Receivers
| Onkyo TX-SR806 THX Ultra2 Plus 7.1 A/V Receiver |
| Written by Brian Florian |
| Sunday, 19 October 2008 17:00 |
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Page 7 of 7
In Practical Terms Setting up and using the Onkyo will, for most people, be simple and straightforward, especially if they make a connection to a monitor and plug in the Audyssey Mic: Do what it tells you and you'll at least be up and running with some competence. For the neophytes, what I call the magic THX button will do the trick 98% of the time: keep hitting it till it says either movie/cinema, music, or game as need be. For the more seasoned user, tools and tweaks abound. In terms of subjective perfromance, I'll skip the poetic superlatives and just say it sounds good, plays loud enough, and stays clean. Hard pressed will anyone be to find any practical shortcomings in this respect. Conclusions On the whole the 806 is a mixed bag when looked at as simply the next offering in a line of AVRs with a rich heritage. There is no question that there is some value in the new video processor, value which unfortunately is undermined by its less-than correct video repeating, and while THX Loudness Plus (or Audyssey Dynamic EQ) are very compelling new features, clearly something has been given up in terms of amplifier power. When looked at without prior prejudice, though, the 806 is a stellar value as an audio processor and is an excellent candidate on its own for smaller rooms, or strictly as a pre-amp if coupled with an outboard power amplifier. Comments (44)
cost cutting?
written by Tyler , October 20, 2008 It appears to me that the new 806 is an example of some serious cost-cutting. Which makes little sense as much of the design should simply be recycled 805. I actually laughed out loud when I saw that little fan sitting completely unshrouded at the front of the unit. How could any engineering department have created such a piss-poor design is beyond comprehension. If Onkyo wanted to update something, they should have started with the face plate, as it is quite frankly, dated beyond belief.
Can the TX-SR876 thx amp from Onkyo be better ?
written by Wim , October 20, 2008 I was pleased with your review of the Onkyo 806. However upon reading your review I immediately realised again that the 806 needed to provide "more" than just thx ultra Loudness Plus ! I purchased the TX_SR876 model just a month ago and so replaced my Pioneer LX60. I am very happy with this decision as this reminded me of my purchase of The Yamaha DSP-A1 (a century ago, remember?!!) ; a world of difference and my best decision in years again. So I would be very interested in seeing you reviewing the Onkyo TX_SR876 ! Any chance of this shortly ?? The 876 has a lot more than the 806 and you can bet that this even betters your test of the 806. The 876 sounds fabulous and I couldn't miss him! Anyway, thanks for your excellent reviews each time, I enjoy them!!
Nice review
written by ws , October 21, 2008 Thanks for the review, Brian. This box looks like its full potential has been crippled. The "upgraded" scaling is only acceptable and it cannot be defeated. The same goes for the Auddesey implimentation. The 4ohm results are concerning as well, given the heat associated with the previous generation. That is too bad. The format was great. How long until we get the more of these mid-range AVRs into your gauntlet? Thanks,
Glad I got the 805
written by Jerry L. Bell , October 21, 2008 I read this with some trepidation, having recently purchased an 805 based on glowing reviews from here and elsewhere. I was afraid I'd short-changed myself by not waiting. I'd decided I didn't need the enhanced video processing as my sources are all 1080i or 1080p now (DirecTV, Oppo DV-981HD and Sony BSP-350). The 805 seemed on paper to beat the 806 in audio for pretty much everything but THX Loudness Plus. After reading this review, I'm still glad I got the 805. Of course, now I'm wondering if the 805 passes HDMI video unaltered. It seems like I'd read that it did but can anybody confirm that for me? Still, another great and useful review! Thanks!
I've got a 705...
written by gg , October 23, 2008 I'm not looking to upgrade as I'm happy with the 705, but I was somewhat dismayed to read about the 806 not passing hdmi properly. I know the 05 series doesn't have this problem and that certain new onkyo/integra are isf certified, so it's surprising to see this.
