Product Description

The TX-SR806 occupies a unique position in the Onkyo line-up. It is classed as a mid-range A/V receiver. But with its advanced capabilities and THX Ultra2 Plus certification, it's a worthy challenger for high-end status. Built with high-definition entertainment in mind, the TX-SR806 accommodates up to five HDMI sources that can handle both 1080p video and studio master-quality surround sound. That's more high-def sources than you'll find on any other Onkyo A/V receiver. If that weren't enough, onboard Faroudja DCDi Cinema scales all standard definition sources to 1080p for HDMI output, or to 1080i for component video output. Endowed with the amplification power and dependability expected from an Onkyo A/V receiver, the TX-SR806 stands out as a natural choice for high performance home theater.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88 in Television
• Color: Black
• Brand: Onkyo
• Model: TX-SR806B
• Dimensions: 7.63" h x 17.13" w x 16.94" l, 37.50 pounds

Features

• 130 W/Ch Minimum into 8 Ohms, 20 Hz¿20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• THX Ultra2 Plus Certified
• HDMI Audio and Video Processing (1080p; 5 Inputs and 1 Output)
• Push-Pull Amplifier Design with 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry
• XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio Connectivity

From the Manufacturer

Onkyo TX-SR806 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black): A Mid-Range Receiver Breaking into High-End Territory with Advanced High-Def Audio and Video Processing

The Onkyo TX-SR806 occupies a unique position in the Onkyo line-up. Onkyo classes it as a mid-range A/V receiver. But with its advanced capabilities and THX Ultra2 Plus certification, it's a worthy challenger for high-end status. Built with high-definition entertainment in mind, the TX-SR806 accommodates up to five HDMI™ sources that can handle both 1080p video and studio master-quality surround sound. That's more high-def sources than you'll find on any other Onkyo A/V receiver. If that weren't enough, onboard Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ scales all standard definition sources to 1080p for HDMI output, or to 1080i for component video output. Endowed with the amplification power and dependability expected from an Onkyo A/V receiver, the TX-SR806 stands out as a natural choice for high performance home theater.

Superior Performance and Reliability

Includes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding

To ensure that all mid-range and high-end A/V receivers in Onkyo's 2008 line-up meet THX's comprehensive performance standards, THX engineers spend countless hours testing and analyzing sound quality, usability, and interoperability for each model. This enduring relationship between Onkyo and THX guarantees even greater reliability and quality from certified A/V receivers. The 2008 range features two new THX standards: THX® Ultra2 Plus™ and THX® Select2 Plus™. These standards include THX® Loudness Plus™, which enables home theater audiences to experience rich detail and ambient sound in a surround mix at any volume level.

Advanced Faroudja Video Processing with 1080p/1080i Upscaling

The Faroudja name is synonymous with high-quality video processing. The Faroudja technologies incorporated into Onkyo's 2008 A/V receiver range give you the power to bring out the best from both high-definition and standard-definition video content. The Faroudja DCDi Edge™ video processor converts interlaced video signals to progressive scan signals and effectively eliminates video artifacts from HDTV images. The Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ video processor is a more sophisticated version that drastically reduces video noise without sacrificing image quality and sharpness. Both processors can scale standard-definition sources up to 1080i--and DCDi Cinema can additionally upscale to 1080p--for output to HDTVs.

This system features a high-bandwidth processor capable of transferring 1080p (Ver. 1.3a/Deep Color, x.v. Color) through the HDMI output; and 1080i HD upconversion is achieved with a powerful Faroudja DCDi processing chip. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. With playback specifications that meet the standards of professionals, it features HD component video (2x inputs/1x output) switching for high-resolution low-distortion video reproduction.

Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment

Onkyo A/V receivers use Audyssey's MultEQ™ XT, MultEQ™, or 2EQ™ to counter distortion in dedicated home theaters. All of these solutions focus on the frequency response and time domain (where most of the problems lie) across the entire listening area. The results are immediately obvious--a clear, well-balanced and natural sound. The 2008 A/V receiver range features two new Audyssey technologies: (1) Dynamic EQ™, which selects the best frequency response and surround levels moment-by-moment, for the best listening experience at any volume; and (2) Dynamic Volume™, which maintains the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range.

