Onkyo TX-NR626 7.2-Channel Network Audio/Video Receiver (Black)

A veritable bargain for Audyssey fans
I had the opportunity to audition both this model and the Denon AVR-E400, and while both have their advantages, I'd choose this Onkyo in the end.

I read about and discuss receivers on an audio/video forum (Audioholics) a lot, and the things that I recommend that you look at when shopping are: connections (does it have everything that you want/need), auto calibration (a huge plus, IMO), features (can it do everything that you want), power (can it play as loud as you want and still sound good), ease of use, and the remote control. Price, of course, also weighs into it - I never want to spend more than I have to in order to get what I want, but I don't want to spend less and then be unhappy for years because I bought something that doesn't do what I want.

My Bottom Line
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If I were buying a receiver in this price range today, I'd buy the Pioneer VSX-1123. That's almost exclusively because I prefer Pioneer's MCACC auto calibration system...

Zone 2: What The Large Print Gives, The Fine Print Takes Away
After a long frustrating day this item is going back.
The product description declares: "Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Distributed Audio Playback in Another Room"
Perfect! This is what I want and need! Hurrah!
An Amp that comes pre-programed with remote codes for the AppleTV, gets great reviews, and can support the two bookshelf speakers in our kitchen in addition to the 5.1 Channel AV setup in our living room.
Wired, calibrated, customized, and 2 hours into setup, going in circles trying to solve the mysteries of Zone 2 I find the following bit of fine print on Page 70 of the users manual:
"Only analog, NET or USB input source is output from the ZONE 2 LINE OUT jacks and ZONE 2 L/R terminals."
iTunes Radio from our AppleTV via the HDMI connection? Nope!
CD's? Nope!
Audio from our TiVo? Nope!
The only analog source we have to enjoy in Zone 2 is the one FM radio station we listen to.
Everything else important to us is shut out...

Be aware of Playstation 3 issue, possibly phono noise. Good unit otherwise.
I can't add much to the other reviews on here, but wanted to point out a couple things:

1) First, be aware of a potential issue when using this unit with a Playstation 3 connected by HDMI. When I first tried it, the connection would flicker, go black, go static-y, and generally be unreliable and terrible. Then I had a hard time switching off the Playstation input back to cable. Other times, it would work, but only for a few minutes. It was very frustrating. The problem can be fixed easily, however. The solution is here: [...]

You need to turn OFF the "Deep Color" option on the PS3. It is on the bottom of the Display Settings menu on the PS3. In that same menu, also make sure that "Cross Color Reduction Filter" is off.

Then you need to turn off the "Deep Color" option on the receiver itself. That is done by holding down the "Game" input button on the front panel and then pressing the Standby button twice (or until the front display says "Deep...

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