Onkyo PR-SC886P Pre/Pro Official thread - Page 2

Nope. The updates are made via the serial port connected to a PC. OTOH, if you are going to hire someone to do the Pro install, he/she can probably do the firmware update at the same session.

Check the various threads on Onkyo/Integra updates for more explanations.

I have an Onkyo 705. I run preouts to Emotiva XPA2/XPA5 combo. It sounds great with my Klipsch reference 5.1 system. I was wondering If I upgraded to the 886/9.9 would I notice any difference?

I don't need the video upconversion as I feed only High Def signals anyway. Would I get any appreciable gain in sound quality ?

I hope to add a Parasound 2 channel preamp with HT bypass for my analog sources.

Hope someone can give me some insight.

I doubt you would hear any direct improvement unless you have a 15' or more run to your amps then the balanced would help. However you would definitely have more features. Does the 705 have Audyssey? If not this could be a BIG improvement in your sound by means a a proper setup.

Also why don't you get a UMC-1 or wait on the XMC-1?

Out of curiosity (because I have a Onkyo 905 and looking at buying a XPA-5 or XPA-2 and XPA-3 for my 5.1 then replacing my 905 with a XMC-1 when it comes out) what do you do with your extra 2 channels and why didn't you buy a XPA-3?

Sherv,

According to this posting the Integra DHC-9.9 needs a new firmware upgrade that won't be available until the end of this month. If that information is correct, I'd be reluctant to apply a firmware upgrade designed for the 885/9.8 prepros.

Thanks. I look forward to your observations.

Kal,

Do you have any additional insights regarding the availability of this new 886/9.9 firmware? Is it likely that you may do a review on them? I'm seriously considering buying one of these new prepros, but from what I've read Onkyo isn't exactly the poster child for user-friendly upgrades. I think perhaps it might be prudent if I waited until this firmware is definitively available from Onkyo before I pull the trigger.

Thanks.

Larry

Nope. Everything known as of today is already here on AVS.

Hi Joe,

Thanks, I look forward to your observations.

Regarding your remarks about the black and white levels being correct, was this observation done while upscaling a DVD with the Reon not bypassed? Did you use a calibration disc test pattern, or did you "eyball" it?

Thanks again.

Larry

Recently I place an order on the 886. In anticipation for when it arrives, I want to buy the XLR cables... What connector does it need in the preamp a male or female?
From the photo gallery I see that it needs a female connector but from the manual it seems that is a male connector... So I am confused and want to order the right set of cables when it arrives..
Can someone help me to clarify this.

Thanks,

No need to be confused. XLR connections are polarized, so if you buy standard M-F XLR cables, they will work only one way, the right way.

Should I consider this over the Integra 9.9. The Integra lacks pure audio mode, yet it has gold connectors. Is there any other differences?

You'll be able to get the 886 for $150-200 less than a 9.9. Trade off is the 886 only has a 2 year warranty while the 9.9 has a 3 year warranty I believe.

Can someone please explain Audyssey MultEQ Pro to me? How do you get it? Does it require a professional installer or can I do it myself. What are the advantages? I have a DTC-9.8.

Mike

If the list price for the 886 is only $50 that could be attributed to the provided rack ears.

The quick answer is that Audyssey Pro calibration is done by a trained Audyssey Pro installer with a pro kit. You'll have to pay for the installer as well as the license key specific to your pre/pro.

Some of the advantages of the pro calibration is that you can do up to 32 mic placements as opposed to 8, you can choose roll off curves that are suited to your room size and some others. If you want to know more I'd suggest posting questions over in the Audyssey forum.

Are rack ears provided with the 886? Are there feet for placing it on a shelf?

The 886 comes with the rack mount kit in the box which takes up 4U. The kit consists of side panels. Each side panel has a lip that goes under the processor. This is a better system than just rack ears. The unit comes with feet. Using the rack mount kit one would normally remove the feet as they protude below the unit when the rack mount kit is used.

Should I get the 9.9? I don't intend to rack mount the unit.

I have Prasound C1/A51 and i want to change the C1 to Maranz AV8003 or Onkyo 886 , what should i tack when the movies are prefer d . I need a help please , thanks .

I would wait for the Parasound C3.

What the does the 886 offer above/beyond the 885?

Ordered the PR-SC886P from ggvideo.com today

proacousticsusa.com and missionelectronics.com also have it.
All 3 seem to be reputable dealers.


For anyone still uncertain about the 886 vs 9.9 here are the differences I have found so far:
Rack mount on the 886 not on 9.9
2 year warranty on 886 vs 3 yr on 9.9
front panel looks different on both
886 includes pure audio mode which is why I selected it. This is an analog bypass mode with minimal processing. The 9.9 also has an analog bypass mode but from what I have read the pure audio on the 886 is better. Obviously, if you are using all digital sources it doesn't matter which you chose, but for people like me who have a turntable the 886 may be the way to go.

Thanks to all the posters!

They don't like price talk. I would edit your post...

edited.
thanks.

In regards to heat I found that if there is upward air flow for the back half of the unit (where the grill openings are) that the unit runs much cooler. My unit is rack mounted. I found that by putting a shorter component above the PR-SC886P really helped the temperature.