Stuck choosing between 3 onkyo receivers...which is worth the $

[venkman]

TX-SR503 $269.99 (at circuit city)
TX-SR602 $347.81+shipping (onecall.com)
TX-SR702 $547.81+shipping (onecall.com)

I have a one bedroom apartment so I can't really blast my speakers, but I want a good quality sound. Is there a huge sound quality difference between these or is the price increase due to the features? I know the last two have the auto setup which I like but is there are real audio quality difference between the two? Thanks

[topspeed]

Price differences within a brand are usually related to features that are worth it (auto-calibration) and some that aren't (an extra 10wpc). Denon spec's out higher grade DAC's and upconversion capabilities as you scale the ladder and I'll bet Onkyo does the same thing. The "value" of these features is dependent on each individual. I'd easily pay for auto-eq, but I could care less if one uses Motorola DSP's versus Crystal DSP's because I never use the things anyway.

If you are planning on using the avr for the bulk of your decoding, you should consider the different DAC's and test them side by side to see which you prefer, provided you can hear a difference. The amplifier topologies are more than likely going to be equal, so sound quality from the amp section should be the same. Don't get sucked in by more power. AVR wattages are more marketing than substance.

Hope this helps.

[Lexmark3200]

"Don't get sucked in by more power. AVR wattages are more marketing than substance."

This is very true; you can't really judge a receiver by the numbers advertised for its supposed "power output;" you have to hear how it sounds in a particular room you're going to be running the system in --- I personally own the predecessor of that 602 (I think you mentioned), which is the TX-SR600, and its "80 watts x 6" seems to fill the rather massive media room I'm running in right now once I get the volume up and going----so those numbers really mean nothing.

You already did the right thing by choosing an Onkyo; where in your one bedroom apartment is the system going to be in----the living room or bedroom? I am sure ANY of these models you listed will rock your listening space; if price is a concern, you cant go wrong with the "600" series of Onkyo's in their TX-SR line.

[musicman1999]

try not to limit yourself to one brand in your search,you may miss out on something better for around the same cash.since you allready have your speakers try to find a reciever that is a good match for them.such as never match bright speakers with a bright sounding reciever.don't know that much about your klipch speakers but i did audition a 7 series onkyo when i was shopping and did not find it that impressive.i am a music first guy so that is my first priority.i ended up with a cambridge audio 540r and they match up with my jmlabs speakers very well.
good luck
bill

[Lexmark3200]

....but do yourself a massive favor and STAY AWAY from ANY receiver made by Sony (that's not part of their ES line), Kenwood, JVC and (I know I'm gonna get a lot of slack for this from H/K fans but) Harmon, as the quality of their receivers has definitely turned way too mass-market and from what I am hearing they're suffering quality control issues.

I would, if I were you, only consider:

-Onkyo
-Denon
-Yamaha

But since you have your heart set on Onkyo, you cant go wrong. That 602 will probably kick ass in your apartment......

[venkman]

thanks for the input it really helps. The stereo is going in my living room which shares the same room as my kitchen. The living room portion is 14' 7" by 17' 7". My current speakers are:
2 Klipsch KG 3.5
JBL PB12 subwoofer
Bose vcs-10 center
Bose 301 rears
I am definetly replacing the bose 301 as they have rain damage and will replace the center because I don't like it. I can either move the the klipsch to the rear and get new klipsch or get new smaller klipsch for the back.
I have narrowed it down to the 602 and 702 because of the auto calibration. The only real difference I can see between the two is $200 15 watts per channel and THX select. Is THX select worth it? Or should I put that money into speakers? Anyway I am making my decision tonight cause I am anxious to listen to some music. Thanks again, you guys are awesome.