Onkyo vs Denon - specific thoughts/opinions

shanerussell1021

Ok I am down to two receiver choices but not sure which one to pick. It will be pairing with Polk Audio TL1600 speakers.

Onkyo TX-NR646 or Denon AVR-S710W...and go. Thanks.

ROHfan

Neither of those AVRs has pre-outs which will be necessary down the road, but I prefer Denon's sound over Onkyo's any day of the week. The last Onkyo AVR I had only lasted about three weeks in my setup.

Paradoxex

I think he's just looking to power the Polk speakers in his post, which don't need external amplification to perform well.

Shane, folks on this forum are going to suggest a higher end AVR in case you want to upgrade your speakers in the future - a better AVR can accommodate things like allowing for you to add an amp or more functionality that you don't need now, but may want in the future.

Of the choices you laid out, I'd pick the Denon, which has a reputation for providing better functionality at lower price points. The Denon also offers Audyssey, which helps with improving the sound relative to your room. Onkyo recently started using a different system which is not yet proven.

rpf65

The new room calibration, accueq, doesn't calibrate the front mains. Deal killer in my opinion.

shanerussell1021

Yes all I will be doing is using these speakers and receiver to view movies and sports. I'm not an audiophile so expanding on what I already have down the road isnt going to happen. This is basically meant for a man cave setup to get setup and leave it so on Sundays and movie nights I can flick a switch and be ready to go and thats it. I dont need every bell and whistle, just something quality for a decent price and it seems like the Denon and Onkyo I referenced are compatible and quality for the speakers I have to put out some good sound for movies and tv.

tonyb

In that case, the Denon would be my preference also.

cfrizz

I'd go with the Denon.

kevhed72

I agree w the above on Onkyo....quality issues a plenty.

honestaquarian

Denon versus Onkyo is like asking which is better. Ford or Chevy?

mdaudioguy

Another Denon vote. I've put together some similar setups. Should be nice - enjoy!

Nightfall

DSkip wrote: »

honestaquarian wrote: »

Denon versus Onkyo is like asking which is better. Ford or Chevy?

Not at all. It's like Kia or Honda.

Denon all the way.

I don't think that's fair either, those are two reliable brands. Onkyo is more like Jeep/Fiat.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/10/top-10-most-reliable-and-least-reliable-cars.html

Like Skip, Denon all the way.

honestaquarian

Pioneer is now part of Onkyo

F1nut

Pioneer

dalylaleahthor

Never had an onkyo personally. Vote goes for the Denon.

gudnoyez

I own a Onkyo and a Denon, I like them both the Onkyo I have is a powerhouse, all you guys with Onkyo issues should of made made sure they had proper ventelation as those WRAT amps get hot. I keep a usb fan on top of mine that sucks out the heat and blows it out the back never a problem and it stays cool to the touch. Heat kills electronics and is not kind to HDMI boards.

shanerussell1021

I was leaning towards the Onkyo because its a 100w over the Denon which is 80, but I've found through my research this doesn't really make a difference with the speakers I have (that's how novice I am with this stuff). I think with my inexperience I won't be able to tell a difference in sound quality, operation, setup, etc so if Denon has had less issues and the chances of a headache are less with the Denon I should go with them, my flip flop reasoning is because the tech at Crutchfield recommended Onkyo over Denon but I am now thinking they may just make more money off of selling an Onkyo vs a Denon. I don't like that the Onkyo runs hot, of course a fan to cool it is an option but why take that extra step if the Denon is just as good if not slightly better.

shanerussell1021

So I have a connection to receive some BestBuy gift cards that will help me purchase a receiver and save some money doing so, the Denon AVR-S710W apparently isn't sold at BestBuy or at least I can't find it online, however I did find this Denon (link below) that is a little more expensive, expensive isn't always better though, can anyone maybe view the link and give me their opinion on this one and how it relates to my previous posts? Thanks again everyone for the input.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/denon-1155w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/3510563.p?id=1219583812039&skuId=3510563&gclid=CI_inrONy84CFYlkhgod3rMF0Q

gmcman

I also have 2 Denon AVR's serving light duty and I will say I like the Denon much more, mainly for their HT as the dynamics are much better than my older Onkyo, or other Onkyo's I've heard.

My first Denon I used in HT was most notable in the quiet passages of movies, just dead silent...even the fan slows down during these moments to further reduce any noise.

I would go with the Denon for sure.

TNHNDYMAN

The one linked to Best Buy should work well for your intended setup. Go for it.

I too have had both brands. The Denon was slightly more difficult to setup, but was noticeably better in the sound quality compared to the onkyo that I used.

shanerussell1021

One more question, I am pulling the trigger tonight on the Denon AVR-S720W, I originally was going to get the S710W but actually found a better deal for the S720W even though its a more pricier unit its turning out to be less expensive for me cause of me having best buy giftcards along with a price match from them with amazon blah blah etc etc. My question is whats the difference between the S720W and the S710W? is the S710W just last years model or something?

andrew82

Shane, you are correct. The S710W is simply last year's model. The S720W has updated connections and the like.

http://hometheaterreview.com/denon-announces-two-new-s-series-av-receivers/

F1nut

Pioneer

honestaquarian

gudnoyez wrote: »

I own a Onkyo and a Denon, I like them both the Onkyo I have is a powerhouse, all you guys with Onkyo issues should of made made sure they had proper ventelation as those WRAT amps get hot. I keep a usb fan on top of mine that sucks out the heat and blows it out the back never a problem and it stays cool to the touch. Heat kills electronics and is not kind to HDMI boards.

@gudnoyez
The issues that Onkyo has been having has nothing to do with heat problems. It has to do with bad audio chips and HDMI boards. I had one or both of these problems with two different Onkyo preamps (*which sit out in the open because of their size. So ventilation is a non issue*) as well as my Integra stereo receiver. In addition two friends of mine whom own either Onkyo or Integra preamps or receivers have had the exact same issues. Fortunately Onkyo has a free fix which requires sending the unit to one of their contractors at no cost to the consumer. I wound up getting a brand new preamp from Onkyo out of all of this. I like both Denon and Onkyo,but my inherent preference is for Onkyo.
I can fully understand the comments that I've read here because I have experienced them myself three times with three different Onkyo products.

honestaquarian

Now THAT was a bit of a fluke