Denon AVR590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity Review

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(More customer reviews)After spending weeks of researching A/V receivers, I chose the AVR-590 to replace my old, non-HDMI Sony receiver. I had a 5.1 setup and didn't need anything fancy, but I didn't want something mediocre either. On paper, this model had all the features I needed (HDMI switching and automatic speaker setup) for a very reasonable price.
This is my first Denon receiver, and I have been using for over a month.
Setup - I consider myself technically inclined, so when I read the manual for the first time, it wasn't too complicated. However it's layout is not very intuitive, so I can see where people who are technically challenged may have issues with the Denon manual. I went to the BatPig Web site to download instructions, just in case I had a brain fart reading the manual...I found that both the BatPig instructions and the Denon manual complimented each other well, so setup ended up being pretty easy. You have the option of setting up the receiver with the speakers either manually or automatically. Being naturally lazy, I opted for automatic (Audyssey) setup using the included microphone. When doing automatic setup, be sure to use the on-screen menu and definitely test all 6 sound locations to get an accurate audio "sweet spot".
Sound - Wow. This is where going through the setup pays off. Whether you're watching something with Dolby Digital/DTS encoding or just listening to music, the sound is very full and crisp. You have several sound field settings to chose from, as well as manual volume adjustment to suit your listening tastes. I use HDMI for the HD and Blu-Ray sources and Digital Optical for DVD sources. Although the speaker system I have in place is modest, it handles all audio sources beautifully. Listening to music or sounds from TV/movies is an absolute treat to the ears with this receiver.
Video - Excellent. With the AVR-590, I used its HDMI out for video from DirecTV and Blu-Ray sources. I hooked up Component video for my DVD changer, because it is a pre-HDMI device. The receiver uses the most current HDMI standard (1.3a), and picture on my 120Hz LCD from both outputs is vivid and sharp, with no ghost images or signal loss at all. Watching from any video source is pure (pardon the pun) eye-candy.
Performance - Excellent. One evening, I did my best couch potato imitation and watched a bit of DirecTV HD & a couple of Blu-Ray movies for nearly 8 hours straight. Afterward, I checked the receiver to see if it was getting hot, and surprisingly there was hardly any heat coming from it. Dynamic EQ seems to work, as I have not noticed any of those annoying commercials that scare the bejeezus out of me when watching TV programming. I definitely feel like I'm in a theater when watching anything on this system.
Overall - Excellent. Even with decent speakers and a good LCD, plugging in a new receiver really makes a difference...I now find myself losing track of time while listening to vibrant sound and watching brilliant video! If you have under $400 to spend on a quality 5.1 receiver, this is it. Don't mind what others have said about setup issues, because it really isn't that difficult to set up. For the features that it offers at its price range and the performance you get in return, I do feel you get the best "bang for your buck".


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The Denon AVR-590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver - The Perfect Balance of Performance, Technology and Affordability. Performance, technology and affordability are the hallmarks of the AVR-590. A powerful 5 channel x 75W amplifier section delivers detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. It's equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR590 boast a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.3 repeating (3 in, 1 out), the AVR590 features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), analog to HDMI conversion (480i to 480p) and seven analog inputs. A front-panel audio/video input allows quick and easy connection of camcorders and game systems. System setup is simplified by a new, enhanced icon-based on-screen display that is delivered over HDMI. System expansion is available with optional accessories. For media networking, use the optional ASD-3N and ASD-3W. For iPod connectivity, use the ASD-3N/3W, as well as the ASD-11. When connecting iPod and other MP3 players, the AVR-590 features Denon's exclusive Compressed Audio Restorer to improve sound quality and dynamics.

