Onkyo Selection help

[canyouhearmenow]

Im considering either Onkyo TX-SR608 or the SR508. I will be driving 2x PSB Image T5 and either the C4 or C5 center. all of which have an impedance of 6ohms.

The 608 has 100 W + 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz,
0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

where as the 508 is:
80 W + 80 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz,
0.08%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

but both the 508 and 608 list:
100 W + 100 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.1%, 2 channels driven, FTC)

The room isnt too big 15'x16'x8' and im on a budget, so im not sure if the extra ~$150 for the 608 is worth it. But this is all new to me, and the dealer im using for the PSBs doesnt carry Onkyo, so I cant compare them with a demo. So I just want to make sure I can drive them properly with the 508.

few other notes: 60%Music/40%Movie (classic rock, classical, jazz). Sub is TBD, not planning on adding surrounds for a while due to budget & room setup.

Thanks

 

[markw]

For all intents and purposes, the difference in wattage will have a negligable effect on the overall loudness and sound.

Be more concerned with additional features between the two units that you may or may not need.

 

[canyouhearmenow]

Thanks, that helps me lean more towards the 508 because, besides the wattage, the only main differences is the THX certified for the 608 and the additional sub output which I'm sure I will get by without just fine. There are some additional decoders it looks like the 608 has (DSX Audyssey, Faroudja DCDi Cinema) but Im not familiar with these.

 

[sholling]

If you're in the US and don't need 3D (HDMI 1.4) you may want to consider a refurbished 607 for $300 or 707 for $400 from Accessories For Less. The 607 lets you set crossovers for each pair (mains and surrounds) which could be handy later. The 707 adds Audyssey MultiEQ. They also carry the 508 but I don't recall the price.

 

[canyouhearmenow]

How is the warranty/customer service through Accessories For Less? Through reading reviews of Onkyo receivers it seems like alot of people have had problems with overheating, and had to have the units replaced. Being a refurb I want to make sure I don't get stuck with a lemon.

 

[sholling]

They're factory refurbished and A4L is factory authorized so you have a 1 year factory warranty. So far I haven't had a bit of problem with the refurbished 606 in my home-office or the refurbished 707 in my bedroom.

Onkyos run a bit warm but that's what happens when you have a decent sized power supply. Still the 600 and 700 series aren't bad and just need 2" above them for air flow.

 

[techenvy]

im not one for ss receivers but i did have a tx-606 a giant that i pawned, and im ust say i do miss it,, the figital eq was nice, but i prefer analog, i am actually using the old 8511 stereo right now, and am contemplating between the 8555 or the new a5vl, i am just worried it s only 45 watt at 8 ohm not sure how hard it owuld be to use the 4 ohm at 65 watt or 3 ohm option?

but its got toslink and coaxial input,, i swear id buy it if only it had just one single pre out for my head amp argh always something

oh i noticed the a9995 (ithink) has a loudness gain which a5vl does not. says it tweaks the lows and highs?

i think 608 would be nice seeing as how it is upgradde fro m 606 607 and is smaller

look into the dac section though, i couldnt find anything on the chip it uses and i know alot of people used to buy the 805 specifically for the stellar chip

 

[dapack69]

I recommend going with the 707, you think you'll not need some features, but I think you'll be using them to take full advantage of the unit.