Great deal! Picked up an Onkyo HT-RC360 today for $298!

Serendipity

For those of you in the tri-state area, or with a PC Richard and Son nearby (NY/NJ/CT), there is a deal going on right now for the Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2 Channel AVR's for $298. I picked up one today and am really happy with the price! Retail is $499 and it seems to sound less harsh (but feels like it has less power) than the TX-NR509/609 models that I tried a week ago! Hooking it up right now and will post back with the results after calibration.

Here is the link:

http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=83232&parentCategoryId=2&categoryId=70000&subCategoryId=70030

cnh

Hmmmm...that model looks like a CLONE of the 609. Same weight, same 6.2 amp draw from the wall socket. How could it have any less power than a TX-SR 609? Onkyo's site seems to give it the "same" power ratings. Aren't those HT-RC models just rebadges of regular Onkyo models that often come with Onkyo HT speaker packages?

Also, you might want to run it for a while before you decide how harsh it sounds. Just saying?


cnh

Serendipity

It is definitely different than the 609. Look at the back panels. It's missing the PC input, to start.

The volume goes 0-80 vs. the usual Onkyo's 0-100. No dB view or "Ref" indicator.

There are fewer processing modes (THX Surround EX, for example, is missing).

cnh

I see. But I bet the amp and processors are "exactly" the same as the 609 if you opened the unit up--you'd find almost no difference. Some minor back panel differences and a feature or two is there merely to justify the $50 dollar price difference between the two units.

I've seen this before on Onkyo units.

Look at Onkyo's specs for both units 360 = 609............they're the same.

cnh

Serendipity

Uh-oh. So why is this one sounding different?

cnh

Well you have me there. Was the 609 you heard broken in, whereas the 360 is "new"? I do believe you're hearing difference. But I would give the unit a little time if it's just out of the box.

cnh

Serendipity

Yes. The 609 was used. But I did reset it to factory defaults.

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cnh wrote: »

Also, you might want to run it for a while before you decide how harsh it sounds. Just saying?

Well, unfortunately after running the unit for a few hours the highs went into "runaway train" mode and the sound became harsher and more fatiguing. I couldn't stand listening to it anymore and turned it off. It was as if the highs opened up and then it went overboard.

Looks like this one is going back to the store.

cnh

Sorry to hear that. Maybe the unit is just bad, who knows. I haven't heard this newest crop of Onkyos but have always been a fan of their AVRs. Of course, I'm still running a TX-SR 805--which was a really nice unit.

What are you thinking you might go with when you return the Onkyo?

cnh

Serendipity

I have absolutely no idea at the moment. Tossing around the idea of finding an old Onkyo 805 at a pawn shop, picking up a used Denon AVR-5805 (too complicated to use), or a new Pioneer Elite VSX-52 online.

Problem is I've never heard the Elite VSX-52 and it would be a gamble to buy sight unseen online.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I would suggest the pioneer, but do your research on the models before buying.

Serendipity

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I would suggest the pioneer, but do your research on the models before buying.

Thanks.

You know, sometimes the "audio journey" is frustrating. I started off here with a pair of Definitive BP10B speakers, 15" Dayton Titanic MKIII sub, and Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver. After trying out different pieces of gear and changing components (sources/receiver/sub) I'm back to the original setup.

Going to try finding that TX-SR805 at a pawn shop first.

Serendipity

Gone! The salesman at P.C. Richard didn't even power it up to test, even though I opened the box and had all the items (remote, manual) neatly packed. It looks like Onkyo's quality has really declined in the past few years.

Now what's next is going to be a tough one. I keep going back to my original setup...

Maybe an Outlaw? Pioneer Elite? Hmm...

rebuy

What is the "runaway train" mode?

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rebuy wrote: »

What is the "runaway train" mode?

Sounds like someone turned the bass and treble knobs up to +10 even though they are set flat.

cnh

If you're looking for better musical performance in an AVR, I'd seriously consider Face's (Mike's) Marantz recommendation in the "other" thread. Give them a listen. I heard many of these receivers while I was in China and they do sound pretty good for an AVR. I also like Denons but have to agree with Mantis(Dan), that they've cheaped out recently and may not be what they once were.

Have fun!

cnh

Serendipity

cnh wrote: »

If you're looking for better musical performance in an AVR, I'd seriously consider Face's (Mike's) Marantz recommendation in the "other" thread. Give them a listen. I heard many of these receivers while I was in China and they do sound pretty good for an AVR. I also like Denons but have to agree with Mantis(Dan), that they've cheaped out recently and may not be what they once were.

Have fun!

cnh

I actually did spend considerable time listening to Marantz gear. Great sound. However, the user interface leaves a bit to be desired. The only unit I heard that combined great sound with great build quality, reliability, and looks was the Denon AVR-5805. However, it is several years old. Crutchfield has a NAD for just over $3k that may do the trick, but it's scratch and dent. The Crutchfield rep said the Onkyo TX-NR5009 would fit perfectly for my dilemma.

Edit: I am literally about to go with the TX-NR5009 unless something else comes up on the used market like an AVR-5805.

cnh

If you think Marantz interfaces are challenged, have you ever maneuvered through an "older" Denon interface? They're like an early version of MS/DOS...layer upon layer. I have a Denon AVR 2807 in my second (HT) basement system...love the sound but the interface, ugh.

The 5805, though, should sound very good--a year or so before my unit which I consider the turning point for them? (then again, maybe the 5805 was a contemporary of my AVR?).

I haven't heard the Onkyo 5009 but it has that same heavy build quality as the older heavier Onkyos and a toriod as well...that can't "hurt"!

NAD, it goes without saying that I'm a fan of their integrateds. I went through four set ups before I settled on a NAD for my LSI-7s.

Sounds like a lot of nice choices.

cnh

Serendipity

Stay tuned. Review of [insert receiver name] to come shortly.

Ahh the suspense!