View Full Version : Onkyo TX SR600 Volume
Qwackertoo
03-19-2003, 12:36 PM
I had about decided this was the receiver for us and my husband tells me he has read numerous places that you must crank to volume over half way up to even hear it. He didn't mention any particulars such as speakers people were using in combination with or anything like that. Have others here who own this receiver experienced this problem. I sure would hate to start my search all over.
Deana
I have the SR600 receiver it depends on the source and speaker sensitivity.
Max Volume 100. My speakers rated from 89db/watt to 92db/watt
For TV I have volume anywhere from 35 - 45
DVDs I have listened to them from 45 to 70. Normally I set DVDs about 55 and leave it.
There is an Intellivolume setting for different inputs you can turn up so you get more volume for a particular volume level setting. I have left mine at 0.
This amp is not particularly high powered in surround mode(compared to what I don't know) but it has been more than adequate for my needs. The features are nice, the price was right ($400), and I am happy with it.
My other choice would have been the HK AVR520 ($500 if you can still find one) a little higher powered, 7.1 channel, and $100 more.
both prices were from J and R. www.jandr.com
I was looking at the new line of Onkyo receivers. My 787 is the best receiver I've owned to date. I looked at the 600, 700 and 800 and I didn't see any volume problems. Not sure what the issue could be. 50mhz bandwidth on the component video switching. Two inputs you won't get three component inputs until you go up to the 800.
I power 6 AR HO speakers in the 6.1 mode and I don't have a problem rattling the dishes upstairs If I choose :) (with the sub turned off) The front L/R have 12" subs and the rear L/R have 10's. Both front and rear center are AR2C's. My 787 is rated at about the same power the new 600 is. Unless you are powering something strange in the speaker department I don't see you having a power problem. Just go to your A/V store and test 'em. Have the salesman (person) :) hook the 600 up to something big and inefficient.
If I ever upgrade it will be to another Onkyo.
Just how many other lady enthusiasts do we have here? :D
Good Luck,
Lee
How far you have to crank the knob is no indication of how much power it's putting out. Many receivers reach "max power" at about 1-2 o'clock, but not necessarily all.
For example, my RX-V1 knob can be cranked around several times if you use the knob. (I usually use the remote and then the knob doesn't move at all...) There is actually a scale of "-dB" below max on my receiver and so far I've only been able to get it to -10 dB (which is well over 100dB in the room). Usually I listen to "TV" at about -50 dB, DVD movies and music at about -40dB.
I'm not sure if there are any "scales" or power meters on the receiver you're looking at.
You may need to crank it to "11", just like on Spinal Tap.;)
"How far you have to crank the knob is no indication of how much power it's putting out."
Good point. Thinking about it, I never really look at the volume control knob on my 787. 25-30db for TV and around 35-45db for DVD's, 35 if my wife is watching a movie with me. HD TV is about the same as the DVD. 50db+ is too loud for most anything except annoying my wife, scaring the cat or watching the John Fogerty or Fleetwood Mac DVD's.
I'll get the db/watt specs on my speakers when I get home tonight.
edit: Called my local A/V store, the 600 has the same type of volume control, reads out in db and is not a mechanical potentiometer. It has been a long time since I set-up my receiver but I remember being able to choose how the readout reads out. If that makes sense. I'm going to start bringing my manuals to work with me :).
Lee
The volume setting display I am sure is based on db+- but the display does not read that way, as I have seen on other Onkyo receivers. It just has a number from 1 - 100.
The knob has no setting or markings to indicate volume level and is not a direct mechanical connection. (When you turn up volume with the remote the knob doesn't move)
How far you have to crank the knob is no indication of how much power it's putting out.
Good point.
billw
03-19-2003, 02:26 PM
RX-V1
I heard so many great things about that receiver. I almost bought one next to nothing but it fell through. I guess the person came concious.
Bill, see the link below. Good prices, since the unit was close to $3k new. I paid about US$1800 two years ago in Canada where they were cheaper than the US.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=zrec&id=1990375299
The replacement Z1 is selling for about US$2k.
"The volume setting display I am sure is based on db+- but the display does not read that way, as I have seen on other Onkyo receivers. It just has a number from 1 - 100."
When you setup the Onkyo you can choose how the display reads out. db or the 1-100 scale, not sure but as I said I'll look it up tonight when I get home and post the answer. I have mine setup for 0-100 (or something like that) because I have mine programmed to come on with the volume at zero, or you can program it to 'remember' the last setting.
For a change I'm busy today and don't have the time to download the online manual :)
Lee
billw
03-19-2003, 03:33 PM
that is a nice receiver - no doubt.
I paid around $300 for my JVC - a whole different league.
Originally posted by LeeS
When you setup the Onkyo you can choose how the display reads out. db or the 1-100 scale
I double checked, and the SR600/SR700 do not have that feature. :mad:
Correction: my speakers are rated 89 and 87 db not 92 as stated.
I guess that's why they get the extra bucks for the 800 :( I'd love to have that extra component input. I'll download the manual tonight.
Lee
The SR800 would have been my 1st choice as well but it it didn't fit my budget. :mad:
As it was I went over. Speaker mounts, cables, and a cabinet add up very fast.
BigJohn
03-19-2003, 10:32 PM
Sorry to jump in late, but I have that unit. Works very well. I chose it because it has four optical inputs (all are now in use) and all inputs are assignable to whatever component you want to use.
Just my $0.02
Stopped by my favorite A/V store and checked out the 600 more closely. The volume is displayed from "min to max with numbers 1 - 92 in between. From min to max is three turns. There is no other display option.
Tested the unit with several brands of speakers and had no issues with available power. High end Energy, Klipsch and NHT. Volume setting around 35-40.
They also sell Yamaha. Looked at the RX-Z1. VERY NICE but way outside my budget :)
Lee
Qwackertoo
03-20-2003, 08:59 AM
Originally posted by Chaz
My other choice would have been the HK AVR520 ($500 if you can still find one) a little higher powered, 7.1 channel, and $100 more.
both prices were from J and R. www.jandr.com
I compared the specs and am quite tempted by the HK AVR520, especially @ $499. I find myself bumping everything up a notch or two and telling myself "oh its just another $100" but after doing this with TV (several hundred) and etc. etc. I can quickly spend more, but then I do this in other areas too.
THANKS everyone for all the input & facts about the Onkyo 600. Now if I can only decide which to buy and get it ordered.
Deana
p.s. I finally figured out Harman Kardon had bought JBL and now were one & the same. I was clicking around on pages and thought I had typed the wrong name in on my search!
