Onkyo Reciever worth upgrading?

KrazyMofo24

I have an Onkyo Ht-R320 it came with Oknyo Htib (HT-S570). It's a 5.1 600 watt reciever with 100w per channel. I have a pair of Rti4's and a csi3. I will get some Rti6's and use the 4's for the surrounds later. I was wondering if upgrading the reciever was necessary and if so what would go well with the Rti's? The system is in my room so I don't play movies/music very LOUD.

gregure

Realistically, any Onkyo unit that came with a home theater in a box is not really outputting 100 watts. If in some parallel universe, they can measure 100 watts from all of the channels driven at once (they can't), it would still be an inferior unit due to the fact that it is cheap and does not have a high current amp. The short answer is that it would most certainly be worth upgrading to a better unit, as you will get better sound. More current = deeper bass, smoother highs, more detail, and less noise. You will notice the difference even if you don't need to turn it up too loud.

That said, seeming as how you don't turn it up too loud, you won't be damaging the speakers using your current Onkyo receiver, just shortchanging their ability to produce quality sonics. You could make due with what you have until you could save up for something really nice.

Prices on Denon units will be coming down this month to make way for the new units. The 3805 is now $1000 at most retailers, and the 2805 and 2105 will be coming down as well. A higher end Onkyo would be a decent choice as well. If you really want to make those speakers sing, you'll bump up to Rotel or NAD, although that would be rather lavish for a system comprised of bookshelf speakers.

Ron Temple

If you look at the specs of the Onkyo 302 vs. 320, you'll see they are virutally identical, same with the 502/520. The HTIB receivers make huge wpc claims being the only difference. My 520 is 21lbs and claims to do 130/6. Hell, their top of the line TX-1000 doesn't do 130wpc and it's like 80lbs.

That being said, the 520 was doing a good job driving my speakers at moderate to loud levels without distortion. Hopefully, my new HK will be an improvement @ 50wpc.

aaharvel

Like Sony, Pioneer and to an extent Yamaha- I don't respect Onkyo for the simple fact that they're never honest with their wattage specs. (ES, Elite, and Integra may be different, idk)

Looking at the power supply of that Onkyo, watts driven all channels simult. throughout 20hz-20khz, and how much current is in the actual amp stages- it's a sham.

Sometimes, even Denon and Marantz have trouble being 100% honest, and I love their gear.

NAD, Rotel, Adcom, Outlaw, B&K and even H/K - these will give you honest power ratings with good power supplies and high current capability- without breaking the bank- and some from Denon and Marantz.

KrazyMofo24

Would $300 be enough to buy a decent reciever just to power bookshelfs and a good sub?

Ron Temple

Take your time and save your money. You've got enough for decent 2.1 sound. But, yes $300 will get you a decent refurbed or used receiver with pre-outs for future power upgrades.