A:AnswerI have the same thing, I have a Onkyo 7.1 theater system but unfortunately the receiver went out after 8 years. I wanted to replace it with another Onkyo but wasn't ready to spend $600 on a receiver at the time so I purchased this Pioneer which was less than $300 to replace it. I'm still using my same Onkyo speakers with this receiver and everything sounds just the same do drop off at all. Hope this helps
A:AnswerYes, also fm, but be advised the antenna that is supplied isn't good. If you are keeping this in a closet or other closed area reception is likely to be an issue.
Pretty much true of all the products in this class.
A:AnswerI struggled with this model to drive my powered subs. By struggle, I mean no bass was coming out. I returned and purchased the Denon AVR540 and my windows are bouncing again with the Klipsch Reference sub.
A:AnswerYes, it has 1 center, 2 front L&R, 2 surround L&R and 2 rear L&R, plus a powered subwoofer pre-out. In settings there are several configurations to choose from and an included microphone to adapt the sound to your specific room and speakers.
A:AnswerNo. The ratings on today’s receivers are misleading. The 165 watt claim is usually based off of driving one channel at a time not all 7 simultaneously. If that was the case they would need much much bigger power supplies inside them. However when I measured it it measured at about 85 watts per channel simultaneously. But the sound quality was still very good.
A:AnswerA CD Changer is just another peripheral, than can be routed through the receiver. The receiver will take up the sound signals, and play through your system.
I have found in the past that music is not always better with surround sound however, and often will sound better played back as recorded.
Mark
