Time to downgrade Onkyo receivers to Junk status?

[TLS Guy]

Problems with Onkyo receivers seem to be cropping up here and all over the NET.

It seems that HDMI problems are frequent and serious.

If you Google Onkyo HDMI board problems the page really lights up. Also they get a failing grade for customer service.

Worse there are serious design flaws in the current Onkyo range.

They get too hot.

It seems service is only a temporary solution and extensive DIY is required for a more permanent solution.

The basic problem stems it seems, from a very poorly thought out board layout leading to poor internal air circulation.

The basic problem stems it seems, from a very poorly thought out board layout leading to poor internal air circulation.

It seems you have to replace a bunch of 100 mfd electrolytic caps with larger ones rated to 105 degrees.

Other component changes may be required and installation of fans is apparently mandatory.

This is too much to expect from the average consumer, and Onkyo receivers need to be downgraded to junk category. They should not be recommended on these forums. In fact they should have an avoid designation.

[lsiberian]

The issues I've heard are a problem if you don't have an open rack. I would not recommend Onkyo's unless you have a large ventilation for them. Once I heard the issues I sold mine and went to the HK. I've had zero issues reliability wise with it.

[TLS Guy]

The issues I've heard are a problem if you don't have an open rack. I would not recommend Onkyo's unless you have a large ventilation for them. Once I heard the issues I sold mine and went to the HK. I've had zero issues reliability wise with it.

I think the problem is now beyond that. Even if what you say is correct, it still shows poor design with no margin. I would say even under your conditions, reduced life is to be expected.

[highfigh]

I have been hearing that the heat issue is less of a problem than it was and the reliability is better than it was about two years ago. OTOH, this was from my reps, but they also said some dealers have switched form Denon to Onkyo.

Maybe the majority stake, now held by Gibson (maker of guitars and other instruments) will cause some changes.

[lsiberian]

I think the problem is now beyond that. Even if what you say is correct, it still shows poor design with no margin. I would say even under your conditions, reduced life is to be expected.

The problem TLS is we aren't evaluating the other brands with it. I suspect poor design runs rampant in these budget receiver lines around the entry of HDMI repeating. Considering the cost per unit and the feature requirements of the marketing department I'm not surprised we got a rushed product. But HDMIs introduction caused major headaches for nearly every brand of receiver. My Xbox is the definition of poor ventilation though.

[MDS]

I've never had a single problem with any Onkyo receiver I've owned, although I haven't bought a new one in a long time. Maybe they are currently producing junk but things have a way of changing very quickly.

Every manufacturer seems to have a period where their current line up has a lot of problems and generates a lot of complaints - and then they fix it.

This too shall pass...

[TLS Guy]

The problem TLS is we aren't evaluating the other brands with it. I suspect poor design runs rampant in these budget receiver lines around the entry of HDMI repeating. Considering the cost per unit and the feature requirements of the marketing department I'm not surprised we got a rushed product. But HDMIs introduction caused major headaches for nearly every brand of receiver. My Xbox is the definition of poor ventilation though.

You likely are on target with these comments.

I guess in reviews, running the receivers with temperature probes at critical point under conditions of normal use would provide useful information.

However it seems clear that Onkyo receivers are running hotter than the competition and that is a very big strike against them. There is just no way that that can not have an adverse effect on reliability and longevity. This will be especially true for equipment run at high altitudes like Denver.

[psbfan9]

I have an Onkyo TX SR608 and it's performed well for me. Yes, it gets hot. This particular model does have fans and I knew Onkyo receivers had a reputation for getting hot so I adjusted where I put it in my cabinet.
I have had this receiver for two years or going on two years, and it has performed flawlessly.
Customer service is the worst.

Look at reviews from users of higher end Denon models like the 4311C or what ever it is. The reviews from actual users are rate these pretty low. Sherwood now makes receivers for Denon. How many of you would own a Sherwood/Sherwood Newcastle receiver? I'm betting not many, if any.

There seems to be a rampant problem with all receivers build quality lately. The thing in common? Made in China...I would also bet that 90% of receivers are made at the same factory, no matter brand.

I'm not an Onkyo fanboy that thinks my receiver is best. Based on my experience with this model though, I would have no problem recommending the 608.

[sholling]

The internet echo chamber school of posting? I would think that with 4 Onkyos in the house I'd have noticed by now if the they were "junk" but perhaps I was born under a lucky star and got the only 4 good ones that they've ever produced. It's true that they do need plenty of ventilation but that was addressed with fans in the latest models - I'm sure they're still "junk" though and all 4 of mine will melt down any minute - the internet said so.

[M Code]

Onkyo AVRs are biased on the high side to minimize x-over distortion, so they do run hotter even @ idle.. In our install biz we have found the majority of complaints toward Onkyo & heat is that the user does not provide enough free-air clearance. There should be at least 3' for the L/R sides and top cover, also no component should be put on its top cover..

Just my $0.02..