Recommendations for Stereo Receiver or Integrated Amp?

[walter duque]

I decided to probably go with the A-9555 with possibly a pair of Definitive Technologies that contain a built in sub and amp, to take care of the bass in this secondary system. I think the Onkyo and Def Techs will be fine for my needs; I really like the look of that A-9555!

[/QUOTE]
If I where you I would stay away from any powered speaker. I went down that road. There is no substitue for a real sub.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

If I where you I would stay away from any powered speaker. I went down that road. There is no substitue for a real sub.

Thanks, Walter.

I will definitely look beyond Def Tech, and consider many other brands; for the time being, though, I'm going to be running this 2-channel system through a pair of Polk R20 bookshelves.

 

[walter duque]

I will definitely look beyond Def Tech, and consider many other brands; for the time being, though, I'm going to be running this 2-channel system through a pair of Polk R20 bookshelves.

[/QUOTE]

I am not saying Def Tech (which are great speakers) just any powered speaker.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I am not saying Def Tech (which are great speakers) just any powered speaker.

I said Def Tech because those are the ones I was considering.

 

[anamorphic96]

Hey Anamorphic (and everyone else),

Just wanted to let you know that I indeed pulled the trigger on an Onkyo TX-8555 based on your recommendations; got this 100-watt-per-channel receiver for less than $250 on Amazon, and this was like 30 or so bucks more than what a local RC Willey outlet wanted for the STEP-DOWN model (the 8255 I think?). I also got free shipping from Amazon for it...seemed like too good a deal to pass up.

The "entry level" Onkyo stereo receiver, while probably fine in all fairness for my needs, just seemed really inferior in person; the 50 watts per channel didn't scare me off at all, but the 8555 has a sub pre-out and just a heftier look to it.

I really, really wanted that A-9555 integrated, but it was simply way too much money right now...I couldn't find it for much under 500 bucks and most places wanted well over $699 from what I recall. At least now we'll have a tuner built in as well, which I'll never use, but the wife probably will.

For the time being, we're going to be running my old Polk R20 bookshelves on Sanus stands for this 2-channel system, but I hate the idea of using bookshelves for a stereo setup, so I'll eventually get around to buying new towers for this room. So, that leaves the turntable choice for the setup, which I'm struggling with now. All fingers point to the Technics SL-1200MK2, but, again, this I don't think is going to be within budget.

The table isn't something that needs to be bought right now, though, as we're just going to get some kind of music going in this room -- the receiver or amp was more important in this regard, as we already have a CD changer and recorder in place.

Anamorphic, what do you think of the choice of the TX-8555, and the price of just under $250? Was it worth it?

I think you made a very good choice and you should be really happy with it. It's a tried and true design that has not changed for many years. You also have more flexibility for future upgrades in that this unit has pre-amp outputs. As well as the sub output, tape loop, and phono input. You will probably never need the pre outs as this receiver will drive most speakers but its nice to have the ability if needed to add a more powerful amp.

You got a good deal as well. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I think you made a very good choice and you should be really happy with it. It's a tried and true design that has not changed for many years. You also have more flexibility for future upgrades in that this unit has pre-amp outputs. As well as the sub output, tape loop, and phono input. You will probably never need the pre outs as this receiver will drive most speakers but its nice to have the ability if needed to add a more powerful amp.

You got a good deal as well. Good luck and enjoy.

Thanks.

I remember that you've been a fan of this receiver and its design, but can I ask you, what was it about the A-9555 integrated that you didn't necessarily "care for" over the 8555? Was it just a matter of value?

 

[Cristofori]

For the time being, we're going to be running my old Polk R20 bookshelves on Sanus stands for this 2-channel system, but I hate the idea of using bookshelves for a stereo setup, so I'll eventually get around to buying new towers for this room.

Don't discount the possibility of going with a great pair of bookshelves and a sub combo. The right set up can give a pair of floorstanders a run for their money, although your Polk R20's aren't going to be the ones to do it. Also, bookshelves are cheaper, more manageable, easier to resell and ship, and may make the wife a bit happier, as their smaller size won't take over the room.

