Official Onkyo TX-NR808 Receiver Thread

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by 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)?

Unfortunately you probably will see a difference when using 1080i sources and especially with analog upconversion. I wouldn't go with this receiver if you are relying on it for video. The Reon chip is leagues better. I would suggest that you either wait for one of the higher end models with Reon processing, or go with another brand that has either Anchor Bay, Marvel or a higher end Faroudja scaler.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by 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)?

If I was in your boat , I'd just get a 3D BD player that has two HDMI outputs, and plug one directly to my 3D TV, and the other one to my Onkyo 875 for the high res audio.

* But you mentioned about switching too from various high res sources;
sooo, in that case, I would go for what is the equivalent of your 875, which is the Onkyo TX-NR3008.
- Forget Faroudja (they are not in the game anymore; they were back then for VHS ),
the HQV Reon VX-50 chip (or ABT-2010 chip) are much better video processors.

[geoffc]

Hi

I have this amp on my shortlist and was wondering if anybody has had any HDMI handshake issues, also (this will apply only to owners here in the UK) can you use banana plugs with the binding posts without taking a screwdriver to them first!

Thanks

[laserdogg]

Originally Posted by geoffc

Hi

I have this amp on my shortlist and was wondering if anybody has had any HDMI handshake issues, also (this will apply only to owners here in the UK) can you use banana plugs with the binding posts without taking a screwdriver to them first!

Thanks

Haven't had any handshake issues. Yes. you can use the banana plugs, no tools required

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by geoffc

Hi

I have this amp on my shortlist and was wondering if anybody has had any HDMI handshake issues, also (this will apply only to owners here in the UK) can you use banana plugs with the binding posts without taking a screwdriver to them first!

Thanks

1. Never heard of any HDMI hand shake issues with that particular model receiver yet.

2. On the European and UK models, you simply drill a tiny hole in the center of the plastic plug (careful here), then insert a small screw that will fit in, and simply pull it with a pair of plyers, the plastic plug will come out, voila! ...Now you got your holes for your speaker's banana plugs.

[markbr]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

1. Never heard of any HDMI hand shake issues with that particular model receiver yet.

2. On the European and UK models, you simply drill a tiny hole in the center of the plastic plug (careful here), then insert a small screw that will fit in, and simply pull it with a pair of plyers, the plastic plug will come out, voila! ...Now you got your holes for your speaker's banana plugs.

Hi Bob hope your well my friend, just been reading your posts. I have the Onkyo 606 and I'm thinking of replacing it next year. Not sure to stay with Onkyo or jump ship, it has been very reliable though.....

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by markbr

Hi Bob hope your well my friend, just been reading your posts. I have the Onkyo 606 and I'm thinking of replacing it next year. Not sure to stay with Onkyo or jump ship, it has been very reliable though.....

Hi Mark,

I'm good thanks.

Well Mark, the 608 is the replacement model for yours, and as always it has excellent reviews.
* Here's one from the USA: @ http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...8_av_receiver/

But perhaps you can upgrade to the TX-NR808, as it will be at a good price next year when the xx9 models hit the stores. And why change brands when Onkyo has been pretty good to us in general since 2007?
...They offer more interesting features than the competition, have excellent sound, power, build quality, and nobody can touch them value wise.
And with the 808, you'll have preouts for all channels.
Right now, here, people can get the 807 for close to $400 USA!
...And I know you guys in the UK can also get excellent deals on Onkyo receivers, in particular the models from the previous year.

Me, I might just do something similar like you next year, and go for the Onkyo PR-SC5508P pre/pro, to replace/upgrade my 886. I'll see...

Cheers,
Bob

P.S. Mark, the best would be to experiment with different brands, like Marantz, Denon, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, ARCAM, NAD, etc., in your own system at home with your Monitor Audio speakers. You can do that with some audio stores; it's called a "loaner" (you give a deposit, and you can test it at home).
And when you're done, after few days or a week, you simply bring it back to the store, and you got your money back, voila! The "loaner" is a demo model.
I don't know if you have a dealer that trust you in your area, but that's the way I operate myself here in Canada. I had several offers in the past to work as an audio dealer, but that's not in my stars. I'm a musician first, and I need COMPLETE FREEDOM in my life. That's my path, my Karma, my vocation, my call, my aura, my SOUL... And money means nothing anymore to me now.
That's why my taste is very humble, and I tend to make wiser choices, in all aspects of my life, not only Audio & Video... Value is very important too.
I study very extensively everything that I'm interested in, and I am extremely patient in order to get what I want at the price I want.

