Denon vs Onkyo vs Pioneer

[Davemcc]

I bet it is the first version. And that Paradigm subwoofer is a great small sub with very good punch, great low extension down to 25hz, and no distortion whatsoever. It will also fill a medium sized room quite well.


*** Note for Davemcc: Dave, what happens to your cat's Ninja mask?
I kind of like it, plus it was very appropriate.

One reason I suggested that the sub may have distortion lies in the setup. If you can confirm the setup parameters on your current receiver, maybe we can rule some of that out.

The crossover in your receiver should be set to 80hz, normally. Once you do that, either defeat the crossover in the sub or set it to it's highest possible setting. This will eliminate any cascading effect from combining crossovers that might cause you to turn the volume on the sub up too high.

Once that's done, keep the subwoofer level setting in the receiver set to zero or below to minimize distortion from the rca output's amp. Use the sub's gain control to increase the volume. Fine tuning can still be done at the receiver, but let the sub's amp do the bulk of the amplification.

Once you've established some "safe" settings, you can experiment with placement options to find a location that gives the best bass response. Search "crawling for bass" to find the process for that. The end result should be a seamless, undetectable transition from mains to subwoofer. Perhaps you're running the sub too hot to compensate for a setup or acoustics issue that this process can mitigate or you just like so much bass that you need more sub. If it still sounds distorted after this, we can look at some other possible sources.

Bob - I love my little kitty Charlie. Seeing his face here makes me smile when I see it. Ninja Charlie wasn't so fun.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks Dave, that's a good explanation. It is indeed dependent of your settings. And like Seth=L also mentioned, you can get port turbulance, which is a form of distortion in itself.

* Your cat is really cute, I'll go for that explanation as well.

 

[titan_789]

I was looking at the Onkyo HT-RC160. As far as sound quality goes for the speakers I am using, would there me much of a difference in sound quality? The price difference is about $100 which really doen't matter so long as the $100 is well spent. I noticed that the Denon has Audessy MultEQ where as the Onkyo just has 2EQ. MultEQ does look like it would make a difference over 2EQ. The Denon seems like the better buy to me as it is $100 cheaper and has MultEQ. Part of the Onkyo's higher cost is likely due to the fact that it is a 7.2 receiver. A 5.1 setup is what I am using and I have no plan on going to 7.1 or 7.2 anytime soon.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I was looking at the Onkyo HT-RC160. As far as sound quality goes for the speakers I am using, would there me much of a difference in sound quality? The price difference is about $100 which really doen't matter so long as the $100 is well spent. I noticed that the Denon has Audessy MultEQ where as the Onkyo just has 2EQ. MultEQ does look like it would make a difference over 2EQ. The Denon seems like the better buy to me as it is $100 cheaper and has MultEQ. Part of the Onkyo's higher cost is likely due to the fact that it is a 7.2 receiver. A 5.1 setup is what I am using and I have no plan on going to 7.1 or 7.2 anytime soon.

Look who's back! My good buddy Titan.

Yep, the Denon is the only way to go in your case, period. Don't even look back.

Just kidding, but not by much though. Yes, Audyssey in Denon receivers is better than the Onkyos that only have 2EQ.
So, honestly I'll go with the Denon, plus you save money that you can use to buy some Blu-ray discs.

Forget about sound quality, they all sound fine, go for the features you really want, like Audyssey MultEQ and the best value from where you live (Denon).

 

[titan_789]

I never left!

You had recommended the Onkyo TX-SR606 in a recent thread. Would I see much benefit in that product? It is a great price at $320 but mind you that is for a reconditioned model. Either way it is the same price as the Denon AVR-590 and I can't help but think it is a better unit. I also don't think I need a lot of those features. Either way I'm looking for something fairly future proof that wouldn't need to be replaced for at least 5+ years.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Onkyo TX-SR606, go get it, it's the right one.

I never left!

You had recommended the Onkyo TX-SR606 in a recent thread. Would I see much benefit in that product? It is a great price at $320 but mind you that is for a reconditioned model. Either way it is the same price as the Denon AVR-590 and I can't help but think it is a better unit. I also don't think I need a lot of those features. Either way I'm looking for something fairly future proof that wouldn't need to be replaced for at least 5+ years.