Bi-Amping Capability

Taking a cue from the world of high-end audio, you'll find bi-amping capabilities in Onkyo's 2008 line-up. This allows for a number of different home theater set-ups beyond the standard surround-sound configurations. Compatible front speakers can be bi-amped for separate tweeter and woofer inputs.

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Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 130 W/Channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz)
• THX Certified: THX Ultra2 Plus™
• Amplifier Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz
• S/N Ratio (LINE IN): 106dB
• HDMI video up-conversion with DCDi Cinema technology
• Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding
• DTS Decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio
• Music Optimizer: Yes
• Audyssey Dynamic EQ: Yes
• Faroudja DCDi Edge™
• 192K/24 Bit DACs: Yes
• Multi-Band Speaker EQ: 5 Band
• Audio I/O: 8/2
• Digital Audio IN (OPT/COAX): 3/3
• Composite I/O: 5/1
• S-Video I/O: 5/1
• Front-Panel Optical: Yes
• Component Video / Bandwidth: 2/1/50MHz
• HDMI V1.3a repeater:: 5in/1out, 1080p compatible
• 480i to 480p Processing: DCDi Cinema
• 1080i Upscaling: DCDi Cinema
• 1080p Upscaling: DCDi Cinema
• Powered Zone2: Yes
• Zone 2 Line Out: Yes
• iPod Ready: DS-A2x, DS-A2, DS-A1
• Auto Speaker Calibration W/Mic: Audyssey Multi EQ

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Choosing an Onkyo A/V 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver for Your Home

Onkyo offers several quality A/V receiver system and speaker packages that are just right for your home. Which A/V receiver system you choose depends on how much you are willing to spend and which features you prioritize in a home theater environment. Here is a quick breakdown of these A/V 7.1 channel home theater receiver systems.

	The TX-SR806 (Black): The TX-SR806 occupies a unique position in the Onkyo line-up. Onkyo classes it as a mid-range A/V receiver. But with its advanced capabilities and THX Ultra2 Plus certification, it's a worthy challenger for high-end status. Built with high-definition entertainment in mind, the TX-SR806 accommodates up to five HDMI™ sources that can handle both 1080p video and studio master-quality surround sound. That's more high-def sources than you'll find on any other Onkyo A/V receiver. If that weren't enough, onboard Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ scales all standard definition sources to 1080p for HDMI output, or to 1080i for component video output. Endowed with the amplification power and dependability expected from an Onkyo A/V receiver, the TX-SR806 stands out as a natural choice for high performance home theater.
	The TX-SR806 (Silver): The TX-SR806 occupies a unique position in the Onkyo line-up. Onkyo classes it as a mid-range A/V receiver. But with its advanced capabilities and THX Ultra2 Plus certification, it's a worthy challenger for high-end status. Built with high-definition entertainment in mind, the TX-SR806 accommodates up to five HDMI™ sources that can handle both 1080p video and studio master-quality surround sound. That's more high-def sources than you'll find on any other Onkyo A/V receiver. If that weren't enough, onboard Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ scales all standard definition sources to 1080p for HDMI output, or to 1080i for component video output. Endowed with the amplification power and dependability expected from an Onkyo A/V receiver, the TX-SR806 stands out as a natural choice for high performance home theater.
	The TX-SR706 (Black): In the mid-range category, credibility is gained through exceptional performance and a high degree of functionality. There's no better example of this than the THX Select2 Plus Certified TX-SR706 A/V receiver. With a certified amplification design and ability to process full high-definition audio and video, the TX-SR706 marks the boundary between cost effectiveness and high-end functionality. Look to some notable firsts at this level: (1) The ability to scale all sources, such as standard DVD, up to 1080p video with the industry recognized quality of Faroudja DCDi Cinema™; (2) an efficient push-pull amplification design originally created for Onkyo's high-end receivers; and (3) THX® Loudness Plus™ technology to maintain the impact of home theater even at low volume. To cap off a remarkable home entertainment component, we've also included RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control; advanced Audyssey room acoustic correction technologies; and XM® and SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio and iPod® connectivity options.
	The TX-SR706 (Silver): In the mid-range category, credibility is gained through exceptional performance and a high degree of functionality. There's no better example of this than the THX Select2 Plus Certified TX-SR706 A/V receiver. With a certified amplification design and ability to process full high-definition audio and video, the TX-SR706 marks the boundary between cost effectiveness and high-end functionality. Look to some notable firsts at this level: (1) The ability to scale all sources, such as standard DVD, up to 1080p video with the industry recognized quality of Faroudja DCDi Cinema™; (2) an efficient push-pull amplification design originally created for Onkyo's high-end receivers; and (3) THX® Loudness Plus™ technology to maintain the impact of home theater even at low volume. To cap off a remarkable home entertainment component, we've also included RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control; advanced Audyssey room acoustic correction technologies; and XM® and SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio and iPod® connectivity options.