Anyway, I can easily write few books about this, but I simply won't, not right now, and not right here.

[Elvis Is Alive]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

If I was in your boat , I'd just get a 3D BD player that has two HDMI outputs, and plug one directly to my 3D TV, and the other one to my Onkyo 875 for the high res audio.

* But you mentioned about switching too from various high res sources;
sooo, in that case, I would go for what is the equivalent of your 875, which is the Onkyo TX-NR3008.
- Forget Faroudja (they are not in the game anymore; they were back then for VHS ),
the HQV Reon VX-50 chip (or ABT-2010 chip) are much better video processors.

Yeah, that is what I thought. It 's a bit of a dilemma for me. My situation is a bit complicated because I have to use a gefen HDMI detective and the the mitsubishi 3da-1 converter to send checkerboard 3D to my samsung led dlp when using DirecTV. The stupid converter limits output to 2 channel audio so I believe a new 1.4 AVR is a must at this point for 5.1 audio (high res or otherwise) from a bluray unless I purchase the panny 350 that outputs checker board 3D and has dual outputs.The workaround for D* is to also use optical output for audio for dolby 5.1.




Supposedly, there are 3D converters in the works for Sammy DLP's without having to use the mits converter. I'm holding off for the time being. It is a big investment right now for me for 3D with very little content at the moment.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Elvis Is Alive

Yeah, that is what I thought. It 's a bit of a dilemma for me. My situation is a bit complicated because I have to use a gefen HDMI detective and the the mitsubishi 3da-1 converter to send checkerboard 3D to my samsung led dlp when using DirecTV. The stupid converter limits output to 2 channel audio so I believe a new 1.4 AVR is a must at this point for 5.1 audio (high res or otherwise) from a bluray unless I purchase the panny 350 that outputs checker board 3D and has dual outputs.The workaround for D* is to also use optical output for audio for dolby 5.1.




Supposedly, there are 3D converters in the works for Sammy DLP's without having to use the mits converter. I'm holding off for the time being. It is a big investment right now for me for 3D with very little content at the moment.

I think it's a smart move right now to wait it off, and see all the next coming new developments about 3D.

* By the way, that Onkyo 3008 receiver is a technological beauty, as in tour-de-force!
> Check this out: @ http://www.mediaspin360.com/clients/onkyo/TXNR3008.html

[DarenG]

I just upgraded from my H/K which I have been very happy with for some time. However, I wanted to get some of the bells and whistles and a great sounding receiver to boot. I went with the TX-NR808 and I am really happy. Great sound even right out of the box. Really happy with it so far.

I will say that I had one issue with it which was while trying to update the firmware I get the "Error!! 3-51" error. The strange thing is all the other network stuff works. I can stream music, play music off of my PC etc. Have no issues with the receiver over my network except when trying to update the firmware. So, I just used the USB method and updated that way. Really strange.

Besides adjusting my settings now, I am also trying to figure out the best settings for Blu Ray playback. There are so many options to chose from. Anybody that is familiar with all the formats have a suggested setting for Blu Ray playback? What listening mode to you prefer?

Thanks.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by DarenG

I just upgraded from my H/K which I have been very happy with for some time. However, I wanted to get some of the bells and whistles and a great sounding receiver to boot. I went with the TX-NR808 and I am really happy. Great sound even right out of the box. Really happy with it so far.

I will say that I had one issue with it which was while trying to update the firmware I get the "Error!! 3-51" error. The strange thing is all the other network stuff works. I can stream music, play music off of my PC etc. Have no issues with the receiver over my network except when trying to update the firmware. So, I just used the USB method and updated that way. Really strange.

Besides adjusting my settings now, I am also trying to figure out the best settings for Blu Ray playback. There are so many options to chose from. Anybody that is familiar with all the formats have a suggested setting for Blu Ray playback? What listening mode to you prefer?