So, that leaves the turntable choice for the setup, which I'm struggling with now. All fingers point to the Technics SL-1200MK2, but, again, this I don't think is going to be within budget.

The table isn't something that needs to be bought right now, though, as we're just going to get some kind of music going in this room -- the receiver or amp was more important in this regard, as we already have a CD changer and recorder in place.

Good idea, as long as you don't have hordes of vinyl you must listen to (and t sounds like you don't) you'd be better off saving your money until you can get a proper TT set up going. You will be much happier... Trust me!

Good things come to those who wait!

 

[Cristofori]

Thanks.

I remember that you've been a fan of this receiver and its design, but can I ask you, what was it about the A-9555 integrated that you didn't necessarily "care for" over the 8555? Was it just a matter of value?

For what it's worth, I think that Onkyo integrated amp is a beautiful piece of gear, and is undoubtedly better built both inside and out. The budget Onkyo reciever your getting looks like a "Best Buy Special" from 15 years ago by comparison.

I suspect many here will be prejudiced against it simply because audiophiles tend to prefer this type of unit for 2-channel music listing, and I believe with some justification. Then again, if you believe all amps sound the same, then why not always recommend the cheapest model possible???

Others will say it doesn't have a subwoofer output (as if that's the only thing that matters). But you could probably still hook up a sub to it, but at greater cost and complexity. This particular unit does have pre-outs.

As a matter of fact, it could be more flexible in other ways. If you decide in the future to get a tuner with HD capability, you can get anyone you'd like. But you had mentioned that you didn't really care about the tuner anyway, which would have been all the more reason to go for the integrated, bypassing all the signal degrading crap receivers have.

But these units were designed for pure 2-channel music listening, and I still think they do it a bit better than most receivers, and look and feel a lot nicer too. They also contain better phono preamps, etc. than receivers, and the cost is more than reasonable for a high quality unit like this!

 

[anamorphic96]

Thanks.

I remember that you've been a fan of this receiver and its design, but can I ask you, what was it about the A-9555 integrated that you didn't necessarily "care for" over the 8555? Was it just a matter of value?

Mainly value. I am a big believer in flexibility and having the ability to upgrade if needed. Pre-outs are an important thing in my book. I'm still not big believer in digital amps. Call me old fashion. I still think the NAD is a better amp at that price.

$2-300 - The Onkyo TX-8555 and the HK 3490 are the best receivers you can get at this price point for stereo.

If you want to step into 400 and above NAD, Rotel, and Cambridge Audio are the next best step up IMO.

But going used is the best bet when you can spend 400 and above. Sometimes less. Amps have few moving parts and tend to last for many many years with no problems and tend to be a pretty safe bet on the used market if you know where to go and what your looking for.

Enjoy the Onkyo. It's a rock solid unit.

So when are you getting the matching center channel !!!

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Don't discount the possibility of going with a great pair of bookshelves and a sub combo. The right set up can give a pair of floorstanders a run for their money, although your Polk R20's aren't going to be the ones to do it. Also, bookshelves are cheaper, more manageable, easier to resell and ship, and may make the wife a bit happier, as their smaller size won't take over the room.

While I am concerned with your feelings regarding what my R20's are essentially capable of, I've been down the "bookshelves on stands" route before -- my wife actually HATED the look of the R20's on their stands in our HT setup and I had to agree with her sentiments that they gave the room a "dorm feel" that was hard to describe; furthermore, I couldn't stand dealing with the speaker cable management issues through the hidden channels in the stands and the constant "leaning" of the stands' feet which were troublesome right out of the box...I just don't think bookshelves are for me.

That said, I understand that my R20's won't give good floorstanders "a run for their money," but I MUST use these right now for the time being due to absolute budget restraints. I would like to upgrade these at some point to good floorstanders for stereo use, but I don't think this will take place any time soon.

What's ironic about this whole thing is that the Polk RTi12's I just bought for the HT system are really MORE suited to powerful two channel use -- I always thought bookshelves and a sub were more suited to HT than for stereo; I just prefer towers for music.

Good idea, as long as you don't have hordes of vinyl you must listen to (and t sounds like you don't) you'd be better off saving your money until you can get a proper TT set up going. You will be much happier... Trust me!

