Onkyo TX-SR806: BE afraid!

[binary fly]

From one Shepherd lover to another, thanks, Adam.

 

[sholling]

Sholling,

With all due respect, I take exception with you stating that Onkyo users are 99.99% satisfied, and that our situation is being blown-out-of-proportion. Do you work for
Onkyo? Because if you don't and you'd read any of the reviews for this product, you'd know that this was NOT an unusual occurrence. It is, indeed, beginning to look like a brewing, systemic problem. Check Amazon reviewers out for the 806. We are NOT the only one. And, those reviewers will also make it clear that Onkyo customer service is poor, at best.

Actually I have never worked for Onkyo and have never owned stock in whatever holding company owns Onkyo. I'm just being realistic. If there were a ton of complaints then the Consumer Products Safety Commission would have forced a recall. Speaking of which you might try writing them and making them aware. And as I suggested you might try writing management at Onkyo.

 

[WmAx]

I have noticed an incredibly high number of complaints about these Onkyo units in comparison to any other. Purely co-incidence? I do not know. But based on this, I would not consider using one of the models subject to this very high level of complaints, even if given to me for free (FIRE HAZARD).

-Chris

 

[binary fly]

The Onkyo seller was listed as Amazon.com., not some obscure third party. When we contacted Onkyo, they said that the receiver, as sold, indeed has a two year warranty, but that since Amazon was the seller, they needed to be responsible. We called Amazon and they said, 'that's crazy,' it's their product and their responsibility---that if the product had conked within 3 months, they would have just sent a replacement, but not after a year. So, neither would budge. Onkyo's attitude toward this situation is not atypical, from reports of dissatisfied customers. Amazon said our only recourse is to work with their legal department to hopefully get Onkyo moving on this situation, so we're polishing up our letter, that has to travel snail-mail. Amazon wasn't happy, at all, with our situation, but I totally understand THEIR position. If they were wise, they'd drop Onkyo like a hot rock to avoid facing guilt by association, if something really bad happens.

 

[Alex2507]

Adam is kind of as Big Shot over at Amazon too.

Unless I miss my guess he will be all over this like white on rice.

 

[Knucklehead90]

binary fly -

I hope it turns out well for you. Revisit this thread when you get closure on it and let us know how it went. I'm very curious as to why Onkyo would shrug off their responsibility for their own product but it does not surprise me after all I've read about their lack of good customer service.

 

[TLS Guy]

The Onkyo seller was listed as Amazon.com., not some obscure third party. When we contacted Onkyo, they said that the receiver, as sold, indeed has a two year warranty, but that since Amazon was the seller, they needed to be responsible. We called Amazon and they said, 'that's crazy,' it's their product and their responsibility---that if the product had conked within 3 months, they would have just sent a replacement, but not after a year. So, neither would budge. Onkyo's attitude toward this situation is not atypical, from reports of dissatisfied customers. Amazon said our only recourse is to work with their legal department to hopefully get Onkyo moving on this situation, so we're polishing up our letter, that has to travel snail-mail. Amazon wasn't happy, at all, with our situation, but I totally understand THEIR position. If they were wise, they'd drop Onkyo like a hot rock to avoid facing guilt by association, if something really bad happens.

Thanks for providing such excellent documentation of this problem. I have done quite a bit of net surfing on this, and your comments about Onkyo should be well taken.

I think for now Onkyo needs to be on the not to be recommended list, for multiple reasons.

 

[sholling]

The Onkyo seller was listed as Amazon.com., not some obscure third party. When we contacted Onkyo, they said that the receiver, as sold, indeed has a two year warranty, but that since Amazon was the seller, they needed to be responsible. We called Amazon and they said, 'that's crazy,' it's their product and their responsibility---that if the product had conked within 3 months, they would have just sent a replacement, but not after a year. So, neither would budge. Onkyo's attitude toward this situation is not atypical, from reports of dissatisfied customers. Amazon said our only recourse is to work with their legal department to hopefully get Onkyo moving on this situation, so we're polishing up our letter, that has to travel snail-mail. Amazon wasn't happy, at all, with our situation, but I totally understand THEIR position. If they were wise, they'd drop Onkyo like a hot rock to avoid facing guilt by association, if something really bad happens.

Here is where you and I are on the same page. It's not Amazon's problem after 30 days. If Onkyo won't help you I'd demand to talk to a manager and get names. If that doesn't get you service then write a letter. CEOs really do read them.

Generally Onkyo would just direct you to their nearest service center if it were something other than a fire. But with a fire I would think they would want to get it back in house to look at.

Just a tip from someone who has done customer service. CSRs anywhere deal with irate people all day. Generally a bit of friendliness and understanding on the phone can get them to break a few rules to get you extra help. If that doesn't work then take names and politely work your way up the food chain being firm but nice and taking names all the way. When you write the letter include a chronology of discussions with service and the names and a couple of pictures of the receiver. If it gets that far that you have to write the CEO then I'd ask for replacement and a warranty extension to cover the delay in repairs.

 

[tonedeaf]

We all know onkyos run hot,that was established years ago.I'm wondering if its a specific mfg. year or model,did onk start using cheaper sub grade parts?I havent read any real complaints about the 876 or 906 except for the heat issue.Owners of these two models could you chime in with your experiences?

 

[sholling]

We all know onkyos run hot,that was established years ago.I'm wondering if its a specific mfg. year or model,did onk start using cheaper sub grade parts?I havent read any real complaints about the 876 or 906 except for the heat issue.Owners of these two models could you chime in with your experiences?

