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Onkyo PR-SC885P Preamp thread - Page 177

post #5281 of 5567
12/6/10 at 9:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by neekos View Post

yup, got it. Thanks Kal.

PS. Do you know if the balanced inputs on the 885 and the 9.8 are a straight path (just volume ?) such as the multi channel inputs? or are all they tied in to all the other circuits ?

The balanced inputs go thru an analog switch array and it can go one of
3 places, one of them is to the volume control chip ( via a 2nd switch array).
Beyond the volume control there are only buffer amplifiers.

This is based on the block diagram from the 885 service manual.
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post #5282 of 5567
12/7/10 at 1:23pm
Thnaks Roboray but even if its decoding DTS you use Dolby PLIIx Movie ?
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post #5283 of 5567
12/10/10 at 11:01am
Does anyone know if this unit can handle-pass through a 3D source from a 3D Blu-Ray player? Thanks.

James
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post #5284 of 5567
12/14/10 at 5:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by exojam View Post

Does anyone know if this unit can handle-pass through a 3D source from a 3D Blu-Ray player? Thanks.

James

It will not. It is HDMI 1.3a and you need a HDMI 1.4 spec to pass 3D.
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post #5285 of 5567
12/14/10 at 5:59am
TY.

James
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post #5286 of 5567
12/14/10 at 7:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by exojam View Post

Does anyone know if this unit can handle-pass through a 3D source from a 3D Blu-Ray player? Thanks.

James

As adk has stated no due to HDMI 1.3a,
but mainly its to do with the 885's EDID, Which theoretically could be made(Reprogrammed) compliant to pass 3D if onkyo so chose to but will never happen..

The workaround is with A 3D player with Dual HDMI out's such as OPPO 93 or Panasonic BDT300/350..

Cheers..
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post #5287 of 5567
12/14/10 at 7:39am
Cinema,

I ended up getting the Panny 300 with the two HDMI's. The new TV should be here tomorrow so I can than start the aging process on it.

Thanks for the reply also.

James
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post #5288 of 5567
12/14/10 at 8:11am
Your more than welcome James, have fun with your new 3D TV ..

FWIW I Have the BDT300 AU model running the Dual HDMI outs, HDMI Sub to 885 & all is good as far as the BDT300 Bitstreaming the HD codecs to the Onk 885 ..

Dont forget to update the Pana 300 to the latest firmware to fix the little bug
the 300 had before you place it in your Rack..
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post #5289 of 5567
12/14/10 at 9:34am
Cinema,

Trying to get all my ducks in a row for firmware and settings for both the tv and blu player before they arrive. I have placed a lot of information in a notepad so I can print it out and go.

James
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post #5290 of 5567
12/27/10 at 10:37am
I still have my 885 in my basement theater. Everytime I think about replacing I can find no reason to do so. Still love this prepro.
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post #5291 of 5567
12/27/10 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pdjmwj View Post

I still have my 885 in my basement theater. Everytime I think about replacing I can find no reason to do so. Still love this prepro.

Me, too! The new 5508/80.2 are plagued by relay clicking, Denon hasn't updated their nosebleed pre/pro to include XT 32 and the Denon 4311CI is getting reports of w-a-y too bright highs after setting up Audyssey.

Jeff
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post #5292 of 5567
12/27/10 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pdjmwj View Post

I still have my 885 in my basement theater. Everytime I think about replacing I can find no reason to do so. Still love this prepro.

Hi,

Yes, the 885 represented a great value.

While you no doubt have made up your mind on the features that are important to you, for others below is a useful comparison between the 885 and the new 5508.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hawkster27 View Post

After living with my 5508 for a couple of weeks now, these are the advantages and disadvantages (in no particular order)I see over the 885 it replaced:

PROS:
.. The price is right if you're itching to upgrade (PM me if you're interested in what I paid).
.. Improved sound, overall.
.. Internet connectivity. I use vTuner and Pandora all the time. Slacker and Mediafly are interesting but less valuable to me. The free stuff is so good I don't see any value in paying for Rhapsody (I had a free two-week trial for Rhapsody on another device I didn't renew) or Napster. However, they may be worthwhile if you follow the latest rock/pop/rap, which I don't. SIRIUS is worth paying for if you want the breadth of their offerings, or something specialized like Howard Stern.
.. Neural Digital Music mode.
.. Can function as a Digital Music Server (it works, but it skips more often than my WDTV, which is connected directly to my system).
.. 3 more HDMI connections
.. Audyssey XT32 an obvious improvement.

