"Official" Onkyo TX-NR809 Thread - Page 15

Just wait til the weekend. It's gone on sale two weekends in a row, I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen again this weekend.

I just got mine yesterday. (I even lucked out and got a printed manual.) I'm still getting used to it, but it seems nice so far. My main point of confusion so far is how to enable HDMI control without enabling HDMI passthrough (to avoid the massive power usage in standby). I see the HDMI control on/off option but not the passthrough option. If I enable control I seem to get passthrough.

My first impression is that this is way more receiver than I need. It doesn't fit on the shelf my old one sat on. It has 8 fricken hdmi inputs and I'm using 2. But hey, there are worse problems to have.

i have mine on "through" and auto detect and i thought that was the only way to get it to pass through without receiver on and mine pulls some power, feels a little warm only though

think of it as an investment for the future

Take a look at this HDTV Stand from Bush before you buy. It has a more open design to allow air to circulate and I know the receiver will fit on the shelves (I own this and love it).

http://www.bushfurniture.com/bushsig.../Segments.aspx

Thanks for the feedback! The 809 just arrived today! I guess I am interested in finding out how this would compare to my Denon 2809CI which I have only had for a couple years now. I dont want to spend a ton of money to have a small benefit over the receiver I already own because the Denon really does an awesome job. I just get sucked in to spending money because it's a "good deal". My biggest concern would be that it didn't have the same sound as the Denon that I have gotten to enjoy through my home theatre set-up. I would crack the box open to test and compare w the Denon but I think Amazon would charge me a restocking fee if I decided to then return. Any additional feedback is appreciated! I am attaching specs for the Denon receiver to see what you guys think:

The AVR2809CI is a 7.1 AV receiver with video upscaling to 1080p of analog sources using a Faroudja DCDi chipset, decodes high-definition audio sources (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA), and features 4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs with Deep Color support. A notable upgrade to the previous-generation is the addition of Audyssey's Dynamic Volume processing along with the already present Dynamic EQ option. Dynamic Volume is found on all ten models; it's a feature that levels the volume to a more-or-less constant level to avoid sudden changes in volume. This feature works together with the Dynamic EQ that dynamically adjusts the EQ settings to optimize the dynamic range.

The built-in Audyssey MultEQ acoustic correction technology and optimization system custom-tailors the sound for optimum tonal balance throughout the listening space. To eliminate irritating swings in volume between TV shows and commercials, the AVR2809CI is one of the first to offer Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatic volume-leveling system, as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels. With the Denon AVR2809CI you get loads of connectivity for system building, including HDTV-compatible component video switching. A front-panel audio/video input allows quick and easy connection of camcorders and game systems. Analogue video to HDMI scaling to 1080p, 1080p video pass through Multi-Zone 2 source/2 Zone capability.

Options to Expand

Expansion options abound, with media network connectivity (via optional ASD-3N/3W), along with iPod compatibility (via optional ASD-11R/3N/3W), and the AVR-2809 features Denon’s exclusive Compressed Audio Restorer that automatically improves the fidelity of your favorite portable audio tracks.

Technical Specifications:
Power Output: 115 watts/channel
Dolby Pro Logic IIx – with Cinema, Music, Game Modes: Included
Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding: Included
dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding: Included
dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding: Included
dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes: Included
dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing: Included
dts-HD Master Audio: Included
Active Center Channel In All Surround Modes: Included
Pure Direct/Direct/Stereo Modes on Digital/Analog inputs: Included
Wide Screen 7.1 Mode: Yes
Assignable Digital Inputs: 7
Digital Inputs: Coaxial: 3
Digital Inputs: Optical: 4 (including one in front)
Digital Outputs: Optical: 2
Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner: 11 (including XM)
Phono Input: MM type
Analog Record Outputs: 2
Composite Video Inputs: 7 (including one in front)
Composite Video Outputs: 2 (plus Mon/Z2)
S-Video Inputs: 7 (including one in front)
S-Video Outputs: 2 (plus Mon)
Component Video Inputs: 2
Component Video Outputs: 2 Main Zone
Weight: 28.2 lbs
Width:17.1 inches
Height: 6.75 inches
Depth: 16.55 inches

Hello, I just received the 809. I have 7.1 channels hooked up. I see an option for wides and highs. however, the receiver is 7.2 not 9.2 or 11.2...do i have to remove the back surrounds to use the wides or highs, or can I use them anyway? Thanks

Ya you have to choose where those 2 speakers go. You can do rear, wides or heights, but only one of those at a time.

