Onkyo 806 Help !

bklynNupe

I'm thinking my avr might be done!:sad:
For the past month, I've been experiencing a series of short high pitched screeching noises while watching tv. Some cause the avr to shutoff with the power light flashing. I also loose connection from the left, right ( and sometimes center) channels. In fact those dropped ch,nnels are no longer displayed on the dvr. The best way I can describe it is like some sort of power surges. I?m using a Zero Surge protector and I have other components plug into this unit that are not experiencing any of these issues. I?ve redone the calibration a couple of time and the missing channels came back on once. I primarily use THX mode. If I select All Channels all of the channels would function. I unplugged the unit yesterday to try a different line with no luck. Also when I plugged it back it , I experienced what sounded like a FM radio between stations. The noise slowly dissipated and the volume came back. However, after a few minutes it cut out with the red light flashing. When I turned the unit back on there was a high pitched screech although the volume is set very low when powered up. When I use the tv volume rather than the avr, there are no issues.

I think this **** is done and I?m ready for something new.
I asked for recommendations for a new avr a few weeks back and I was leaning towards Denon just to try something new. My question is how important is room correction? I?ve heard good things about the Audyssey MultiEQ XT32, I see Onkyo has a few models for cheaper with this feature. I?m just a little hesitant with them given my present experience. My budget is about 1k new and about 600 used. Any thoughts?

Dawgfish

I used to own an 806 myself when I was in my HT phase. I had lots of quirky problems with it and replaced it with a Denon AVR-2809 and never looked back. The Onkyo was easier to set-up, but after that I found the Denon to be superior in every way. I found the room corrections to make a big difference, but I used the Audyssey auto settings as a general guide/suggestion and customized the settings to my own liking from there. Good luck and I hope everything works out well for you in your search for a new avr.

EndersShadow

Given your setup, here are some AVR's I would recommend.

Used from Accessories4less.com (both these have Audyseey XT not XT32)
Onkyo 809 - right around 600 without shipping. Offers more amp power, an IEC plug and some upgrades over the 709
Onkyo 709 - under 500 including shipping has pre-outs

New - the Onkyo is right around 1100 if you can get it, personally I like the Anthem for you
Onkyo 818 - has XT32 but not SUB EQ. Worth noting its only an issue if you run dual non equidistant subs.
Anthem MRX-300 - ARC + pre-outs. Only downfall, only 4 HDMI ports and missing some things like Airplay, ect. Well worth a look IMHO.

bklynNupe

EndersShadow wrote: »

Given your setup, here are some AVR's I would recommend.

Used from Accessories4less.com (both these have Audyseey XT not XT32)
Onkyo 809 - right around 600 without shipping. Offers more amp power, an IEC plug and some upgrades over the 709
Onkyo 709 - under 500 including shipping has pre-outs

New - the Onkyo is right around 1100 if you can get it, personally I like the Anthem for you
Onkyo 818 - has XT32 but not SUB EQ. Worth noting its only an issue if you run dual non equidistant subs.
Anthem MRX-300 - ARC + pre-outs. Only downfall, only 4 HDMI ports and missing some things like Airplay, ect. Well worth a look IMHO.

Thanks Eldershadow
I’m wondering should go back to the Onkyo? I’ve been told my current setup is a bit bright and after a couple of years I tend to agree. I guess my biggest considerations now would be room correction and overall sound quality. At some point I plan to replace the emotiva amps with only a two channel for my towers. I will expect the avr to handle rears and center. So I guess I only need enough power in the avr to handle rears and center. I also hear great things about the Anthem but they usually seem like a boatload of money on the used market. Features like airplay and a few more hdmi ports are not deal breakers.

cnh

The Denon will do you. I have a reburbed Onkyo TX-SR 805 (knock on wood) still going strong, no sign of failure but lots of heat on the right back HDMI side sometimes. It's a beast that I hope lasts for many years to come. There was a time when Onkyo equipment had an unbelievably LONG shelf-life. I have a 604 in my bedroom but I don't use the HDMIs on it! Owned it for years. There was a time when I had it on the floor in my office and it used to turn itself off every once in a while when it was connected to the the analogue L/R ins.

Then I moved it to my bedroom, put it on a shelf, connected it to a new LCD TV and that "never" happened again? Go figure! I have no idea what was going on there!

