Onkyo 605 - Time to upgrade?

[BrianPotter]

So I've been using a Yamaha HTR-5830 for the past couple of years and I've been wondering how much of a sound upgrade the Onkyo would offer me. The price for the 605 and the features offered just seem to be too good to pass up on. Circuit City is currently selling it for $429, should I wait or not?

The big question is how much this upgrade will add to my system in terms of sound quality. I just bought a Polk CS1 Center channel speaker and I plan on buying a pair of Polk Monitor 50's or 60's along with a pair of either 30's or 40's for the surround channels at some point next year. The question here is whether the receiver will boost my system's performance right now with my current speaker set up. I want to start experiencing the improved quality of the new hi def sound formats (TrueHD, DTS HD, Uncompressed PCM, etc.) ASAP. I've been reading about how much these new formats are an improvement over last gen DVD formats for months now and I'm aching to give my ears that pleasure .

Right now I'm running Toslink Optical out from my PS3 and A2 Player for my sound to give you an idea of what I'm working with.

[rmoody]

I would say first compare the performance specs of your Yamaha, then, if you think it may be worth it, try the Onkyo. Here is the easy part, you will have from now until Jan 25 to return the Onkyo and I do not believe there is a restocking fee on these. This gives you over a month to test it out. I love my Onkyo, but I have never had any Yamaha stuff. I know that Yamaha has a comparable model to th 605 and Best Buy's return policy will be similar. Either way, both are great brands and good stuff.

[BrianPotter]

Well first off thanks for the quick response. Anyways, my Yamaha receiver is ancient by today's standards, and I bought it for around $200 back in '05. The sad fact is that there are really no in store set ups around me that are meant to show off the new hi def audio formats. The local Best Buy and Circuit City just don't have things set up that way. So I can't witness the sound quality first hand before buying this. But like you said I can return this if I am not satisfied, so I think I may take a quick ride over the Circuit City before they close .