Onkyo 805 vs Pioneer SC-07

[septim]

No it wasn't 6ave. I just lucked out on eBay. I did do a name your price offer on it at 6ave for more which they rejected.

Yes its the SR8002, I was looking at the refurb 8001 but felt that HDMI 1.2 might come back to bite me in the future.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thank you for the confirmation, that explains it all.

Very lucky you, still.

The 8002 is one of my very favorite receiver, and at that price, WOW!

When you're ready to upgrade, I'll buy it from you.

Bob

 

[808htfan]

No it wasn't 6ave. I just lucked out on eBay. I did do a name your price offer on it at 6ave for more which they rejected.

Yes its the SR8002, I was looking at the refurb 8001 but felt that HDMI 1.2 might come back to bite me in the future.

Thanks.


BTW, I wasn't aware that the xx02 needs to be set to PCM to get Dolby TrueHD and dts-MA & Audyssey together. Just found that out today...

 

[septim]

Thanks.


BTW, I wasn't aware that the xx02 needs to be set to PCM to get Dolby TrueHD and dts-MA & Audyssey together. Just found that out today...

Yeah I read about that. Not a problem as my primary player is the PS3. I've tested Bitstream vs PCM with my BH200 and there is absolutely no difference.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Yo, you're right amigo.

Yeah I read about that. Not a problem as my primary player is the PS3. I've tested Bitstream vs PCM with my BH200 and there is absolutely no difference.

+1 You are absolutely right, plus you can layer Audyssey MultEQ on top of Linear PCM 5.1, which is great.

And you know what, I found no difference between the multichannel analog out of my Panny BD55 or from it's HDMI into my 805, exact same quality of sound.

And my favorite audio codec is Linear PCM multichannel, even over DTS-HD Master Audio. So, go figure...

Bobby

 

[Lordoftherings]

I don't have any real way to compare them in person.

No problem, just take my word for it. It's worth it.

 

[septim]

Well happy day, happy day. My 8002 arrived on my step. Imagine my surprise when it came in a perfect condition retail box and contained brand new in packaging remotes (both of em ) manuals, and Audyessy mic. The auction said it came with power cord only. It was still wrapped in the protective liner. The receiver itself is FLAWLESS! The auction mentioned minor scratches but the only one I see is a hair line scratch smaller than a dime on the top which you can't see unless you're less than a foot away.

This couldn't have been a demo unit either because there are absolutely no fingerprints or smudges.

I have no idea how/why I got this deal but am super happy

 

[septim]

I'm holding off hooking it up as it was very rainy and cold here and the receiver metal was cold to the touch. I'm gonna wait til after work and its room temp before hooking it up.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Wow! I'm happy for you man.

Hi septim,

This is great news! You give me shivers all over! A spic-and-span Marantz SR8002.

If it plays as FLAWLESSLY than it looks, you're in for a big TREAT.

And you'd better keep us posted on the sound with and without Audyssey.
And what a joy for you this will be, connecting all your wires and interconnects to the gorgeous looking rear, with all these nice gold plated jacks and the good looking and strong binding posts.

Hmm... I almost envy you... And as a matter fact, I do.

 

[septim]

Well so far so good. The Marantz looks a lot classier than the more utilitarian Onkyo but that is not as big an issue for me as it is for others.

For music I listened to a lot of Dave Mathews live and comparing the receivers seem to be about equal in the amount of power coming through. With perhaps the slightest edge going to the Onkyo. The Marantz makes it up in fidelity though. The separation is much better on the Marantz. Also the vocals seem to be floating in front of you which is kind of eerie at first but I find it makes it more lively.

For home theater I used The Dark Knight on Blu Ray. Here the two receivers were practically identical. The one thing I can say is that the Marantz seems to blend the front stage better, as I had some problems with the center channel integration on the Onkyo. The voices just seem more like they are in the room with the Marantz.

Another nice thing is that when watching TV via my HD DVR through HDMI there isn't that audio lag between switching channels that is present with the Onkyo.

Considering that the MSRP was $1000 for the Onkyo and $2000 for the Marantz. This proves to me how good the Onkyo is considering its price. Its a beast of a receiver that will get the job done. The Marantz is more refined and more musical and has better HDMI connections but you pay a premium for it. They are both awesome.

 

[Lordoftherings]

So Septim, tell me, are you making these comments from memory?
You did own the Onkyo 805, right? How long ago was it?

Did you make your comparisons in the Pure Audio mode, without Audyssey in the equation?

Was this from the analog or digital inputs?

See, it's important that you give us more details, and you also tell us the lapse of time between these two sessions.

I love reading your impressions, but I'm starving for more details in your assessment.
That will be great if you can do that.

Ok, the 805 retails for $1,000 and the 8002 retails for $2,000, just like you said.
Now, the price you got the 8002 for ($650) is probably the best price that I heard so far, it is an amazing price, period.
Now, the 805 at best was $400, but let's put it at $450, because that was the price that you could have it at a certain point from online, not from a private sale.

Right, now we got the Marantz SR8002 ($2,000 list), $650 street and 33 pounds.
The Onkyo TX-SR805 ($1,000 list), $450 street and 51 pounds.
Easier put, 8002 at $650 vs 805 at $450.
I already read your audio comparison between these two, and the value factor that you so well mentioned on both sides.
Now, give us some more details on what I just ask you, so we can make a better evaluation of performance vs value ratio, if you know what I mean.
But, I must admit that like you, I'm quite impressed by the great audio performance of your Marantz SR8002, which ain't too surprising after all, cuz the SR8002 ain't small beans.
I like that, what you're saying about the front stage separation being the greatest with the Marantz. I hope that you are talking about the Pure Direct 2-channel Audio mode, cuz that's what really counts here, or pure Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA for movies, without any DSP or Audyssey engaged.
This is important to mention. I'm sure you agree.