But, yeah, it sounds like your unit may be on it's way out. I kind of like the idea of buying one refurbed because it's just possible that such a unit may have already demonstrated its major weakness (HDMI boards) and forced Onkyo to upgrade its substandard parts taking into account the "heat" failure. That's always been my theory on why my 805 is still here!

In any case. Under acceptable circumstances there should be no "way" an over 1000 dollar receiver should fail in a few years. That's just not good business!

Now Pioneer is having its own failures as well. What happened to QC?

cnh

bklynNupe

Dawgfish wrote: »

I used to own an 806 myself when I was in my HT phase. I had lots of quirky problems with it and replaced it with a Denon AVR-2809 and never looked back. The Onkyo was easier to set-up, but after that I found the Denon to be superior in every way. I found the room corrections to make a big difference, but I used the Audyssey auto settings as a general guide/suggestion and customized the settings to my own liking from there. Good luck and I hope everything works out well for you in your search for a new avr.

The denon is a serious consideration.
I don’t want to be nutty about features I won’t really utilize like Airplay, rather I’m concerned most about sound quality and the overall reliability of the unit.

bklynNupe

also what the hell do I do this this thing, is it worth fixing?

can I sell it for anything? I would guess someone on this forum could fix it for very little ( just a guess), but for me it's just gonna take up space.

cnh

I also have a Denon AVR 2807 (the last of that series to be made in Japan and the heaviest--look inside, real quality, massive aluminum heat sinks, not those skinny ones in the newer units, decent EL transformer and an internal architecture that takes its cues from the higher models (the 3000 and 4000s series). Almost bullet proof.

If I were going to buy a Denon today. I'd look for whatever model is still made in Japan! The 33XX series is Chinese made now. So I'm not sure how high up you have to go. And the Chinese models are getting lighter and lighter. The 3313 which is really like my 2807 amp wise is around 5-6 poiunds lighter, for example. Even though it has a ton more features. When you remove weight and add features, the AMP section usually "suffers"?

Good Luck!

cnh

EndersShadow

bklynNupe wrote: »

Thanks Eldershadow
I’m wondering should go back to the Onkyo? I’ve been told my current setup is a bit bright and after a couple of years I tend to agree. I guess my biggest considerations now would be room correction and overall sound quality. At some point I plan to replace the emotiva amps with only a two channel for my towers. I will expect the avr to handle rears and center. So I guess I only need enough power in the avr to handle rears and center. I also hear great things about the Anthem but they usually seem like a boatload of money on the used market. Features like airplay and a few more hdmi ports are not deal breakers

If you want my suggestion then its the Anthem. Personally I had a Denon and didnt like it at all. Traded it for a Harman Kardon 3490 that I liked much better. As to Onkyos current offering's and their sound, I wouldnt know, I still rock my Integra DTR 5.9 but hope to get either the 709 or 809 for the added HDMI's and the Audyssey XT they offer (I only have 2EQ)

ARC is a very good setup and allows you to tweak it in ways you never can with Audyssey. Anthem is a music first company. The reason it cost a lot and doesnt have tons of extra features is they are focused on the sound not the software/add ons. The Anthem's power is going to be high current and good quality and it shouldnt have any trouble driving your center + surrounds in the future. I honestly dont trust the wattage ratings on any of the Onkyo's or Denon's but would on Anthem just like I do on NAD and HK, so I think it would do a better job of powering speakers as well.

The nice thing about the Anthems is the only differences between the models is the upper 2 add USB at the front (for an iPod) and airplay I believe in addition to 10 extra watts. They all have pre-outs.

So the MRX-300 is honestly a great contender if not winner if your looking for audio first and gimmicks/add-ons second.

The only reason I am looking at the Onkyo's myself is my budget is capped at 500 regardless on if its new or used :sad:.

cnh

I can't believe people are recommending Anthems? Well, OK if you're going to use the HT for two channel, ALSO. They do sound "good" but are pricey and I'm not convinced that they are the best thing for HT sound.

As mentioned, audiophile manufacturers are usually "far" behind in HDMI and new feature tech. They just cannot afford the R&D for it since they don't sell in bulk and that's not really their bag. Whereas as Pioneer and Onkyo spend reams of money on that and, in fact, companies like Anthem often "borrow" that for their own product (from the advances made by companies like Pioneer and Onkyo).

