onkyo 809 or onkyo 818 - Page 2

THX mode and non THX mode do sound different, and there is a RE-EQ on/off


That I don't see how,
Onkyo allows you to apply bass/treble on top of Audyssey. As for editing I don't see how. There is a multi band EQ, but all Audyssey modes are off, and the starting point makes no reference to Audyssey, it starts off flat. Denon does show you the basic EQ graph as a starting point..

The flat or music setting in the proper audyssey curve to be in if you are using a THX mode. The reference Audyssey curve has a roll off of the higher frequencies and THX mode with RE-EQ on also rolls off the higher frequencies, so you are doubling up on the roll off which is not a good thing. By engaging the flat or music curve you're eliminating the roll off that the reference/movie curve has and only leaving the THX RE-EQ roll off in play. RE-EQ can be defeated too. I'm glad that Onkyo has finally let us choose between the Flat and reference curve, but I do wish that it would still default to the flat curve if selecting a THX curve like previous receivers rather than having to remember to manually change it.

Denon allows bass/treble adjustment on top of Audyssey as well. My point on the EQ curve was regardless of whether you start out with a flat curve or not, you're still outside of Audyssey and the filters are no longer applied, which would not be considered as the abililty to "tweak" Audyssey. This can only be done with the Audyssey Pro software on those models that are Pro capable.

It should be added that Audyssey uses FIR filters which is much more sophisticated can't be replicated by simply moving the manual eq.

https://audyssey.zendesk.com/entries...zation-methods

^^
Roger that ... I'm not the one you have to convince though.

no doubt.

^^
I certainly wouldn't say that ... as the 818 is the successor to the 809, rather the 818 is for someone with a bigger budget and prefers better audio fidelity.

I'm in the same boat. I am looking to upgrade my 707 and was just about to purchase the 1009 when I saw the 818 was just around the corner. They are just about the same price (with closeout pricing) and seem to have the same specs. Other than the XT32 on the 818 and 9 internal amps on the 1009 (vs 9ch preouts on the 818), are there any other note worthy features between the two? Could be a deciding factor for me as I already have a Parasound 2ch amp and really want XT32, I'm leaning toward the 818, is there any reason I should consider the 1009 over 818 other than possible even lower closeout pricing?

818 all day long because of Audyssy XT32, 9.2 out and Neo-X.

I realize by virtue of even asking this question, I am likely unknowingly admitting that I fall into this category, but can you please define what you mean by a "basic" home theater set up?

I ask because my research has led me to the 709/717-809/818 conundrum as well (also the denon 2312/3312 and possible the 13's).

My setup:

Paradigm:
Monitor 9's v2 (15 years old, sound great)
CC 350 center channel
Mini Monitors
PS1200 v2

Panasonic P60st50

Harmon Kardon Avr65 (this still works great but really needs an upgrade).

Is this a basic setup? I'd think it's a mid range configuration. That being said, I'm a pretty casual user who wants affordable quality.

Thanks,
Jason

Same question as OP here. I can get a refurb 809 for a lot less. I don't really care about Audyssey XT vs 32, should be enough for my needs, considering I was happy with my recently deceased HK AVR635's EzSet EQ. I only run 5.1 with 4 ohm Polk LSi15 mains, and 4 ohm M&K center/surrounds. Sub is 10" Velodyne. The HK was really musical, but I killed it trying to change the memory capacitor ! It now locks itself up every few minutes. After power cycle, comes back on and repeats.

Anyway, what does the board think about 809 vs 818 for my needs? The refurb 809 has one year manufacturer warranty, and my Amex will add one year also (confirmed with amex). I don't care about any network features as I run an HTPC. Don't care about zones 2/3 etc, only play in one room. I looked at the denon 3312 as well (same price range as 809 for a refurb). To my ear, for whatever reason, the 809 sounded better on same speakers. Also, bench tests online indicate a few more Watts for the onkyos, which would be helpful for my 4 ohm speakers.

Have all HDMI problems been solved on the onkyos? Don't want any repair issues again after my HK's memory issues, power off issues etc..

Hello,
On the subject of Onkyo using a different implementation of Audyssey, with the 818 this really is the case. The 818 is the first XT32 AVR/SSP I know of that does not also offer SubEQ HT. The TX-NR3008/9 and 5008/9 offer SubEQ HT in addition to XT32. Otherwise, as was pointed out prior the only way to get the Audyssey Flat Curve is to engage one of the THX Modes and also turn off RE EQ. Most others allow you to choose between the Flat Curve and others. On the subject of Audyssey Pro support, this option was purposely disabled to make their Integra Lineup more appealing as for the most part they are identical to the Onkyo AVR they are based off with the exception of Audyssey Pro, and 12v Triggers for the Main Zone.
Cheers,
AD

bump...

If you desire multichannel inputs, then the 809 will deliver, the 818 won't.

why do you say that? looks like they have the same inputs on the back.

I have a Denon 4311 and a Onkyo 818. The Denon works and sounds much better to me. I am selling my 818 to who ever will buy it!! Onkyo tries to duplicate what Denon does but I prefer the Denon.

You also need to carefully consider whether a company actually stands behind its products.

And, in the case of Onkyo USA, the answer is an emphatic "NO". I had a TX-NR708 that went to Onkyo warranty repair SIX MONTHS ago (no kidding...).

Onkyo service is basically unreachable and non-existent. And if you do succeed they are unfamiliar with values most of us take for granted e.g. customer service, speaking truthfully and honoring their commitments. Either this company is teetering on bankruptcy or its executives are bleeding cash for their bonuses by squeezing customers.

Bottom-line: Stay Away from Onkyo (at least in the US)

I'm setting up a site, OnkyoSucks.com, where this company's victims can share stories, support resources and discuss whether individual or case action lawsuits will be the most fruitful.

Seems a little unnecessarily militant... but ok...