Time for printable articles
written by Stephen , October 25, 2008 Please, can someone there make a printable version of the articles, to print one of your article means wading through all the html content on the page. BTW, did you contact Onkyo about the shroud for the fan, or lack there of, is this just an error in manufacturing? If they fix pass-through, given the mediocre Cirrus-Logic audio dacs, which you didn't mention (CS4382A×1), analog input for SACD may be just the ticket and it looks like that input is quite good.
What does not capable of unaltered HDMI repeating mean?
written by Chainring , November 02, 2008 "The 806 is NOT capable of unaltered HDMI repeating!" What exactly does this mean? I have the 806 and haven't noticed any problems with anything. What am I missing?
...
written by Brian , November 03, 2008 It means that even when set to “pass through”, the 806 does not give you a bit-for-bit copy OUT of whatever you put IN. As I noted in the review this assertion came about based on the observation that the 806 clips below-black, even when set for pass-through. That may be all there is to it or there may be more. Although I have put together a procedure for fully evaluating an HDMI repeater, the data-capture equipment required to look at single-pixel data is not available to me (big $$$). Now some would say that if clipping below-black is all there is too it that most mass consumers won’t notice or care, but that does not make it acceptable in my book.
...
written by Stephen , November 04, 2008 Oh, BTW the weight is high by about 12 lbs the weight you quoted is for the 805
improper hdmi pass-through on entire 06 series?
written by Rit , November 06, 2008 I apologize if this is slightly out of scope, but I was wondering if Secrets staff had any information regarding HDMI pass-through for the rest of the 06 reciever line? I own a 606, and I was planning to start running everything through HDMI, but this freaks me out.
I think you were in a hurry with this one Brian
written by Dante , November 07, 2008 The video adjustments are working fine without leaving the screen.If you read the specs you will realise thaqt UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT arrows on the remote control will do the "trick". I agree with the buggy 1080p upconversion but (based on my measurements and eye sight) , "through" works perfect. For this price, this is the best you can find.
I never hurry
written by Brian , November 07, 2008 I sometimes make typos, but I never hurry. :) In the respects you mention I stand by the review as written. Yes, you can make your adjustments with the source visible but my complaint was that you have to “switch” from full-screen OSD to source video in the first place. Perhaps I could have worded it more clearly and will remember that for next time. On the subject of HDMI-through, simply stated: no it does not work perfect. As I noted further up, no one can assert with 100% certainty that an HDMI repeater is truly transparent without capturing the digital data, something which requires a very expensive and elaborate suite of equipment including some very special PC hardware/software. However, as I noted very plainly in the review, I was able to assert (and have since had confirmed by others) that the unit clips below-black, even when properly set for HDMI-through. This alone is proof-positive that the stream is being altered. Again as I already noted above in this discussion, that alone is considered by some to be a benign alteration, but it is an alternation nonetheless and one I am not willing to simply regard as “acceptable”. That does not mean the unit is a write-off, but rather is just my way of reviewing: I tell you good...and the not so good. You "get a square deal out of me with most of the breaks" (points to anyone who can name the movie thats from). Ultimatly I gave the unit a qualified thumbs up in my conclusion which I dont think anyone would argue.
Onkyo TX-SR805 or Onkyo TX-SR806
written by Joe , November 15, 2008 I am trying to decide on either the 805 or 806. These are the questions I have when comparing the two: 1) If I understand correctly, the 805 has .05 thd vs the 806 at .08 thd. Should this be a concern? 2) Which one has better video processing and HDMI pass-through? 3) No BurrBrown on the 806 - should this be a concern? 4) Which one would you recommend?
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written by Brian , November 16, 2008 1) Insignificant. The real difference is power, which the 805 has more of, particularly in terms of current. 2) Anecdotally speaking, the 805's "through" seems truer, but again this is only anecdotal at this point. 3) Purely subjective. 4) Depends on your needs. If you have no use for the deinterlacer/scaller, but could stand as much amp power as possible, then the 805 may well be a wise choice, otherwise the 806 is the more forward looking/flexible piece.