So what I'm saying is. Anthem, great two channel stuff. Good sounding in any case but cutting edge HT? I don't think so. Not worth the extra money there unless you're trying to do a 2 in 1 system. And even then. You'd be better off with separate equipment for HT and two channel!

cnh

EndersShadow

cnh wrote: »

As mentioned, audiophile manufacturers are usually "far" behind in HDMI and new feature tech. They just cannot afford the R&D for it since they don't sell in bulk and that's not really their bag. Whereas as Pioneer and Onkyo spend reams of money on that and, in fact, companies like Anthem often "borrow" that for their own product (from the advances made by companies like Pioneer and Onkyo).

I dont disagree, however the more stickers and features they pack in that they have to pay "licensing" fees for, that extra expense has to come from somewhere. Normally its at the detriment of other things, specifically power and quality parts.

Lets be honest, whens the last time in the past couple years you saw a Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha put out anywhere near its rated wattage with 5 channels driven? Whereas you cant say the same for a unit from say NAD, which costs more but actually puts out close to its rated wattage. Isnt this the reason we all loved the Pio SC models? Their rated spec's and their measured spec's were close.

Being late to the game isnt always a bad thing. HDMI is somewhat stable now and many issues other manufacture's have had to deal with as learning pains of being first in with HDMI are things Anthem doesnt now need to. For example the HDMI board failures in lots of Onkyo's SRX06 models.

Now I will say I wish they had more than 4 HDMI ports, but honestly after looking at Athems, Onkyos, Denon's and Yamaha's, if I had the budget I would spend it on an Anthem.

But this decision is pretty personal to what specific features you want and what your willing to not have.

That and personally I like ARC over Audyssey but again thats a decision you have to do lots of research on your end about.

bklynNupe

cnh wrote: »

So what I'm saying is. Anthem, great two channel stuff. Good sounding in any case but cutting edge HT? I don't think so. Not worth the extra money there unless you're trying to do a 2 in 1 system. And even then. You'd be better off with separate equipment for HT and two channel!

cnh

Interesting.
I'm not really interested in 2-channel via my HT, I do have a dedicated 2-channel system. I don’t need Ipod dock, usb or airplay. I do want good room correction, sound quality, a couple of hdmi ports and reliability. In regards to Audyseey or any room correction, is there a minimum must have with this feature?
Overall, it looks like there are pros and cons for the models mentioned in my budget.

cnh

I don't disagree with you. I just don't think it's worth the extra cash.

TOTL Denons and Onkyos and Pioneers, I do believe, still pretty much put out their stated power ratings. But they're also pricier. As to Auto calibration systems. I am suspicious of all and most claims there. I've run some. And then I've gotten out my own meters and my golden ears and calibrated manually. And in most cases, I "prefer" the manual calibration? I always find something "off" on the auto systems. But then again, musical ears run in my family. Most members have been able to play by ear. And my daughter is a phenomenal mimic.

As said. I do "love" the sound of most two channel Anthem systems I've heard. And would have no problem running one of those or sinking the money into it.

But I stand by Doro on HT. And I paraphrase: HT is "easy", it's two channel that's the problem! He put it more eloquently.

I've heard 100K+ HT systems in dedicated appropriately proportioned and designed HT rooms and thought. Yeah, that's a little better than what I'm running but not 100Ks worth. I guess when all is said and done. Either "I" can't hear much of a difference between most good HT systems. Or I'm better at hearing two channel differences?

Either way, it's cool. People's interests vary!

cnh

EndersShadow

bklynNupe wrote: »

In regards to Audyseey or any room correction, is there a minimum must have with this feature?

I would suggest getting models with Audyssey MultiEQ XT as a minimum. A reason for why can be found in the graph contained in this link.

You also have to keep in mind there are a copule different EQ programs. Pioneer uses MCACC, Anthem uses ARC, Yamaha uses YPAO, all of which are in-house ONLY. Denon, Onkyo and Marantz use Audyssey.

bklynNupe

I’m looking at one of these two, any thoughts? Given what I’m looking for is there anything better in my range?