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Customer Reviews

mmmm THX
This receiver is amazing. Setting it up was a breeze. For the nontechnicaly advanced and new comers everything is color coded.

When it came to setting up the speakers I came into a small problem. A slight error on my part. So I hope this advice helps others when setting up the speakers. This receiver comes with a mic that is used to electronicaly test the distance from each speaker to 1 of 6 seating positions one at a time to ensure best sound in all 6 seating positions. When using the set up mic to automatically adjust your speaker setting without having to do it manually make sure the surround speakers from your previous 5.1 plug into the "surround" speaker outputs NOT the "Back surround" speakers. The Back surround is for a 7.1 connection which I still need to upgrade to. If you plug them in the wrong outputs of the receiver you will get an error message while performing the auto speaker set up. This will also cause a problem if you try to manually set up the speakers too.

Aside from that small mishap- sounds great easy set up- self explanatory remote- and the reason I bought it, the THX certification.

The THX certification basically means Onkyo paid Lucas to certify that the equipment meets the THX standards. There are several units on the market that might meet the THX lever of quality but unless products pay for the certification we wont know. To me this shows Onkyo cares about letting you know what you are getting. Some people don't need or want this. If this is you Id suggest looking for a model or 2 down the line. This certification is why this unit has the sticker price it does.


This unit also has 5 HDMI inputs to plug all sorts of HDMI items in like Xbox 360, PS3, a Blu Player ETC... and one HDMI out to connect to the TV. I also like the blue backlite volume knob and the green display on the face of the unit. If you connect the HDMI out there is a on screen option that allows you the visibility of reading off your TV set vs. the small display screen on the unit. This is good when setting up the speakers.


This unit also reads several of upgrade audio options found on the Blu DVDs.

UPDATE 4/27/09
A few things to add...
when connecting electronics in through the HDMI you can choose how it will be displayed when it leaves the receiver and shown on the screen.

In the options I selected to have all images displayed as 1080i since that is the native resolution picture my current TV supports. So my 360 and blu ray all have their images altered via the receiver to the native resolution my screen can handle over all offering a better image. (only through HDMI)

I can also set each sound format (DTS-HD, DOLBY DIGITAL, Dolby TRU HD, ETC.) to be automatically switched to the sound preset of my choosing offered by the receiver. For example NOT THAT I WOULD EVRE DO THIS but if my Blu Disk had a Dolby TRU HD soundtrack I could set my receiver to send the signal out in mono. Doing so will automatically adjust every Dolby TRU HD soundtrack to mono. This is good if you have a specific sound option avail on the receiver you tent to enjoy most. The amp will make a slight click noise to let you know it switched over and boom you get the sound option you want vs reaching for the remote and searching for the sound option you desire.

Also each input, Game, DVD, Tape, CD etc. has its own memory. So whatever you set for the DVD option will not be automatically applied to the game option. This allows me to pick my favorite sound options for each input.

You can also set the default volume setting when you turn the receiver on. So if you shut it off without turning it down it will not turn on at the last volume but rather the preset desired volume. You can also select the volume of how you "mute". Either 50% of the current volume or completely off. You can also pick any volume level between the lowest and the highest available. If you dont want it plaied too loud you can also select the loudest volume level you desire. This wont allow the volume to raise over that selected volume level.


Another feature I liked is the ability to rename inputs. I changed the name of my DVD input to read Blu Ray and my Game input to read XBOX360. Now when I uses the remote to select DVD or game the new names I relabeled show up on the onkyo display.

Over all I am happier and happier with my purchase each day. There are still so many features I have only begun to breech the icecap!