Thanks.

Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA with Dolby Pro LogicIIx on top of them (just press the "Surround" button from your remote).

* But experiment with DPLIIz and see if you like.
===> And always leave Audyssey ON.

TIP: In my signature there is a link adjacent to Audyssey Setup Guide, click on it and read it attentively, and I mean that; TAKE YOUR TIME.
...You'll be rewarded.

[DarenG]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA with Dolby Pro LogicIIx on top of them (just press the "Surround" button from your remote).

* But experiment with DPLIIz and see if you like.
===> And always leave Audyssey ON.

TIP: In my signature there is a link adjacent to Audyssey Setup Guide, click on it and read it attentively, and I mean that; TAKE YOUR TIME.
...You'll be rewarded.

Another quick question. I have not purchased additional speakers for height yet. You can't take advantage of Audyssey without the full speaker array correct? When I tried running through it, it kept failing because it didn't detect my height speakers. I have not tried it again since then.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by DarenG

Another quick question. I have not purchased additional speakers for height yet. You can't take advantage of Audyssey without the full speaker array correct? When I tried running through it, it kept failing because it didn't detect my height speakers. I have not tried it again since then.

Wrong, Audysssey can be used with only two speakers if you wish so.

* You simply select the speakers that you have in your own setup, by choosing their x-overs (for each pair and the center speaker), and by selecting "None" for the ones not installed, that's all.
Anyway Audyssey will detect the one actives and ignore the rest.

Just select the proper X-over (from the 'Speaker Setup Menu') for your Front Height speakers. You probably have them set to "None" right now, or you have them improperly connected from the back of your 808.

*** And remember this: Because your 808 has 7 internal amps, you'll have to select "None" for your Rear surrounds if you're using the Front Height channels. ...Read your manual, and select the proper settings, and with the right connections also.
If you want the Rear surrounds with the Front Height channels playing simultaneously, check in your manual about adding an external stereo amplifier.

[DarenG]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Wrong, Audysssey can be used with only two speakers if you wish so.

* You simply select the speakers that you have in your own setup, by choosing their x-overs (for each pair and the center speaker), and by selecting "None" for the ones not installed, that's all.
Anyway Audyssey will detect the one actives and ignore the rest.

Just select the proper X-over (from the 'Speaker Setup Menu') for your Front Height speakers. You probably have them set to "None" right now, or you have them improperly connected from the back of your 808.

*** And remember this: Because your 808 has 7 internal amps, you'll have to select "None" for your Rear surrounds if you're using the Front Height channels. ...Read your manual, and select the proper settings, and with the right connections also.
If you want the Rear surrounds with the Front Height channels playing simultaneously, check in your manual about adding an external stereo amplifier.

OK, then I have to figure it out. I couldn't figure out how to do this and I just read the manual again. It's not clear. I will try and figure out how to change it to None. Audessy did not automatically detect which ones I didn't have. It just says "failed to detect Height Speaker". Then it only give me the option to Retry or Cancel. The NEXT button is greyed out. So, I figured their had to be some way of telling the receiver I had no height speakers. Just had not figured it out yet.

I know the speakers are conntected correctly because when I do the sound level adjustment the display shows which speaker is getting the test signal and it shows the correct speakers.

Thanks for the help.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by DarenG

OK, then I have to figure it out. I couldn't figure out how to do this and I just read the manual again. It's not clear. I will try and figure out how to change it to None. Audessy did not automatically detect which ones I didn't have. It just says "failed to detect Height Speaker". Then it only give me the option to Retry or Cancel. The NEXT button is greyed out. So, I figured their had to be some way of telling the receiver I had no height speakers. Just had not figured it out yet.

That's the ticket:

- Set a specific X-over to your Front Height speakers. (And your other actual speakers of course.)
- Select None for the Surr Back ch.
- Select 120Hz for the LPF of LFE.
- Select Off for Double Bass

* After Audyssey has run its course and all measurements are memorized, check again all the speakers' x-overs and readjust them manually (80 Hz being a good reference's point).

