Official Onkyo TX-NR808 Receiver Thread

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Well, the left fan has a transparent plastic cover (semi-circular tunnel) on top of it; so it blows air to the heatsink (indirectly), as the right one blows the hot air to the top.

* But then, people were criticizing the single fan positioning from the 806 and 807, so I guess Onkyo did improve here somehow.

Yeah, that is a pretty interesting design. It appears that the fan sits lower too. Maybe its to pull in cooler air through a vent on the bottom of the receiver. I've never seen the inside of the 806, but the 807 seemed efficient enough I guess. The heatsink was rather small in comparison to the 805 and the 808, but I think it ran a lot cooler as well. I know the 806 is pretty infamous for its heat output though.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by browndk26

Sorry to hijack the post. What is the advantage/use of a networking AVR?

Thanks.

Hijack? What is that? ..His name is lojack, see below.

* A Networking receiver allows you to stream various internet radio music stations, and from various formats too, various audio files, plus some receivers allow you to even stream videos! All from the internet, when plugged to your PC (router, modem...).
Also some receivers are firmware upgradeable interim the Ethernet port, right from the internet.
Also, a Networking receiver can do more than this, and for more I will let lojack explain it to you as he is very well calibrated in that department.

Originally Posted by lojack1976

Yeah, that is a pretty interesting design. It appears that the fan sits lower too. Maybe its to pull in cooler air through a vent on the bottom of the receiver. I've never seen the inside of the 806, but the 807 seemed efficient enough I guess. The heatsink was rather small in comparison to the 805 and the 808, but I think it ran a lot cooler as well. I know the 806 is pretty infamous for its heat output though.

The 806's interior is the same as the 807.

The two fans in the 808 are pulling air from the bottom vents.

Finally, regarding the heat on the Onkyo receivers; it has more to do with the CEC Control, and the video processor.
If you Disable the Power Control for the CEC and you use the video Passthrough, without using the video processor of the receiver, the heat thing is thing of the past. ...I know so as I owned the 805 and still own the 876, 906 and PR-SC886P. My 876 is on the block though (for sale).

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

The 806's interior is the same as the 807.

The two fans in the 808 are pulling air from the bottom vents.

Finally, regarding the heat on the Onkyo receivers; it has more to do with the CEC Control, and the video processor.
If you Disable the Power Control for the CEC and you use the video Passthrough, without using the video processor of the receiver, the heat thing is thing of the past. ...I know so as I owned the 805 and still own the 876, 906 and PR-SC886P. My 876 is on the block though (for sale).

I see now. So the video processor is the main reason for so much heat then. Does the 806 have a different processor than the 807 or is the CEC Control implemented differently to prevent the 807 from getting as hot?

[fraXis]

I purchased my 808 from Amazon last week.

I ran into two problems with it.

1). When I first turn on the receiver to watch something in THX Cinema mode (doesen't matter what input I am using), the front display on the receiver will show that I have 5 channels active (left, center, right, surround right, and surround left). However, when I play a movie the surround speakers are not on. I need to go into Speaker Configuration and turn either the center channel all the way to off and then back to on, or the surrounds all the way to off and then back to on, to get them to kick back on.


2) I also noticed that if I have the amp set to 80 or higher (82 is ref when not using the THX reference level), I can hear a lot of noise from the front speakers. Not hiss, but actual noise. It is hard to describe but my cheap Pioneer amp did not have this type of noise with my same speaker setup that I am using with my Onkyo. It happens when playing a DVD, listening to a TV show in TV Logic, or even pausing a movie.


Do you have any of these two problems?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

I see now. So the video processor is the main reason for so much heat then. Does the 806 have a different processor than the 807 or is the CEC Control implemented differently to prevent the 807 from getting as hot?

I believe the 806 and 807 have both the same Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processor.

As for how Onkyo has implemented the CEC Control and all that Jazz in their various receivers, you'd do better asking them directly, if you can speak to one of their tech people. Good luck!

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by fraXis

I purchased my 808 from Amazon last week.

I ran into two problems with it.

1). When I first turn on the receiver to watch something in THX Cinema mode (doesen't matter what input I am using), the front display on the receiver will show that I have 5 channels active (left, center, right, surround right, and surround left). However, when I play a movie the surround speakers are not on. I need to go into Speaker Configuration and turn either the center channel all the way to off and then back to on, or the surrounds all the way to off and then back to on, to get them to kick back on.


2) I also noticed that if I have the amp set to 80 or higher (82 is ref when not using the THX reference level), I can hear a lot of noise from the front speakers. Not hiss, but actual noise. It is hard to describe but my cheap Pioneer amp did not have this type of noise with my same speaker setup that I am using with my Onkyo. It happens when playing a DVD, listening to a TV show in TV Logic, or even pausing a movie.