Looking forward for some more.

Bob

 

[septim]

Unfortunately I am not nearly as versed in this subject as you or most others here. So I'm just trying my best with this comparison.

The sources are a PS3 as my primary Blu-Ray/audio player. It's hooked up via HDMI and a BH200 used for bitstreaming purposes to see how Blu Ray sounds without Audyessy engaged.

I used direct mode on both receivers to test the 2 channel audio. And both Audyssey/direct on Blu Ray HD codecs.

The biggest difference by far is the dialogue in the Marantz. The best example was The Dark Knight Blu Ray, in particular the scene in which the Joker is attacking the armored car. I had a hard time hearing some dialogue over the action in this scene. With the Onkyo it just sounded kind of muffled. With the Marantz the lines came through clear.

I would say the sound is more similar than different though. Which speaks very highly of the Onkyo. The Onkyo is a beast with brute strength (possibly slightly more powerful than the Marantz although its pretty negligible), the Marantz has more finesse and more refined sound.

The Marantz has grown on me. While at first not nearly a night and day difference from the Onkyo, I've really warmed to the sound, and find myself listening to a lot of music just because it sounds so nice on the Marantz.

 

[septim]

Also I have an offer to buy an Emotiva XPA-5 at a good price. About $200 less than Emotiva charges. It has a transferable 5 year warranty so I'm not worried about that.

I had been looking at Emotiva for a while now but have held off because I hate paying MSRP (I'm just one of those people) I was all set to go on the purchase until I read a review on their own forums where a person said he returned his XPA-3 because he preferred the sound of his Marantz SR8002.

So I'm kind of conflicted now, I don't want to pass up a great deal but don't want to throw $650 away for nothing.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks Septim for sharing your thoughts.

Hi Septim,

I apologise if I did sound too (how can I say), perhaps to specific or direct?

I really do appreciate your inputs, they are so interesting that they beg for more. Sorry about that, it's just my enthusiasm taking over.

That's about it, all I wanted to say here, so not to force you into more than you want to.
Plus, I wish I can have that same price here than the one you did, for the SR8002, cause I will buy it 100% sure.

Regards,

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

* New Pioneer Elite and Onkyo Receivers *

Here's a link for the new Pioneer Elite SC-LX82 (the replacement of the SC-07).
* http://www.avland.co.uk/aasp/pioneer/0920/sclx82/sclx82.asp

__________________________________________________

Here's a link about the new Onkyo TCH-SR1007.
* http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient&hl=en&u=http://www.fullhd.gr/audio-video/1375-onkyo-sr1007.html

Onkyo TX-NR807 from Vanns. (Notice the "N" for Network features.)
* http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538386678/onkyo-tx-nr807?s_c=site_search
-> Click on the picture for a larger image (very nice looking).


*** The Onkyo TX-NR807 official shipping or released date was normally set for May 23, 2009.

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

For Septim and others interested.

1. Marantz SR8002 from their web site.
* http://us.marantz.com/Products/2204.asp#

2. Marantz SR8002 pictures.
* http://us.marantz.com/2244.asp?ProductName=SR8002+THX®+Select2+Surround+Receiver#

3. Marantz SR8002 review from UltimateAV mag.
* http://www.ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/208mar8002/

4. Marantz SR8002 thread from AVS Forum, but in particular the pictures from post #12 (UK model, very nice & clear).
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=901489

*** I just feel that with Septim new acquisition of this exceptional performer, this Marantz SR8002 is a great alternative, if not the best alternative, to the powerful Onkyo TX-SR805 and the beautiful Pioneer Elite SC-07.

And with their recent price drops (street), they are three of the best value ever in A/V receivers with an original MSRP of $1,099 (805), $2,000 (8002), and $2,200 (SC-07).

Bob

Note: Septim, you knew that Marantz had also the same model # SR8002 Audio/Video Receiver from the year 2002, did you?

 

[septim]

Note: Septim, you knew that Marantz had also the same model # SR8002 Audio/Video Receiver from the year 2002, did you?

No wonder mine doesn't have any HDMI ports!

 

[Lordoftherings]

No wonder mine doesn't have any HDMI ports!

Ya, you hope.................................................................................................NOT!

 

[PeterWhite]

My 805 and 876 are just in my desire's range for power, value, performance, audio, video, ergonomics, features, room EQ, THX, HDMI, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, PCM-1796a, processing power, 4-ohm drive capability (down to 3.2), bi-ampable, bio-degradable,

<snip>

Say no more! Drop it in the ocean, and three or four thousand years later, there's nothing left but a few bits of gold plating.

I like it!

 

[Lordoftherings]

Peter! You just won a free vacation, all expenses paid to your destination of choice!

<snip>

Say no more! Drop it in the ocean, and three or four thousand years later, there's nothing left but a few bits of gold plating.

I like it!

Wow! Peter, I was wondering how long till someone smart enough catch that one. And it just happens to be you. Congratulations! That proves one thing; that the vast majority of members don't even take the time to read the entire posts.

Yes, once in a while I do this on purpose to see if people are attentive to each word. And I notice that sometimes, it takes quite a while before someone makes the point. Interesting, isn't?

Cheers,

Bob