Onkyo TX-NR809 vs Onkyo TX-NR818

[RomanBlade86]

I'm on the fence between getting a separate pre-amp + amp or just go for a good receiver like the Onkyo 809 or 818. I started looking at the Onkyo 809 because of its affordable price and from the looks of it the 809 is nearly identical to the more expensive 818 and they even weigh the same. Is the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 featured in the 818 an improvement over the 809's sound quality? Can anyone compare the 809 vs 818, and is it worth shelling out an extra $236 for the 818 over the 809?

[frogmort]

Originally Posted by RomanBlade86

I'm on the fence between getting a separate pre-amp + amp or just go for a good receiver like the Onkyo 809 or 818. I started looking at the Onkyo 809 because of its affordable price and from the looks of it the 809 is nearly identical to the more expensive 818 and they even weigh the same. Is the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 featured in the 818 an improvement over the 809's sound quality? Can anyone compare the 809 vs 818, and is it worth shelling out an extra $236 for the 818 over the 809?

I have the 809, and it's a great avr for the money, but the 818 has Audyssey XT32, which is a whole different level of sound control, compared to regular XT.

http://www.audyssey.com/audio-technology/multeq

[RomanBlade86]

Originally Posted by frogmort

I have the 809, and it's a great avr for the money, but the 818 has Audyssey XT32, which is a whole different level of sound control, compared to regular XT.

http://www.audyssey.com/audio-technology/multeq

Does all of this matter if it's only for a 2-channel setup? My choices are between an Onkyo receiver whether the 809 or 818 or an Emotiva pre-amp + amp for a pair of B&W 685 speakers.

[v_squared123]

Originally Posted by RomanBlade86

Does all of this matter if it's only for a 2-channel setup? My choices are between an Onkyo receiver whether the 809 or 818 or an Emotiva pre-amp + amp for a pair of B&W 685 speakers.

It looks like you went with the Sony ES line. Im currently looking into the Onkyo 809, 818 and Denon 3312/13. What made you change your mind? The onkyos look like they are solid receivers..

[bizmord]

just curious ... why Onkyo??? Made in China, lots of refurbs, sound of one of them I tested, not that great. Why Onkyo??

[JohnAV]

Originally Posted by bizmord

just curious ... why Onkyo??? Made in China, lots of refurbs, sound of one of them I tested, not that great. Why Onkyo??

Regarding the made in China remark, your Yamaha RX-A2020 is made in Malaysia, and the latest Marantz model the SR7007 is made in China. Most of the made in Japan AVR production got moved away from Japan as it was getting too expensive and because of the power grid issues effecting businesses after the earthquake.

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

Regarding the made in China remark, your Yamaha RX-A2020 is made in Malaysia, and the latest Marantz model the SR7007 is made in China. Most of the made in Japan AVR production got moved away from Japan as it was getting too expensive and because of the power grid issues effecting businesses after the earthquake.

Agreed and we're starting to see production sent out of China for even better costs. Long passed is the time of decrepit Chinese manufactures and such. They are as high tech as Japan was. However nice it is to see Made in the USA, or for us, Made in Canada, outside of boutique brands, this is the future, we just can't compete.

As for Onkyos having many refurbs, now I'm basing this on gut feeling more that stats, but there seems to be so many more Onkyos out there that you're bound to see more refurbs, but everyone I know who purchased an official Onkyo refurb seems to be real happy with them.

So, all in all, I don't believe the Made in China claim is really relevant anymore, you'd be surprised by all you own that came out of there. Time to stop bashing that old excuse IMO.

[Bmoney003]

If interested I have a 4 month old 809 for sale very cheap. Very gently used and in pristine condition. Lmk