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Onkyo TX-SR703 Receiver - Silver (7.1 Channels, 100 W/Channel, 0.08% THD, Supports 8 Devices - MPN: TXSR703S)
Description: As the incarnation of one of Onkyo?s most popular receivers, the THX Select2 Certified TX-SR703 looks set to excel in the mid-range category. In keeping with its impressive legacy, the TX-SR703 boasts high-grade parts and immaculate constru.... Read More Description: As the incarnation of one of Onkyo?s most popular receivers, the THX Select2 Certified TX-SR703 looks set to excel in the mid-range category. In keeping with its impressive legacy, the TX-SR703 boasts high-grade parts and immaculate construction, along with the ability to integrate effectively with the high-definition displays, playback components and high-quality speakers. The key words here are ?power? and ?precision.? Power, at a robust 100 watts per channel, enough to drive virtually any speaker is combined with precision from our VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) that produces a virtually noise-free signal from all your movie and music sources. Other functions, like crossover adjustment from 40 Hz to 200 Hz with 10/20 Hz steps and speaker placement calibration with Auto Speaker Set-up with Microphone, accurately deliver the low frequencies and enveloping sound that recreate the floor-quaking impact of the cinema, right in your own home. Minimize |
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| Date Reviewed: 05/06/2006 |
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Strengths: 3-1 component switching; sound quality; auto speaker level
Weaknesses: Huge ugly remote; big and heavy; unintuitive setup
Summary: This unit is about 4" taller than necessary, making it a tight fit on my A/V shelf. It is also quite heavy. I purchased the Onkyo to replace my six year old Sony STR-DT935, which I moved into another room. It is much more attractive than the Sony - the flip-down cover over the front a/v inputs and tuning buttons helps. The individual speaker balance through the on-screen display and the auto-speaker leveling make it easier to adjust than the Sony. I'm not sure if the sound quality is any better, though, just more A/V inputs and component switching. Unit is advertized as 7 A/V inputs, which is not really accurate. There are 3 component video inputs that can replace the s-video/composite inputs of DVD, Video1..Video4. A/V configuration is done through an on-screen display, which is not described until very late in the user manual, and the default component-to-video assignments are weird IN1=DVD, IN2=VIDEO2, IN3=VIDEO3. In the end, you have 5 possible video inputs (DVD, Vid1-Vid4), 3 of which can be component inputs. Appears to output all video signals in S-Video, Composite, and Component outputs, which is nice, as you only need to connect a single cable to the TV - regardless of the input. All speaker connections in the back (7 + 2/zone b) are screw-type connectors, which I despise. Trying to wire 14 wires in a dark, cramped space is not entertaining. The 3-level dimmer function on the unit is nice. The blue light around the volume control is very bright. At level 2 this light turns off, and at level 3 the text dims, too. The remote control is a universal remote - a big, ugly black brick-type remote. I would say that the extra $200 between the SR603 and the SR703 is mostly about style- 603 doesn't have the flip-down panel up front. In the end, I would purchase this model again ($599 @ J&R w/ free shipping) Haven't tried the THX yet, but the auto-level doesn't do this for you, you need to go through the THX adjustments manually.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/28/2006 |
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Strengths: Full on power plus THX and way LOUD !! Easy speaker setup through wizard.
Weaknesses: Can not re-label the on receiver display. Receiver OSD doses not display through component output to TV
Summary: This is my first Onkyo receiver and it beats my old receiver by a million miles.
I did extensive research and listened to may receivers before making my choice. This receiver has every thing you need to create a awesome home theater.
I decided on this receiver over the others available because of a difference of 5 watts per channel, HDMI and 1 audio input/output. I did not need HDMI ( my TV does not support it), who cares about 1 audio input/output (the SR703 still has 8) and I will give up the 5 watts and save $300 bucks.
This is a very cool receiver now I just need 2 more speakers for full 7.1 sound.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/09/2006 |
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Strengths: 3-1 component video switching, assignable digital inputs, customizeable Receiver display, automatic speaker set-up, awesome sound.
Weaknesses: Somewhat awkward remote control
Summary: This Onkyo 703 replaces a Sony 5.1 receiver. It was intended primarily as a feature upgrade to accommodate my Satellite receiver, two DVD recorders, LaserDisc player, VCR, cassette deck, and phonograph player. It has proven to be an awesome upgrade in SOUND.
Connecting all of my components to the Onkyo was relatively painless. Rear panel connections are logically laid out and well marked. Speaker set-up was fun. An included microphone detects and tests each speaker, accurately determining the distance of the speakers from the listener and adjusting balances automatically. If you want to second guess the automation, the settings can be tweaked manually.
Using the set-up on the remote, you can re-name each component for the receiver display. Instead of DVD and Video 1 through 4, I have DVD-1, DVD-2, Satellite, Laser, and VCR. Four of my components have digital outputs and three of them have component video outputs. Multiple and assignable digital inputs (2 coaxial, 5 optical) handle my system with room to spare. The component video switching enables me – finally – to utilize this feature with all of my equipment.
The Onkyo 703 has a powered Zone 2 which allows for listening in a remote room. The one catch is that when Zone 2 is on, the main listening room is limited to 5.1 sound instead of 7.1. However, this limitation occurs only while Zone 2 is powered on. When it is off, the system automatically reverts to 7.1 sound. One option is to use the pre-out Zone 2 connection to a remote amplifier, enabling simultaneous 7.1 sound in the main room and Zone 2 sound.
Speaking of sound, this receiver is tremendous. It is natural, smooth, and powerful without sounding forced. My speaker system has a new lease on life. The variety of Listening Modes is somewhat spartan compared to my old Sony, but then I didn’t use most of the Sony choices. Onkyo’s emphasis is on realism rather than artificial enhancement. It will allow you to simulate surround sound from a stereo music recording and this works beautifully. An orchestral recording played with the surround enhancement made me feel as if I were sitting in Symphony Hall. Movie sound is superb. Listening modes can be adjusted easily with the remote.
This is not my first Onkyo receiver and I am glad I came back. It is great.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/13/2006 |
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Strengths: Professional Effects, High Quality Sound,MultiFunction Remote Control
Weaknesses: Pricy, A little Bulky, NO HDMI, you can go with 803 if you really need HDMI interfaces.
Summary: I have to this receiver worth the money I spent. It connected perfectly with my Desktop, which has SPDIF digital interface, and my Bose Speaker system. Onkyo is very professional in music system, this receiver will tell you why. I also like the blue light comes from the volume swith.
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| Date Reviewed: 07/11/2006 |
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Strengths: Variety of Features and Format types. Clarity. Sleek design.
Weaknesses: set up was very difficult for someone used to a regular carry around or shortwave radio.
Summary: They should include some better diagrams on connecting to other components. Also needs some brochures or list of online resources to educate new user about the types or cables needed for each and the pros & cons of the different types of cables. Recomended vendors would also help. Found out after buting that THx featue only works with THx rated speakers. Oops!
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