Onkyo 608

Onkyo 608 Receiver

Combining a long list of capabilities and high-quality audio, the Onkyo 608 out does equipent costing significantly more. Historically, this products included an FM/AM reciever -- this is why they are still labeled "receivers." You get video switching, surround-sound processing, plus a good deal more with this particular Onkyo receiver.

5.1 + 3 = 7. 2 ?

Most people today are aware of 5.1 surround-sound systems. These include 6 speakers, four more than simple stereos. First, they include a center speaker that will fill any gap. You're encircled by speakers by having an supplemental left and right channel speaker behind you. And lastly, the sub-woofer punches out the bass of film special effects. Alltogether, that is a 5.1 channel system.

A 7. 2 system comes with another 3 speakers. There's an additional sub-woofer. This makes even the very low bass real stereo. For a big-cinema effect, there are a couple more front speakers set even further apart. With a 7. 1 channel audio there isn't any second woofer.

For an even more dramatic effect, the Onkyo 608 can process the audio for this pair of speakers installed above the others. With the SR608 there is also the alternative of placing these speakers in a different room in your home for independent stereo. It can even send them a totally different audio program. So, you see, there are many choices with the 608 regarding the way you use up to 9 speakers.

Audiophile Sound

Not exclusively for films and video games, the SR608 is also a superb audio system. This receiver also provides superb audio quality, drawning countless comments and positive reviews. That's particularly significant given its up to 100 watts per channel of power.

There's in addition plenty of audio processing functions. The 608's processing will even enhance the sound from compressed MP3s, and naturally you will find Dolby TrueHD to get the best surround sound. Like many receivers, the 608 provides equalization to adjust the sound to your specific room. But this particular receiver is capable of doing it automatically to get expert results. Other sound processing modifies bass and tone with sound level changes.

Audio-Video Switcher

You won't need to have switchers or converters to construct a home theater using receivers such as the 608. Most home theaters include three or four digital sources. This particular receiver includes 6 HDMI inputs, thus you are very unlikely to run out. Like the majority current receivers, video and associated audio are changed at the same time for simple and easy use.

For best viewing and the minimum distraction, this particular receiver always upconverts every video input into 1080p high-resolution. Unfortunately, that isn't perfect. There may be a momentary flicker in the event there is a data error in the input. That is only seen on slower sources for instance certain cable channels. Many High-definition TVs, in particular LCD and LED technologies, can process this out, however be cautioned that the Onkyo 608 won't do this itself.

Conclusion

Owners really like this particular reciever for music, motion pictures, video games, and more, notwithstanding some rare video glitches. A moderately-priced receiver, the Onkyo 608 includes features you would expect on considerably more highly-priced equipment, plus superb audio quality.

Here's my eZine article on the Onkyo 608.