Onkyo mixes HT-series receivers into lineup, confusion ensues
By Steven Kim 
posted Aug 5th 2009 2:11PM
posted Aug 5th 2009 2:11PM
8/05/09 -- Onkyo has introduced a new family of audio-video receivers called the Onkyo HT Series. The new HT line are extensions of AV receivers developed for the company's packaged systems line--building on Onkyo's core competencies, while streamlining feature sets.
The first of these new models, the HT-RC160, is a 7.2-channel receiver with five HDMI inputs, Dolby ProLogic IIz and many more features, and is currently available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $549. A step-up model, the HT-RC180, a 7.2-channel THX Select2Plus Certified receiver with advanced networking capabilities, including streaming internet radio from Pandora, Rhapsody and others, will be added to the line in August with a $1049 MSRP.
"By capitalizing on our core technologies and refining the capabilities of these receivers we are able to bring to market desirable, high-value product people have come to expect from Onkyo," said Paul Wasek, Marketing Manager, Onkyo USA.
Maybe these will come with HDMI audio proccessing unlike the other models. I hate having to bring the audio to the TV then back to the reciver again.
Uh dude just run a separate digital audio cable from your cable box or dvd/blu-ray player straight to the receiver. Running it through your tv probably switches the audio to stereo.
If I have 4 devices that are HDMI then I need to have 4 extra cables from each of those devices to the receiver. That seems like a waste of money to me. Fortunately my TV has Optical and Coax out so it will pass the audio threw in its original format.
There's an Onkyo receiver that has HDMI video switching but no HDMI audio processing?
You wont have any of the lossless codecs if you run the audio either 1) through your TV using toslink/coax (most downgrade it to stereo but some tvs will pass AC3) or 2) to the receiver using toslink/coax.
Yeah, I don't understand the problem. I have multiple HDMI sources running into/through my 876 with no issues. One HDMI from the receiver to the TV for video only.
Sonofabitch...forgot to hit "reply" first. *facepalm*
example: the Onkyo HT-S3200 and HT-S5200 have 1080p capable HDMI inputs (V1.3a Pass-Thru*) * separate audio connection required
Some of the more expensive ones have HDMI v1.3a Repeater
The Pass-thru doesn't handle audio directly from the HDMI Cable where as the Repeater does.
Ah...gotcha...those are all HTIB receivers, yes? I assumed they had the same capability as their regular HT receivers.
yes they are... I can't afford the kind of stand alone reciver I would want. But Onkyo makes good value line equipment IMHO.
Where does Onkyo fit in the receiver lineup? Is it more along the lines of a Denon, Pioneer, or Sony in terms of quality of sound/ performance?
Your question doesn't really lend itself to a clear or concise answer. The other brands you mention aren't necessarily a singular target (i.e. Sony's STR-DH500 is quite different from its STR-DA5400ES) in terms of quality of sound/ performance. I will only say that in my experience, Onkyo generally enjoys a positive reputation among a/v enthusiasts, they offer products from entry level to $1000+, and a consumer considering an Onkyo is likely to cross-shop with any or all of the brands you mentioned.
I was shopping for some speakers at a high-fi shop near me and they recommended brands like NAD and Denon for a truer sound reproduction over Sony or Yamaha which have a more 'tinny', weaker sound.
honestly, they can fit in anywhere in the sub 1000 dollar range just like yamaha and denon can, and of course you can always go up from there. They make a lot of cheap, but also high end stuff so find out what works for you and your budget. That being said, you can also get some good stuff from them, just like how you can spend top dollar on yamaha, denon, pioneer, and marantz. And if you're really baller, you can drop 25,000 dollars on a receiver.
Thanks you two.
haha, $25,000, about $24,400 out of my price range. :)
If you are going to drop $25k on the pre/pro and amp section of your HT setup, you are not going to be buying a receiver. I don't even know if they are $25k receivers out there, however pre/pros from Lexicon and other super high end gear defiantly approaching that dollar range.
There is no TX-SR807 model.
It's the TX-NR807.
So the HT series still cant touch the 876/906 models?? Still trying to figure out where these models sit on the echelon...
The 876/906 are still a major jump up from the HTRC180 and have the higher end Reon video processor. 876/906 are also about to be replaced with a new models that will have different numbering scheme - like 1007, 2007 etc
7.2 channel? never heard of that. what kinda media comes with that type of audio?
It's a receiver format, not an audio format, that means two subwoofer outputs.
The forthcoming 807 will probably be THX Ultra certified (like the 805 and 806 were), as opposed to THX Select certified like the HTRC-180.
Actually, the 807 was downgraded to THX Select - Thanks ONKYO! First you water down the amp section from the 805 when you release the 806 and now you downgrade the certification for the new 807 vs the 806. Way to hit your price point!