Originally Posted by
3AMRecords 
You are correct! I will edit my post.
One thing that really makes me excited about this model, and *Hopeful* that Onkyo does, that I have seen other receiver, component, and even car manufactures do; is to build a few base models, with layout and a skeleton of parts, and then build on that for several different models.
Seeing all of the new "Hi-Fi" amps that Onkyo has produced in the past year means good things, not just for those amps, but for ALL of their equipment.
This is due in part to the fact that at the factory they are going to be used to the higher build quality standards, they will be using better parts, and usually, those parts will all be purchased in bulk, so they will use them in more than one model.
A good example of this is in the automotive industry. For example:
Infinity G35 and the Nissan 350Z share the save drivetrain, and even a some of the underpinnings, and suspension.
The same applies for the Infinity G37 and the Nissan 370Z.
Look at the GM Chevy/Pontiac LT1 and LS1 motors. Those were used in the Chevy Camero, Pontiac Firebird/Firehawk, and of course the Corvette.
The Vette of course had different heads, valves, and hardened internals etc. But GM used quite a few of the same parts in the manufacturing process.
What this means is: That the base performance, and build quality of the standard z28 Camero (and thus upgrade potential) was on par with that of a vehicle costing 2-3x the cost.
I know this will generate a bit of debate, but the TX-SR805 is THX Ultra 2 certified, and the NR818 is only Select 2 certified.
There were a few discussions on this when the 806/7/8/9's came out. about this and they were pretty heated.
If you notice that the 818, 717 and 616 are all Select 2 Plus.
So, they may contain similar amp sections.
Last year's models to be Ultra 2 Certified were the 5009 and 3009, whereas the 1009 and the 809 were Select 2 certified.
I am by no means saying that all of the receivers above had the same amplifier sections, but that they probably share the same components, and physical layout.
Joerod, while performing your review of the 818, would you be able to get any good pictures of the internals of the receiver?
You don't have to take the case off, but that would be extremely helpful in determining how the amp section is laid out.
If it is comparable to the 515/616 models, then we know it will sound good, but if it is comparable to the higher end models* then we know it will sound great.
References:
Comparison of current models:
Link
THX
Link
Audioholics THX Select 2 and Ultra 2 Questions:
Link
^ An older link
Wikipedia THX:
THX
The
TX-8050 TX-8030
Neither of these have any THX Certification at all.
Onkyo's current "Hi-Fi" offerings.
Source:
Onkyo Hi-Fi
Nor do any of these carry a THX Certification.
Onkyo AV Separates:
Link
I *Think* these are last years models, but I could be mistaken.
They are ALL Ultra 2 certified. Which would correspond with the 5009 and 3009 respectively.
