I just bought an Onkyo 606 and is very happy with its capability, sounds wonderful too.
I read a lot of online review before the purchase so I have the expectation that the non-HDMI upconverting is not the best, which I'm okay with. I only have my Wii that's not HDMI.
However, for some reason, I found that my HD box and Bluray player's picture quality seems to be not as good as they directly connecting to my TV when they're passing through the 606. I'm using pass through mode already in the 606 but color just seems to be lighter and softer.
Is this expected or does other people have the similar experience? It's slight but to me it's kinda noticeable.
The only other variable is the HDMI cables. I use cheap < $10 each one for now and I have no idea whether these are for what version of HDMI... does it matter? I'd really like to keep my connection this way because before the 606 everything was very cluttering and now I have only one cable to my TV which I love it.