[.uk] ONKYO TX-SR576 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

• 80 Watts per Channel Minimum into 8 Ohms, 20 Hz¿20 kHz, 0.08%
• HDTV-Capable HDMI Video Switching (1080p;3 Inputs and 1 Output)
• Audyssey 2EQ to Correct Room Acoustic Problems and to Calibrate Speakers
• Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback in Another Room (Separate Source)
• Bi-Amping Capability for Music and Movie Sound Effects

Everything you need, nothing you don't:
I bought the TX-SR576 (from Amazon) and a H/K AVR-247 (BB display unit) to ultimately pick one to replace my Onkyo TX-SR501. I got the H/K because I've always wanted a Harman/Kardon AVR and b/c BestBuy sold it to me for $250. I got the Onkyo because the TX-SR501 that I've been using for several years was a real home run in its performance I figured I'd have similar good results. The end result is that the H/K is going back to Best Buy b/c while it sounded very similar to the TX-SR576 (they both sound great), the 576 won out b/c I managed to get better bass from the Onkyo; yes, for those of you who know about this stuff....I DID update the firmware in the H/K. I'm somewhat sad by this b/c I really wanted to keep the H/K, but I can't argue with better overall sound from the Onkyo. Other things in favor of the Onkyo....simple to set up even without an on-screen display. Setting up the 3...yes T-H-R-E-E HDMI inputs was effortless as was using the microphone to calibrate the settings for my Boston Acoustics speakers. The TX-SR576 doesn't decode Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD but it will handle multi-channel PCM through each HDMI port.....excellent results with my HDDVD and Blu-ray player. The absence of Dolby True HD and DTS HD onboard decoding isn't a problem, b/c neither of my HD disc players can bitstream lossless audio.....I still get the benefit of lossless audio with multi-channel pcm. I also get 5.1 audio through the HDMI from my Verizon Fios box. It's not remotely as pretty as the H/K, but it works better...it's moron-proof simple to use.

All That And More...:
I was looking to upgrade to an A/V unit with HDMI capability since I had just bought HD LCD TV. I had a Pioneer A/V, purchased in 1990, which had served me extremely well. It was connected to a surround sound system with speakers built into the walls. I started researching and found the ONKYO rated highly in the price range I was targeting. Since installation it is all its reviews have stated and more.

Sounds great, unless you have a PS3:
If you search "Onkyo buzz PS3" on google, you'll find there are many others with this issue. From their previous 505 to 605 models, there's been this serious issue with the receiver and PS3 having some sort of HDMI conflict and causing a very, very audible buzz sound that makes the system unusable. I've contacted Onkyo on several occasions with no response. It is ridiculous to have a brand new system have major issues like this. This is my first Onkyo system and most likely my last one I will ever buy. DO NOT GET THIS SYSTEM IF YOU HAVE A PS3. You'll run into exactly what I described.

ONKYO TX-SR576:
It was time for me to replace my 20 Years old AKAY and Herman Kardon receivers. I went through a selective and analytical study of most commercial units available today in the market, under a define budget of $400.oo For this price the ONKYO SR576 is top of the line. Good locking, practical,instructions are OK. easy to connect. It dissipates lots of heat, needs a well ventilated area. Sound is superior,Signal reception is very good. Excellent Remote control. connectivity is exellent and has enough range for all my gadgets. The auto speaker calibration is fantastic.

Great value & quality....Onkyo has kept its reputation:
After a lot of online research and customer reviews from various sources, including consumerreports(...) on the best home theater systems & speakers, Onkyo was rated the best in terms of price, quality and features. Harmon Kardon speakers were rated best. Believe me, HK was rated better than Bose...which is three times the price! This was my first A/V receiver purchase and HTIB system combined w/HK speakers which I purchased at Amazon too. In addition to the exquisite sound quality from Onkyo, the main feature I liked was its four HDMI inputs and the Odyssey auto set-up. Other brands with 4 HDMI inputs cost double. Installation was easy due to easy instructions, color coded speaker inputs, and Odyssey. During the Odyssey auto set, we were amused hearing the funny sound each speaker & subwoofer made while caliberating itself to the room's size & acoustics. It seemed as if the speakers were taliking to each other! The online menu was easy to understand. It took me & my son about 45 minutes to setup. Should take less for more experienced people. I have a 46" Samsung 1080p LCD HDTV which was connected with one HDMI input from the receiver. The cable box and the Sony PS (can be used as a Blue Ray player) was connected to the receiver with HDMI cables. I also connected an optical cable to the TV for audio playback, if necessary. The Onkyo remote was easily synced with my TV, although some cable box features (like channel info details, etc.) don't work on the remote. But that's no problem. I bought speaker wires from Flatwire(...) and concealed the wires myself. The Flat speaker wires, a bit pricey, are paper thin and can be installed on the wall surface w/o having to cut thru walls. Overall, Onkyo has kept its reputation of quality and value. Highly recommended.