mbr311 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Well I was kind of set on the Onkyo TX-SR707 for $499-$600 to replace my Yamaha RX-V520 with. I really want HDMI capable upscaling plus if I run everything through HDMI it's gonna make the sound so much better and hopefully the picture better. With the V520 I have to use digital optical cables to connect the component to the receiver and I know HDMI cables are better for sound than digital optical cables. Now I must say I really love my Yamaha, I have had it for 12 years and it has NEVER had a problem, I leave it on all day and have been for 7 years (have a dog, just leave the radio on for him so he can jam all day lol). I mean this thing is just bulletproof and very easy to use. I was set on the Onkoyo TX-SR707 because so many people have been lauding it - shoot even the TX-SR607 seems like a good system and I can obviously get that for less. However I just went into Best Buy yesterday and they had a Yamaha RX-V665 open box for like $350. Like I said with my affination for Yamaha's plus looking at what the V665 can do it seems like a pretty good upgrade as well and for a hell of a lot less. What are your guys thoughts, pick this one up or wait it out for the TX-SR707? Thanks! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Mark, I happen to be a happy Onkyo TX-SR705 owner that praises them often enough. Reliable, feature heavy, good all around avr. In your case, get the Yamaha RX-V665 for $350.00. Plenty of features, reliable and also has preouts if you want to add an amp. If you like Yamaha avr's, no reason to switch especially at that price. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 The only thing I'm worried about with the Yamaha is that it isn't getting great reviews. They are saying that you cannot assign audio inputs, has poor image quality on upconverted analog video signals and doesn't sound as good as previous Yamaha receivers: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/yamaha-rx-v665bl/4505-6466_7-33528102.html That is strange, that is the worst review I've ever seen of a Yamaha receiver, I have always had great luck with them and never seen anything like this. I might just hold off to get the Onkyo it seems like it has tons more features (6 HDMI inputs vs. 4 on the Yamaha) and is getting rave reviews. I could even get the SR-607 which is still full of features and is more in the Yamaha price range. Hmm....I really like the price on the Yamaha that's what really gets me the most I can get it for uber cheap out of the box and it still comes with everything I need, warranty is still good too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotog Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 I have no complaints with my Yamaha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 My friend has the 663 and he loves it as well. I've heard the 663 is actually better than the 665 at least from looking at the reviews. I don't know if Best Buy still sells the 663 though. I just found this 5.1 (since I only have mains, sub, center and surrounds) Yamaha RX-V465 or RX-565 and it's getting good reviews and I can use HDMI component switching or should I just invest in the 7.1 surround one so I don't have to upgrade in case I get another set of speakers I want to hook up? The fact is the 465 will work for me right now, I have no plans of getting another set of speakers in this house but at the same time I definitely don't want to be "stuck" with something down the road that doesn't meet what I'd like to do. It's just tough because this one is pretty cheap and I could probably buy it today no problem. I might go take a look at the 665 tomorrow again and see what they have to say at best buy but they are usually full of proverbial sh*t so I never know what to think. 465: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001S2RD9U/ref=asc_df_B001S2RD9U1072203?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextag-ce-delta-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B001S2RD9U Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotog Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 I agree that one is better prepared have a bit of insight before heading out to be "sold" something. With my photography background I am amazed a what passes as sellers facts to unsuspecting camera shoppers at BB. Not that the sales associates are intentionally misleading, I think they think they actually know what they are talking about - but to one who really does, it comes accross as kind of comical. I like my 663 and it does all I need. Your posts read like you might need a little more time to think it through. If you really want the "O" then you are never going to be happy with a bargain receiver. You will always try to justify that you like it - but deep down you won't. On the other hand, if you were simply looking for a receiver, found the 665 at a great price with the features you wanted, you'd be tickled and bragging about the great deal. On line reviews can be helpful, but my experience has shown me that most people who rate items as 5 stars probably are not experts and those that rate items 2 stars or less typically aren't happy with anything. So - I look for 4 star items then go and touch, feel, inspect, and try