This may or may not be related but with the 806 Onkyo stepped down from the robust amplifier section found in the previous 805 and replaced it with more features. Note the huge drop in weight from the 805 to the 806. I'm not an electrical engineer but if I were to look for potential problems that's where I'd start. Getting the same rated output from a receiver while shedding roughly 12lbs means something was sacrificed.

The 876 and 906 still have robust amplifiers and still weigh a back breaking 50ish pounds and I'm not losing any sleep worrying about my 906.

 

[Adam]

Adam is kind of as Big Shot over at Amazon too.

Unless I miss my guess he will be all over this like white on rice.

Ha! "Frequent Shopper" doesn't equate to "Big Shot."

 

[binary fly]

Sholling, I didn't really think you worked for Onkyo . I was just being unnecessarily sarcastic, because all of this is such a sore issue for us. After Onkyo tried to sweep us under the rug, we became understandably defensive. I do thank you for your words of wisdom regarding dealing with customer service, as well as your other observations regarding this issue. Your insights ARE appreciated.

We thought our receiver was a behemoth, but from 50 lbs, down to 37.5 (I believe) they sure did try to cram a lot into a smaller package---or what did they leave out to accommodate the smaller size? We may never know, but it makes sense that this would be a good place for them to start looking for the problems! Maybe you WERE an electrical engineer in a past life .

 

[krzywica]

Guess I need to stop modding routers talk about heat

And thats exactly my point. I usually mod everything I get my hands on. But out of the box a unit like this should not need the kind of extreme ventilation precautions that need to be taken to ensure sustained operation.

 

[htgeek]

Good thread with all points covered, that's what I like about this site. I am a Onkyo fan. They give the most bang for your buck. I must say though a fire is pretty serious no matter how it happens. I have to say most customer service sucks today, from any major manufacturer. Case-n-point I fought with Panasonic for almost 8 months to get a projector replaced. There policy is the unit must be serviced no less than 3 times while under warranty before they will replace it. During that entire process I wrote down every call,date,time,name and what was discussed. Which gave me a leg to stand on, also I did my best to be understanding to the reps and mangt. Dealing with this kind of stuff is not easy with the he said she said crap on top of it.

Please take it with a grain of salt, I've seen all kinds of brand new out the box electronics be defective including Samsung tv's, Denon,HK, and yes Onkyo receivers, Sharp BD players and other assorted CE products. What really sucks for most of us we enjoy those products and at times it can be a gamble. Personally I try to cover myself by using only authorized dealers and getting extended warranties on all my gear.

Best of luck and stand your ground,this is a serious problem and should be resolved to your satisfaction.

 

[TLS Guy]

We all know onkyos run hot,that was established years ago.I'm wondering if its a specific mfg. year or model,did onk start using cheaper sub grade parts?I havent read any real complaints about the 876 or 906 except for the heat issue.Owners of these two models could you chime in with your experiences?

Running hot is incompatible with a quality product. All solid stare devices have a heat time curve to failure. The hotter the more problems and shorter life is to be expected. There is not a separate rule for Onkyo!

 

[binary fly]

THANK YOU, to all, who have extended a supportive ear, helping us grieve over the loss of our Onkyo, under such scary circumstances. It's been therapeutic for us to be able to vent here and receive some needed validation. We are now ready to put our hard-feelings aside, because we've decided that such emotional toxicity is not good to carry into the NY.

We will purchase another receiver (not Onkyo!) and if we are able to have success with Onkyo replacing our burned-up unit, we will either sell it, or make it a gift for someone, along with a little fan , and, generous warnings.

We will definitely follow-up with this thread when, and if, we are able to make Onkyo assume responsibility for their product, or when we get a verdict from Amazon's legal team.

We're currently considering the Pioneer VSX 23THX, or the Yamaha RX-V 3800 BL, but the more we look, the more confused we become. We'll peruse the other threads here and see what folks have to say about these units.

Thanks again

 

[tonedeaf]

THANK YOU, to all, who have extended a supportive ear, helping us grieve over the loss of our Onkyo, under such scary circumstances. It's been therapeutic for us to be able to vent here and receive some needed validation. We are now ready to put our hard-feelings aside, because we've decided that such emotional toxicity is not good to carry into the NY.

We will purchase another receiver (not Onkyo!) and if we are able to have success with Onkyo replacing our burned-up unit, we will either sell it, or make it a gift for someone, along with a little fan , and, generous warnings.

We will definitely follow-up with this thread when, and if, we are able to make Onkyo assume responsibility for their product, or when we get a verdict from Amazon's legal team.

We're currently considering the Pioneer VSX 23THX, or the Yamaha RX-V 3800 BL, but the more we look, the more confused we become. We'll peruse the other threads here and see what folks have to say about these units.

Thanks again

AAAHHH,The old paralysis by analysis syndromeWe all know it wellGood luck

 

[Adam]

I own the VSX-23 and like it. My buddy owns the VSX-21 and likes it. I likely would have bought the 21 if they were in stock when I was ready to buy. The two units are very similar in features, so you might consider the 21, as well.

 

[binary fly]

Thanks Adam, we will check out the VSX-21, too. We're also looking at the Pioneer Elite SC 27, if we can find it locally. Not sure we want to purchase our next receiver online. Next time, I want a storefront window I can throw it through, if we have problems and they don't assist...LOL.

 

[binary fly]

AAAHHH,The old paralysis by analysis syndromeWe all know it wellGood luck

We got the biggest laugh out of this post. Yes, it is as described , but we haven't given up the battle entirely .