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR3310CI-7-1-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343419056&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+3310


http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-2807-V-Surround-Receiver/dp/B000F44NU4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343419317&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+2807

bklynNupe

Any thoughts on these?

bklynNupe wrote: »

I?m looking at one of these two, any thoughts? Given what I?m looking for is there anything better in my range?

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR3310CI-7-1-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343419056&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+3310


http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-2807-V-Surround-Receiver/dp/B000F44NU4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343419317&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+2807

cnh

I own the 2807, and it's a very nice receiver, but, frankly, it's a bit "dated" at this point. Only HDMI 1.1 which will only get you HD sound formats by sending LPCM 7.1 to its HDMI from a Blu-ray that will pass that to it. And there are only two HDMI IN ports on the back. So, even though the 3310 is a Chinese made machine, it looks to be the better option on paper. More HDMIs, and HDMI 1.3a so full support for HD Audio formats. And, I believe a bit more power!

The two units should have a similar sound signature.

cnh

bklynNupe

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR3312CI/DENON-AVR-3312CI-7.2-Integrated-Network-A/V-Surround-Receiver/1.html#!warranties

ok, i've decided to go with the Denon 3312CI, any thoughts?
Also, has anyone purchased the extended warranties from accessories 4 less ?

I was thinking of the 5 year warranty for $69 bucks. I've noticed some mixed reviews regarding reliability. I guess this is the tradeoff for added features.

PolkieMan

Did you have it in an enclosed cabinet? Heat is a killer.
My 808 sits on a open stand.
Put it on ebay for parts or better part it out.
The way it sounds, your lucky you didn't take a tweeter, out my Pioneer Sx1050 would blow speakers when it did that!
Check your credit card for extended warranty could be cheaper.
$529.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120179

bklynNupe

PolkieMan wrote: »

Did you have it in an enclosed cabinet? Heat is a killer.
My 808 sits on a open stand.
Put it on ebay for parts or better part it out.
The way it sounds, your lucky you didn't take a tweeter, out my Pioneer Sx1050 would blow speakers when it did that!
Check your credit card for extended warranty could be cheaper.
$529.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120179

I actually had it in a cabinet that I modified which included removing the glass door for the purpose of better air circulation. I'm really not sure what happened. I have a friend with a 20+ year old Onkyo that still sounds great and is build like a tank. I guess this newer mass produced stuff has a shorter shelf life.

tonyb

Can I ask a stupid question ? No ? Too bad, gonna ask anyway.:cheesygrin:

Since you have the amps, why are you looking at receivers ? Something along the lines of a Cary Cinema 11a or Anthem pre/pro would up your SQ by no short order. Just sayin' is all.

PolkieMan

Oh yea if you have amps then the only reason would be because of convenience, it's nice to just turn on one thing with the remote. BTW I have a txnr509 out in the garage for streaming music and I have a 120mm fan just sitting on top to keep it from getting hot

tonyb

You can have that convenience with a pre/pro too, not that complicated.

bklynNupe

tonyb wrote: »

Can I ask a stupid question ? No ? Too bad, gonna ask anyway.:cheesygrin:

Since you have the amps, why are you looking at receivers ? Something along the lines of a Cary Cinema 11a or Anthem pre/pro would up your SQ by no short order. Just sayin' is all.

I would love to but this means that I have to up my budget to about 1,800 dollars? In regards to used, how far back can I go? Do I need hdmi in in order to get 1080p if I'm using digital sources? ... and what about sound correction?

tonyb

I would definately look for a pre/pro with hdmi, 1080p. Of course budget is always a concern, just an option I threw out is all. Since this is just for HT and you have a seperate 2 channel system, maybe a receiver is best given budget.

Dawgfish

bklynNupe wrote: »

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR3312CI/DENON-AVR-3312CI-7.2-Integrated-Network-A/V-Surround-Receiver/1.html#!warranties

ok, i've decided to go with the Denon 3312CI, any thoughts?
Also, has anyone purchased the extended warranties from accessories 4 less ?

I was thinking of the 5 year warranty for $69 bucks. I've noticed some mixed reviews regarding reliability. I guess this is the tradeoff for added features.

I think you'll like this unit as it is essentially the newest version of the 2809 that I used to own. If it is anything like the 2809 you're in for a treat. I really enjoyed that AVR.