for myself. Then I buy. For your thoughts and consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 No I think you're right but it's sllightly misleading. When I saw this I almost jumped out of my shorts because thsi WAS the receiver I wanted. I was just shocked to read the reviews on it and that's the only thing making me sit at home and not jump in the car and head straight over to BB to pick it up. I just want to make sure if I get another receiver that's gonna last me 10 years that its the right one know what I mean? I've been THRILLED with what I currently have but I need HDMI switching. So that's why the 663 or 665 is so appealing has tons of features for relatively cheap. But when I read that their were a few "problems" with the 665 that the testers didn't like I started to look around a bit more. If you think those aren't a big deal I'm all good that's why I post on here to get feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 If you're looking to upgrade, why just get the newer version of what you already have? Have you considered a higher-model Yamaha, like an 8xx or 10xx model? They have more power, which you may think you don't need, but they likely also have better components and more sophisticated technology that should give you better sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokarz Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 i too was looking at the 665/765 for HT use due to its price and features. but i am now sold on the Onkyo 707/RC180, specifically due to Audyssey. not to mention it's packed with features and probably the best bangs for your bucks HT receiver. i am now just waiting for a great deal on them. the 707 had been selling for under $500 while the RC180 is around $600. but i am waiting for a better price when the x08 series come out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 Will B/B accept returns on Open Box Items ? If so, try it out- see/hear for your Self............... Or if you did not like it, I am sure you'd get your money back selling it out right............. JMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 Well that's what I pointed out, the newer model of what I have looks great but it's a 5.1 system. It has great specs and got a great write up (RX-V565) but I'm worried that down the road I'll want a 7.1 receiver to add 2 more speakers when I get a bigger living room when I move here in a few years. So I don't want to have to upgrade again down the road, this one I want just like my RX-520 to last 10+ years. That's why I really like Yamaha and will probably stick with it I've never had a problem, I leave it on all day for the dog and its never even had a hitch/blip in 12 years. I just really want HDMI component switching and upscaling, plus with their YPAO setup will be perfect for me...calibrates all the speakers. I'll wait to utilize this until my surrounds come in next week, but I dunno..the RX-565 actually is 7.1 I just looked it up, but it's around the same price as the open box RX-V665 and I have to assume the 665 is the better model. I dunno I'll talk to the "experts (lol)" at BB and see what they have to say about the difference between the two. And as someone pointed out, if I don't like it I'm getting such a good price that I can probably just sell it for what I paid for it. I haven't decided if I should sell my current 520 or keep it in case I need another receiver for a different room. Hmm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironsave Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 My .02: That open box item is most likely a return. (Someone probably did not like it). I do not swear by reviews, but usually take them into consideration. If that model is not getting good reviews, there are probably some good reasons. I know money can be an issue. I would wait to get what I REALLY want...... I love my Onkyo, but have had a Yamaha before and it was also a good unit...... Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 Well I went ahead and picked up the Yamaha it was just too good of a deal. Hooked up PS3 to receiver using HDMI, named the input "Blu Ray" and hooked up the DVR to the receiver using HDMI, named it DTV, then hooked up the receiver to the TV using HDMI. Audio is 1000x better its not even funny. I used the microphone to set up the speakers. I was even able to set up the Scene buttons so that you can just press them and it goes straight to DTV, PS3 or Radio with the sound programs already set in. Another nice feature. Now here's the problem. On the Blu Ray output there is NO AUDIO. Usually right underneath the volume it will show which speakers are in play (2 fronts, center, sub, etc..). On HDMI 1 Blu Ray there are no speakers shown, I am not getting any volume, and when I hit "Option" and go to "Volume Trim" and go down to "Signal Info" is says the following: HDMI1 Option Audio Format - No Signal Channel ______ Sampling __________ Bitrate ___________ Video In HDMI 1080p Out HDMI 1080p So it's not getting an audio signal, it doesn't say how to fix it in the manual or on-line and I even tried calling Best Buy Geek Squad and they couldn't figure it out. I already tried putting it into a different input and it still does not get an audio signal, I have tried switching cables to a newer version (HDMI 1.3B) and it still is not receiving an audio signal. So on my PS3 I get video but no audio. I have no idea how I'm going to fix this other than to try to call Yamaha customer service tomorrow. I guess if that doesn't work I'll have to return it which is a bummer because I got it for $387 and it's usually $499. If I return it and get a new one I'll get the RX-V565 because it is substantially cheaper and there's no way I'm paying $499 for this thing. If anyone has any ideas I would reallly appreciate it, it is really annoying that audio doesn't work on PS3, I just feel like it should be a simple issue to resolve but I can't figure it out. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted March 28, 2010 Moderators Share Posted March 28, 2010 Hey Mark, have you tried going into the Audio Settings of the PS3 and changing it from Bitstream to Linear PCM? Not sure if that is the issue but worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrod Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 2nd what Youth said. Also, have you set the audio output on you PS3 to HDMI instead of optical? That could be it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 +1 to both of the posts that say to configure the PS3 to use the HDMI for audio output. I am also running a PS3 for BD and yes I had to manualy make the change to the audio out on the PS3. That said, I really like my 663, I know it is not a 665 but ......... FWIW [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 Wow awesome that's exactly what the problem is all of it fixed by messing with the PS3 and not the receiver. It's still not recognizing my center channel and sub it's only recognizing my mains so I'll have to see what's up with that but I just got volume. Thank you so much. I am using the mic right now to set up the speakers, if this works then all is golden and I will be so f'in happy I got this thing for $385 out of box and it is 100x better than my 520,I cannot get over the sound quality difference running everything through HDMI cables. Sweet and thank you so much guys you are a lifesaver! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted March 29, 2010 Moderators Share Posted March 29, 2010 It's still not recognizing my center channel and sub it's only recognizing my mains My guess is that you have it set to Stereo in which you would only get the front two speakers playing. Try clicking the program button on the front of your receiver or "Movie" on your remote to switch from 2ch to another sound field that uses all of your speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 Yep that worked too. You guys seriouly are life-savers, I was about ready to take this thing back to BB totally bummed becasue I got it for $385 instead of $499 just because it was out of box but came with manual, registration card, remote manual, FM antenna, microphone and of course the remote. I think this is even easier to use than the Harmony One remote, all I have to do is hit the Scene buttons "Blu Ray, DTV, CD, or Radio" button and switches the input right away. So I guess I'll be selling my Harmony One remote. I cannot get over the quality of sound difference between my 520 and the 665. HDMI pass through is the sh&t. It makes the sound like 100x better, I mean I have my receiver set at -40 watching a movie right now, I'm hardly using any of its power. And I will get my surrounds by the end of this week as well so finally (for the time being until I move into another house) I am done with my system. Yea it feels good. I'm surprised this receiver got bad reviews everything CNET wrote that was negative I haven't noticed in the slightest. Everything is very user friendly (it was my dumb-azz that couldn't figure out the PS3 that was user error), everything is very easy to set up. easy to switch inputs and rename inputs to make it more user friendly, upconversion on audio is amazing, haven't noticed a real difference in video upconversion but I mainly watch 1080i HD and maybe there just isn't a huge difference in video upscaling. But anyway, very happy right now thank you guys so much for helping out. One last thing though, I know you can set up your speakers with the mic and that's how I did it for each input, but I think the bass in my sub needs to get bumped up (coming from the reciever) because -4 movie depth isn't hitting like it used to after it calibrated each speaker. I think it toned down my sub to better match my mains and center. Any idea how to manually send more power to the sub w/out mesising up the rest of my speakers? Thank you all so much again I honestly would have never figured any of this out because I haven't gotten a new receiver in 12 years. I'm still debating on whether I should try to sell my 520 or just keep it in case I need another receiver in another room down the road. Hmm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr311 Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 Since everything is working fine,what, if any, would the advantages be for me to switch from Bitstream to Linear PCM? That's the only thing I haven't done yet, and if it's beneficial let me know and I'll do it. Thanks Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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