Onkyo TX-SR805 questions

drummer86

A guy on local CL is selling his TX-SR805. I've been interested in these for a while for their power an HDMI connectivity. I'm going to look at it on the 2nd. My question to you guys/gals is simple. What are some things I should look extra close for and why questions should I be asking? What answers to these questions should I be looking for?

I've heard about the HDMI board issues and the heat issues so is there anything I can look for to make sure I don't waste some coin on a bust? Quick responses are appreciated!

Serendipity

I would suggest making sure that all inputs and outputs are functioning correctly and the decoders pass signal properly. When I bought a used Denon AVR-5800 I brought an iPod, laptop PC, and DVD player to test. I tried the optical and coax inputs, using a DTS source, and then ran PCM to the decoder. Went through a variety of modes such as DD, DTS, All Channel Stereo, to determine that all the amps worked properly. Then hooked up the iPod via a stereo RCA cable and went through all the analog inputs.

Sometimes, when an amp channel is damaged, it may show up as a distorted sound or produce no output. You want to make sure that all channels produce clean output so bring a pair of satellite or bookshelf speakers if possible.

Last, these Onkyos are known to get hot so plan on rebuilding the HDMI board just in case. You never know how the unit was used or if it was placed in an enclosed cabinet so set aside some $$$ just in case the unit needs repair down the road.

Good luck with your endeavor!

P.S. ask if the unit was ever used in a cabinet or had equipment stacked above it. If so, the HDMI board may be on borrowed time.

Xharlix

I have had an 805 for 5 years without the dreaded HDMI issue. However, it does run hot. I recommend giving it a few inches of rack space above it for ventilation. I got a cheap AC/DC powered plastic fan from Lowe's, plugged it into the back panel AC outlet of the 805 and placed it over the hot spot-problem solved.

Serendipity

Xharlix wrote: »

I have had an 805 for 5 years without the dreaded HDMI issue. However, it does run hot. I recommend giving it a few inches of rack space above it for ventilation. I got a cheap AC/DC powered plastic fan from Lowe's, plugged it into the back panel AC outlet of the 805 and placed it over the hot spot-problem solved.

Good advice! The capacitors in these units may have been "rated" for high temp operation, but I would still recommend keeping the unit cool via external fans or placing it at the top of an equipment rack/shelf.

drummer86

Thanks for the great replies! I decided to pass on this unit as I just wasn't comfortable with the risk/reward ratio. It's impossible to know how hard this guy drove his amp and what the remaining shelf life really would be. Maybe I'm missing out but for what it's worth I'll sleep a little better taking a safer route.

michael1947

these are great units and heavy at about 50 poundds. I was really close on one but changed to a re-furb direct from onkyo/club onkyo and brought it home for around $330. shipped, 1 year warranty. with the pre-outs you can hook on an extra amp and not be concerned about the famed "toaster oven." bol

Xharlix

There are a couple of tricks that you can use to get the 805 display its internal temperature(in Centigrade) on the front panel. Most times, I run the 805 in "pure audio" which disables the internal video circuits.

cnh

If you run in Pure Audio doesn't that disable the "sub" and any possibility of surround sound?

I haven't had (knock on wood) any problems with my 805 which I also purchased "refurbed" from Onkyo years ago. Of course I don't use the HDMIs more than once or twice a week. Room temps in the winter are mid-60s, and there are two feet of free air space above the unit!

It's also possible that, being refurbed, Onkyo already replaced the caps and board elements that cannot stand up to that heat. It was noted somewhere on this site that an upgrade of a few items on the board would pretty much keep it safe from a flame out!

cnh

Sherardp

I was looking at these when I was shopping for an AVR. They play very well, just opted for the Pioneer Elite in the end.

Xharlix

Not in all sources, particularly HDMI. With HDMI, the 805 will still pass the HD video to the monitor, play in 5.1 and black out the front panel display.