Oups! Sorry, I got mistracked these last few days. OK, you're absolutely right.
The Onkyo 606 at $320 is the best deal, compared to the Denon model AVR-590. I thought you meant the 1909 or the AVR-789. My mistake.
Don't fret about reconditioned model, you still get a full year warranty and you won't see no difference between it or a brand new model.
Plus, Accessories 4 Less is a very good reputable place.
The 606 is your ticket, no doubt about it, it's a no-brainer.
I'm sure that I already give you some great links on it (reviews).
Just in case, I'll give it to you again.

* http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/808onk/

YES, you will see a great benefit in the Onkyo TX-SR606 vs. the Denon AVR-590.
It's a $600 receiver for only $320 vs. a $300 receiver without discount.
It's an easy decision. Go get it.

Keep in touch to let us know about your new toy (it should last you a life-time). Or just about anyway.

Cheers,

Bob

P.S. I thought that you were Canadian? Are you not?
Because if you are Canadian, the prices are totally different, and the ball game is also different. BUT, if you're American, then this post is 100% accurate.
You have to refresh my memory here please, cause I'm under some stress recently.

 

[titan_789]

I am Canadian. There is a place in Sumas called Ship Happens. You can ship stuff there and pick it up. I have only had troubles with newegg.com as you need a US credit card.

So the Onkyo is the way to go? The factory recondition means it is as good as new? I wonder what was wrong with it in the first place. You hope that the problem was completely fixed.

There is also the Onkyo HT-RC160. Looks like a newer version of the 606. It ends up costing $70 more than the 606.

 

[MDS]

So the Onkyo is the way to go? The factory recondition means it is as good as new? I wonder what was wrong with it in the first place.

Sometimes absolutely nothing was wrong with it to begin with. Refurbished units come from lots of sources: returns, overstock, and minor faults that were repaired. In all cases, the factory performs all of the quality control checks they do on brand new units and if it passes, they sell it at a slight discount. It's like at a big box store where someone buys a product and then returns it the next day for no real reason; the store cannot sell it as 'new' because it was opened.

Even if you only plan on doing 5.1, a 7.1 receiver can still be valuable because the two rear surround amps can be used for speakers in zone2 - for example, a pair of patio speakers.

 

[titan_789]

The Onkyo HT-RC160 has Audyssey Dynamic Volume where as the TX-SR606 does not. From what I have read it looks like a very practical feature. The only better feature I see for the 606 is that it is rated 10watts higher than the other.

Can anyone confirm the real world value of Dynamic Volume? Considering the 606 is $70 cheaper plus is rated 10 watts higher, it's looking like the way to go. The US retail difference on these receivers is $50.

 

[titan_789]

There is also the argument of why not just going with the TX-SR507. All I need is a 5.1 receiver anyway. The 507 lacks in video features which could be an issue. I will likely run a Shaw non-HD digital box. In that case would there be a benefit to the analog to HDMI up-conversion feature?

Unless the analog video will be improved, is there any argument for getting the 606/607 regardless of price and considering I don't need 7.2?

I have no problem spending $100 or $200 more if it means I'll get a higher quality receiver and features that I will use.

 

[Shock]

Me too, if I was not a Canadian.

That's too bad.

Zing.

 

[Robof83]

Exactly what features are you looking for?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Onkyo TX-SR606 is YOUR receiver, just GET IT.

Hi Titan,

Now I see exactly your situation.

I will for the last time say this. GET THE ONKYO TX-SR606.
I just don't want to repeat myself over and over for something that is very clear, in a very friendly manner.

Forget about Audyssey Dynamic Volume, it's for watching TV, not at all a loss in my book, as I never watch TV. And even then, it's a compressed audio mode, yak.

And like MDS already explained to you, in the majority of cases, there is nothing wrong to start with refurb models, period, case closed. Again, in a very friendly way.

Forget about the 507, go with the 606.
Same for the 607, get the 606.

That's it, I hope it is clear. I read very carefully this entire thread over again and with an emphasis on your last few posts, and I can irrevocably recommend the Onkyo TX-SR606 as the perfect receiver for your particular situation.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

That's too bad.

Zing.

Or is it?

Zong.