Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, THX Surround EXFM, AM - MPN: TXSR800
Strengths: Nice remote, useful manual, quality optical connections, color coding of speaker connections with stickers included, very advanced audio adjustments, impressive size, clear and logical front panel
Weakness: For some reason, one cannot hook up L/R audio out from the TV to this receiver- it must go through a VCR, cheap but colorful speaker connections, brutal audio hum, complicated set-up (for a dumb guy!)
I upgraded from a Technics SA950 5.1 DTS surround system to this model because of the 7 discrete channels and THX certification. Although this unit cost almost 6x more, it certainly is not 6x better. The sound is perhaps at best marginally better for the DVDs I have tried. These include Jurassic Park III, U571, Star Wars Episode I and II, MIBII, Spiderman, Top Gun, and IMAX films.
Possibly, this is a limitation of the DVDs or my hearing rather than the unit. However, playing CD's over 7 channels is really nice and the sound is far crisper, wider and generally more enjoyable than my old model. Thumbing through the manual and tweaking the system through the myriad of possible adjustments is great fun, although this could be irksome if you just want to plug and play. Perhaps I was swept away by some of the reviews of THX systems, but to be honest, there is no additional magic here. My advice is to be content with a good 5.1 or 6.1 DTS system and don't believe the 7.1 hype. The fly-overs, dinosaur fights, and pod-racing scenes aren't comparably improved with this unit.
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Onkyo TX-SR800 A/V Receiver
Strengths: Flexible yet easy set-up, remote, solid sound, value
Weakness: Cheap looking speaker connections, uninspired design
A THX certified receiver for $750 is a steal when building a home theater on a tight budget. This receiver is loaded with extra features and the set-up is pretty easy. There are about 15 different sound modes, which can produce great sound no matter which type of Tape, VHS, cable, CD or DVD signal you bring in. The is even a phono input. The flexible speaker set-up options allow you to gradually add speakers to the system and not miss half of the sound because you haven't bought that SUB-Woofer or center speaker yet. Remote has a "learn" mode which imports the command set from other remotes. It also has 2 programmable macros that can power up and line up a whole array of components with one click.
This is not a top of the line receiver but a solid performer at a bargain price.
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