The 809 has clearly superior picture quality. The user interface is easier for most, but if you are used to Denon it is not an advantage. The sound is probably better but the degree depends much upon your speakers and source electronics. The Onkyo's tend to sound a lot more powerful than similarly rated Denons. Denon specs have always seemed a bit optomistic in my experience. The AVR-2809CI is really no slouch at all except scaling SD to HD, red problems and having unexplainable picture dropouts with many monitors. I tried one with my big 4ohm speakers and it was a no go. I have heard it in a home with Energy speakers and it sounded great with BD source. So far, my 809 has frozen in Pure Audio once, no picture. Turning Pure Audio on and off several times brought the picture back. Otherwise, rock solid so far.

When I look at the Setup image of speakers, it seems that I should connect my surround speakers to Surr Back L & R and not just Surr L & R. I am trying to setup 5.1

If I setup my Surround speakers to Surr L & R the Audyssy setup recognizes them. It gives me an error if I choose Surr Back L & R. Is this right or do I have a defective connectors on Surr Back L & R?

Please advice.

In didn't realize there was a limitation. I had the 808 before the 809. I used to run it all the time. Don't remember hitting such an issue. What I am annoyed about is the adds. On my 808, there were NO adds! Now on the 809 I have adds...with the same free account I have had from Pandora.

For 5.1 the Surr L & R are to be used, even if you have them placed like the "back" speakers. Surr Back speakers are only used for 7.1. If you're worried about connectors not working, you can hook speakers in them and set them to output zone 2.

You should be using surround L/R for a 5.1 setup. That is likely why it's returning an error. For the 5.1 setup it expects surround L/R, so when it sees the surround back, but no surround L/R, the error is likely to let you know that they're incorrectly hooked up for a 5.1 configuration.

Pandora allows 40 hours a month, unless you pay.

HDMI pass through seems to loses the ability to pass the audio portion (video is fine) every 48ish hours and I have to unplug and replug the AVR to get it working again. Anybody have a solution?

FYI: Crutchfield has a Scratch and Dent 809 for $764.99

http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_580T...arch=onkyo_809

Can anyone recommend a cooling fan for these Onkyo's just bought the 809 some say it runs cooler but I would like to make sure.Should it push air in or take it out and whats best 120v or USB.
Thanks

You can push or pull air depending on the fan placement. Notice the heat sink fins are vertical to take advantage of "hot air rises". So if the fan is at the top you want to pull, below push.

Bigger fans can move more air at lower rpm and thus be quieter. To move the same air with a tiny fan requires very high rpm.

Put it on a full sine wave uninterruptible power supply.

I have it on an APC J10 UPS power conditioner, which is stepped. But why would that make difference?

Is there anyone that has dual monitors setup or plan to do it soon? I get video to both my monitors, but still can't seem to get audio out of the second monitor. Manual says nothing about the subject other than explaining how the dual monitor function works, Onkyo tech support won't answer me. I'd just like to make sure my unit isn't broken, before my 30 exchange/return window is up.

Thanks.. I would like to try the Zone 2 option. Would I be able to setup just 3.1 for zone 1 and then try Surr Back L & R for Zone 2? Another thought I had was using Bi-Amp as my Front Towers support that. So, I can test out the connectors that was as well.
Thanks.

Thanks! That's what I was hoping, but wanted to make sure those connectors are working before 30 days are up!

Aux stereo in? Is there an Aux stereo in on the TX-NR809?

Here's why I'm asking: I use iTunes distributed wirelessly throughout my house to multiple HT and stereo systems. I have an Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD...co=MjI5NTk3NDk) and I have multiple AirPort Express Base Stations which I connect to each receiver (and they distribute wireless around the house (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...co=MTA4NTc4MTE). We use our iPhones and iPod Touch running the free Apple app (Remote) to control iTunes from all over the house.

With instant access to all of our music I wonder if there's any reason to use Pandora or other services?

With rare exception, any analog input on any receiver can be used for aux stereo in. So simple answer Yes for the 809.

The 809 has a gajillion analog line inputs so you'll have no trouble hooking up your express. You could also set up a DLNA server on your computer and stream directly to the 809 without the airport express but you'll be hard pressed to find a remote app as good as Apple's.

As for Pandora, it's valuable because it exposes you to new music that you'll probably like but don't already own. I find that incredibly useful, which is why I've subscribed to the service despite having access to my full library everywhere I go these days.

thanks for sharing your comparisons so far. have you received the 809 yet? If so please let me know your opinion. I must say that the Onkyo definitely has more punch. To my ears however, I don't feel that this is a very musical sounding receiver like the Yamaha. The high end sounds a little more tinny than I prefer, so I will probably be returning mine tomorrow and trying something else. Maybe its just the pairing with the TSI500's I dont know. I've been waiting for reviews of the Marantz 6006, and i hear they are extremely good, but I don't ever see the price dropping on those receivers. My friend has the 5006 and swears by it.

You can stream Pandora via the app on your iPhone through the airport express instead of through the receiver.