Onkyo TX-SR308 or Pioneer VSX-820-K

[fragzem]

Hey guys,

I'm new here (obviously) and had some questions about these two receivers.

I've been pretty much all ready to purchase the Onkyo SR308, that is, until I saw the Pioneer 820-K...

Not sure which way to go here.. I do not own, nor do I plan to ever own, an iPod or iPhone, so as much as Pioneer seems to think advertising the receiver as iPhone compatible, I don't care.

I'm also not looking to do anything 3D yet, but both these receivers seem to support that, guess it's becoming the new trend.

What I'm looking for is bang for the buck & really great sound. I think the Pioneer looks really nice, with current sales its only about $9 more than the Onkyo. However, I was reading the Onkyo will work well with no sub, and that you can "tell it" you're not using a sub. Not sure how that works, I don't plan on going sub-less for long, but with my current budget I can't afford a powered subwoofer until February. Then I saw the Onkyo has on-screen menu via HDMI while the Pioneer requires Component? I lean more toward Onkyo because of the name. Then again, I've got experience with Pioneer car stereos and they've always made an excellent product, at least, on that front.

I really don't know what else to say here... which is part of the reason I'm here. I guess the confusion is showing? I was looking for insight from you folks, maybe you guys know something I don't about the build quality of these devices, who has better internal components, what lasts longer, or who has better firmware updates, who has better technical & customer support should it need repair out of warranty, etc.?

 

[AVRat]

A word of caution, neither of the units feature analog video up-conversion to HDMI if that's a feature you think you need/want. All current A/V receivers can run sub-less setups. At this level, choose the unit with the features you want/need.

 

[fragzem]

A word of caution, neither of the units feature analog video up-conversion to HDMI if that's a feature you think you need/want. All current A/V receivers can run sub-less setups. At this level, choose the unit with the features you want/need.

Thank you AVRat. I don't plan on doing any video up-conversion. The wall I hit is when I try to do what you say.. features I want/need. Both these receivers seem to be very much the same, but Pioneer has its "Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system" and Onkyo has whatever it has. (forget what they called it). One has an on screen setup (onkyo) the other doesn't.. but coming from an old old old Aiwa, I don't mind setting the thing up by kneeling in front of my receiver.

See, so from my standpoint, they're pretty much the exact same. Is the MCAC from Pioneer something so very important that it'll give me some audio quality/clairty above and beyond the Onkyo? I dunno. Having never heard the difference this might make, I have no clue if it'll be a feature I want or need.

Thanks for stopping in my thread, I hope that I'm not driving people crazy here.. Undoubtedly someone is going to eventually come into this thread and say "JUST BUY ONE ALREADY"

 

[AVRat]

The 308 doesn't offer auto-setup, 508 does, and at this level, I don't think the MCACC results are all that mind blowing. Most people will say that on-screen menu navigation is a helluva lot easier than the receiver's limited display. I think I'd lean toward the 308.

 

[rnatalli]

I think I'd stretch for the Denon 591/1611. It uses Audyssey MultEQ which is much better than 2EQ and MCACC IMO.

 

[fragzem]

I think I'd stretch for the Denon 591/1611. It uses Audyssey MultEQ which is much better than 2EQ and MCACC IMO.

I did some looking at the 1610 and did some reading about Audyssey... Seems most folks find audyssey *most* useful when listening at lower volumes.

There was a big thread someplace where the people were discussing how they either loved or hated audyssey.. and most in favor were saying things such as "I enjoy the Audyssey because the dynamic EQ allows me better sound with lower volumes" and "good for those who have to listen at different level of sound when there are kids and grandkids sleeping"

I don't have much need for lowering my volume, although I must say the dynamic volume control on the Denon was very attractive.. and the fact that I found a 1610 refurb for $210 shipped also got me stuck for a moment, but I don't think I really *need* it.

 

[AVRat]

Actually, if you don't mind a refurb, the 1610 would be a great unit. I'm a believer in Audyssey and most people listen at lower volumes, not reference level, which is why the Dynamic Eq is such a nice feature.

 

[fragzem]

Actually, if you don't mind a refurb, the 1610 would be a great unit. I'm a believer in Audyssey and most people listen at lower volumes, not reference level, which is why the Dynamic Eq is such a nice feature.

hmmmmmmm

Actually I've not had a problem with any refurb stuff I've bought ever..

They're only giving 90 days warranty.. Usually I tell myself "if its gonna die, it'll die in the first 2 weeks" but.. I dunno when it comes to something like this..

The cost and hassle of having to ship something so large, back to a retailer... if it failed.. and then they have no more refurb'd 1610s.. what're they gonna offer me as replacement?

Not totally saying "no" to it.. I'll have to do more thinking and see if the refurb unit is still available after I get my cash together next week.

::EDIT:: Actually, after more reading (I didn't even know about the 1610 until tonight), I'm going for it. Pray for me that this refurb is still available by the weekend. lol. I saw some 590's scratch/dent sale for $190 from Cowboom (a best buy site)... but I'd like a 1610, even if I find out that I dislike Audyssey, just for bragging rights at this point. You know, you try to be logical, stick to a budget... and especially at 2am (at least in my case)... lots of dollars get spent.

 

[fragzem]

Ok, you got me

Had to go for the Denon 1610 after reading and re-reading reviews. Thanks guys

 

[fragzem]

Can someone recommend a good phono pre-amp to use with the Denon 1610?

I'm looking for a pre-amp that is around $50 or less.. It doesn't have to be perfect audiophile quality, but I ask the question here because I don't want to buy something that'll break.

Would something from this guy work (and last) ?

http://www.phonopreamps.com/