Onkyo 805 or 806 or 876 vs. Denon 2808 or 3809?
written by Jack , November 16, 2008 I am not a audiophile but want a good picture and sound. I can not decide between Onkyo or Denon. I want to stay below $1500 for this component. Which brand, which model will best suit my needs? By the way I am not a computer guru either so I also want a unit that will be user friendly. I will be adding a universal remote that I can use all over the house so the remote is not an issue for me. (I think?) I hope to have the new system in before Christmas. Please hurry.
HDMI splitter?
written by Steven , November 17, 2008 Can the HDMI cable coming out of the HD equipment (Blu-ray player) be split to send signal to the receiver for audio processing and still get pure video signal to the display?
Component/HDMI??
written by Ron , November 17, 2008 I am seriously looking at the new 876 or 906 but, like others, I am unclear as to the the interaction of the audio and video. I have a 1080i RP CRT with component only input. How does the receiver handle component out video at the same time an HDMI connection from a Panasonic BD55 or any other Blu-Ray player? Will the unit allow the video signal to pass thru in its native format(1080i and/or 480p for ST. DVD) to the component out in to the monitor and at the same time output ALL the surround formats into the receiver thru an HDMI connection from the player? OR, do I have have to hook-up BOTH component and HDMI in to the receiver OR will an HDMI(only) connection pass the video signal(along with audio) in its native format(1080i) to the monitor thru the component connections? I have reviewed a number of manuals for a number of different brands about this issue and they are unanimously quite unclear about this in the input set-ups. Comments?
Thanks for the reveiw, saved me some cash
written by Stephen , November 18, 2008 I was considering selling my 805 to switch to the 806(for loudness plus), partly due to living in an apartment and to a lesser extent the SO factor who doesn't care much for my load toys. but after reading the review I think I'll stay right were I'm at as I don't think I could get used to the new remote. My onkyo HTIB's remote was nearly Identical and I still love the feel. Plus after a year I finally have an HD stand alone, LG BH200, so I now have the satisfaction of HD audio. And the relief that all my hd dvd imports work on it. also brain what are the chances of seeing the LG blueray players reviewed (despite the fact that mine is out of production)
HDMI pass through
written by Joe , November 21, 2008 Does the 706 have the same pass through issue? Does the 805 have this issue at all?
tx-sr 800 vs tx-sr 806? Trade up or not?
written by Randy Shealey , November 24, 2008 I have the tx-sr 800 receiver. I've been thinking about upgrading to the 806. After reading your review of the 806, I'm not sure that would be a wise move. I'll be using a PS3 for blu ray and the sony kdl-52w4100 for my display. I have enjoyed my 800, no complaints at all. Any advice?
4 OHM performance
written by justsayyes , November 27, 2008 Great review. I'm considering this receiver, but I have a set of Magnepan MC1s for the front, and MMGWs for the rear, no front or center rear, and a big sub. Given that I listen to both DVD-Audio and Blu-ray movies, should I be concerned with running the Onkyo in 6 ohm mode. I don't think I ever really listen to either music or movies at true theater levels (>90dB). I believe Maggie's are a pretty consistent 4 ohm load.
I may have screwed up.
written by Jon , December 08, 2008 I have been searching up and down the net for a firmware upgrade or something about this HDMI problem. I had bought this receiver as a gift for myself at what I thought was a very good price. But this HDMI passthru issue is enough to make a "good deal" just look... well... "not that good." I've had no response from Onkyo. Anyone else have any luck? Maybe a handwritten letter to the head of Marketing is the way to go. The sad thing is I could have gotten a receiver with fewer ports but no HDMI distortion on passthru. I thought I was being smart.:( Thanks
Onkyo SR875/876 using SilconOptix REON processor vs the 806 Faroudja
written by Blaine , December 10, 2008 Brian, It would be great to get a review of the SR876. A former contributor to Secrets, I believe, Kris Deering, reviewed video processors specifically back in June for another publication. The results were surprising (Denon AVR3808 scored poorly) while the SR876 nailed it (suprising me since I've read about upscaling issues). It passed all tests (only one to do so). 3:2, 2:2 SD & HD. Clearly the video processing is an issue on the 806. No idea if the 876 cooling set up is as ugly. Assuming the 876 audio quality is as good as your review of the 806, it seems that the SR876 is a steal at $1090 on Amazon. I guess I could put another fan on top of the vents? http://buyextras.com/cocofankiscs.html Thoughts?