Good things come to those who wait!

No, nothing that MUST be listened to right now, but I do have a massive 45RPM collection that I would like to burn to CD-R, and that will be a big project in itself.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

For what it's worth, I think that Onkyo integrated amp is a beautiful piece of gear, and is undoubtedly better built both inside and out. The budget Onkyo reciever your getting looks like a "Best Buy Special" from 15 years ago by comparison.

This doesn't make me feel that great about the purchase; here, Anamorphic is telling me that the TX-8555 is a great unit and you're calling it a "Best Buy Special"...furthermore, I must say that I disagree regarding the "cheapness" of this receiver. The model I purchased is actually the better of Onkyo's stereo receiver pair offerings (there's a cheaper 50 watt per channel model that REALLY looked less expensive) and if you read reviews and owner comments on this model, it has gotten absolutely wonderful feedback about its power, build quality, upscale feel of its controls, etc. I don't have doubts that the 8555 will do what I need it to do -- but that said, the A-9555 was indeed a BEAUTIFUL looking piece of gear; I just could not afford it right now realistically, and that's what it comes down to for most of us. I want a Bentley coupe...I simply can't have one.

I suspect many here will be prejudiced against it simply because audiophiles tend to prefer this type of unit for 2-channel music listing, and I believe with some justification. Then again, if you believe all amps sound the same, then why not always recommend the cheapest model possible???

What exactly are you reffering to here...the receiver? The integrated amp?

Others will say it doesn't have a subwoofer output (as if that's the only thing that matters). But you could probably still hook up a sub to it, but at greater cost and complexity. This particular unit does have pre-outs.

Yeah, that's not a make or break feature for me, at all, but the receiver I bought does have pre-outs as well.

As a matter of fact, it could be more flexible in other ways. If you decide in the future to get a tuner with HD capability, you can get anyone you'd like. But you had mentioned that you didn't really care about the tuner anyway, which would have been all the more reason to go for the integrated, bypassing all the signal degrading crap receivers have.

I don't need a tuner, but I simply could not afford the integrated right now.

But these units were designed for pure 2-channel music listening, and I still think they do it a bit better than most receivers, and look and feel a lot nicer too. They also contain better phono preamps, etc. than receivers, and the cost is more than reasonable for a high quality unit like this!

Yes, the look, feel and build of that amp is apparently of the premium variety and the price may indeed be reasonable for what it is but I could not justify the price right now.

I will get back to your PM as soon as I can. Thanks.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Mainly value. I am a big believer in flexibility and having the ability to upgrade if needed. Pre-outs are an important thing in my book. I'm still not big believer in digital amps. Call me old fashion. I still think the NAD is a better amp at that price.

$2-300 - The Onkyo TX-8555 and the HK 3490 are the best receivers you can get at this price point for stereo.

If you want to step into 400 and above NAD, Rotel, and Cambridge Audio are the next best step up IMO.

But going used is the best bet when you can spend 400 and above. Sometimes less. Amps have few moving parts and tend to last for many many years with no problems and tend to be a pretty safe bet on the used market if you know where to go and what your looking for.

Enjoy the Onkyo. It's a rock solid unit.

So when are you getting the matching center channel !!!

What do you make of Cris' notions above that the 8555 reminds him of a "Best Buy Special"?

I think my CSi30 will be okay with the RTi12's, will it not? Will this match be a sonic disaster?

 

[anamorphic96]

No I don't think it's a Best Buy Special. It's a well designed receiver at a fair price. What you really need to worry about with the 2 channel system is getting better speakers. But you know that already.

No it probably won't be a disaster with your CSi30. But when the matching center is so cheap. You jump on the deal. Especially considering it's discontinued and will not be around forever. It's a no brainer in my book.

But I'm gonna keep pestering you until you break down and buy the damn thing.

 

[Cristofori]

This doesn't make me feel that great about the purchase; here, Anamorphic is telling me that the TX-8555 is a great unit and you're calling it a "Best Buy Special"...furthermore, I must say that I disagree regarding the "cheapness" of this receiver The model I purchased is actually the better of Onkyo's stereo receiver pair offerings (there's a cheaper 50 watt per channel model that REALLY looked less expensive) and if you read reviews and owner comments on this model, it has gotten absolutely wonderful feedback about its power, build quality, upscale feel of its controls, etc.

