Decision Time: Onkyo 601 or HK225 (1 Viewer)

[Vic_P]

Ok, thanks to your help, I have narrowed my decision down to these 2 receivers. I just wanted to get your last minute thoughts regarding these 2 receivers so that I can pick one of them.

I am running PolkRM6005's, in a 14X16 room, with a 47' HDTV.

Any thoughts based on your experience?

 

[Angelo.M]

Can't comment on the 601 vs the 225, but I can comment on the 501 or the 600 vs the 225. I tried each of these in my office (20 x 20 ft, 9 ft ceilings).

The 225 lacked oomph compared with the 600, to my ears. Yes, it sounded somewhat sweeter, but I preferred the detail of the Onkyo, and its impact. The 501 was equivalent to the 600 sonically, but I was very unimpressed with its feature set, its ergonomics and its design (those rubber Onkyo feet kill me).

If aesthetics were not important, I would have kept the 600 over the 501 and the 225. Instead, I went with the Sony 2ES, which I preferred over all of the others for various reasons (for what it's worth, I also preferred the Denon 1803 and 2802 to the 600, 501 and 225, but the Sony fit my bill better).

To return to your question: I'd likely choose the 601 in your situation.

 

[Mark Dickerson]

I would recommend the H/K for your Polk speakers. I think they are a better match with the H/K than with the Onkyo, and H/K will meet or exceed their power specs. Don't know if the Onkyo will or not, but their earlier models don't.

 

[Jeff Meininger]

If the Polks aren't solid down to 100 Hz, the Onkyo's adjustable crossover can be set to 120 Hz. If you ever upgrade to larger speakers, it can be set to 80 or 100 Hz. (The H/K's sub crossover is fixed at 100 Hz.)

Also, the Onkyo can do high-bandwidth component switching so that you can send either DVD or HDTV signal to your 47" TV.

 

[Thomas Nichols]

I have a AVR125 running 4 Polk R20's and a Polk Center. I think it sounds fantastic. I have nothing but good things to say about my setup.