Do you have any of these two problems?

Alright, you'll have to learn a few things with your new toy.
Are you familiar at all with Onkyo receivers? If not, please, read the manual.
There are a lot of adjustments to make in your 808, and the best place to start is ... yes, you got it, RTFM.

1) First, THX Cinema mode sucks! ...That is my PERSONAL opinion, so don't panic!
There is a "Listening Mode Preset" in your 808 where you have to select each source and each audio mode for those sources, please, check in your manual and it will guide you through this, very important that you set those as it will determine how many speakers are active for each audio mode from each source! Ouf!

2) At that volume level it's normal to have noise. What are you trying to do, check for total black silence even with the volume turn on at max reference level and without anything playing? Are you a reviewer for the Ultra High End Magazine where they checked for Signal to Noise Ratio in a practical improbable life experimentation just for the sake of comparisons with other receivers like Pioneer? ...Like I said, you will always have some type of noise, and it's not from your 808, it's from the sum of all parts in your system plus your electric circuitry in your own home.
If it truly bothers you, just get back your cheap Pioneer amp that's all, right?
> Sorry if I sound a bit too direct, I'm just not that serious after all (just tryin' to put some noiseless humor).

So to recap, set your 808 properly (it's a heck of a nice receiver), and it will play from all the speakers you wish for if only you set the right audio mode for each audio codecs anf from each individual sources.

As for the noise, make sure all your connections are sound, and that your cabling and wiring is organised in a favorable fashion. Cross your A/C power cables at 90 degree angles with your interconnects if they have to intercede (or intersect) with each other, and try to leave your speaker's wires alone.
Also, shut down any dimmer light or halogen light.

When all done, let me know how it goes. And hopefully your receiver is working properly, but first you have to make sure that everything else is perfectly connected with all in good working cable's condition. We'll have to take it one step at a time to try locating what seems abnormal to you so far.

Cheers & Regards,
Bob

[Littering and?]

I have noticed a sound stage selection change when powering up the next day, but no noise or buzzing? I also switch between my PC and PS3 every day, I have not even gone into depth in settings on this yet so the available soundstages are fine for now.

[fraXis]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

1) First, THX Cinema mode sucks! ...That is my PERSONAL opinion, so don't panic!
There is a "Listening Mode Preset" in your 808 where you have to select each source and each audio mode for those sources, please, check in your manual and it will guide you through this, very important that you set those as it will determine how many speakers are active for each audio mode from each source! Ouf!

I went back and retested and it happens no matter what surround mode I have set, or selected. Here are the exact steps I use to duplicate the problem:

1) Turn on Receiver

2) If the input I need is not selected then I select it (it doesn't matter if the receiver turns on with the selected input or not, the problem still happens). It also doesn't matter what source input I use. It could be an input with a coax digital, or optical, or HDMI input; it just does not matter.


3) Play some source material. The surrounds will be silent even though on the display of the Onkyo it shows all 5 of my speakers lit up (L, C, R, RS, LS).

4). If I change to different movie surround modes (TV Logic, Dolby Digital), or even music surround modes, the surrounds are still silent.

5). I then need to go into the speaker configuration, and go to either surrounds (which are set to 80hz crossover), or the center channel (80hz), and then turn one of them all the way to OFF. Then I need to turn them right back to the setting I had before (80hz).

6) Then the surrounds work great, at least until I turn the receiver off. When I turn the receiver back on, surrounds are silent, and I need to do these steps again.

2) At that volume level it's normal to have noise. What are you trying to do, check for total black silence even with the volume turn on at max reference level and without anything playing?
Bob

If nothing is playing, then I don't hear any sound. But as soon as I fire up the DVD player, or hook my PC up via digital optical out to watch a movie, I can hear the noise from the front 3 speakers.

I used to own a Lexicon DC-1 (I was a big laser disc nut back in the day), and I know what I should hear and not hear. The noise coming out of my 808 is audible from my listening position which is 10 feet away from the speakers while the DVD FBI logos are playing (which have no sound), or if I am watching a scene from a movie which is intended to not have any sound.

I ordered a replacement from Amazon for these two issues I am having. It will be here tomorrow. I will keep everyone updated because I am really hoping I just received a lemon receiver. There is so many things to like about this bad boy that I don't want to have to get another brand.

Thanks for your help Bob.


Shawn

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

I believe the 806 and 807 have both the same Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processor.

As for how Onkyo has implemented the CEC Control and all that Jazz in their various receivers, you'd do better asking them directly, if you can speak to one of their tech people. Good luck!

Haha...yeah...I'll need my four leaf clover for that.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by fraXis

I went back and retested and it happens no matter what surround mode I have set, or selected. Here are the exact steps I use to duplicate the problem:

1) Turn on Receiver

2) If the input I need is not selected then I select it (it doesn't matter if the receiver turns on with the selected input or not, the problem still happens). It also doesn't matter what source input I use. It could be an input with a coax digital, or optical, or HDMI input; it just does not matter.