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Onkyo TX-SR505S 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)-- Start of 10/15/07 update --
I have now moved my home theater setup into the new 20x20 room. I installed the new 4 Polk Audio RM6751 surround speakers on the side and rear walls and reused the Energy speakers up front. I ran the receiver's Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup which did a surprisingly good job at determining the size and distance of the speakers from them main TV viewing position. It was perfect, off by a foot for some speakers but very close. I proceeded to test the entire home theater using some action space sequences from Star Wars Episode 3 which has a Dolby Digital EX 6.1 audio track. All I can say is WOW. The new room and 7.1 speakers has really allowed this Onkyo receiver to shine. It sounded good in the old room but was somewhat limited by the poor room layout. In the new room it sounds nothing short of amazing. The surround effect sounds very well blended and non-localized as they should. This is an excellent sounding entry level 7.1 receiver.
The ONLY reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the quirky behavior of the HDMI video switching. Not because it doesn't switch audio over HDMI but because of the few problems it caused with my cable box and DVD player when they were connected through the HDMI of the receiver. I now connect them directly to the TV as I did with my old receiver and everything works great.
-- End of 10/15/07 update --
I'll start by saying that overall I am very pleased with this receiver and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an full featured budget priced receiver. I am NOT an audiophile. I'm just a guy who enjoys watching movies in surround sound. As such I try to buy components that offer the features I need without all the extra stuff I don't need at a low price. This receiver fits that description perfectly.
This receiver is an upgrade from a 7 year old Pioneer VSX-D608 5.1 receiver. The main reason for the upgrade was that I plan to move my home theater system to a larger 20x20 room and felt that a 7.1 speaker arrangement would be really nice in that room. I'm currently using the new Onkyo in the old room with 5.1 speakers. The move into the new room is a few weeks way.
Since I'm still in the old temporary room I didn't use the Audyssey automatic setup system instead I manually configured all the speaker settings and distances. I found the controls and menus to be fairly easy to navigate and use.
When shopping for a receiver one of my top priorities is a clean low distortion amp which gives you very nice and detailed sound. Be careful when shopping. There are some receivers with 1% THD which IMO is too high. You can tell the difference in sound between 1% and the Onkyo's 0.08%. The SR505 is excellent in this regard.
The SR505 supports the standard formats like DD (Dolby Digital) 5.1 and DTS and also supports many new formats such as DD EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, DTS-NEO6 and others. Even though many of these are 7.1 formats they work just fine in a 5.1 setup. The SR505 automatically handles the missing 2 speakers. These formats give a lot of versatility to the audio because they allow conversion of 2 channel audio up to 7.1 and 5.1 up to 7.1. It all works very well. It also remembers what listening mode you have selected for each kind of source audio signal. For example I have it set that when I'm watching TV through my cable box (digital connection to receiver) any channels in 2.0 stereo are converted to DTS Neo:6 and any HT channels in 5.1 stay in their native DD 5.1 format. As I switch channels the SR505 automatically uses the correct listening mode based on the source audio signal. The only negative is that the SR505 makes a 'click' sound whenever it changes listening modes. It's not really annoying but is loud enough to hear.
Regarding video connections the SR505 does allow video switching but does NOT do any conversion between different types of video inputs. For example if you have a DVD and cable box connected to the SR505 with Component inputs then the SR505 will switch the video on it's Component output to your TV. However if the DVD was using S-Video and the cable box Component then the SR505 will NOT convert the S-Video up to Component. It will only output the S-Video over it's S-Video output. The more expensive higher end Onkyo models will do that type of conversion. You just need to decide if that feature is worth the rather large increase in cost. For me it wasn't worth it.
If you read other user reviews on the net for the SR505 it seems the HDMI switching is an area of confusion. The bottom line is that the SR505 will switch ONLY video over HDMI and NOT both video and audio. All this means is that in addition to the HDMI connection you will also need a separate audio connection between the device and the receiver. So between your cable box and SR505 you would need an HDMI connection for video and a coax or optical digital for audio. Full HDMI audio/video switching is available on much more expensive higher end receivers. Again the buyer needs to decide if this feature is worth the extra money.
I have also found the HDMI to be a bit quirky so I decided not to use those connections myself. For example, when I add my cable box connected to the SR505 over HDMI the display on my cable box would flash 'd00' every few seconds whenever the SR505 was turned off. I found the flashing annoying so I connected my cable box directly to my TV. The only other HDMI device I own is an upconverting DVD player. The player doesn't show any usual behavior when connected through the SR505 but I noticed that whenever the receiver is turned off my Sony TV forgets which wide video mode it was in for the DVD player input and I have to change it back manually the next time I play a DVD. I don't know if it's a quirk with my TV or what but it doesn't happen when the DVD player is direct connected to the TV over HDMI so that how I have it connected now. The bottom line is that I tried to use the HDMI switching on the SR505 but because of the unexpected side effects I mentioned above I decided to not use it and went back to direct to TV HDMI connections.
The SR505 includes a nice manual a fairly good remote which will also operate your other devices.
Overall I'm pleased with my purchase. The SR505 is a great receiver for the price. I have no regrets. Recommended.

