Onkyo TX-8211 or Denon DRA-295?

bokdaddy

Hey guys, I'm looking at inexpensive stereo receivers to power a pair of RTi6's I have in my bedroom. The two I've got it narrowed down to are the Onkyo TX-8211 and the Denon DRA-295. Does anyone have thoughts on which would be a better match? Thanks in advance.

Toxis

Denon... more power and a little cleaner. Now I'd compare the Onkyo 8511 more to the 295 in terms of sound quality and the 8511 has a little more true power.

George Grand

If those are both the most inexpensive receivers in those manufacturers lines, get specs and see if they are rated for 20-20,000 cycles. Most companies bottom of the line stuff these days is only rated for X amount of power, 40-20,000 cycles, with X amount of THD.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

George Grand

I can't help but think you're going to get one of those from J & R in New York City. You'll pay no shipping but you WILL pay N.Y. State sales tax adding close to $20 to the purchase price ($239 for the Onk, $249 for the Denon). That's ALMOST $300 for a two-channel bedroom receiver.

You can do a lot better on the used market, right here on this forum.

The Onk at 100wpc is going to be 40-20,000 cycles freq. response. I love Onkyo when they put their heart and soul into a product. They didn't do that with TX-8511, it's basically a toy.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

jcaut

I second the "used" approach. ESPECIALLY if you only need two-channel. $300..... even $250.... gets you some pretty nice, older two-channel equipment. I hate to even say what I let a nice, second-owner Marantz 2270 go for a while back. I still regret it, but someone else is enjoying it now, no doubt.

I've got a like-new Kenwood DPL receiver sitting here in the closet. Can't remember the model #, but rated, I think 120W/ch in stereo, full bandwidth and all. A pretty gutsy receiver, near top of Kenwood's line in it's day. Big heat sinks, transformer, caps etc. If you might be interested in that, I'll get pics, specs, etc., and try to come up with a reasonable price. If that one doesn't appeal to you, I'm sure others on the forum have receivers they'd part with.

That said, if you want new and are commited to one of the two you mentioned, I vote for the Denon.


Jason

George Grand

I'll second the Denon choice IF you've got to go brand new. I have a lot of stuff also, but would feel VERY comfortable buying anything from JCaut. Plus, if you ever decide to go half-**** surround in your bedroom you've only got to add speakers to that Kenwood.

Consider his offer.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

Danny Tse

Just for the record, the Onkyo TX-8511 is rated full bandwidth at 100 watts/channel @ .08% THD.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-8511&p=s&class=Receiver

I used to own the TX-8511 and sounded great. This model, along with the TX-8211, has been in Onkyo's line for at least 3 years. The only bad thing about the Onkyo's are their speaker outputs, which are cheap spring clips instead of binding posts.



The TX-8211 is pretty good as well and it should be less expensive than the Denon. Both are similarly powered, except that the Denon include a set of pre-outs, which both Onkyo's lack.

If you must buy new and you're looking for a stereo receiver, you should also check out the model offered by Sherwood Newcastle at $200.00 from J&R. Yamaha still offers 3 to 4 models of stereo receivers, but they are not available online.

sowen010599

That looks like what, 120w 1a, power supply.

Should be good for about 35 watts per.

shack

bokdaddy - I would recommend that you look for a refurb Denon DRA-685. If you like the sound of your 1803 you will really like the DRA-685. I have an AVR-1802 I purchsed new and have a refurbished DRA-685 that I bought from Woody Jacobs here on the forum. The DRA-685 holds its own compared to some NAD separates that I have and has always impressed me. I have used mine to power my RT55is, RT25is, RT400s and some vintage large Advents. I feel the Denon and Polks work well together. Right now mine is in my office with my RT25is. I think stereo receivers work well for office or bedroom duty. To give you an idea of what B-stock or refurbs go for here are the E-bay autions going on now...

http://search.ebay.com/denon-dra-685_W0QQsokeywordredirectZ1QQsonewuserZ1

bokdaddy

First off, thanks guys for your thoughts.

I actually was planning on buying whatever I decide to buy refurbed from eCost.com. I bought my AVR-1803 from them and have been very happy. The Denon isn't currently available but runs around $100 when they have them in stock and the Onkyo is listed at $85.99 right now. Right now I'm leaning towards the Denon just because I like the sound I have in my living room system.