New AV amp time?

[Smudger]

I've got a 7-year-old Onkyo TX-SR607 amp which has been a solid performer all the time we've had it, but now it's started to take ages to pick up the inputs.

I've read a fair bit about this being a known fault with the HDMI board, and that Onkyo should fix it for free. But...

If it gets fixed, it'll need taking out and sending off, which will mean probably 7-10 days amp-less.

SO what I was thinking was: Get a new amp, swap out the Onkyo, send it off for repair, sell once it comes back.

So that means I need some recommendations for a replacement.

What I want is pretty similar to what the Onkyo had in terms of sound, inputs etc, with at least 4k upscaling to take care of any future move to a 4k screen.

So, I was thinking of the Yamaha RX-V679, anyone got one? Anyone think of a decent alternative? I can get it for £329 from Richer sounds, and there doesn't seem to be much else in that bracket which offers the same.

One question I do have, if it's got 4k upscaling, does it also have the ability to upscale non-HD inputs to 1080p?

[shaithis]

Pioneer and Yamaha are the only AV receivers I would purchase and the Yamahas certainly fill the large price-gaps that the Pionners leave.

I doubt you would be unhappy with that purchase unless you are going to try and drive some monster speakers.

[Smudger]

Just a pair of very old B&W Vision DS3s and a pair of Mission bookshelf speakers, plus a Mordaunt-Short centre speaker. Shouldn't stress it out too much

[MrJim]

I personally would look at either Denon or Yamaha AV amps / receivers. My current system uses a 15 year old Sony receiver though, so I'm not really keeping up with the latest technology!

[Smudger]

The Denon nearest is the 2200, which is very nice, but also £100 dearer.

Not sure about this whole Atmos thing either, not really up for having to buy a whole new bunch of speakers

[Bluecube]

I upgraded from an Onkyo 507 to a Yamaha 779. I don't regret it in the slightest. The sound is far superior, it's got more inputs/ outputs and is 4K ready. I imagine the 679 is only a small step down from the 779 so you'll be very happy with it! If I remember correctly the difference is only losing an HDMI output and less power.

[abaxas]

Why not buy some top endoldskool 5.1 kit.

They are basically giving it away and it'll make any current consumer kit sound like 99p radio.

[outwar6010]

I would maybe find a a deal on a teac; who are a company that do rebranded onkyo receivers but cheaper.

[Smudger]

Thanks, but I'm kind of done with Onkyo, I think. Although the upside is that the CH boiler doesn't need to work so hard, as the amp could heat a stadium...

[Smudger]

I upgraded from an Onkyo 507 to a Yamaha 779. I don't regret it in the slightest. The sound is far superior, it's got more inputs/ outputs and is 4K ready. I imagine the 679 is only a small step down from the 779 so you'll be very happy with it! If I remember correctly the difference is only losing an HDMI output and less power.

Looking at the specs, the 679 is missing 1 HDMI out and 1 MM Phono input. And 5w difference in power.

I can live with that, it's going to be in a not very big room, most of the time it's used in anger there will be a small child sleeping upstairs. Thanks!

Do you use yours with a 4k screen? If not, does the amp upscale non-1080p inputs to 1080p? I'm mainly thinking of my VM Tivo, which only outputs 1080i...

[peterb]

Thanks, but I'm kind of done with Onkyo, I think. Although the upside is that the CH boiler doesn't need to work so hard, as the amp could heat a stadium...

That'll be down to a conventional power supply and a class A output stage!

[shaithis]

Thanks, but I'm kind of done with Onkyo, I think. Although the upside is that the CH boiler doesn't need to work so hard, as the amp could heat a stadium...

Yup, stay away from Onkyo.

I purchased one a while ago to play with and it lasted a few weeks before the HDMI input board went. On goggling around about it, it seems pretty much ever single receiver they make has HDMI input board issues and seems like its a case of "when it will break".

I notice there are a number of eBayers who re-con/swap the boards, alas most are in the US!

Also, when it was working, the sound quality was nothing like the receivers from Pioneer and Yamaha that I have owned or demoed.

[Bluecube]

Looking at the specs, the 679 is missing 1 HDMI out and 1 MM Phono input. And 5w difference in power.

I can live with that, it's going to be in a not very big room, most of the time it's used in anger there will be a small child sleeping upstairs. Thanks!

Do you use yours with a 4k screen? If not, does the amp upscale non-1080p inputs to 1080p? I'm mainly thinking of my VM Tivo, which only outputs 1080i...

A 4K screen is my next step. I bought the 779 as I picked up for only £430 a few months back otherwise I would've waited! The amp does upscale but I prefer to leave any upscaling to my TV.

[Smudger]

OK, so I ordered the 679 last night, going to pick it up on Saturday.

Now to dig out my Saving Private Ryan Blu-Ray to give it a proper test...

[GoNz0]

Thanks, but I'm kind of done with Onkyo, I think. Although the upside is that the CH boiler doesn't need to work so hard, as the amp could heat a stadium...

Yes our front room is the warmest when the door is closed & the TV is on!

[Smudger]

Well, it's in and I'm very pleased with it. Sound is better and the picture seems sharper too. Haven't started playing with the internet stuff yet.
One downside, on the Onkyo, I could use the remote to switch on the telly and the TiVo, this one doesn't seem to have that option...