What to do with a dead receiver?

[Nailhead]

I have a dead receiver that has been collecting dust for some time now. I bought it about 3 years back. It is an Onkyo HT-R520 that was part of a HTIB system for $400, still have the speakers, just need a working receiver.

I don't know what is wrong with it, it turns on, but just no sound and acts as if nothing is even plugged into it. I have done a good bit of research on the net to find other people with similar problems, but nobody seems to have the same problems I have, so my only option is to trash it, or take it to a shop where they will probably want me to pay them more than the thing is worth.

What do you think I should do?

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by Nailhead

I have a dead receiver that has been collecting dust for some time now. I bought it about 3 years back. It is an Onkyo HT-R520 that was part of a HTIB system for $400, still have the speakers, just need a working receiver.

I don't know what is wrong with it, it turns on, but just no sound and acts as if nothing is even plugged into it. I have done a good bit of research on the net to find other people with similar problems, but nobody seems to have the same problems I have, so my only option is to trash it, or take it to a shop where they will probably want me to pay them more than the thing is worth.

What do you think I should do?

Buy a new receiver.

[Rike255]

Yep buy a new one. It's not worth the trouble/cost to get it fixed.

[g217814]

Makes a good boat anchor.

[gearyt]

Originally Posted by g217814

Makes a good boat anchor.

[nycomet]

Throw it in the dumpster... right next to Rosie O'Donnell.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by Nailhead

Nevermind, I was hoping to get some intelligent responses but only the post *****s are responding. Thanks for nothing.

If you look at what everyone is actually saying...The cost of repair isn't worth it. They are just all agreeing with each other. You can get a good receiver that will do the lossless audio codecs for under $400. Say it costs $100-150 to fix...for more of the same? Something else might go wrong. you ought to replace it, save yourself from future headaches.

p.s. good thing you posted before me.. my post was going to be:
What do you do with a dead receiver, what do you do with a dead receiver, what to you do with a dead receiver earligh in the morning....tie'em to a mast until he's sober...well you get the picture..

[Blu-Raider]

Sorry your feelings are hurt.

Sell it "as is" on eBay for $25+shipping

[hoogoosedmoose41]

get a few buddys and kill a 12 pack and drop it out the back of a truck at 60 mph and watch the parts go flying when it hits the road.

[mlomeli]

I'm new...just trying to get my posts up

[mlomeli]

In all seriousness, if you can even get get a tiny bit a sound, but not for a theater...use it in the garage. That's what I'm going to do when I move next and buy a new one (to replace the old one). C'mon...how many garages do you know with 5.1

[Petra_Kalbrain]

If it doesn't work, there is bound to be some type of electronics recycling facility in your town. See if you can find them. Throwing it in the trash is just adding to the worlds pollution problem.

However... I have to admit that the suggestion above about dropping it off of the back of a pick up at 60mph sounds pretty cool. I'd make sure that it's tied up though. You'd get to prolong the entertainment for at least 20 seconds instead of just one 3 second bang.

[Marcusarilius]

How sweet.

[Blu-Dog]

The main power supply for output is out, probably from a circuit that regulates the output power to the actual channel output IC's. If you're still getting juice to the display, it's not a fuse.

The irony is, the supply is probably OK. It would be a modular component, but since it's in a receiver not made any more, you'd have a hard time finding a spare.

If you're going to keep your HTIB speakers, get a lower powered replacement receiver (standard DD 5.1 receivers start at well under $200) and just walk away.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Nailhead

I have a dead receiver that has been collecting dust for some time now. I bought it about 3 years back. It is an Onkyo HT-R520 that was part of a HTIB system for $400, still have the speakers, just need a working receiver.

I don't know what is wrong with it, it turns on, but just no sound and acts as if nothing is even plugged into it. I have done a good bit of research on the net to find other people with similar problems, but nobody seems to have the same problems I have, so my only option is to trash it, or take it to a shop where they will probably want me to pay them more than the thing is worth.

What do you think I should do?

According to your own options, it has given up the ghost and has done its time. Option 1 - trash it. Before you trash it however, open it up (make sure its not plugged up - believe me I have seen people do it). Look and see if there are any fuses in the unit. If they are blown - find the value of the fuse at your local Radio Shack. If they are blown relplace them - if that doesn't fix it - then most definately - trash it.

[pbparham]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

However... I have to admit that the suggestion above about dropping it off of the back of a pick up at 60mph sounds pretty cool. I'd make sure that it's tied up though. You'd get to prolong the entertainment for at least 20 seconds instead of just one 3 second bang.

Right down the road from my house is the famed Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez...Parkway_Bridge . In my days of youth and stupidity, we used to throw large fruit, soda bottles, and once even a box of wine off that bridge. There is a highway that runs below and the boom a watermelon makes is quite remarkable. I can't help but think about the sound a massive home theater receiver would make...

NOTE: I am older now and more than a small bit more mature. I do not condone this behavior and am thankful no one was injured during our stupidity. Still, the sound of a box of wine hitting asphalt after a 130 ft drop can not be described...

[Nailhead]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

The main power supply for output is out, probably from a circuit that regulates the output power to the actual channel output IC's. If you're still getting juice to the display, it's not a fuse.

The irony is, the supply is probably OK. It would be a modular component, but since it's in a receiver not made any more, you'd have a hard time finding a spare.

If you're going to keep your HTIB speakers, get a lower powered replacement receiver (standard DD 5.1 receivers start at well under $200) and just walk away.

Thanks for the info, now I at least have an idea what to look for if I decide to crack it open for a looksy. I would just hate to throw it out if it was something that I could have easily fixed for not a lot of money. It's not a great receiver, but spending $50 to fix it would sure be better than spending $200+ on a brand new one.

And if I can't fix it, maybe I'll take Petra's suggestion of "freeway removal"

[bluseminole]

Definitely buy a new receiver. If you liked the Onkyo and just want something comparable to what you had, try this:
http://onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-S...s=Receiver&p=i
It is their entry-level HT receiver.

It lists for $250, but I'll bet you could get it for much less (Amazon has it for $160).

I would suggest spending a little extra $$ and getting the TX-SR605 ($400 from Amazon), so that at least you can take full advantage of BD movies.

[X-Ninja]

Originally Posted by bluseminole

Definitely buy a new receiver. If you liked the Onkyo and just want something comparable to what you had, try this:
http://onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-S...s=Receiver&p=i
It is their entry-level HT receiver.

It lists for $250, but I'll bet you could get it for much less (Amazon has it for $160).

I would suggest spending a little extra $$ and getting the TX-SR605 ($400 from Amazon), so that at least you can take full advantage of BD movies.

Dont get the 304...

If I were you, id just go out and buy the 605. If you cant afford it at the moment then i would save up.
Cant go wrong with the Onkyo TX-SR605.

[dakota81]

Originally Posted by Nailhead

And if I can't fix it, maybe I'll take Petra's suggestion of "freeway removal"

Don't do that. There's bound to be a place in your area that collects electronics for recycling, just drop it off with them. Quick Google search returned this place:

http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/electronic_waste.html