Onkyo... any good?

[deck]

I'm getting a home theatre system. I've been looking into the differing brands and types and all sorts of HTIBs... I think I've narrowed my choice down to Onkyo. I've read a lot of good things about them and the people I speak to say that Onkyo is good.

There are two that I'm looking at...

The HT-S670 and the HT-S770.

The 670 is a 5.1 system, 500 watts, while the 770 is a 6.1 system with 600 watts and a better receiver.

The 670 sells for around 700$CND... i don't know how much the 770 sells for (I think it must be ordered). My budget is hovering around that 700$ mark because tax and accessories (like some of the wiring) is extra.

My concerne is centered around the video inputs and outputs. I really want a receiver with a component video... I don't think the 670 has that. But does that really matter?

If I were to plug in my devices separately to my TV and the receiver, would that affect the timing between the sound and picture?

If I have several devices plugged into the receiver, but jsut the component out to the TV, will all of those inputs output through the component (even if they are not component themselves)?

Finally, if anybody can find a diffinitive answer as to whether or the not the Onkyo HT-S670 has component, could you let me know? heh...

Thx,

~D

[bangbang023 Veteran]

Onky is very good, yes. It would actually be best to send your video directly to the TV and audio only to the receiver. Timing should not be an issue. As for the last question, I believe it may be up to the individual receiver if ti will upconvert everything to component or not.

[deck]

Onky is very good, yes. It would actually be best to send your video directly to the TV and audio only to the receiver. Timing should not be an issue. As for the last question, I believe it may be up to the individual receiver if ti will upconvert everything to component or not.

585869673[/snapback]

Why would it be better to go direct to the TV? Does the additional step of using the receiver serve to lower signal quality?

[SonComet]

Yeah, any extra step reduces the quality of the signal slightly. Whether or not you will notice the drop off in quality (as it might be too small to notice) is another question. However, to make sure that you are getting the best possible image it would be best to plug the video into the tv.

[bangbang023 Veteran]

Yeah, any extra step reduces the quality of the signal slightly.  Whether or not you will notice the drop off in quality (as it might be too small to notice) is another question.  However, to make sure that you are getting the best possible image it would be best to plug the video into the tv.

585869976[/snapback]

Correct. The more you put in between the source and the final output, the more chance there is for distortion/signal loss. Sure, you may not be able to tell the difference, but only trial and error will tell you for sure.

[deck]

So you're saying that if I can get the 670 at a good price, I should get that one. It doesn't have component, but I don't really need to use it (I'd use the composite input/outputs for my SNES, N64, and GameCube... that's just too many inputs for the TV).

It should provide good sound, so say the reviews, and just be an all around decent product.

I also understand that larger speakers are generaly better, and it is supposed to have relatively big speakers for a home theatre setup.

I guess my next question is;

I'll be plugging my PS2 in through the optical to get the sound. The video is the component connection we were discussing. I have a digital cable box also, and I want to enjoy the 5.1 sound that some of the channels offer. The cable box has a coax digital out (an RCA type plug in my lamens understanding).

That coax digital connection should be all that I need to get the best possible sound out of my digital box, correct? 5.1 (where available) and any other benefits of having a better connection...