Don't worry about it, your Onkyo will be OK for a secondary system. I was mainly referring to it's dated looks, as I remember seeing similar units from Onkyo when I first started looking at receivers, around 15 years ago, They haven't changed much, and indeed were available at BB at the time. I've owned such receivers before, none of them ever gave me the overall satisfaction of a good integrated or separates system. The likes of which was usually not available at BB.

My first real receiver was a Kenwood 5.1 channel dolby pro-logic (before dolby digital came out), which I thought was great at the time, until I got my big Carver amp/pre-amp along with my Sony ES CD player. Besides being MUCH nicer looking and obviously better built, there was a notable improvement in SQ (or some would have me believe I and my non-audiophile friends THOUGHT there was an improvement). Since then, I never wanted to go back to a receiver for music, especially a multi-channel one.

Perhaps receiver technology has changed? My Marantz SR-4023 I recently bought (reluctantly on a budget) is actually pretty damn nice, without the cluttered, plasticy looks and the myriad of square buttons on receivers I've had before, It sounds great, and has most of the features (except HD radio) I could ever want in a 2-channel receiver.

Still, I hope to upgrade to the better Marantz Integrated/Tuner combo in the future, or possibly use the SR-4023 as a nice pre-amp/tuner with some big beefy power amp.

Also, according to the one who recommended you the Onyko, they all sound the same, and 50 watts vs. 100 watts offers little advantage... if you follow that. Might as well have got the cheapest Onkyo unit and put the rest of your funds to that TT or speakers.

but that said, the A-9555 was indeed a BEAUTIFUL looking piece of gear; I just could not afford it right now realistically, and that's what it comes down to for most of us. I want a Bentley coupe...I simply can't have one.

Comparing the A-9555 to a Bentley Coupe is stretching things a little bit don't you think? The A-9555 is an absolute bargain for what you get compared to other higher priced niche integrated amps.

Sorry to say, but most enthusiasts would consider this Mid-Fi or even budget unit territory here.

What exactly are you reffering to here...the receiver? The integrated amp?

The A-9555 of course, I thought that was obvious.

Yeah, that's not a make or break feature for me, at all, but the receiver I bought does have pre-outs as well.

What your receiver has wasn't the point. The point was you could still hook a subwoofer up to that integrated, although not as easily. It seems this is the main reason for recommending against an integrated.

I don't need a tuner, but I simply could not afford the integrated right now.

OK, I understand. I'm in a similar situation myself. But your initial inquires and opening statements seemed to indicate a much greater ambition and budget for a secondary 2-channel system. What happened? A sobering talk by the wife? Your options have steadily gotten worse over the course of this whole thing and now your in ultra-budget territory, with only one unit in the bag.

I see now it looks like you aren't even going to get a TT at all, at least not for awhile. My God Man! You didn't need any help from anyone here, just buy a decent black box stereo receiver from one of the usual suspects and be done with it! They are all very similar.

Better yet, I wouldn't bother with a second system at all at this point. Save the money until you can get the better stuff, or use it to upgrade your current #1 system, such as better speakers. You can reserve the replaced, lesser speakers for the #2 system.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time, just wanting to help you from wasting money on something that may be less then satisfactory, as I have done many times.

There are two kinds of bum steer advice you can get. One is from the fanatical audiophile who will have you mortgage your house for some 15 watt tube amps, cables, and nonsensical accessories, the other on the opposite extreme will tell you that nothing matters except for speakers, and to go buy an Acme/Apex CD player/receiver and $20,000 speakers.

I've received and followed both kinds of advice, with ruinous consequences. But I've found that as with many things in life, the truth runs somewhere in the middle, and units like the Technics SL-1200, the Onkyo A-9555 and others of similar quality by Denon, Marantz, etc., offers some of that "middle truth" satisfaction at somewhat reasonable prices.

I will get back to your PM as soon as I can. Thanks.

