* Onkyo TX-NR906 & TX-SR876 reviews and owners thread.*

[Lordoftherings]

First, I'll like to say that I consider these two A/V Surround Receivers between the very best in the world. These are state-of-the-art Receivers at a tremendous price value.

Ok, I just want to start this thread about the excellent Onkyo TX-NR906, which is the replacement of the also excellent TX-NR905.
And also the Onkyo TX-SR876, which is the replacement of the TX-SR875.

And here, owners of this State-of-the-Art A/V Receiver with Network features (906) can express their impressions at will.

Onkyo web site: http://www.us.onkyo.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver

I personally own the TX-SR876, which is quite similar, less the Network features, the toroidal transformer, the gold plated jacks and few other goodies here and there.
And to get the price out of the way, the MSRP of the 906 is $2,299.
But it can be found for $1,250 street (reconditioned), or $1,300 street (brand new).
And the MSRP of the 876 is $1,799.
But it can be found for $899 street (reconditioned), or about $999 street (brand new).

The TX-NR906 Overview: http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-NR906

Additional Key Features: http://www.easternhifi.co.nz/default,1458,tx-nr906.sm

Here's a link on a review of the Onkyo TX-NR906 Black, at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity.

* http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/629-onkyo-tx-nr906-71-channel-home-network-receiver.html

I will eventually provide tons of information + links about these receivers from Onkyo, so stay put.
Here's a comparison chart between the 906, 876 & 806.

* http://www.faqware.com/Receivers/Onkyo_receiver_comparison_2008.html

And don't be shy to share your experience, as there are many readers out there, thirsty for a tasty ride Onkyo way.

And we will keep you posted with the latest and upcoming new Onkyo receivers, later this year (if and when) to replace these two behemoths.
But for right now, these two are the ultimate rulers in the Onkyo line of receivers. And the 906 is the top leader, the true flagship model.

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

Review of the Onkyo TX-SR876 + Master test with the Onkyo TX-NR906.

Here's a review of the Onkyo TX-SR876 that you might be interested in, from Playback Magazine, issue 16, by Chris Martens.
* Just turn the pages to page 8, then you'll see on the left a table with the page 150 indicated. Check just underneath "Sound in the Round".
Then you'll see "Satisfaction Guaranteed", click on: *Onkyo TX-SR876 Ultra2 Plus-certified A/V receiver. That will bring you directly to the ditto review.
(To turn the pages, just click on the arrow (>) below each page.)

* TX-SR876 review -> http://playback.avguide.com/issue/16


Now, here's a MasterTest from AREA DVD (In German), between the Onkyo TX-NR906, the Pioneer Elite SC-07, the Sony STR-DA5400ES, and the Yamaha RX-V3900. If anyone knows how to get the traduction in English, please be my guest; I will, as many others, appreciate the gesture.
But the pictures themselves are quite nice to look at.
>> Note: The Pioneer Elite SC-LX81, from that review, is exactly the SC-07.

* MasterTest: http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2009/av_receiver_mastertest_1.shtml

Enjoy once more,

Bob

 

[Seth=L]

There's just one word I have for you....obsession.

 

[Lordoftherings]

There's just one word I have for you....obsession.

It's only the beginning.

No, but, if people are truly interested, then it's worth it, right?

By the way, do you speak German?

 

[bandphan]

Here is the first post regarding the shootout

" Test the giants Onkyo TX-NR906/Pioneer SC-LX81/Sony STR-DA5400ES/Yamaha RX-V3900
and finally a test for AreaDVD: L




TEST-MASTER AVR: Onkyo TX-NR906/Pioneer SC-LX81/Sony STR-DA5400ES/Yamaha RX-V3900

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2009/...ertest_1.shtml




The winner is the new Yamaha 3900, closely followed by Onkyo, but the difference is quite low when reading appears. But that is then left to each person how he rated the sound and DSP - Equipment.


Why the Pio still comes off so well when the price remains a mystery to me

Also there is 4308, yes that's garnicht "

 

[Seth=L]

It's only the beginning.

No, but, if people are truly interested, then it's worth it, right?

By the way, do you speak German?

No, why do you ask?

 

[PENG]

In the German review, the RX-V3900 scored a perfect 10. That does not surprised me but the fact that the Sony that finished last scored 8 out of 10 and the reviewer seems quite impressed with its sound quality except for the "dull" treble. So much for the hearsayers about Sony being bright sounding. Also surprising is that the Sony's Faroudja based video section was rated very good.

My question remain, many of us here seem to think the British designed NAD, Rotel, Arcam Cambridge Audio offer better sound quality yet the Europeans seem to think the Japanese designed products sound at least as good?