Onkyo does not recognize issue
written by Just , December 16, 2008 Brian, I called Onkyo today (12/16/08). They say there is no issue and they have heard nothing of it. I spoke to the tech support guy who says it , at best, was probably some forums speculating. Maybe people who have this unit should contact Onkyo (via e-mail, paper letter and voice) to get them to recognize it. Maybe they don't want to. :( Peace.
Mr
written by Jonathan Topping , December 23, 2008 I have an 806 and am very happy with it... I'm probably not as hardcore as others, but to me, the features of the 806 outweigh the 805's(esp the # of hdmi inputs and 1080p upscaling). I think many enthusiasts are upset that the 806 is more "mainstream" than they wished for....which I guess makes me more "mainstream" than you guys, since I couldn't tell you of any shortcomings of my unit. I have not seen any BTB display issues, what are 2-3 good test sources to reproduce this problem? Maybe I'm looking over it, but I don't see what you used as a source to see the problem. If I can reproduce it I will call and complain for all of us. :-)
806 overheating issue?
written by Tom , December 27, 2008 I purchased an 806 and am happy with it, but have one issue that may be cured with an external fan. When using a satellite box and upscaling to 1080p, the video disappears at times and then reappears several seconds later. I have changed settings and also moved the unit from a TV stand where it had only 1" of clearance above it to the top shelf where it has 3". Fan is on order. Has anyone else had this issue? I noticed the "blackout" more during action scenes such as large fireball explosions, but this could be coincidence. Any help is appreciated.
Just use PLUGE
written by Brian , December 27, 2008 Jonathan, If you (or anyone else) want to "prove" this to themselves, all you need is a good old PLUGE pattern, as may be found on any of the various AVIA and Video Essentials editions (explaining how to use it is a little beyond the scope of this feedback thread though). Of course you want to start with a source and display which are both in sync in this respect. Insert the 806 and below-black gets clipped from the HDMI output, whether the source is HDMI or A/D'ed CAV.
My picture quality from Scientific Atlantic 8300HD dropped significantly
written by Keoni , December 31, 2008 I used to use a Gefen HDMI 4-1 splitter and my HD channels were GORGEOUS. Now that I've moved to the 806, and all my HDMI cables run through it, my HD channels don't "pop" with clarity like they used to. The 806 definitely alters the signal--I've tried all combos (both on the 8300 and on the 806) and nothing comes close to the Gefen pass-through (or direct to TV). I'm quite disappointed, as I LOVE my HD stations on my Panny plasma!
Immediate Display
written by Joel , January 06, 2009 Brian, Do you recall if the "Immediate Display" option was disabled? While I don't have the receiver, the manual indicates that for true pass-through, this option should be disabled. I'm curious if BTB is still a problem if Immediate Display is disabled.
Amp Performance
written by mark , January 07, 2009 So as I read this, the 806 is lighter than the 805 due to lower grade amp. But I also see that the real performance hit only comes with >4 ohm setting and/or high volumes whereby their might by some barely perceptible THD hit. Otherwise, when my acoustic limitations are far more likely to be my living room walls or my in-wall speakers, I interpret the THX Ultra 2 to be the real benefit on the 806 in terms of better enjoyment of the movie audio at all/lower listening levels, and powerful audio reproduction when set to >6 ohm. Would you agree?
