Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver

I've recently decided to upgrade my system from a older 5.1 pioneer D308 system (which was at it's limit for inputs etc). I have spent a day or so setting up this system as a 5.1 system with the intention to go to either a 5.1.2 or a 7.1 once I get my speakers sorted out. I am currently using Polks as my front speakers and Wharfdales for my rears and the sound is superb. I've tried auditioning music with 'direct' stereo mode and the sounds are crisp but a little lossy at the higher frequencies, however I have also used the stereo mode and my god it's like having the band be right in front of you. The sound-stage is incredibly clear. I have adjusted a couple of the levels and have used the MP3 enhancer which sorts out some lacking tones in the compressed audio. I am very impressed and as I do my own Audio mixing I can now actually hear the nuances of the professionally mixed stuff on my hi-fi vs my studio headphones. I believe the equalisation using the supplied microphone has really sorted out the echoics using pink noise profiling. I have not had a chance to use Atmos yet due to my speaker configuration but DTX and DTS both work well. The menus are clear and easy to navigate. I now use the app on my iPad to control the system and it works well (albeit with some minor issues). I am streaming all my music from my NAS (netgear readyNAS) and this system works well. It basically makes my SlimServer device redundant (which is a good thing since I'm trying to get rid of stuff). The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly as does the Airplay. Network radio is something new to me and I really like the fact that I can play any radio station in the world using my internet connection. If I don't have internet I can always use my local FM/AM reception!! Video passes through simply and the whole configuration of video/audio pairing is pretty straight forward. Basically you can assign any audio to pair with any video. All in all, I am very happy with my upgrade. I was not after a bells and whistle system but more for an all round entertainment unit for my living room. This unit has delivered in spades. Recommended for the normal person. I'm sure there are features on the more expensive units but in reality all I want to do is watch movies with surround sound, 4K resolution and listen to Pink Floyd in crisp fidelity (which I and doing right now and really enjoying it!!).

I've had the receiver for 6 months. Worked great, love the feature set but then all the sudden the ARC stopped working properly. When I changed to an application on my smart TV the receiver wouldn't switch over to TV any more. I now have to manually switch to TV to get it to work (which of course won't work on my TV's universal remote). Same thing happens when switching back from TV apps to cable (via the receiver). No big deal, I've only had it 6 months so it's under warranty, right? NOPE! They will fix it if I take it from Raleigh, NC to the nearest repair center in Winston Salem, NC nearly 2 hours away, drop it off (drive home) then come back and pick it up when the fix it. Alternatively, I can pay to ship it there and back. So, not sure what the repair experience would be like, but just beware that the warranty isn't so great if they only have one repair center in the entire state and won't pay for you to ship it there. Check for the location of your local repair center first before buying anything Onkyo!!!! Too bad it wasn't either reliable or well supported, this would have been a nice receiver.....

I've bought two of these NR656 Onkyo 7.2 A/V receiver's. The price point on this and the features combined were just unbeatable. Besides being one of very few that offer Phono Input, as well as a host of other RCA and HDMI input/Outputs. This Network receiver is really and truly just that. And the Blue-tooth capability of the 656 is outstanding. If you have a home network, or just want this so you can stream music straight from your PC/Laptop/Tablet/Phone, whatever, this receiver won't let you down one bit. And with the 7.2 Surround system it can really kick out the sound. Whether using this for home theatre or for music, this will get the job done. In my LR setup I'm driving mostly Polk Audio in the front and rear, center and sub. With Klipsch in the Atmos position, backed up by some Infinity. So I'm really pushing 9.2. And at half way you can't stand in the same room. In my pool room, I'm running a similar setup with the exception of having some 15" Cerwin Vega in Front, Polk Audio in Back, Polk center and Infinity Sub. With Polk in the Atmos postion. Again, I'm running this in 9.2 mode. These are great receivers. You can't beat the price. The HDMI passthrough is superb. I've had one of these about 2 years now. This one only a couple months. Compared to my older, much more expensive Onkyo, which weighs about 40 pounds more, with 100 watts more power. I'll take this over the older more expensive model anyday of the week. It lacks nothing in sound quality, in component and HDMI hookups either. The BT connection is superb. I can walk around my house with my laptop and stay connected to which ever stereo I have it connected too. I couldn't recommend a BT receiver more highly than I do this one. If you are looking for a good upgrade, and one that has the ability to hook up a Turntable. This is the one. Look no further.