Sure, love to hear from you. But if your not getting a TT right now, there is really no reason.

 

[anamorphic96]

The Onkyo and Marantz are equals in most every way except features and looks. Both manufactures have used the same amp design in these models for more than 10 years.

If one does some research they will see what I'm talking about. The Marantz is also known as the SR-68, SR-4320, and now the 4023. They are the same receiver with same amp just some updated features and aesthetics. The Marantz would typically cost more due to its 3 year warranty, pre-out / main in jacks and some other misc features. It has retailed for 350-400.

The Onkyo has also been known as the TX-8511 and now TX-8555. There may have been another version in there as well. The 8555 having the best feature set. The older TX-8511 model had spring clip speaker terminals, no sub out, and no pre-outs. But the same amp as the TX-8555 It retailed for roughly 250 to 300.

As far as one having better sound than the other. I don't think anyone could tell them apart in a level matched blind comparison.

As far as raw power output. The Onkyo would probably play about 1 to 1.5 db louder. Which is not noticeable.

So Mike. Anyone who tells you the Onkyo is a Best Buy special is just stating there opinion that's not based on any fact. Fact of the matter is they are both very similar in more ways than one. Especially when you look closely at the specs.

On a side note. The TX-8255 is pretty much the same amp as the 8555 with less features and power output. But would sound the same as the 8555.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

No I don't think it's a Best Buy Special. It's a well designed receiver at a fair price. What you really need to worry about with the 2 channel system is getting better speakers. But you know that already.

Yes, better speakers are in the agenda, when they can be purchased -- for the time being, I need to use the R20's, but this will only be temporary.

No it probably won't be a disaster with your CSi30. But when the matching center is so cheap. You jump on the deal. Especially considering it's discontinued and will not be around forever. It's a no brainer in my book.

But I'm gonna keep pestering you until you break down and buy the damn thing.

I SPECIFICALLY designed the new HT setup and speaker purchase for this system around the CSi30 so the new mains could integrate with them. That's why I did so much research and enlisted in-depth conversations with Polk's tech folks about this -- they assured me the CSi30 could mate with the older RTi line well enough.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Don't worry about it, your Onkyo will be OK for a secondary system. I was mainly referring to it's dated looks, as I remember seeing similar units from Onkyo when I first started looking at receivers, around 15 years ago, They haven't changed much, and indeed were available at BB at the time. I've owned such receivers before, none of them ever gave me the overall satisfaction of a good integrated or separates system. The likes of which was usually not available at BB.

Onkyo is not even available at BB. From what I understand, they were getting ready to sell them via their Insignia circuit line, but I don't know if this actually happened. Further, I happen to be a BIG fan of this company's "understated" looks on their electronics...the simple black aluminum faceplates, the polished but simple volume knobs...they just seem more business oriented than offering bells and whistles. I don't think the model I chose is "budget looking" in any way, quite frankly...the model BELOW this one (the only other stereo receiver Onkyo currently offers) does look kind of cheesy and "economic" especially when viewed up close in a retail environment; it even had the old-school volume markers on the master volume knob, which looked kind of cheap to me (although there is plenty of analog gear out there of the premium variety that utilizes this kind of approach effectively, for sure).

Additionally still, the 8555 incorporates Onkyo's feature set found on their well-received (no pun intended) home theater receivers such as the "IntelliVolume" input level matching system and some other nice touches.

My first real receiver was a Kenwood 5.1 channel dolby pro-logic (before dolby digital came out), which I thought was great at the time, until I got my big Carver amp/pre-amp along with my Sony ES CD player. Besides being MUCH nicer looking and obviously better built, there was a notable improvement in SQ (or some would have me believe I and my non-audiophile friends THOUGHT there was an improvement). Since then, I never wanted to go back to a receiver for music, especially a multi-channel one.

I wouldn't use a multi channel receiver in a dedicated room for two channel playback -- but I have never had a problem with any multi channel receiver in a HT system playing back my two channel music from my CD changers and related equipment, as they have always sounded quite rich and involving to my ears. Would a $6000 Adcom power amp sound more lifelike? Sure. But to be frank, I don't have an issue letting a true stereo receiver do the job of playing back two channel music -- as long as it isn't some REAL "Best Buy Special" model along the lines of a $99 Sony or some real cheap Radio Shack unit.

