Introduction

Last year Onkyo introduced a truly stunning product, the TX-SR605, which offered HDMI 1.3 inputs, HD audio processing and a host of other advanced features at the amazing price point of $599. As 2007 has moved to 2008, Onkyo has now introduced their TX-SRxx6 series receivers and a new model, the Onkyo TX-SR576, that looks to move some of the TX-SR605's novel features to an even lower $479 price point

Design

Weighing in at 21.6 lbs and measuring 14 15/16" deep and 5 7/8" tall, the Onkyo TX-SR576 is not a particularly heavy or large receiver. The basic black front panel of the TX-SR576 is well laid out with a large volume knob and solid feeling button controls. The front panel of the Onkyo has a wealth of control options that allow one to operate the receiver entirely from the front panel. One area of the front panel where I can not be so positive is the display. The main message area takes up most of the display space and it provides reasonably legible feedback on input and volume information. It also shows surround modes and setup information when you are adjusting those settings. The real issue is with the listening mode, format and audio input indicators. The icons are very small and almost impossible to read at any reasonable distance. Their arrangement is not particularly logical and their meanings are inadequately explained in the manual.

The first thing you notice about the Onkyo's back panel is the trio of HDMI 1.3a repeater inputs. Older input devices are also well accommodated with two coaxial, two optical and two component video inputs. There are also radio antenna inputs and a 7.1 channel analog input. Speaker terminals are the familiar 2-way variety that can accommodate either bare wires or banana plugs and are color coded to make setup easier. Finally, there is both a line level and an amplified "Zone 2" audio output. Overall, the back panel of the Onkyo TX-SR576 is logically arranged with distinct input blocks that should make setup very easy.