 

[Lordoftherings]

* Bandphan, you probably mispelled the link on your post, cause it's not accessing at all. No sweat though, mine is OK.
And I don't know what you mean by the Pioneer comes off well, when the price is a mystery? Care to explain, please?
And the Denon 4308, I'm not too sure why it was not included in this test of the big guns?

* Seth=L, I ask if you speak German just in case that you did.
I did read somewhere that you can get the translation somehow, but I just don't know how. I will love that for sure.

* Peng, it is indeed quite interesting how different reviewers from different sites can rate these same receivers differently, but there are some similarities (eg. the Sony).
Yep, some reviewers seems to be wrong in their judgement. Rating a receiver higher from poor video performance or for DSPs, seems quite controversial.
And downgrade a receiver with a good sound on music, is even more puzzling.
Different strokes for different folks. Different values, priorities.
What is really the best receiver? Only God knows.
Maybe it was the Marantz SR8002, but it was not included in this test?

That will be interesting if we can form our own team here at Audioholics and perform a similar test. I bet that we would have some conflicting views at times. There are so many features and functions now in our receivers, it's just mind boggling.
And it seems that with each new generation, the sound quality is taking the wee side, the back burner, the back seat, the low rider, the escape ladder exit... in replacement of extra features and useless gadgets.
The receiver of tomorrow is the iReceiver (like the iPod or the iPhone).
Or the CompuReceiver.

Oh well, what can you do...


*** Hey Peng, I'll use your link here, so people can read it too in this thread.

From What Hi*Fi? mag in the UK, a group test of A/V Receivers from Onkyo TX-NR906, Pioneer LX-71 (SC-05), Sony STR-DA5400ES and Yamaha RX-V3900, by Martin Pipe.

-> http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/UAN/2885/v/3/sp/

* Extra: A review of the Onkyo TX-SR875, from Widescreen Review, by Doug Blackburn.
Volume 17, Number 2, Issue 128, February 2008

-> http://www.audyssey.com/media/downloads/02.08.WidescreenReview.OnkyoTXSR875.pdf

** Double extra: And to give you an idea of what kind of parts are used in the Onkyo TX-NR906 and TX-SR876, here's an article from the Sensible Sound about the Onkyo TX-SR805 and TX-SR705. The TX-SR805 contains the same majority of parts as it's higher siblings (same Dacs, same DSP chips, same Dual Op-amps, same complementary devices, same output transistors, same amplifier design, same ADC, same CMOS switches, same phono section, same digital volume control, same headphone amp, same similar topology...).

-> http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Onkyo+TXSR+705+TXSR+805+AV+receivers.-a0178450770

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

Here's the full review of the Onkyo TX-SR805 & TX-SR705 from " The Sensible Sound".
( ^ Last link from the post above ^ )

* http://www.sendspace.com/file/oh00lj

>>> Just scroll down & click on the download link. Takes about 30 seconds to download.

 

[Lordoftherings]

* Audioholics Home Theater Forums *

There's just one word I have for you....obsession.

That's why this site is called "Audioholics".

That's a better fitting word, which I much prefer.

* So, you're really from .:...:::..:.:..:::... !!! Where's that ??? Obsessville ?

 

[kay9]

Can't wait to set up my SR876 this time tomorrow.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Bravo!

Can't wait to set up my SR876 this time tomorrow.

Hi Kay, and Welcome to the club.

Congratulations! And you'd better let us know your impressions with full disclosure.

Bob

 

[kay9]

I know, i can't wait to finally upload this mammoth from its box and get it up and singing. Been sitting staring at me for over a month while i wait for my new replacement PJ which finally came 2 days ago. Now i can go forward.

 

[Lordoftherings]

<< 876 owners.>>

I know, i can't wait to finally upload this mammoth from its box and get it up and singing. Been sitting staring at me for over a month while i wait for my new replacement PJ which finally came 2 days ago. Now i can go forward.

Hi Kay,

I know exactly what you mean.

Here's a link for you and anyone else that owns or would like to own the 876.

-> The "Official" Onkyo TX-SR876 Owners Thread.
* http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1067401

Cheers,

Bob

 

[kay9]

Well we hooked up the Onkyo to the Panasonic BD-60 via HDMI and then HDMI out to the Epson 6500. Testing out the Onkyo with the BD-60 for the first time and there was no sound from the front L and R channels. center and surrounds were ok.

