I'm in the early stages of upgrading my surround system and was curious about Onkyo's lower priced models (TX-SR576,506,304) being paired with 4T's in the front, a 4C in the center and something similar as surrounds (I'll probably play around with the 4T's before I make that decision). 

The setup is in a smaller room (12x16x8) and I don't listen at high volumes.  The HDMI & decoding features of Onkyo's higher priced models are great, but I really have no need for them.  My concern is merely with the sound quality and sufficiency of the amp.  I'm not trying to light the world on fire - I just don't want to be crippled by an under performing receiver. 

Thanks in advance. 

breed007:

I'm in the early stages of upgrading my surround system and was curious about Onkyo's lower priced models (TX-SR576,506,304) being paired with 4T's in the front, a 4C in the center and something similar as surrounds (I'll probably play around with the 4T's before I make that decision). 

The setup is in a smaller room (12x16x8) and I don't listen at high volumes.  The HDMI & decoding features of Onkyo's higher priced models are great, but I really have no need for them.  My concern is merely with the sound quality and sufficiency of the amp.  I'm not trying to light the world on fire - I just don't want to be crippled by an under performing receiver. 

Thanks in advance. 

 

I drive a pair of 5Bs with a Onkyo 503.  It works fine but it is only 2 speakers.  If you get the 4Ts they have a sensitivity of 86 db so that would help.  Have you looked at the 606.  It can be had at a very reasonable price if you look around.

Cheers

I have looked at the 606 and I may end getting it anyway.  I've just considered going with one of their lower priced models as it would save $150-200.  Having not listened to them it's hard to tell how much I would sacrificing in terms of basic performance.  Simply looking at specifications, I don't think the power differences would be overly drastic.  However, every review I read of the 576/506/304 uses much smaller speakers. 

Hi Breed,

If you are into Saving Money and looking for excellent sound quality that will push those things I have a recommendation for you:

$249 Marantz SR-4001 Accesories 4 Less Authorized Marantz Dealer (Have heard good things about this company)- http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4001/MARANTZ/SR4001-80w-x-7ch-Surround-Receiver-w/HDMI/1.html

 The SR-4001 comes with HDMI repeating v 1.1.  Someone help me out on this but I believe this will allow you to pass the latest High Defintion audio formats from Blue Ray from your blue ray player to your AVR via losless audio.

This would be a much more capable AVR for pushing that system than those Onkyo's you mention.

You are going to save big bucks buying somethings that's been out for a while.  But just becuase it's not cutting edge (released in 07/08) doesn't mean it doesn't deliver the goods.

Best of Luck to you!