An Advanced HD Receiver
The Onkyo TX-SR806 will process all the latest High Definition formats flawlessly. It's all here at a price that other receivers can't touch at twice the price. Outstanding Audio Quality from Stereo to 7.1 channels. I have had high-end receivers before, but this model is the best. My speakers never sounded so good and I hear sounds that were not possible until now. Blu-ray discs with True Dolby HD or DTS Master Audio are heavenly perfection. The receiver will pass-thru HDMI Video or the built-in processor can enhance it. The receiver set-up will automatically adjust the acoustics or you can tweak the nearly indefinite number of adjustments available to enhance the sound quality to any way you like. There are no heat concerns (like last years model) as the unit operates at a cooler temperature.

The only part of the package that could be improved is the layout of the remote control. Some buttons like the remotes volume control should have been bigger, more conveniently located and back-lit.

If you are looking for an HD receiver for today and tomorrow this one will entertain and thrill like a never ending roller coaster ride.

The Monster that Ate Your Rackspace
I really didn't want to buy a receiver. On top of that, I really didn't want an Onkyo--I didn't know much about it and the Yamahas were something I'd had a good track record with. I had to get a receiver because mine was just too old for any of these connections--Composite Video was the best it had to offer. I passed on Yamaha because the price difference at the time was insane.

Consider me impressed: the back of the TX-SR 806 is bristling with connectors, just about anything I could imagine. It even has plugs for Sirius or XM Satellite Radio adapters. You should know that Satellite Radio will require purchase of an antenna and visible access to the sky--in a specific direction, depending where you live. [...]

As for the rest, I purchased HDMI cables...and was a bit exasperated. We had a few video problems on my Samsung PN58A550 television that were specific to the receiver, and, ha-ha, we didn't specifically buy HDMI 1.3a. Seems like an industry-wide scam, given the quick version changes and the added cost, but purchasing 1.3a stopped screen flicker and audio weirdness.

There is one other problem you should be aware of: on the PS3, some Blu-Ray titles will broadcast blue snow in the black spaces. It can get especially bad--I noticed it most in Gran Tursimo 5 Prologue--and again this is an issue with the Onkyo, not the PS3. I tried multiple configurations and the only solution was that the Onkyo can't properly pass-through a 1080p signal, so you have to downgrade your console a notch to output 1080i (I've read this happens with XBox 360s, too). You take care of this problem by stepping through a configuration wizard on the PS3: in the System menu, there's an option for video output settings, and in one step is a series of checkboxes for the different resolutions. Uncheck the top-most resolution and your signal will pass through without the blue snow. On the Onkyo, I have told it that HDMI is "Pass-Through", which means, "Don't do anything with the video signal you get coming in"...because I'm letting the PS3 handle it. You may also find the problem fixed if you don't send audio through the HDMI--maybe all that traffic on one HDMI cable is what's corrupting the signal? I don't know. These minor annoyances keep the TX-SR 806 from a 5-star rating.

[UPDATE: I believe I have fixed the Blue Snow problem - see the comments in this review for details]

When it comes to sound, the Onkyo rises back to the top: it really does an excellent job of cleanly separating signals in my speakers, dumping speech into the Center channel and beautifully moderating subwoofer output: I noticed less *whump* than my Yamaha produced, and a lot more even transition into the lower ranges. The TX-SR 806 also does surprisingly well at using a 2.1 setup to make sounds positional: I spent half an hour with the included Audyssey microphone and easily set it up to properly produce sounds. That alone probably saved me hours of tinkering with menus and details that are beyond my comprehension. Flipping from one audio mode to another is easily accomplished on the remote, and I can very noticeably tell the difference: for example, "Dolby ProLogic II" for a movie, works best on a movie, while for a game, you're better off switching to "Dolby ProLogic II Game". When you want to crank up the home-theater fun, pure unfiltered lossless digital audio will blow you out of your seat and it's as easy as pressing a button.

There's a lot more that I could say--the menus offer a huge amount of options, but are not complicated, nor do they go more than 3 levels deep. The sound quality is top-notch: I think the DSP and Faroudja processing take it to the level of more expensive amplifiers, and I'm surprised at how much of a difference they make. Connections are easy to manage, can be custom labeled, and you can make your own preset configurations. If it weren't for the poor PS3 processing, I'd highly recommend this model to anyone. As it is, the adjustment is minor, and DVD upmix quality is still quite clean and colorful.