Should I buy this Onkyo PR-SC886 for parts?

jimbo1421

Hello everyone,

I have an Onkyo PR-SC886 which I have liked very much. It has all the connectivity I need and the sound quality is fine. Balanced inputs/outputs are a definite plus. Last summer the HD tuner section went out and parts are no longer available. Recently, this model turned up on eBay here for under $200:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Onkyo-PR-886-Home-Theater-AV-Preamp/332480578064?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=49453&meid=c43911bfc13043929f9d0c68867d5c83&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=11&sd=332480578064&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Ad517d73c-de0d-11e7-bf5c-74dbd1809eea%7Cparentrq%3A4310d5601600abc2dbdf0778fff446d6%7Ciid%3A1

The seller says the tuner works well along with the other stereo channels, but has no idea about the HDMI connections.

Although I have online sources for the FM stations I like, I would be willing to spend the $200 for the parts & repair. And having a spare for other parts might be worth it. The only connection it does not have is HDMI 2, which I might like to have in the future when 4K content is more readily available. But there would be other work-arounds for that.

I think the issue is this: is it worth having another 8-10 year old Onkyo around for parts or is it just too old? Is it just too risky to buy off eBay? On the plus side, keeping the old Onker alive for another 5 years would definitely be worth it.

Any thoughts?

Jim

jimbo1421

I am trying to tighten up my thinking about this.

Reasons to buy the Onkyo for parts:

• I like the feature set of the PR-SC886 and some of the features I like are not available on other models, including balanced inputs and an HD tuner.
  
• $200 plus other moderate repair costs are reasonable to me.
  
• A new AV preamp is not an option at this time. I want to keep this one for another 5 years.
  

Reasons NOT to buy the Onkyo for parts:

• I can easily make do with online FM stations streamed from my laptop.
  
• If I add a fan like this (https://www.acinfinity.com/component-fan-systems/aircom-s6-receiver-and-av-component-cooling-blower-system-rear-exhaust-12/) I might add several years to the life of my current PR-SC886.
  
• The history of the eBay unit is mostly unknown. It might have been poorly ventilated in the past, making the spare parts less usable.
  
• $200 could be put to other desired AV gear. My TV is dying, too.
  
• No HDMI 2 (no biggie since it will be a few years before there is enough content to make it worthwhile, and my current BDP dies).
  
• Both units are probably at least 7 years old. What is their life expectancy?
  

Any thoughts about how frugal people keep their gear going?

Jim

pitdogg2

jimbo1421 wrote: »

Any thoughts about how frugal people keep their gear going?

Jim

By buying quality used gear at reasonable prices. Taking several steps forward in the process. With this purchase you are running in place IMO. Balanced in and out are not part of the receivers for sale. If you could use them well its money well spent. Taking apart and replacing boards can be very tedious and more costly in the long run.

jimbo1421

Thanks for your comments. I have been almost exactly split between buying the scavenger preamp or not. So I have decided to stay put for now, get the fans the preamp and amp should have, and waiting for an attractive AV preamp to turn up. I am thinking the Parasound C1 or C2 might be right.

Emlyn

Have you considered another option to just buy a separate AM/FM tuner? Should be able to find a very nice used one for half the price of the $200 expense of buying a broken preamp.

Actually, I think internet radio is where it's at now and I only listen to broadcast radio on my alarm clock in the morning.

jimbo1421

I have considered this, but one feature of the PR-SC886 is HD FM, which is near CD quality. I prefer locally generated programming with a real local DJ, and I have one such favorite public station, KUNM, which broadcasts in HD. It is quite good. Since they also stream online I am not missing them.

Jim

WLDock

I'm a DIY'er that repairs stuff for fun and frugalness, IMO $200 might be a bit much as there is a working unit on eBay now for $224.99. Save your cash man and just stream the stations online. If you just have to go the tuner route, find a deal on an older used HD tuner.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sangean-HDT-1x-AM-FM-HD-digital-radio-tuner/222756114361?epid=1401612322&hash=item33dd4c8fb9:g:MtIAAOSwiBJaMtr~

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Insignia-NS-HDTUNE-AM-FM-HD-Radio-Tuner-with-Remote/263389848319?hash=item3d534222ff:g:I80AAOSwdnZaNEqs

https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-HDT-1-Component-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B000J13TEE/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513451434&sr=1-5&keywords=HD+Radio+Tuner


Then, when you are ready step up to deals on older model 4K. balanced, etc. pre/pro from Integra or Marantz in the $400-$600 range.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-60-5/222614358644?hash=item33d4d98a74:g:fncAAOSwKGhZkzk7

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-60-5-THX-Ultra-HDMI-4K-Network-Processor-w-Middle-Atlantic-Shelf/132427429724?hash=item1ed54a375c:g:jNwAAOSwFSxZ~gKU

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Marantz-AV7701-4K-upscaling-Audio-Video-Preamp-Processor-Networking-AirPlay/292372640820?epid=175795337&hash=item4412c47434:g:YNsAAOSw3RZaNKQ8

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Marantz-AV7701-7-2-Channel-Pre-Amp-Processor-Amplifier-Theater-ORIGINAL-Remote/302555251217?epid=175795337&hash=item4671b2c211:g:yUMAAOSwaSZaJwlt

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Integra-DHC-80-6-11-2-Channel-Dolby-Atmos-Ready-Network-A-V-Preamp/172755059520?hash=item2839010340:g:N84AAOSwCkZZVUWI

then sell your unit as is....for $150-$200

jimbo1421

Thanks, WLDock. The DHC-60.5 looks suitable.

WLDock

That 60.5 is a Beast of a Pre/Pro for $450-$500. Mated with a stout amp, it just does not get better for the money. That unit had a $2000 list price.

http://filedepot.onkyousa.com/Files/sell_sheets/DHC_60_5_07-10-13-US-hqp.pdf

Great budget upgrade path vs. blowing half the budget repairing an old unit. Even if you sell your Onkyo for only $150.

Your Welcome!

Walt