i am looking at getting a new basic receiver and was looking at the HK 125 or the Onkyo TX-SR501. they both have their own pros and cons and was really wondering which would be better. i have heard the HK has better sound quality but also only has 45 WPC. But Onkyo has 80 WPC.
i am just looking for some advice for a beginner to the home theater scene.
Jason, HK usually do not over inflate the ratings on their receivers and their power supplies, which is very important in any receiver, are very good. cheers
i am really looking for something that would work best for movies and xbox. i am an avid video game player. does this change anything on what i should buy
Anonymous
Posted on
I own a new H/K avr430 and it's hard to say which is better since I didn't audition onkyo. The only thing I can say is that the stated 65 wpc on my H/K is more powerful than the 110 wpc on the Pioneer I tried before taking it back. I think you could legitimately double the stated wpc for H/K, but then you have to consider the high current amp, which provides a surplus power supply. You see, in the case where the H/K reaches its power ceiling the high current amp will still allow it hit dynamics where other receivers have "clip" highs and lows. This gives the impression of even more power.
I use mine with xbox as well, and it rocks!
If I were you, I'd try them both; its a decision you'll have to live with. From what I read, they're both great receivers, but for me, it was H/K all the way.
Jason, If you like the 501 check with J&R Music World and see if they still have any refurbished Onkyo 500's left. They were selling them for $149.88 with full warranty but I don't know if they are still available. Generally I would say the H/K is a better unit and for full price I would go with the H/K but for the price the 500 is hard to beat. Both have good sound quality IMO but the H/K does have much more 5 channel power.