2008 Onkyo Models. What are the main differences?

[guitarplyrstevo]

I've been looking at some of the newer 2008 Onkyo receivers and have noticed that there are less features from the 2007 model. For example:

805
.05% THD
Neural THX
DSD Processing/Direct Mode
Audio I/O 9 / 2
Backlit remote
Zone 3 Line Out



806
.07% THD
No Neural THX
Only DSD Processing
Audio I/O 8/2
No backlite remote
No Zone 3 Line out

I don't understand why they are putting less features than their previous models. Also what are some good things Onkyo added onto the 806 that the 805 didn't have other than the 5 HDMI inputs?

 

[Haoleb]

Not only does the 805 seem like a much better model from the specs you listed, According to the Onkyo website, the 805 weighs 12.5lbs MORE.

Just because something is newer doesnt make it better. These big brand companies feel the need to update their line every year with a new model number. Why? I dont know. Its one reason why I do not like recievers. Not to mention, When the new models come out you can find last years model for significantly cheaper. For example the Denon 1708 I bought for a clients house in may is now $200 cheaper now than it was only 4 months ago.

 

[Thunder18]

One major advantage that I can see is that they got rid of some of the garbage a/v i/o's and you now have 5 HDMI inputs rather than the 3 you had on the 805 and I believe the 805 used to have 4 component video inputs, now they are down to 2.

 

[guitarplyrstevo]

One major advantage that I can see is that they got rid of some of the garbage a/v i/o's and you now have 5 HDMI inputs rather than the 3 you had on the 805 and I believe the 805 used to have 4 component video inputs, now they are down to 2.

Oh I see what you're saying. They are trying to switch people away from the older technology and trying to get people to use the latest technology available. So really the only major differences is connectivity? The power section and audio decoders are all the same?

Also, how is THX Ultra and Ultra Plus different? I've read that the different THX certifications are according to room size; is this true?

 

[jostenmeat]

Oh I see what you're saying. They are trying to switch people away from the older technology and trying to get people to use the latest technology available. So really the only major differences is connectivity? The power section and audio decoders are all the same?

Also, how is THX Ultra and Ultra Plus different? I've read that the different THX certifications are according to room size; is this true?

You will have to check up on this stuff, but I think* the 806 is a serious downgrade. Some think that the profit margin was too slim to offer such value. Others think that too many people complained about an Ultra amp section that got warm.

If I am correct, which I might not be, the 806 will be rated 36 amps, just like the 605/705. No longer 60 amps, or Ultra, which is supposed to be spec'd to handle 3.2 ohms AFAIK.

They will also downgrade the BurrBrown DAC to Cirrus, like in the 705, AFAIK.

The 805 is the one to get, and it'll be half the cost. There are some that say that an Ultra amp at less than 1k is already a deal. Dunno...

 

[Biggiesized]

Get an 805 while you can. The 806 is really disappointing. B&H Photo Video was carrying them for $579.99 and free shipping not too long ago. That's crazy considering Amazon was pushing $800+.

If you're looking for the same features as the 805 with the new models, you'll have to upgrade to the 876 or 906. Both have the new ISFccc features as well!