...
written by gary , January 28, 2009 "Ultimately you are better running source straight to display, but that is going to be a problem for Blu-Ray since you MUST run it through the Onkyo in order for it to strip the HD audio from the HDMI stream. This could very well be a deal breaker for many users and we hope that Onkyo can repair this flaw via firmware in the future (although without knowing the root cause we cannot say whether that is even a possibility" Is this an issue with all A/V receivers or just with the Onkyo's? thanks
Onkyo TX-SR806 VS 805
written by Luis Santiago , February 19, 2009 Hey!I prefer the TX-SR805 VS 806 In all ways First i see the 805 has bigger power supply and the circuit amplification too vs 806 is a little power supply Second the sound is very powerful in 805 vs 806 Third the 805 has burr brown D/A converter vs 806 NO Four i prefer the omitting the upconversion in 805 vs 806 has,in other words i'm not sacrifice the quality construction and better sound than the worst construction has 806.
Blue Ray to the TX-SR806
written by Adam , March 09, 2009 I recently purchased and 806 from Circuit City who went out of business and have yet to install it. Can somebody shed some light on the issue this unit has with a blue dot on video and a potential for problems with Blue Ray because of HDMI?
Pros and Cons . . .
written by RB , March 13, 2009 I purchased the 806 about a month ago. I would recommend it given it's price point and features. If the pros outweigh the cons for you it's worth a close look . . . On the pro side, I like the receivers handling of all the latest formats. I run 7.1 TrueHD via MCPCM from my PS3 and the blu-ray wow factor is very high- better than other receivers? I wouldn't know, but I don't know that I could tell if it was. The audyssey toolset is handy and 90% accurate for simple setups. I weighted my setup with multiple readings from my primary seated position, and I couldn't have balanced it better myself. Input customization and soundfield options are extensive, but as Brian said, you'll find yourself using THX (Ultra2 for 7.1) modes (music/cinema/games) for all but two channel audio. For two channel, I use Pure Audio or Direct. With the PS3 set to output PCM, I have to manually change modes depending on the media, the 806 sees it all as well MCPCM. Not a biggie though. Remote is good, it replaced a Sony Commander, and adequately controls everything, even the PS3 through a third party IR receiver and the "learn" function. Heat with my unit has not been an issue, but my receiver also has full 360 degree ventilation. As for the negatives . . . I am not happy with the upscaling. I initially tried to upconvert all sources to 1080p- and send them up to my 50" Panny Plasma. I noticed some softening of my 1080i feed from my XBOX, and some occasional pixeliation from my Motorola Cable box. I switched all inputs to "pass through" and the upscaling issues went away. As for the video clipping issue (processing in pass through mode), under normal use I can't see it. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Video switching is slow, and by slow I mean 5-7 seconds, with the audio running 3-5 seconds. This is exceptionally long since I had become accustomed to switching with my Panny, which is about the fastest switching TV in the industry- read 1 second. In the end, I think any receiver would struggle to process video/switch as well as my Panny. That said, "pass through" has been acceptable for everyday use. On the power side (amplifier), I'm in a fairly small space- 15x15, running some big Klipsch gear. Forte II's, and kg 3.2s and 2.2s in a 7.0 configuration. Given the efficiency of the vintage Klipsch (100bd for the Fortes) I'm barely getting into the power to hit normal listening levels. I'm assuming that with the efficient speakers I require less current to achieve desired listen levels, so I'm not getting into the ugly portion of the receivers amplification (clipping.) Desired sound levels are achieved well before reaching 50% volume. Combine that with the Dynamic EQ, and loudness balancing, and at low volume levels, imaging and range remain intact- which is a must have if your significant other has a different opinion regarding acceptable sound levels. Heck they should have called it WIFE-EQ. Regardless, I'm good with the 806. It works very well given my current space and speaker setup.
