Onkyo TX-DS989

ahorvitz

I've found one for sale- used. It's a huge upgrade from my current Onkyo 5.1 (TX-DS575X, I think). What's it worth in good condition?

Version 2 model btw... Thanks.

Skynut

Not real sure but probably around $750.00
Fwiw I upgraded my Onkyo tx-ds787 to a Sunfire theater grand II for $750.00 and I am amazed how much better the TG is.
Better sound all the way around as far as I am concerned.

PS. the sunfire requires an external amp.

ahorvitz

Thanks.
I'm at the stage now where I want to add power, but my current receiver lacks pre-amp outs. I may be able to get this 989 for as little as $500, so I think I have to do it. If it's not a long term solution, I ccan hopefully dump it for what I might pay for it.

Skynut

You can also use it with your new amp when you get one.
that is what I did, I got a new amp and used the pre outs.
I pretty much figured out the Onkyo had to go at that point so I scored the Sunfire.
It will be never ending so just do what you feel is right and enjoy.
There are very few wrong answers.

disneyjoe7

I own a Onkyo 898 sweet nice, works well as a Prue / pro for future needs. For $500 for a 989 model above mine I would jump on it.

disneyjoe7

Skynut wrote:

Not real sure but probably around $750.00
WWI I upgraded my Onkyo tx-ds787 to a Sunfire theater grand II for $750.00 and I am amazed how much better the TG is.
Better sound all the way around as far as I am concerned.

PS. the sunfire requires an external amp.

Why would a Sunfire theater grand II sound better then a Onkyo with an external amp. I don't think that is apples to apples comparison.

Toxis

For that price, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat. But then again, what are you running off it?

Skynut

disneyjoe7 wrote:

Why would a Sunfire theater grand II sound better then a Onkyo with an external amp. I don't think that is apples to apples comparison.

I was using the Onkyo with the same amp I used the Sunfire with.
When the Onkyo came out and the Sunfire went in it sounded better.
The only change was the processor.

disneyjoe7

Skynut,

Interesting the only thing that comes to mind is that I read years ago that the 787 had processor problems. If memory serves me correct the 898 and the 989 receivers used another type of processor so for $500 I would jump on it.

BTW your statement as me thinking about removing the Onkyo soon.

Skynut

I really wanted the 989 when I got my 787. I just could not afford it.
I really like my 787 and it is now in the bedroom.
I think they are great pieces of equipment it's just that my Sunfire sounds better then my 787 does in my opnion.

disneyjoe7

Well the same here the 989 looked really sweet, my 898 was my compromise. Again with your statement I see my 898 leaving. But I use it as an AD converter mostly as I do a lot of 2 channel only this is a pre / pro only in that mode.

If I did it all over again it would be separates all the way.

ahorvitz

I'm running these right now... just picked up the RT1000p's used last week.

okiepolkie

Looks like you will have a very nice system. The next thing you will have to do is upgrade your subwoofer.

ohskigod

500 bucks, with pre outs, and future expansion ability? future being key, you can easily use the onk as a stand alone for now until you can afford to go the amplification road right, getting the onk is a no brainer.

Skynut

Disney,

That is what i found out also.
I was real lucky that I had pre outs on mine because that was not something I knew about when I bought it.
I added the amp later and liked the added power.
Then the opportunity came to get the Sunfire and I just did it.
I am thinking about going for the Sherbourn processor next to compare it and the Sunfire.
These damn upgrades and switching equipment get real expensive, eventually I need to sell off some older stuff.

I say for $500.00 go for it, you won't be dissapointed.

ahorvitz

Thanks all... I DEFINITELY need to upgrade the subwoofer. I got it free with the 55's and the 245 through Crutchfield. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have upgraded to the CS400i center and probably the PSW450, but I was even more of a rank amateur than I am today.

We'll see if this actually comes through for the 989. It's a private sale and the seller is being difficult about testing it.

Holydoc

Skynut wrote:

I am thinking about going for the Sherbourn processor next to compare it and the Sunfire.

Isn't the Sherbourn processor the one that Outlaw uses in their 990?

Skynut

I am not sure about that.
I have heard that Sherbourn is very similar to the Sunfire inside.

okiepolkie

I think the Sherwood processor is the same as the Outlaw's. I know the Outlaw 950, Sherbourn, and Atlantic Tech of the same time frame used the same processor, but I don't know if the same platform is being used for Sherbourn's new model.

Holydoc

My bad. It was the Sherwood P-965 that the Outlaw 990 was built off of.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/support/faq_990.html

And the ATI 2000 series that the Outlaw Amps were built off of.

Umm...nevermind. I will shut-up now and stop thinking out loud.

doug lang

Hey I have to add to this. I have a 989 which I replaced with a sunfire III. I also have a sunfire amp. For me there was no comparison. The 989 with all the goodies does not match the sunfire. I never got a clear answer with the 4 amp deal with the polk speakers. I even called onkyo for advise. Of course they said the 989 could handle the lsi polk speakers. My sunfire runs a lot cooler than onkyo, which means a lot in sw fl. My onkyo is being used for outdoor and living room use. Would I give up the onkyo, no and if there was one available for 500.00 I would buy it. I bought the last one new from the company in Boston Mass. Can't remember their name. All in all that would be a good deal.

Skynut

Agreed, I do not plan on letting my Onkyo go either.