Onkyo 702 vs 703 (1 Viewer)

[Rich Allen]

Has anyone had any experience with both of these receivers? I'm considering the 703 but started noticing the 702, last years model. It looks like the main difference is the XM readiness of the 703 and that the 702 has an optical digital output which the 703 lacks. If I can pick up the 702 cheaper on clearance, I'd like to unless someone can fill me in on why I should go with the 703. I have little to no interest in XM and my current receiver, which I've had for over 5 years, has never had the tuner even turned on.

Thanks.

 

[JeremyErwin]

The differences look pretty minor. Basically, the 702 is THX Select; the 703, THX Select2. The 703 has "Enhanced iPod Connectivity" and is "XM Ready". I suppose that if you like THX's DSP modes, the upgrade may be worth it...

Onkyo's specs for the 702

Onkyo's specs for the 703

 

[Rich Allen]

But since they are both THX select, don't they both have the THX DSP modes? What is the difference between THX Select and THX Select 2 anyway?

 

[JeremyErwin]

beats me. It might be a good idea to download the manuals, and compare what's available. The only difference that comes to mind is that THX Select2 is supposed to feature the ASA (Adaptive Speaker Array) which tweaks the 7.1 modes a bit. There's a lot of marketing fluff involved.

 

[JohnW]

Take a look at http://www.thx.com/mod/products/select2.html

Another difference is that 702 weighs 3.7 lbs more than 703. If XM radio is of no concern, I'd be putting my money where the mass is.

 

[Rich Allen]

Sounds like a lot of marketing fluff to me.

I noticed that weight difference. Maybe one less brick in the unit?

 

[JeremyErwin]

hmm.
The 702 sucks up 8.1 amps. The 703, 7.5 amps.

The 703 has THX Select2, which adds THX Music and THX game mode.

 

[Rich Allen]

Interesting. Maybe a new more efficient design? I may be remembering incorrectly, but I seem to remember something about some people feeling that Onkyo receivers ran hot. Maybe addressing that? Or am I remembering wrong?

 

[Rich Allen]

Looking over the manuals, I notice that those the THX music and game modes only work with 6 or 7.1. I plan on sticking with 5.1 for at least a while so they are of no use to me. The 702 has an extra digital optical output which may end up being useful. The 702 has only a 5.1 input while the 703 has a 7.1 input. I may be interested in SACD or DVDAudio. I think the 5.1 input would handle that though. The 703 is XM ready but I have little or no interest in that.

Sounds like I really would be better going with the 702, especially since I can get it cheaper.

 

[JeremyErwin]

DVD Audio and SACD are both 5.1.

 

[Rich Allen]

That's what I thought. Sounds like the 702 it is then.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Chuck C]

You may want 7.1 connectivity for future surround sound applications (Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus)

See FAQ #24 and #25:

http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf//tec...0925_Final.pdf



Look familiar? That's because this is just like the early DVD players and Pro Logic "Dolby Digital ready" receivers of yesterday.

Soon, receivers will have the next-gen decoders built in:

Eventually, A/V receivers will have direct access to Dolby® Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD bitstreams. We are working with the IEC and HDMI organizations to update data protocols to enable future versions of these high-bandwidth interfaces to carry these bitstreams.