Yamaha RX-V661 Onkyo SR605? NEED AN ANSWER FAST!?

Question

OK. I have been searching for the best receiver around this price range and have not been able to decide on which one is better. I am buying one online tonight for sure. PLEASE give me a straight answer on which one is best!!!
The receiver will be used for:

XBOX 360
DVD Player (HD and non-HD)
HD Satellite
Rap and Rock music

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP

Answer 1

Hi. There is only one way to decide when evaluating similar equipment and that is to listen to both of them and pick the one that sounds best to your ears.There is no other way.A Receiver is already compromised by the use of a single Power Supply to power the Pre-Amplifier/Processor section the Tuner section and 5,6,7,or more Power Amplifier sections.The needs of the Power Amps. affect the Pre-Amp. resulting in a loss of detail. That is my honest straight answer. Since you are buying on line ,you will have to pick what you feel is the right one. I hope you make the right choice.

EDIT....some listeners say that Yamaha has a "softer" sound (good for music) and Onkyo is more "dynamic" (good for voice and special effects in the soundtrack)
These are not my opinions as i don't use a Receiver.

Answer 2

I tend to like Yamaha. The RX-V line is their better version.

It used to be - you wanted more Watts or buy the receiver that is heavier (heavier means a bigger transformer, will run cooler, last longer).

But now - it's all about the inputs and the ability to connect things and d/l content from your computer. If both units have the same number of HDMI jacks, go with the Yamaha.