Well it seems I was too easy on this unit with my first impressions. Don't get me wrong, this is a nice unit with some very sweet features, but what I brushed off as "not real problems" are starting to get on my nerves.

I highlighted the word "slight" because this was my first impression, but after spending some time with this unit, my thoughts have changed a little.


My initial thoughts on the pause you get while changing channels:
Quote Originally Posted by L.J.
This unit takes about a second and a half longer to process incoming signals than my Denon. When flipping through HD channels and the signal changes from DD to DD stereo, you get a slight pause before sounds comes on.
I was not too concerned about this at first because I run my cable tv directly to my display so much of our cable viewing is done using the tv's speakers. I also run a optical cable to my avr just in case I wanna turn my system on while viewng tv. I did some more viewing and sometimes that "slight" pause can take about 3 to 4 seconds before sound pops back on. This may not be a deal breaker but I could see this becoming very annoying if you run your cable directly to avr and used it for all tv viewing.


My initial thoughts on the speaker popping issue:
Quote Originally Posted by L.J.
When going from HD to SD video on a BR disc (I guess the warnings and some previews are in SD) you get a similar pause, some clicking going on while the unit switches back and fourth and sometimes a slight popping sound from the speakers. This is mentioned by Onkyo in a paper packed with the unit and they state this is normal, not a malfunction.
This is the deal breaker for me. The popping doesn't seem to be getting worse, but is happening more frequently. It has to be related to MCPCM because it only happens when using my PS3. Although Onkyo says this is not a malfunction I just don't like it. Onkyo says this will happen sometimes while watching some BR or HDDVD discs, but it has also happened occasionally while:
1. Turning inputs on my display
2. Turning my PS3 on
3. Turning my PS3 off
4. Playing PS3 games that support MCPCM
5. Playing BR disc

The popping sound is faint and comes from the front or rear speakers. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens enough. There is a 605/805 popping thread over at AVS and some are saying they haven't experienced this so maybe I got a bad unit. I really like this unit and would consider keeping it but these issues are enough to make me keep looking. I'm hoping that the next model up (Onkyo 875) or it's cousin (Integra 7.8) will not have these issues. I may pick up a 2nd unit in hopes that I just happened to get a bad one.

I would suggest that if your interested, give this model an audition. It's available at Circuit City and they have an excellent return policy. Many have decided these issues are not a big deal.