (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA). I'm very happy with the performance, and its 90 Watts (@ 8 ohms) to all 7 channels is more than enough power for me. It is extremely user friendly, and in my opinion,  everything is laid out well. Same goes for the remote. The TX-SR606 comes with a newly designed, easier to use remote. All in all, the 606 is an excellent AV receiver. Good performance. Nice features. Easy to use. Priced right. I give it 5 stars for an entry-level AV receiver.
3246041
Yes, I returned it asap, was not working right, and the support seems to be nonexistent. Real bummer, was a HUGE fan of Onkyo, not any more.
427441
really the same av receiver as Onkyo TX-SR313
really
the  Onkyo HT-S3400 has been flawless and I am waiting for Bluetooth  & RF and the rest of the goody's before upgrading
these entry level onkyo av receivers are  all most people need
mine has been flawless
3216159
I have the Onkyo TX-NR609 and wanted to use its DLNA abilities to stream music wirelessly from my computer. I assumed the best solution was to use the official WiFi adapter to do so, but that turned out not to be the case. This thing's reception is poor, regardless of the router used. Playback would frequently skip, severely disrupting the listening experience. If you're thinking about getting this, I recommend you look at the TP-Link TL-WN722N instead. It is a compatible alternative as it uses the same wireless chipset, but is far better at doing its job than this official adapter.

THE ONKYO UWF-1: EXPERIENCES AND TROUBLESHOOTING

The router I used at first was a Linksys 160N, which is quite dated and by far not the best performer. The signal was weak, averaging 40% and sometimes dropping to 30% despite being only one room away. Figuring that my router was the problem, I upgraded to the Netgear WNDR3800. My signal jumped to an average of 60%, occasionally dropping below that. Skipping was somewhat less frequent, but the problem was not resolved. The manual and other reviewers suggest using an uncrowded WiFi channel for optimal performance. The Netgear WNDR3800 has a "Clear Channel Selector" feature which switches to less busy 2.4 GHz channels automatically. I also live in my own house and the WiFi around my area isn't particularly crowded either. Despite these conditions, this thing demonstrated consistently poor performance.

THE TP-LINK TL-WN722N: UNOFFICIAL, BUT FAR SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE

The TP-Link TL-WN722N uses the same chipset (Atheros AR9271) as the UWF-1 and is compatible with the Onkyo TX-NR609 as well as, I assume, any other receiver that recommends usage of a wireless adapter using said chipset. The TP-Link adapter features a detachable antenna and comes with a USB cord. When using it, my signal climbed to around 95%, occasionally hitting 100%. Suffice to say it was an incredible improvement compared to the official Onkyo adapter. That said, upgrading my router also boosted my signal with the UWF-1, so the improvement is not exclusively due to the TL-WN722N. I still get skipping, but much more rarely. When using the TP-Link adapter, playback skipping drops dramatically and streaming music becomes the (mostly) pleasant experience it ought to be.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Forget the official Onkyo UWF-1 adapter and get the TP-Link TL-WN722N instead. There is absolutely nothing the former does that the latter doesn't do significantly better.
2022399
i am extremely happy with my purchase of onkyo's tx-8050 stereo receiver.i haven't purchased a receiver in over 30 years so i was hesitant in making my decision.my last one was a jvc r-x500b so you can see what i mean.that was a 1st gen remote controlled receiver and things have changed quite a bit! i wanted to stay with stereo reception being old school,but having experienced pandora i knew there was alot more out there.finally settled with the 8050,but i was concerned with some of the reviews as far as the net reception.i took a chance and was extremely pleased with the results! i went with the wireless lan connector and it took me over a week to get it hooked up and working.quite confusing were the directions and i can say i was pretty discouraged getting it to work.i'm not computer savvy but i didn't give up.i'm so glad because of the choice of stations and the quality of the sound as well as the tuner's ability to pull in stations have proven to me that i got a winner.i know there are alot better,more powerful,higher quality units out there, but for the price i paid,all i can say is TRY IT!
3178723
This Onkyo is a great value!  It is powerful (90 watts per channel), clear, and full of the latest features, including:

7.1 decoding for ALL surround sound codecs
Auto Calibration w/ included microphone(easy AND accurate)
4 HDMI inputs and 2 component inputs for 6 total HD hook-ups
HDMI repeater, so the signal does not degrade and cause video drop-outs
Easy to use universal remote

I have had it for a month and I love it.  It replaced a 6.1 Denon.  I would say the sound is very comparable, but this has WAY more features and costs less!  I use it for movies (DVD, Blu Ray, HD-DVD) and gaming (Wii, XBOX 360, PS3)and they all sound awesome.  I love the lossless sound (DTS HD MA and Dolby TrueHD).  A must buy (I paid $348).