CONS:
.. Audible relay switching. This is my biggest complaint, and it seems like a real step backward; I wonder why Onkyo allowed it. My 5508 is exposed, not in a cabinet, and the clicking is clearly audible throughout the living room. It's especially annoying on certain satellite TV channels; some commercials are encoded in Dolby, some are not. The 5508 clicks with every change. Of course, just one more reason to rely on the DVR.
.. No digital out (DRM paranoia, I assume).
.. No HD Radio. Not that big a deal for me; you can buy an outboard HD Radio receiver from Onkyo for $150 if you really want it, but I'm guessing Onkyo decided that Internet Radio will soon make HD Radio irrelevant, and perhaps Broadcast Radio, as well. (And, for those few of you who didn't already know, HD in this context stands for Hybrid Digital, not High Definition.)
.. No Internet Radio display Screen Saver.
.. No Pandora Like / Don't Like support (although the manual says there is).
.. Just one blue LED at the top of the volume knob, which still looks like a mistake.
.. 2 fewer Video/AudioL/AudioR connections (these are the ancient yellow/white/red connections).

NEUTRAL:
.. 9.2 vs 7.1 (I'm still happy with 5.1)
.. The output level of the 5508 is lower than that of the 885 (at least on my two units). Dsiplaying volume as Relative(THX), I would start my 885 at "30." I start the 5508 at "20" for approximately the same volume (smaller number is louder).

This is purely subjective, but it seems to me that with the 5508, in comparison to the 885, Onkyo has put more emphasis on the audio rather than video features. Which I think is just as well, because blu-ray players and TVs seem to have plenty of adjustability. I know mine do.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryChanin View Post

Hi,

Thanks for the helpful comparison.

The 885 also was XM Satellite Radio ready. That feature is no longer available in the 5508.

Larry

Larry

P.S. Along with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, the 5508 permits setting individual timing and levels for two subwoofers while setting filters for a combined optimized response.
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post #5293 of 5567
12/27/10 at 12:23pm
I have the 885 and enjoy its flexibility, but would appreciate more HDMI inputs and the eradication of the Reon colorspace issue (or at least more video processing settings). I had to buy a scaler/de-interlacer to compensate (DVDO Edge) for the video processing flaws (and to have more HDMI inputs). The Edge was $350. However, the Edge presents its own issues such as delays...Also I use a Velodyne SMS-1 for subwoofer tuning ($350), in addition to the Audyssey in the unit, and that has created issues as well (not sure if it is the SMS-1 itself or a compatibility issue between the 885 and the SMS). I think the 886 was the better unit in every single way, as it corrected the colorspace issue of the 885 and also featured optional Audyssey Pro capability, which may have negated the need for the SMS-1 - that's $700 savings right there and less complications. Shoulda upgraded to the 886 when they were on sale. Well I'm enjoying my 885 nonetheless - just saw Inception and it blew me away again (thank you Emotiva amps, Thiel speakers and Kuro Elite)! I wonder why my wife says I'm such a nerd?
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post #5294 of 5567
12/27/10 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilPeart View Post

I have the 885 and enjoy its flexibility, but would appreciate more HDMI inputs and the eradication of the Reon colorspace issue (or at least more video processing settings). I had to buy a scaler/de-interlacer to compensate (DVDO Edge) for the video processing flaws (and to have more HDMI inputs). The Edge was $350. However, the Edge presents its own issues such as delays...Also I use a Velodyne SMS-1 for subwoofer tuning ($350), in addition to the Audyssey in the unit, and that has created issues as well (not sure if it is the SMS-1 itself or a compatibility issue between the 885 and the SMS). I think the 886 was the better unit in every single way, as it corrected the colorspace issue of the 885 and also featured optional Audyssey Pro capability, which may have negated the need for the SMS-1 - that's $700 savings right there and less complications. Shoulda upgraded to the 886 when they were on sale. Well I'm enjoying my 885 nonetheless - just saw Inception and it blew me away again (thank you Emotiva amps, Thiel speakers and Kuro Elite)! I wonder why my wife says I'm such a nerd?

Hi Neil,

If I recall correctly the 885 also supported Audyssey Pro with the appropriate firmware upgrade.

Can you elaborate on the compatibility issue between Audyssey and the SMS-1?