An old friend of mine who I have since lost touch with after he moved had an Onkyo stereo receiver powering his Infinity bookshelves at the time, and this system absolutely ROCKED -- I mean it REALLY moved me. NO distortion. WILDLY high SPLs. I mean, this system sounded like it was being driven by a good two channel power amp -- I mean it. And this was after he was using one of Onkyo's two channel power amps (the "M" series, maybe it was a "282"? I am not sure). After demoing this, I was a believer in this company's stuff -- in addition to believing in the abilities of a WELL MADE stereo receiver.

Funny you mentioned Kenwood, because I used to be a MASSIVE fan of their stuff, and bought plenty of their gear back in the day...when I DJ'ed, I used their integrated amps and these things KICKED *** and fed plenty of power to my giant Becker 15" cabinets for mobile gigs; I used their integrated amps in my home systems as well, and had CD changers, cassette decks and other related gear over the years. Their stuff was really good back in the day, and it's a shame they ended up going strictly into car audio.

Perhaps receiver technology has changed? My Marantz SR-4023 I recently bought (reluctantly on a budget) is actually pretty damn nice, without the cluttered, plasticy looks and the myriad of square buttons on receivers I've had before, It sounds great, and has most of the features (except HD radio) I could ever want in a 2-channel receiver.

Indeed. I think stereo receivers of recent vintage are plenty for most people, save for the EXTREME audiophile fanatic that, as Anamorphic has cited, will sell their houses to afford that $600K tube amp or $35K foot of speaker cable; I recently wrote an article for a magazine I work for about a guy who owns "Loimanchay" speakers, and his speakers go up to like $300K or so a pair based on how you configure them -- there are diamond-encrusted tweeters and so forth, but I mean, come on...

Over the last 10+ years, I've run stereo receivers in old systems of mine from the likes of the aforementioned Kenwood and even Yamaha, and they really have sounded quite involving -- I am sure your Marantz kicks *** with the best of them from the separate power amp genre. I would have definitely looked at a Marantz as a backup stereo receiver.

Now, that's not to say that these stereo receivers will bellow out enough raw power to feed the Sam Boyd Stadium multipurpose arena without any strain or distortion issues -- they most certainly cannot and will not. But I think they're OK for small/medium or even large home rooms for adequate two channel playback.

Still, I hope to upgrade to the better Marantz Integrated/Tuner combo in the future, or possibly use the SR-4023 as a nice pre-amp/tuner with some big beefy power amp.

Depending on my situation and if the Onkyo receiver I just purchased puts out enough power (which I am SURE it will at a rated 100 watts X 2), I can also add a beefy power amp to the system because this receiver does have pre outs, as yours does.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

MY REPLIES, CONTINUED...

Also, according to the one who recommended you the Onyko, they all sound the same, and 50 watts vs. 100 watts offers little advantage... if you follow that. Might as well have got the cheapest Onkyo unit and put the rest of your funds to that TT or speakers.

There is A LOT more here to the situation that JUST the power output -- it wasn't about the extra 50 watts this "better" unit offers. The build quality, features, various internal components...these were all improvements on the step up Onkyo model which the 50 watt per channel model didn't offer. This better model has the pre amp outs, the sub out (which wasn't a deal breaker for me) and better internal components.

Comparing the A-9555 to a Bentley Coupe is stretching things a little bit don't you think? The A-9555 is an absolute bargain for what you get compared to other higher priced niche integrated amps.

I was using the Bentley as an EXAMPLE of what I was trying to get at -- of course it was a great exaggeration, but my point was that I WANT the Bentley, I cannot have it -- I SIMPLY CANNOT HAVE the A-9555 no matter how much of a bargain it is for what you get. I HAD to allocate this sub-$500 budget to the amp/receiver for the two channel room right now.

Sorry to say, but most enthusiasts would consider this Mid-Fi or even budget unit territory here.

No -- AUDIOPHILES would consider this buget territory, no doubt. ENTHUSIASTS would consider this STILL in the lower-to-mid-Fi region, perhaps a bit higher.

