H/K 354 vs. Onkyo 806

[Rÿche 1]

Anybody have any opinions between these two? I just bought a H/K PA2000 amp, so i'll be running that to my Sierra mains...I bought both, and can't decide which one I want...My center is a Sierra, and my surrounds are Ascend 170's

The Onkyo weighs 6lbs more, if that matters?

Thanks

 

[allargon]

Are you using a second zone? The 354 has a remote for a second zone. The 806 has more HDMI inputs. What about video processing? If you want to use your display or an outboard video processor, skip the 354. The HK's video processing can't be disabled.

 

[lsiberian]

Don't buy an HK amp without an extended warranty. They always have great sound, but the bells and whistles they add on always break the receivers. The Onkyo will have far more reliability and is probably equal in home theater though probably not in music. Still I prefer a nice Mazda over the Jaguars of MidFi equipment.

the 6lbs usually means a bigger power supply.

 

[Rÿche 1]

I'm not using a second zone...

Music is more important to me than home theater, although i'm building up the theater part as well

The amp I bought is used, and H/K doesn't make it anymore...So, we'll see how it works...I got it pretty cheap

 

[rnatalli]

Don't buy an HK amp without an extended warranty. They always have great sound, but the bells and whistles they add on always break the receivers. The Onkyo will have far more reliability and is probably equal in home theater though probably not in music. Still I prefer a nice Mazda over the Jaguars of MidFi equipment.

the 6lbs usually means a bigger power supply.

Although I agree that HK often releases buggier receivers, their recent firmware update addresses most issues. I'm not sure I'd say Onkyo is more reliable especially from a hardware perspective.

 

[T2T]

The Audyssey MultEQ is a dream to work with - which is what you'll get from the Onkyo. I'm not sure where H/K has gone in regards to their auto setup procedures.

 

[allargon]

Although I agree that HK often releases buggier receivers, their recent firmware update addresses most issues. I'm not sure I'd say Onkyo is more reliable especially from a hardware perspective.

True dat... Onkyo receivers might be less buggy, but I wouldn't call them more reliable. Honestly, I would probably think less so. Forums, web logs, podcasts and other sites are littered with complaints of broken Onkyo. Granted, I would trust both Onkyo and HK before I would trust NAD. However, that's not the subject here. HK fixed a lot of bugs in the 254/354 series. They left the owners of the 247/347 high and dry.

 

[tcarcio]

I dont know what speakers you are running with the 806 but stay away from 4ohm. Pretty bad grade for the onkyo in running 4ohm. read this....http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processor-and-receiver-reviews/ssps/onkyo-tx-sr806-thx-ultra2-plus-7.1-av-receiver_6.html

 

[blued888]

The Audyssey MultEQ is a dream to work with - which is what you'll get from the Onkyo. I'm not sure where H/K has gone in regards to their auto setup procedures.

I think what they have is something called EzSetup.

 

[sdcfan18]

I would stay away from the HK. I had a 254 and two 354, all of which were returned because of various bugs. I went with a Yamaha and haven't had any problems. As far as HK vs Onkyo go, I've never owned a Onyko so I couldn't tell you. Family member has a flagship Onyko from a few years back and has had no problems at all. YMMV.

 

[jmwest1970]

I have an older H/K and have had no problems in 6 years. However, I have eliminated the H/K 254 and 354 from my search for a replacement because of HDMI handshake issues, especially with Motorola STBs and the PS3. The Onkyo 806 a very good receiver, but it's niche is HT, not music. It's a little dry in that area. If you really want a musical receiver I'd look at the Yamaha RX-V863 or the Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH. The Yamaha is a little thin sounding but is a solid performer and the PE is strong all around.

Also, if you decide on the Onkyo, you might consider the Integra lineup. They are a bit more musical and have double the warranty.

 

[juggy4805]

I dont know what speakers you are running with the 806 but stay away from 4ohm. Pretty bad grade for the onkyo in running 4ohm. read this....

Actually a bad grade if the receiver is placed in the 4ohm mode. In the 6ohm mode it has lots of power. I would bet that you could run 4ohm speakers on the 6ohm mode with this receiver at reasonably levels. Especially if the speakers aren't ran at full range.

Home theater mag has a pretty good review in the newest issue.

 

[rnatalli]

Most of the complaints about the HK were before the firmware fixes. If the OP goes with the x54, he simply has to make sure to apply the December firmware update and all is good.

 

[Rÿche 1]

Hi all...The Onkyo and H/K are going back, I just ordered a Marantz 6003...I am diehard H/K, but the quality control is a joke...I had the 354 before, and spent three days trying to load the firmware, never could figure it out...Plus, there's still problems with it, even after the firmware is loaded...H/K lost my business

Thanks to all for the replies

 

[Biggiesized]

I'd take the 5003 over the 6003. Not worth the price increase.

 

[rnatalli]

Marantz is a good pick.

 

[lsiberian]

True dat... Onkyo receivers might be less buggy, but I wouldn't call them more reliable. Honestly, I would probably think less so. Forums, web logs, podcasts and other sites are littered with complaints of broken Onkyo. Granted, I would trust both Onkyo and HK before I would trust NAD. However, that's not the subject here. HK fixed a lot of bugs in the 254/354 series. They left the owners of the 247/347 high and dry.

I am only going from what I have seen on forums. The issues with the newer HK's seem to be very prevalent. The Onkyo issues seemed to be far smaller in this round. Of course historically speaking I wouldn't know which tends to be better. I do know that my current receiver is really nice. Much nicer than what I had last year at this time.

 

[lsiberian]

I dont know what speakers you are running with the 806 but stay away from 4ohm. Pretty bad grade for the onkyo in running 4ohm. read this....http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/processor-and-receiver-reviews/ssps/onkyo-tx-sr806-thx-ultra2-plus-7.1-av-receiver_6.html

If you are driving 4 ohm speakers I would think you be better off using a pre-amp/amp combo. I am not sure how well any receiver in the onkyo/hk competitve range would handle a 4 ohm speaker.

The nice thing with my 705 is I can always use it as a pre-amp. Though I don't see a 4 ohm speaker in my future.