Need set-up tips for the Onkyo TX-SR705 (1 Viewer)

[Ron-P]

It's been years since I've had a receiver. I'm currently running an Outlaw 950 pre/pro and 6 Adcom amps with a PS3, I'm missing out on a lot of good audio on these Blu-ray's, so, I just bought a refurb 705 from ShopOnkyo.com it should be here in a week or so.

I'm looking for set-up tips and suggestions for this thing, it's got quite a few bells and whistles.

 

[Jeff Gatie]

Most important thing is to turn the "HDMI Audio Out" setting to "Off" if you are using HDMI to the TV. More people than I can count have it set to "On", which causes their TV audio format (2.0) to override the receiver format (5/7.1), thus the HDMI from the player will only output 2.0 PCM.

 

[Ron-P]

Thank you for that tip.

Is it possible (I've not done HDMI audio before) to run the image via HDMI from my PS3 straight to the PJ and then a seperate HDMI connection for the audio to the 705?

 

[Jeff Gatie]

No, the PS3 only has one HDMI out (as do every player I know of). I imagine the handshaking that goes on over HDMI would preclude the setup you mention, even if more than one HDMI out was possible.

If you are worried about more connections being detrimental to the signal, have no fear. That aey have been the case for analog, but HDMI is all digital and the error detection/correction means you either get a perfect signal or very defective signal (massive sparkling or a black screen). There is no such thing as a slightly degraded signal with HDMI.

Jast as an aside, it was mentioned in another thread that you can run HDMI player->receiver->TV, set the Onkyo reciever on a separate input for audio, and still see the video on the TV.

 

[Ron-P]

Thanks Jeff, my 705 is due to arrive Friday, just in time for the weekend.

 

[David Willow]

You are going to love it!

 

[David Willow]

Oh, and btw.... You should register right away and check for an update to the one of the DSPs. There is a known issue with DTS-MA sound tracks causing a "sound bomb" on the 705. It could even damage your speakers.

 

[Ron-P]

How and where do I register? At an Onkyo site?

 

[David Willow]

Yes, Onkyo USA site. Register your Product | Customer Support | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

You have to be logged in to see the updates.

 

[Ron-P]

Thank you David. I'm already a member so once I get the 705 tomorrow I register it. Is the update fairly easy to do?

 

[David Willow]

Yes, 'fairly' easy...

You make a music cd from a wav file and play it to the 705 via an optical connection.

The actual file is buried in the site (I believe you are supposed to open a support ticket with them). After you resister your 705 at the main site, go to Firmware Downloads to get the update. Do not include the letter at the end of your serial number.

Good luck.

 

[Ron-P]

Thanks David.

I received the 705 yeaterday, it's going back. I'm exchanging it for the 805. It's a nicer looking piece and more horses under the hood. I'm hoping that I can get back to the one box HT and do away with my 5 Adcom amps. I've read a lot of good things on the 805 and that 61lbs is hopfully weight put to good use.

 

[David Willow]

Ron,

I think you will be happy either way. Although I do not consider the 805 a huge step up over the 705, if I was buying today I would get the 805. At the time I purchased the 705, the 805 was $500 more.

BTW - The DTS-MA issues exists with the 805 as well.

 

[Ron-P]

Thanks, it's due to arrive today. Once here I'll get it registered and updated. Thanks again for the tips David!

 

[gtpeebs]

I just bought the 705 as well. How do you hook it to your computer to download the new firmware. I just got mine yesterday so should it already have the new firmware in it?

 

[David Willow]

First, this update is only for bit streaming DTS-MA audio. If you do not do this, no need to update.

No computer... You create a music CD. Also, you cannot update the firmware. It is just one of the DSP processes that gets updated. Firmware requires a trip to the service center.

The latest firmware is 1.06. I have 1.05 and have no issues. I believe 1.06 address some lip sync issues... I do not have any.

From the update instructions:

Turn on the receiver. Press and hold "Display" button and then press "Standby/On" button. You will see Main X.XX/XXXX on the front display.

Within 4 seconds after the Main X.XX/XXXX is displayed; press Tone "+" or Tone “” button (depending upon the model). F/W version of DSP will be displayed.

The relevant DSP versions you should have are:

First DSP: 08214A
Second DSP: 07518A
Third DSP: 07820B

If yours are different, you may need the update.

 

[gtpeebs]

I love home audio but really don't know a whole lot about it yet so since I don't exactly know what DTS-MA Audio is I'm guessing I will never use it but I will check to see if everything is ok anyways

 

[David Willow]

Only be concerned if you had HD-DVD or Blu-Ray connected via HDMI. Even then it depends on the model player you have.