The A-9555 of course, I thought that was obvious.

It didn't seem obvious to me.

What your receiver has wasn't the point. The point was you could still hook a subwoofer up to that integrated, although not as easily. It seems this is the main reason for recommending against an integrated.

If I understand you correctly, it was what the integrated DIDN'T have that was the "point" of what we were talking about, but whatever the source of intent, I don't need the subwoofer out, at least right now, and I wasn't taking it as the reason NOT to consider an integrated. I realize the receiver offers some more "bells and whistles" over the inetegrated amp, and I know that the integrated is a much more serious approach to two channel listening, but that's not the reason I purchased the stereo receiver -- it wasn't for the bells and whistles of preamp out, sub out, etc. It fell into my immediate price point and what I thought would make for a solid choice given the budget criteria from a company I respect.

OK, I understand. I'm in a similar situation myself. But your initial inquires and opening statements seemed to indicate a much greater ambition and budget for a secondary 2-channel system. What happened? A sobering talk by the wife? Your options have steadily gotten worse over the course of this whole thing and now your in ultra-budget territory, with only one unit in the bag.

I don't think some of your comments/questions here are entirely appropriate, but I will respond with just this: The situation had changed DRAMATICALLY since I initially began this thread, budget-wise. What I THOUGHT we had to work with initially is simply not there; I don't know how else to explain this to you or anyone else. If this is rubbing your spurs the wrong way, I don't know what to tell you; at the end of the day, it's my ears that will "suffer" for this so-called "ultra-budget" selection, so there's really nothing else to say about that, save for the fact that I wholeheartedly disagree with you that this is an "ultra-budget" selection simply basing it on PRICE TERRITORY alone. This receiver has been VERY well-received by everyone that has demoed it, and it's simply an excellent choice given what Onkyo is asking for it. I'M NOT SAYING THIS WILL COMPETE WITH THE ROTELS AND KRELLS OF THE WORLD. I am simply saying it will get done what I need it to, I am sure of that. If it doesn't...well, BELIEVE YOU ME, I will be the FIRST to come back on this site, enter this thread again, and ADMIT TO YOU THAT I WAS WRONG about the 8555's build quality, power, anything. At that point, I will even begin saving my money for the A-9555 integrated amp or something MORE EXPENSIVE. (The all caps are not to "shout" but just to emphasize the meaning behind my feelings).

I see now it looks like you aren't even going to get a TT at all, at least not for awhile. My God Man! You didn't need any help from anyone here, just buy a decent black box stereo receiver from one of the usual suspects and be done with it! They are all very similar.

Again, this is uncalled for and borders on inappropriate; do I need to explain to you again that the SITUATION HAD CHANGED FROM THE INITIAL CREATION OF THIS THREAD? That's all it is -- a change of budget and available funds. Nothing more, nothing less. And your comments regarding "you could have just chosen a simple black box receiver from any manufacturer" I don't think was appropriate nor accurate as well; there must be a plethora of sub-$500 stereo receivers that won't operate as effectively as this Onkyo, guaranteed. Read the online reviews on this model, and the owners will explain how they used other brands in this price class and they simply couldn't compete with the 8555.

As for the turntable, I DIDN'T SAY I WASN'T GETTING ONE AT ALL -- I said I am getting the RECEIVER/AMP for this system first, and then turning my attention towards budgeting for a table.

I DID need the assistance of the gracious members of this site to steer me in the directions they did, and I appreciate all their help and opinions -- what happened was simple economics. The situation has changed since the creation of this thread some time ago. That's all. My intentions with RE-OPENING the thread by bumping it was to simply thank Anamorphic specifically for helping me decide on the 8555 and to tell him that I pulled the trigger on this model.

Better yet, I wouldn't bother with a second system at all at this point. Save the money until you can get the better stuff, or use it to upgrade your current #1 system, such as better speakers. You can reserve the replaced, lesser speakers for the #2 system.

Really? That's what I should do? Replace the Polk RTi12 towers that I JUST PAID $900 FOR to REPLACE the R20 bookshelves? That wasn't an upgrade enough in your eyes?