** EXTRA TIP: After all done and set, add .5 dB to 1 dB to all your surrounds (Side, Back, & Front Height). ...Whichever ones you are using.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS:
-> Audyssey does NOT set the speaker's x-overs, it is your receiver that does it.
- And using a separate SPL meter (Radio Shack analog one, with the compensation chart available in ones of Big Daddy's sticky thread) afterwards is good common sense for all the channel's Levels.
- Distances; leave them alone as Audyssey take really good care of that.

And that is it! ...For now.

[DarenG]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

That's the ticket:

- Set a specific X-over to your Front Height speakers. (And your other actual speakers of course.)
- Select None for the Surr Back ch.
- Select 120Hz for the LPF of LFE.
- Select Off for Double Bass

* After Audyssey has run its course and all measurements are memorized, check again all the speakers' x-overs and readjust them manually (80 Hz being a good reference's point).

** EXTRA TIP: After all done and set, add .5 dB to 1 dB to all your surrounds (Side, Back, & Front Height). ...Whichever ones you are using.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS:
-> Audyssey does NOT set the speaker's x-overs, it is your receiver that does it.
- And using a separate SPL meter (Radio Shack analog one, with the compensation chart available in ones of Big Daddy's sticky thread) afterwards is good common sense for all the channel's Levels.
- Distances; leave them alone as Audyssey take really good care of that.

And that is it! ...For now.

Just for clarification, I currently have a 7.1 setup. I have Center, Left, Right, Surround right, Surround left, Surround back right, Surround back left and one Powered sub woofer. I have ZERO height channel speakers.

So, do I still have to select a X-OVER for my height channels if I have none? Also, I do have back surround speakers so why am I setting those to None?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by DarenG

Just for clarification, I currently have a 7.1 setup. I have Center, Left, Right, Surround right, Surround left, Surround back right, Surround back left and one Powered sub woofer. I have ZERO height channel speakers.

TY for that important piece of info.

So, do I still have to select a X-OVER for my height channels if I have none?

If you have "NONE" selected for your Front Height speakers, you'll leave it at that.
* Unless your receiver has a special feature that allows you to switch between Back surr ch and Front height channels on the fly.

Also, I do have back surround speakers so why am I setting those to None?

Only if you are using the Front Height or Width channels.

___________________________________

- Front Height (or Width) speakers = NONE
- And set a specific x-over for your Back surround speakers.

[DarenG]

OK figured it out. I simply had to reset the receiver. Something must of hosed up after the firmware update. However, after doing that, Audessy worked perfect. Detecting everything as it should.

Also, I have to say WOW again. I thought the receiver sounded great out of the box. However, Audessy even improved upon that. The surround channels are amazing. I didn't think Audessy would do that much but it did. Easily the best sounding receiver I have ever owned.

[ClaytonMG]

I am looking into purchasing this receiver (probably in November) and I have a couple of questions about passing through video...

I read on Amazon (at least I think it was Amazon) that it takes incredibly long to switch from one source to another. Is that true? Or is it just if you're upconverting a signal? I don't plan on upconverting so this might not effect me, but I just thought I'd ask just incase it's not the upconversion causing this delay. I believe the person said it took them over 30 seconds to switch inputs. That's insane to me!

On CNet someone posted that using this receiver with a 3D signal actually causes the 3D effect to go away, has anyone else heard anything about this? If it's just passing through the video, I can't imagine why it would deminish the 3D effect... I don't really ever plan on using 3D, so this isn't a deal breaker for me, it's just more of a curiosity that I have.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

I am looking into purchasing this receiver (probably in November) and I have a couple of questions about passing through video...

I read on Amazon (at least I think it was Amazon) that it takes incredibly long to switch from one source to another. Is that true? Or is it just if you're upconverting a signal? I don't plan on upconverting so this might not effect me, but I just thought I'd ask just incase it's not the upconversion causing this delay. I believe the person said it took them over 30 seconds to switch inputs. That's insane to me!

On CNet someone posted that using this receiver with a 3D signal actually causes the 3D effect to go away, has anyone else heard anything about this? If it's just passing through the video, I can't imagine why it would deminish the 3D effect... I don't really ever plan on using 3D, so this isn't a deal breaker for me, it's just more of a curiosity that I have.

Clayton, I don't have this particular model, but I encourage you to visit its official thread at AVS Forum.