Did the MIC Calibration testing and it was not detecting the left front speaker. Then for some reason it started working and was working great for a hour or so. Then upon moving the entertainment stand the L and R channels stopped again. Nothing in Stereo. Connections are good. Hook the surround speakers to the front and no sound either. Connected the surrounds back to the thier channels and they were working just fine. So the front speakers are fine. I am not to sure on what to do.

I dont really want to open her up to see check the inside as i am really new to this. Any suggestions? Good time to check for Warranty service?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Is this a brand new unit or a private sale?

Maybe you did the connections wrong, recheck the connections, and look in your manual. The front speakers are clearly indicated on the back of your 876.
You might have them connected to the surrounds perhaps?

 

[kay9]

Brought from a seller on ebay. Username: nynotebooks
Indicated as New with full U.S warranty. Connections are all good. Man when it was working it was ROOOCKING.

 

[sholling]

The can take my TX-NR906 when they pry it from my cold dead hands.

Actually there are some changes I'd like to see on the next version.

1. I'd like to see them fix it so that it actually reliably plays FLAC files over a network. It tries but just can't do it. It sees them and says connecting but never does. To me this is the biggie. This was the main thing that made it worth more than an 876 and it doesn't work.
2. I'd like to see a second rear mounted USB port for an external hard drive.
3. I'd like to see a 5th or even 6th HDMI port because anybody that pays that much for a receiver will have at least a BD player, maybe an all in one DVD player, satellite or cable, 1-2 video game boxes and maybe a HTPC. Yes I know there are workarounds but it would just be nice to see on a receiver that pricey.
4. I'd also like to see more active sources available. There are a lot of connections but it limits how many can be in use.

Other than the FLAC issue I've been extremely happy with mine. I've worked around issues 1 & 3 by setting up a family room music server and by using an extra HDMI port on my TV. I haven't had a receiver since the late 70s or early 80s that put out enough real world clean power to really get the all of the potential out of a set of speakers. The Onkyo does that in spades. All in all I'm pretty happy.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Don't panick. It makes you thing all wrong.

Brought from a seller on ebay. Username: nynotebooks
Indicated as New with full U.S warranty. Connections are all good. Man when it was working it was ROOOCKING.

Hi Kay,

Why did you start another thread on this very same subject?

You are probably panicking.

So, if you bought it from a private seller on eBay, is that means you don't have any warranty?

On your other thread, I just told you what to do first (check the fuses).
If for any other reason your 876 is short of these two front channels, I will bring it to the nearer service center and get it fixed.
Or contact your seller and explain the situation (Yeah, try that first).

Take one step at time, and try relaxing. It's not the end of the world, just yet.

For now, just use another older receiver that you probably have somewhere, or borrow your brother's one for just a short while; I'm sure that he won't mind if you forget to ask him the permission.

All right, keep in touch, and don't start another bunch of useless threads about your panick and your concerns, it will just make things even worst.
Stick around here, you're already in good hands.

Bob

 

[muskokaman]

First, I'll like to say that I consider these two A/V Surround Receivers between the very best in the world. These are state-of-the-art Receivers at a tremendous price value.

Ok, I just want to start this thread about the excellent Onkyo TX-NR906, which is the replacement of the also excellent TX-NR905.
And also the Onkyo TX-SR876, which is the replacement of the TX-SR875.

And here, owners of this State-of-the-Art A/V Receiver with Network features (906) can express their impressions at will.

I personally own the TX-SR876, which is quite similar, less the Network features, the toroidal transformer, the gold plated jacks and few other goodies here and there.
And to get the price out of the way, the MSRP of the 906 is $2,299.
But it can be found for $1,250 street (reconditioned), or $1,300 street (brand new).
And the MSRP of the 876 is $1,799.
But it can be found for $899 street (reconditioned), or about $999 street (brand new).

And don't be shy to share your experience, as there are many readers out there, thirsty for a tasty ride Onkyo way.

And we will keep you posted with the latest and upcoming new Onkyo receivers, later this year (if and when) to replace these two behemoths.
But for right now, these two are the ultimate rulers in the Onkyo line of receivers. And the 906 is the top leader, the true flagship model.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Feel free to send me a PM if you aren't comfortable mentioning sellers on the forum. I'm brand new to audioholics but am seriously considering one of these two new Onkyos to replace my excellent but aging Integra 8.4.

You mentioned street prices of $1000-1300 for these two receivers but I'm curious as to where. Ebay has the 906 around $1600 Canadian plus shipping, taxes and possibly duty. The 876 seems to be about $300-400 cheaper.

Can you steer me towards a seller or two (either internet or bricks and mortar) where I might be able to get the best possible price?

Much appreciated,
Rob