I AM going ahead with a secondary system, but the gear selection simply needs to be effectively mapped at this point -- I don't think the choice of the Onkyo stereo receiver is really going to put this system in the toilet as much as you're making it out to.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time, just wanting to help you from wasting money on something that may be less then satisfactory, as I have done many times.

I appreciate that, but I don't seriously think I "wasted money" on this receiver -- as I said, if I feel I did once it's all hooked up, I'll be the FIRST to come back in here and admit to you that I did, and start looking at the A-9555 or something better...acceptable?

There are two kinds of bum steer advice you can get. One is from the fanatical audiophile who will have you mortgage your house for some 15 watt tube amps, cables, and nonsensical accessories, the other on the opposite extreme will tell you that nothing matters except for speakers, and to go buy an Acme/Apex CD player/receiver and $20,000 speakers.

I understand and acknowledge that...I wouldn't follow either camp's advice.

I've received and followed both kinds of advice, with ruinous consequences. But I've found that as with many things in life, the truth runs somewhere in the middle, and units like the Technics SL-1200, the Onkyo A-9555 and others of similar quality by Denon, Marantz, etc., offers some of that "middle truth" satisfaction at somewhat reasonable prices.

I can absolutely agree with this. I don't THINK the receiver choice I made will REALLY flush this two channel system down the toilet, as I have said, as bad as you think. I will report back on it.

Sure, love to hear from you. But if your not getting a TT right now, there is really no reason.

Very well; I will re-read your PM and see if it has any current signifigance.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

The Onkyo and Marantz are equals in most every way except features and looks. Both manufactures have used the same amp design in these models for more than 10 years.

I'm sure they are; that's why I said to him I would have definitely considered a Marantz as a backup receiver -- which I actually did.

The Onkyo has also been known as the TX-8511 and now TX-8555. There may have been another version in there as well. The 8555 having the best feature set. The older TX-8511 model had spring clip speaker terminals, no sub out, and no pre-outs. But the same amp as the TX-8555 It retailed for roughly 250 to 300.

Yes, I knew this. What I would have considered "uber-cheap" by Cris' standards WOULD have been those spring loaded clip terminals -- that really indicates a super-budget piece IMO.

As far as one having better sound than the other. I don't think anyone could tell them apart in a level matched blind comparison.

Some claim they could hear, for example, Onkyo's "neutral, cold, sterile" charactertistic and others still claim they can hear the tonality of even the highest-end brands; this is debateable IMO.

As far as raw power output. The Onkyo would probably play about 1 to 1.5 db louder. Which is not noticeable.

Okay.

So Mike. Anyone who tells you the Onkyo is a Best Buy special is just stating there opinion that's not based on any fact. Fact of the matter is they are both very similar in more ways than one. Especially when you look closely at the specs.

He claimed it "looked" like a Best Buy Special to him, but I disagree; I happen to like Onkyo's looks, and I don't think this is that cheap of a unit as he's making it out to be. That's all I really meant in all this.

You were the one who initially steered me towards the 8555 from the beginning, based on that SPECIFIC PRICE CLASS we were talking about, so I wanted to let you know that I pulled the trigger on one -- if you can reassure me that it will not PERFORM like a Best Buy Special (if we can actually define this) I could at least get more than one hour's sleep tonight.

On a side note. The TX-8255 is pretty much the same amp as the 8555 with less features and power output. But would sound the same as the 8555.

This MAY be -- but when you just look at these two units, you can instantly tell that the 8555 SEEMS like a different animal altogether from a design perspective. The sound is another matter; I won't have an 8255 to compare it to once I get it hooked up. I'm sure the so-called "100 watts X 2" will be plenty for my needs.

 

[anamorphic96]

Yes, better speakers are in the agenda, when they can be purchased -- for the time being, I need to use the R20's, but this will only be temporary.



I SPECIFICALLY designed the new HT setup and speaker purchase for this system around the CSi30 so the new mains could integrate with them. That's why I did so much research and enlisted in-depth conversations with Polk's tech folks about this -- they assured me the CSi30 could mate with the older RTi line well enough.

As you can tell from the emoticons it's just a friendly poke.