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To best appreciate the versatility of the TX-SR505, think of the home entertainment components that define today's consumer electronics landscape. It's a formidable selection, with HD-ready displays (from the first generation to the latest 1080p models), DVD players (including the latest Blu-ray and HD DVD players), gaming consoles (such as the Xbox and PlayStation 3), set-top boxes (consider PVRs offering HD transmissions) and MP3 players (specifically the dominant iPod).With the TX-SR505's HDMI transport enabling pass-thru sources up to 1080p and component video supporting 720p and 1080i sources, this A/V receiver is a fine investment for those who want the best of what's available todayand tomorrow. Also, with the ability to tune the TX-SR505 to your room's surroundings through Audyssey 2EQ, you're looking at a seriously capable entertainment control center, without the excessive price tag.

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Samsung HT-AS730ST Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)Sorry, this is going to be a book.... If I could give this review a MINUS five stars I would. I ordered this unit as I have a LOT of other Samsung products (two flatscreens, Blueray player, monitors, washer/dryer, etc.) and have previously been happy with their products. I wish some of the other reviews had been posted when I ordered, I would have run far and fast.
First, I get the unit, what a nightmare to install, instructions are vague, and non-existent in certain areas, as others have stated, the setup procedure is flawed and isn't all in the manual to begin with. After numerous calls to tech support (in India, I assume from the accents and lack of understanding) I finally got sound out of the unit when watching cable (I had successfully figured out the Blue Ray player and my DVD recorder).
Second, the input choices and radio station presets don't stay when you power down.... I hope you enjoy or get darn good at programming that thing every time you turn it off. It takes three or four pushes and choices to get the sound working again from the cable box. The display is also dim, so if you are at all visually challenged, hang it up, put the glasses on and get real close to see what you are doing. I had this silly notion that because it was a Samsung unit, it would have onscreen display with the TV, shoot, my SONY DVD recorder does....
Third, when I ordered the unit, the Samsung website said under "specifications" that is was "wireless ready-yes" and "wireless module included-yes", well, they LIED, no wireless module in the box. I called them on this and they would supposedly send me a wireless module.... that was back in mid-May and now, over halfway through June, I get a call today that "forget it, we are out of stock on wireless modules and tough cookies, no refunds, no compensation, just tough". Oh, by the way, they changed their website now, but I have printed copies and screenshots of the website stating the wireless module was included.
Fourth, I got the unit May 13th, took me a couple days to install it and it quit working on May 19th, even with the unit completely powered off, the subwoofer had a large amount of feedback hum coming through it. Called Technical service and they said send back the amplifier and the subwoofer, keep all the rest of the stuff there and they would repair it. It takes the slow boat to Samsung in NJ, and they finally receive it on May 28th... according to UPS, because Samsung can't find it, doesn't know where it is, and isn't fixing it. After numerous calls and emails, all of which have to be initiated by me, they decide they will send me out a new unit, this is as of June 9th. I am told I will hear from Customer Executive Service within 48 hours as to what the status is. I call again on June 15th to find out what the heck... only to hear they are holding the new unit hostage until I send back their stupid speakers and remote control THEY told me not to put in the box when I sent the amp and sub back. After umpteen calls to their service, which they won't give you a supervisor, they tell me as soon as UPS shows the box in their system coming back, they will ship the new unit. Today (June 18th), after UPS shows the item in transit, they now state they won't ship the new unit until they get the old parts!!!!! Oh how I love being lied to and held hostage!
I am so sorry I spent my money on another Samsung product, I can't express how amazed I am at their utter lack of professionalism and concern for their customer. Their idea of "customer service" is to have some lackey on the phone going "I'm sorry sir, yes, that isn't right, but there is nothing I can do about it, and no, I can't transfer you to my supervisor...." So, before you spend your hard earned cash, save yourself some grief and go buy another brand, any brand, doesn't matter, can't be as bad as these folks.

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