Is the ONKYO 809 worth it over the 709?

[ToxicBanana]

I was looking to purchase a home theater system, but I don't know if the difference in price makes the 809 worth it over the 709, this is what I plan on using it with.

Polk Monitor 70´s (2)
Polk CS10
Polk Sub PSW505
55" Sony LED 120hz TV

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I was looking to purchase a home theater system, but I don't know if the difference in price makes the 809 worth it over the 709, this is what I plan on using it with.

Polk Monitor 70´s (2)
Polk CS10
Polk Sub PSW505
55" Sony LED 120hz TV

which of parts you already own? All above, minus receiver or none currently?

 

[ToxicBanana]

The TV is all that I own right now.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

for $1200 you could get much better system:
Onkyo TX-NR708 7.2-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less

4x Infinity P163 - $340
1x Infinity PC251 - $140

Sub: Unfortunately there are not good subs at $300 (used mayhaps), but HSU VTF-2 MK 3 Subwoofer is just what DR ordered

$1400 is the total budget and would be significantly better system than polk, especially the sub

 

[ToxicBanana]

Thats nice and all but my question was about the 809 and the 709 not the rest of the system, if you recommend the 708 what does it change comparing it to the 709?

 

[zhimbo]

The 809 weighs a lot more. This probably means a beefier amp section, and 809 gets a higher THX rating to go along with that. Both have pre-outs, so you could always add an external amp if you get power hungry. Other than that, they seem very similar (809 has a zone 3 and a slightly different array of inputs).

These articles talk about the 709 and 708
Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2 Channel Networked THX Receiver First Look — Reviews and News from Audioholics
Onkyo TX-NR708 Networked AV Receiver Preview — Reviews and News from Audioholics

I doubt you'd miss much with the 708, except maybe 3D if you care. Audio return eliminates one set of cords (from TV to reciever) but isn't a huge deal.

I'd consider BSA's advice unless there's some reason you're committed to the Polk setup. In particular, Polk subs aren't too respected, although that model performs...well, better than I might have thought:


Welcome Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

Ed Mullen is a very respected reviewer, and I read his conclusion:

Overall though, I think the PSW505 stacks up well against its intended competition at nationwide retail chain stores.

as a case of "damning with faint praise".

 

[sholling]

Thats nice and all but my question was about the 809 and the 709 not the rest of the system, if you recommend the 708 what does it change comparing it to the 709?

Not much, but you can compare (708 / 709) spec sheets and feature lists as well as BSA can. His point was that better speakers will make a whole lot more difference to how a system sounds than a fancier receiver. The general rule of thumb is that no more than 1/4-1/3 of the system budget should go into a receiver with the remaining 2/3-3/4 split between then speakers and subwoofer.

 

[Crackerballer]

Zhimbo the 708 does 3D. I'd do the 708 and put more money towards the speakers. Refurb 708s can be had for $330 directly from Onkyo.

 

[zhimbo]

Zhimbo the 708 does 3D. I'd do the 708 and put more money towards the speakers. Refurb 708s can be had for $330 directly from Onkyo.

It wasn't mentioned in the Audioholics preview, so I assumed it wasn't...but yes, it does 3D as well! Yeah, the 708 would be a great option.

 

[timoteo]

Forget about the 809 & get the 708.
Scap the Polks & get the Infinitys & HSU.
Dont complain that you asked a question then got an answer PLUS some good advice that will, in the end if listened to, give you a better experience.
There is a lot of good recommendations to be had here....enjoy!!

 

[Knucklehead90]

What no one mentioned about the main difference between the 708 and the other two models - 809 and 709 was the 708 uses Audyssey MultEQ - the other two add XT to the mix. I'd opt for an XT machine over MultEQ any day.

 

[agarwalro]

I'd opt for an XT machine over MultEQ any day.

+1 for MultiEQ XT over plain MultiEQ.


MultEQ XT vs MultEQ EQ
Filter resolution (satellites) 16x vs 2x
Filter resolution (subwoofer) 128x vs 128x
Number of Measurement Positions 8* vs 6
Adaptive Low Frequency Correction Yes vs Yes
Crossover, Polarity, Delays, Levels Yes vs Yes

I also read on AVS that the 708 has heat issues and 709 does not, perhaps. The only difference this would make is the need for better ventilation. Something to consider.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

What no one mentioned about the main difference between the 708 and the other two models - 809 and 709 was the 708 uses Audyssey MultEQ - the other two add XT to the mix. I'd opt for an XT machine over MultEQ any day.

right, but not on $1200 total budget. I'd even sacrifice Any MultEQ over for fully manual speaker setup, but to get overall better sound

 

[Crackerballer]

I just got my 708 and for $330 shipped directly from Onkyo, the OP would be better suited to shift more funds to his speakers. Just my opinion.

 

[jinjuku]

I was looking to purchase a home theater system, but I don't know if the difference in price makes the 809 worth it over the 709, this is what I plan on using it with.

Polk Monitor 70´s (2)
Polk CS10
Polk Sub PSW505
55" Sony LED 120hz TV

Dump the Polk. Get Infinity Primus 362's for the L/R Fronts. Get the 351 for the center. Get the 162's for the surrounds, look at the Emotiva Ultra 12 on clearance for $379 shipped.

Polks used to be a good buy but with the discount on the Primus it makes it a no go. The PSW 505 sucks. Period.

 

[Natter]

I recommended tx-nr809

+ Very nice, powerful sound
+ Equipment Lush
+ Excellent workmanship
+ Overall very good and very good video section video EQ
+ Superior polishing (Music Optimizer) for compressed file formats
+ connector assembly Lush
+ Easy to use
- Only streaming audio files

and i find some test information about processing, sound, video, inside photos etc. tx-nr809 this very useful.