Faroudja DCDI Cinema at fault?
written by Mike P , March 25, 2009 Is this video processing issue unique to the Onkyos or does it occur in all Faroudja DCDI Cinema video processor based receivers? I am deciding between a Pioneer Elite SC-05, Integra DTR-7.9 and Integra DTR-8.9 and might base my decision on the video processors. Any thoughts?
Brian, are you sure?
written by Bob B. , March 27, 2009 I just ordered the SR806, so I don't have it setup yet. But I did download the manual. On this issue of pass-through, their recommendations are a bit complex. It's not enough to just select Pass Through. "For best video quality" THX also says you have to disable the "immediate display" option (whose default is otherwise "on") and do two other things too. Brian, are you sure you did all these steps, prior to finding a clipping of the below black? -- BB
806 causing judder..
written by Mike , April 24, 2009 So I recently got an 806 planning to run all components through it. I have my Moto HD DVR from comcast running HDMI through the 806, then HDMI to TV. I got somewhat extreme judder while watching Family Guy in HD cable. I have all settings set to "Through" or off including ID. When I run the HDMI directly to TV, I see no judder. Is there a way to fix this?
806 discussing immdiste display off mode.
written by Rob , May 06, 2009 I just found this thread, seeming somewhat old, but, nevertheless pretty current. Also i just did the "imediate display off option" and currently watching 'It takes a theif' 1950 starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in HD thru Directv and it is near bluray quality!!! All of the burays I've tried are visually stunning as expected. My reasons for choosing this receiver was mainly video upscaling of older dvds, hd formats and thx, along with more power. I will mention more of my system below. Of course now I am using sammy 50" 1080p 1.3 HDMI, sammy 2550 bluray 1.3 and 806 1.3, with which may make a difference. Wonder if everyone above is talking about and using 1.3 HDMI in the discussion of upscaling video and sound quality. I think this would def make a difference since this is necessary for all of my components to accurately display the forementioned topic above for best video quality thru the 806 or any other receiver with those requirements. I am, of course, still tweaking and will for some time, until i find the right settings for me. The audyssey is simply awesome focusing every action right in your center stage, simply stunning, actually spoiling oneself!!! My components.... Onkyo 806 Samsung 50" 1080 plazma Samsung 2550 bluray with netflix and pandora Directtv Infinity speakers....7.1 PS-28 sub PC-350 Center P-162 Fronts (2) P-152 Surrounds (4)
Forgot to mention!!
written by Rob , May 06, 2009 The netflix streaming on the bluray 2550 is pretty darn good. Most to hd quality. Don't know if it is the bluray player, the 806, or or HDMI 1.3 on all three devices. One can only imagine!!!
THD measurements are wrong?
written by jason chop. , August 02, 2009 Something seems suspicious about the measurements in this article, perhaps a typo? It says the THD measurements were: ?power --> 20Hz-20kHz THD+N = 0.00822% @8Ohm 130W --> THD+N = 0.01944% @8Ohm These numbers seem impossible to believe - are they off by a factor of 10? The manual says 0.08% -> 0.2%. only the >=$2k amps have such low THD at full power, so im wondering if the article has typos on this. ...?!?!
Center Speaker
written by Bert , August 11, 2009 My center speaker is not loud enough on my 806. It is set at +12 but it adjust on its own, can I fix this. How?
"HDMI Pass Through" issue solved!
written by Kirk Schwarz , September 06, 2009 Purchased a HDMI splitter from Firefold for $64.95 after using the Spears & Munsil Blu ray test disk; the Onkyo was clipping BTB & WTW. The splitter can be purchased for less so shop around. Anyway, effectively splits video from my Oppo BDP-83 and sends it to the TV, while audio goes to the Onkyo. Works perfect! My only beef is with Onkyo. They wouldn't even admit there was a problem with the HDMI pass through. Got completely stonewalled by customer service & Tech support. No firmware ware updates or potential solutions because the problem doesn't exist and by the way they don't comment on product reviews! It's unbelievable that in this day and age companies can continue to treat consumers in this fashion. Maybe their the next GM? Write comment
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