3) Play some source material. The surrounds will be silent even though on the display of the Onkyo it shows all 5 of my speakers lit up (L, C, R, RS, LS).

4). If I change to different movie surround modes (TV Logic, Dolby Digital), or even music surround modes, the surrounds are still silent.

5). I then need to go into the speaker configuration, and go to either surrounds (which are set to 80hz crossover), or the center channel (80hz), and then turn one of them all the way to OFF. Then I need to turn them right back to the setting I had before (80hz).

6) Then the surrounds work great, at least until I turn the receiver off. When I turn the receiver back on, surrounds are silent, and I need to do these steps again.







If nothing is playing, then I don't hear any sound. But as soon as I fire up the DVD player, or hook my PC up via digital optical out to watch a movie, I can hear the noise from the front 3 speakers.

I used to own a Lexicon DC-1 (I was a big laser disc nut back in the day), and I know what I should hear and not hear. The noise coming out of my 808 is audible from my listening position which is 10 feet away from the speakers while the DVD FBI logos are playing (which have no sound), or if I am watching a scene from a movie which is intended to not have any sound.

I ordered a replacement from Amazon for these two issues I am having. It will be here tomorrow. I will keep everyone updated because I am really hoping I just received a lemon receiver. There is so many things to like about this bad boy that I don't want to have to get another brand.

Thanks for your help Bob.


Shawn

That is excellent Shawn! And Thank you for letting me know exactly about those two issues with clear explanations, as I was going to recommend that you do just that, an exchange, as it seems that indeed you have a defective unit.

Cheers,
Bob

[mishal]

I am thinking of buying this receiver in 2 weeks when it comes out in my home town.

What kind of speakers should I get? I need a really good one that well work perfectly with the receiver.

[fraXis]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

That is excellent Shawn! And Thank you for letting me know exactly about those two issues with clear explanations, as I was going to recommend that you do just that, an exchange, as it seems that indeed you have a defective unit.

Cheers,
Bob

Bob,

I received a replacement TX-NR808 and it has none of the problems my previous unit had. The surrounds work great and there is no unnecessary noise coming from any of my speakers.

Thanks again for the suggestions and help.

Shawn

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by fraXis

Bob,

I received a replacement TX-NR808 and it has none of the problems my previous unit had. The surrounds work great and there is no unnecessary noise coming from any of my speakers.

Thanks again for the suggestions and help.

Shawn

Happy to hear that you got a replacement that works correctly.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by mishal

I am thinking of buying this receiver in 2 weeks when it comes out in my home town.

What kind of speakers should I get? I need a really good one that well work perfectly with the receiver.

Speaker's section?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by fraXis

Bob,

I received a replacement TX-NR808 and it has none of the problems my previous unit had. The surrounds work great and there is no unnecessary noise coming from any of my speakers.

Thanks again for the suggestions and help.

Shawn

Fantastic news Shawn!

Bob

[mtrouth]

Has anyone noticed that their heatsink fans don't turn on? I noticed yesterday that they weren't turnoff on at all. The unit gets hot, but the fans won't engage.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by mtrouth

Has anyone noticed that their heatsink fans don't turn on? I noticed yesterday that they weren't turnoff on at all. The unit gets hot, but the fans won't engage.

Only to a certain threshold temperature reach. It's more for protection than cooling the receiver really. I can't remember out of hand what's the number of degrees before they turn on, but I know it is quite high, as I've never seen mine turn On yet!

That's why most people use a fan or two on top of their receiver to cool it off.
...At the top right rear corner, where the video processor is.

[mtrouth]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Only to a certain threshold temperature reach. It's more for protection than cooling the receiver really. I can't remember out of hand what's the number of degrees before they turn on, but I know it is quite high, as I've never seen mine turn On yet!

That's why most people use a fan or two on top of their receiver to cool it off.
...At the top right rear corner, where the video processor is.

Thank you! My concern was that they weren't operating correctly, but your post dispels that.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by mtrouth

Thank you! My concern was that they weren't operating correctly, but your post dispels that.

No sweat!

[Elvis Is Alive]

I own an Onkyo 875 and love it but I am thinking of purchasing a HDMI 1.4 AVR for 3D switching/viewing. I use the HQV Reon in the 875 to scale/deinterlace all my sources to 1080P. The Reon does a signifactly better job than my TV or DirectV box for video processing, producing better visuals.

Will I notice a loss in video quality with the Faroudja DCDi in these new models? How about sound quality? I am using my AVR for 100% Tv and movies, no music. Should I hold off for the higher end models that use the Reon (3008, 5008)?