Anyone have experience with the Onkyo TX-NR801?

[FLMike]

I had pretty much narrowed my Receiver choice down to a Yamaha RX-V750 until I saw the Onkyo TX-NR801. It's a bit more expensive, but the ability to put it on a network and access my WMF music via the remote is a solution to a difficult problem and could actually save me money on PC gear.

Since I decided to get an AV-receiver, I have been wrestling with how to accomodate a dedicated music server and display with my new setup because my entire CD collection is digitized. I can easily hook my display adapter up to my TV, but if someone is watching a movie in zone 1 while someone else listens to music in zone 2, managing the music PC becomes a challenge. That leaves installing a seperate dedicated display for music use, which I really don't have space for or want in the living room.

Has anyone had any experience with this receiver, particularly in a networked environment? Anyone know of another receiver that can provide this functionality or have a creative alternative? Also, I am not very familiar with Onkyo, so general comments are appreciated to.

 

[Bobster]

Hi FLMike,

I'm using a TX-NR801 as a digital signal processor in my system so I can only speak for the preamp section. I replaced a Sunfire Theater Grand II with this unit.

With my amp, the sound is clear, slightly warm and slightly forward. I'm very happy with the sound.

Setup is very straightforward and the menu options give a lot of user control. It's definately more flexable than my 4-year-old Sunfire.

The ability to play audio files on my computers is very nice and works quite well. I'm not as impressed with the internet radio.

The 801 is limited on the stations that can be received by the software being used. You can only access stations identified on the server Onkyo is using. Most are relatively low bandwidth.

Set at 6 ohms, the unit runs pretty hot. If you set it to 4 ohms, it will run much cooler. The only negatives to the unit are no PLIIx or composite/s-video upconversion.

The Perfect Vision had a review of the Integra DTR 7.4 (the Integra version of the TX-NR801) in their July/August issue.

They said "the DTR-7.4's overall sound came closer to that of a high-quality multichannel controller/amplifier (e.*., Parasound's fine C2/A52 combo) than it did to that of a typical mass-market AVR."

Onecall currently has this unit on sale for $749.00 new. Here's a link.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_20578.htm

If I can give you any other info, please let me know.

 

[FLMike]

I found another alternative

Thanks fro the info. I did some more digging around yesterday and found another device that I think solves the problem and will work with the Yamaha. Its called the Audiotron and made by a company called Turtle Beach. http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audiotron/producthome.asp

It will sit on the network and use my existing PC as a server. Had Digital output for the receiver and a good on-screen display. It's gotten good reviews, but I'm still trying to find more feedback from actual users.

Mike

 

[Unregistered]

The Audiotron would be ideal, but sadly it has been discontinued. Last year they showed a prototype for its successor the 'Mediatron' but they cancelled the product. The next best option, IMO, would be the Squeezebox from Slim Devices, but I'll wait just a little longer and see if Turtle Beach caves in to the pressure and continues the Audiotron.

 

[FLMike]

That is very disapointing, particularly since their web-site doesn't mention it being discontinued! They even point to a PC magazine editors choice from MAY. I will look more closely at the other products that you mention, but this one was really ideal.