Home > Consumer Reviews > Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

I bought this receiver wanting some security that it'd still be useful in a home theater setup several years from now. The 705 has all the features you'd want in a "future-proof" piece of gear, such as HDMI 1.3 and processing of all the latest HD audio formats. The upconversion is a minor benefit (I don't use it at all as it tops out at 720p) but may be useful to some. Overall, I've been very happy with it. It sounds good, has a robust feature-set, terrific remote, and works as it should. I can't imagine a better HT-friendly AVR value right now than the 705.

Great receiver! Brought it refurb through the factory. You can find out all the great things in the other reviews (I'll mention a couple) but I will mention the minuses as these tend to help me make my decisions.

1. Runs damn hot...do not store this in an enclosed cabinet. I can only barely touch the top of it without being burnt...but I knew this from the other reviews so as long as you are expecting this then it isn't a -ve. I keep mine in a glass faced cabinet but with the entire back wall removed from the cabinet. It is also placed at the bottom shelf with about 8" of room above it...no problems to date.

2. I was trying to run my pc through the hdmi switching to the tv but because the receiver isn't the 'tv' the pc drivers are getting confused and currupted because it is seeing the receiver; causing me all sorts of grief. (the video card in my pc is a 6800GS is case anyone needs to know). This removes one of the real reasons I wanted this particular unit...3 hdmi inputs and one out. Now I have 2 cables running to to my tv. I have read that the other issues can be a change in pc resolution rather than the flat out 'not going to work' situation I have. There may be other options if you can use component or composite inputs into the receiver from your pc video card but for my card it isn't.

Update:
Had to use a "DVI Detective" ($60) to be able to use the pc with the HDMI switching.
One other slight negative - can't see the OSD when using HDMI inputs. Causes a little guessing issue as to whats happening with your receiver when it is not in sight...otherwise a non-issue.
Good website: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=935808


Aside from these issues the rx is easy to use and I had the thing up and running in about 10 minutes...then spent a few hours in total messing around with all the settings...but that can be done at your own leisure. (Don't forget to set your input and outputs up if you want it running immediately...especially for the HDMI as it isn't set for those by default)...oh, and I love the on-screen-display and the auto speaker setup options...makes configuring that much easier.

Hope this helps!!

I recently purchased the Onkyo TX-SR705 to replace an older Kenwood THX receiver. Setup was very simple and was made even easier due to the HDMI inputs which simplified connection to my satellite receiver and my HD-DVD player. The automatic speaker setup/levelling worked very well even though I only have a 5.1 speaker configuration (no rear surrounds). After setup, I played snippets from several movies (both HD and SD) and I was amazed at how much more "live" my entire home theater room became. The sound definition was spectacular and I was hearing things that I had never heard before. I can't wait to do some more indepth testing of this unit, but so far, I am extremely pleased. Definately two thumbs up to Onkyo on this one.

Onkyo TX-SR705 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) This receiver rocks. Easy setup and was up and running in no time. Haven't had any ticking noises like some posted about or any lipsync issues other then what is normal with some of the HD channels on Directv. Receiver does get hot in right rear corner but I fixed that with a adjustable powersupply from Radioshack and 4 spare 80mm case fans that I had. Now it runs at about 77 F according to the internal temp. monitor. (Hold Display button down and hit Standby/Power button once then release display button and hit tone. Must do quickly to get it to work)Takes a bit of time to go through Audessy setup if you do all 8 positions but well worth the effort. Way better then my old Yamaha 6.1 receiver. Get this receiver if you can. Don't think about it---DO IT! PS. Read the first time setup section to save you some trouble in setup.

There is enough power to spare with this unit. It was simple to setup even without studying the owner's manual. The configuration schema were very useful, however. They saved me from purchasing an extra HDMI cord. The remote is a little bulky and clumsy, but it is effective in managing my plasma TV, Blu-Ray, Playstation, and HD sat box. The professional reviews of this product were spot on: a lot of higher end features value in a lower priced product. There is plenty of expansion capabilities with this unit; however, I am all in with three HDMI cords to manage the TV, Sat box, and Blu-Ray.