Overall really loving this AVR. I got it to replace my "High end" Arcam AVR 10 that decided to die, which has ALWAYS given me problems with HDMI switching, sound dropping, etc. it was just super buggy and seems like that's a common experience. With this one, even though I'd consider it a "budget" AVR (less than half the price of Arcam), it definitely doesn't sound or behave like a budget one. The Arcam definitely feels beefier, has a nicer screen and maybe the direct analog sound is better, but I don't miss it at all with this AVR.

The Good:

The sound: Overall, im loving the sound, especially after running DIRAC on my windows PC with the UMIK microphone. It sounds full, exciting, dynamic, and it might just be placebo or something but I feel like my subwoofer sounds punchier, deeper than it used to with my Arcam (SVS SB3000). Surround sound positioning is excellent, dialogue clarity is excellent, and stereo music sounds excellent.

The Onkyo Controller app: it gets poor ratings on the App Store and online, but my Arcam didn't have an app at all. It so far has never failed to connect to the only, and I appreciate the control it offers, allowing me to EQ and tune the receiver on the fly if necessary, Change sound modes, volume, or even just see what the input and output signal are to make sure it's what I expect. DIRAC worked on the app as well. I'm sure other AVR have better apps, but for me, this one is a win.

HDMI: this is where I see most reviews complain, but coming from the Arcam, the HDMI on this feels like a huge upgrade. It switches between all my inputs within seconds and have not had any HDMI related issues that are tied to the AVR. No problems so far processing HDR, DOLBY Atmos, 4k, 1080p 120hz, etc.

DIRAC live included: this is a true game changer if you set it up right.

The modern features: it's cool to have options for both chromecast and airplay. I've had zero issues with either.

Temp: seems to run way cooler than my Arcam did.

The not so good:

-The included mic worked to set up DIRAC using the onkyo app, but it made the sound a bit thin, like all the mid bass was scooped out. More clear and less boomy which some may like, but for me I actually preferred THX Cinema over DIRAC and Dolby digital as calibrated with the included mic. However, I already had a Umik mic from my Arcam setup, and that DIRAC profile sounds incredible.

NOTE: you have to be on the same network type as the AVR on DIRAC LIVE PC for it to find your AVR. I have my Onkyo connected via Ethernet to the internet, and my laptop on WiFi couldn't find it. I put the Onkyo on WiFi and then the DIRAC live pc app found it.

So as of right now, I recommend it especially for the price. The Arcam costs twice as much, but it doesn't sound twice as good, and it doesn't even operate twice as smoothly, actually half as good.

Note: with AVRs, it seems like reliability can be a hit or miss in the reviews, but the truth is you hardly ever know ALL the details like: are they running it inside a cabinet or cubby with poor airflow? Is the room generally hot it's in? What kind of cables are they using? Are they running the volume at 90 the whole time? Pushing 4 ohm speakers? Using WiFi instead of Ethernet? What kind of phone are the accessing the app with, etc. All these factors and more can contribute to failing HDMI boards, app problems, etc. not saying they aren't valid complaints, but a lot of them leave me mostly curious.

I can't answer for all the other reviews with issues, but will answer with my experience so far after a week and a few days and probably 30 hours of use on this thing.

My setup:

-Definitive Technology mythos one towers, mythos three center, mythos gem surround

-SVS SB3000

-placement: on top of a tv stand with not airflow obstruction, in a cool room (72-75f)