Onkyo TX-NR646 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

This is my 5th Onkyo, and it's replacing the one that cost twice the price of this one. I presently have 4 stereo Surround systems in my home. I use everything from Pioneer, Yamaha and Onkyo AVR's. In the 60's growing up my dad was an audiophile, and so am I. In Germany stationed there in the 70's we had a smorgasbord of the best of the best HI Fi equipment on the planet and I got spoiled rotten. I still have some of it. It was all duty free too. Anyway, back to this NR646. It comes in at about 20 lbs. I'm running the full 7.2 system with Polk Audio RTI Series Floor,Polk Center back, Polk 15" sub. Polk RTI back and Klipsch for the ceiling. Setting up the network was very simple, using the remote takes about 5 minutes if you run the HDMI output into your TV. I'm running mine into a 60" Samsung 240mgh 3D. Anyway, just run a network scan and it picks up the network you want to use, input your password, and that's it. You can now stream Spotify, Pandora, so forth. Bluetooth, just hit the BT button on the remote, and connect your device. In my case I'm using my laptop to stream from my music files. Once I ran a BT scan it picked up the receiver in just a minute and out came led Zeppelin. But the difference was really amazing compared to what I had been listening to. And like I said from the start, I hauled out a monster. I can't remember how many times I've had people in my home just for music listening parties as we call them, because my system sounded so good to everyone. And this 646 at half the volume in a 500 sq. ft. room with these speakers, has this room literally shaking, and half my house rumbling. I honestly can not turn this all the way up. Setting this system up seemed simple for me. Maybe because I'm familiar with Onkyo and I've done it all my life. But if you'll just take your time if your new to this, it's really quite simple. Just always remember never turn on the receiver until after you have all the speaker wires plugged in. Your a lot less likely to cause a short.One thing I don't like is not having the front panel AUX inputs, but, there is an HDMI input on the front and plenty of RCA and HDMI inputs on the back, including the Phono input. That's one thing Onkyo does in this price range that Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer aren't doing. And being able to listen to records is still important to me. I still like my music. I want an AVR, but I also want my stereo. That's what this gives you. And you don't break your budget getting it. This is a really good AVR receiver. It really delivers on power and features. But I would encourage anyone buying this, or any other receiver to purchase a warranty or Square trade plan. Electronics of any kind can last for years, or a month. Surges in electricity, faulty wiring, who knows. I have a Pioneer Reel to Reel I bought in Germany 40 years ago, and it still works just fine. I've seen the negative reviews on this. But I know Onkyo. I've owned too much of their equipment and I know they make good stuff. But stuff happens. The most expensive receivers I've owned have been Yamaha's and Onkyo's and a Pioneer. The Yamaha lasted 3 years. And it wasn't as good as this. And neither was the Pioneer I just replaced this one with. If you were sitting where I am right now, and hearing what I am, you'd do one of two things, ask for another beer, or call the police because of the "noise". This is a phenomenal AVR. Don't let a few negative reviews scare you off. This receiver really kicks ass. And for this price, get the extra warranty and cover your backside, then sit back and enjoy all the features and pure sound. Because you will hear things you didn't hear before.. Oh, and use the setup mic for the best results for your speaker settings. Doesn't take long.. And you don't have to HDMI everything either. I add this if your like me and like to have the TV on with music playing in the background. Just run RCA plugs into the appropriate spots on your receiver. Just make your you have the main HDMI out coming from your receiver into one of the positions into your TV, and hopefully you have more than 1 HDMI hook up.. You need that for on screen display for the receiver...

I researched Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer and Marantz before choosing the Onkyo. The features I valued most are multiple HDCP 2.2 ports, Internet connectivity, Dolby Atmos, clear power and an IOS app remote. The TX-NR646 arrived one day late, amazon is going to compensate me, somehow? Anyway, I spent an hour reading the supplied documentation, so I felt confident performing the install and setups. IMO, a lot of frustrations can be avoided if people spent time reading the manuals. The setup was extremely easy utilizing the automatic speaker calibration method. Here on Amazon I read some negative reviews about the HDMI not performing the ARC operations. The default ARC (CEC, RIHD) setting is “off”. Change the setting and it works as it should. I’m using my DTV remote for basic functions utilizing ARC. I have had zero HDMI issues, the HDCP 2.2 ports work perfectly. I have a DTV mini 4K on one port and an 4K Amazon Fire TV on the other. The third 4K port may be used for a future 4K Blu-ray player. Not sure if a Blu-ray is necessary because I stream 90% of the time. I also have an Xbox one connected to the game port. Switching between ports is fast and without error. This unit replaced a Sony STRDH550, advertised as 4K, but the Sony didn’t have HDCP 2.2, so no 4K. I liked everything about the Sony, but I returned it due to the HDCP non-compliance. However, The Onkyo blows away the Sony in every way especially the power, this receiver has a ton of power with great precision. It is Loud & Clear; my neighbors can attest to this. Also 7.1 with, DTX:X Dolby Atmos is awesome. The features that the Onkyo comes with are very impressive. Too numerous to list here.I love experimenting with listening modes. Just when you think you have the best sound you find another setting that’s even better. One of my favorite features is the Onkyo IOS/Android App, I have tried both versions and I’m happy using the app, over the supplied remote. I have also read about people complaining about internet connectivity, again I have had no problems whatsoever, the unit connected in seconds. I promptly performed an easy firmware update. I have not tested the Bluetooth feature because it's not important to me.Just for your info, my system includes a Vizio M70-D3 display, this new Onkyo, Left, Right and Center are Bose speakers. I'm running the system at 7.1, including a 12” M&K powered sub-woofer, 8” 2-way, in-wall and ceiling speakers.In Conclusion for $399.00, you can’t find a better receiver/amp. I’m super happy with my purchase, time will tell if it’s reliable. Yes, I’d recommend this to a friend.UPDATE 8.17.16Having issues with audio cutting in & out while using DTV 4K channels. I contacted DTV, its their issue the Onkyo is not the problem.