Larry
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post #5295 of 5567
12/27/10 at 12:32pm
Neil, are you a drummer?
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post #5296 of 5567
12/27/10 at 12:46pm
pepar,
Yes I'm an *amateur* drummer.

Larry,
With the SMS-1 connected I hear "fluttering" and popping noises. This is with single-ended or balanced connection to the sub. I have tried everything, including calling Velodyne. My last resort will be to drive to the Velodyne headquarters with the unit and see if it is defective (they are about 50 miles from my home). I too enjoy the difference the SMS-1 makes but the noises are too distracting for myself (and especially) the Mrs.
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post #5297 of 5567
12/27/10 at 12:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilPeart View Post

pepar,
Yes I'm an *amateur* drummer.



Quote:


With the SMS-1 connected I hear "fluttering" and popping noises. This is with single-ended or balanced connection to the sub. I have tried everything, including calling Velodyne. My last resort will be to drive to the Velodyne headquarters with the unit and see if it is defective (they are about 50 miles from my home). I too enjoy the difference the SMS-1 makes but the noises are too distracting for myself (and especially) the Mrs.

If you are going to keep your 886 for a while and still need additional correction on the sub channel, then you might look at the SVS-EQ1/Audyssey Subwoofer Equalizer. It brings a very concentrated dose of Audyssey to the sub channel ... two sub channels to be more precise.

Jeff
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post #5298 of 5567
12/27/10 at 1:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilPeart View Post

Larry,
With the SMS-1 connected I hear "fluttering" and popping noises. This is with single-ended or balanced connection to the sub. I have tried everything, including calling Velodyne. My last resort will be to drive to the Velodyne headquarters with the unit and see if it is defective (they are about 50 miles from my home). I too enjoy the difference the SMS-1 makes but the noises are too distracting for myself (and especially) the Mrs.

Hi,

These noises only occur when running the SMS-1 with Audyssey?

I have a Velodyne Digital Drive subwoofer that uses the same SMS-1 software. I've never experienced noises either with the consumer version or Pro version of Audyssey on my 886. I really doubt there are any differences in MultEQ XT between the 885 and 886 units, so I am inclined to think that there is something wrong with your SMS-1 rather than a compatibility issue.

Larry
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post #5299 of 5567
1/4/11 at 2:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilPeart View Post

pepar,
Larry,
With the SMS-1 connected I hear "fluttering" and popping noises. This is with single-ended or balanced connection to the sub. I have tried everything, including calling Velodyne. My last resort will be to drive to the Velodyne headquarters with the unit and see if it is defective (they are about 50 miles from my home). I too enjoy the difference the SMS-1 makes but the noises are too distracting for myself (and especially) the Mrs.

I have an SMS-1 connected to my 885 driving a pair of SVS PB12-Plus/2's. I've used both types of connections. Never had any of the symptoms you describe in over a year and a half of use. Could be a bad SMS-1...I'd be surprised if you had both a bad xlr and RCA cable.
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post #5300 of 5567
1/4/11 at 2:55pm
Hi all. Anyone know of any issues with the display of the input label on the screen?

I have renamed my input names in the 885's menu and SOME of them are displayed correctly (as renamed) on the TV screen. The one using the GAME/TV input (renamed to 'PS3 BluRay' ) is displayed incorrectly as 'GAME/TV'. The one I renamed 'DirecTivo' is displayed correctly as 'DirecTivo'.

Not a big issue, but a head scratcher.

I have considered that my 'unique' setup might be part of the problem. I feed my sources into the 885 via HDMI, then out the 885's HDMI out through a DVDO VP30, then through a HDFury to convert the signal to RGBHV to feed my NEC 10PG CRT projector. Seems odd that some input's labels work while others do not.

Any ideas?
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post #5301 of 5567
1/5/11 at 1:11pm
Has anyone had issues with the unit not turning on when sent serial "on" commands? I have a Control4 system (verified that the command is being sent by the controller), but sometimes - not always - it doesn't turn on. Seems odd so wondering if others have noticed this as well?
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post #5302 of 5567
1/5/11 at 2:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_brew View Post
Has anyone had issues with the unit not turning on when sent serial "on" commands? I have a Control4 system (verified that the command is being sent by the controller), but sometimes - not always - it doesn't turn on. Seems odd so wondering if others have noticed this as well?
Craig,

I have the Integra 9.8 with the URC MSC400 controlling it through RS-232.
I have not had any problems with any commands, the 9.8's 232 interface has been rock solid for me.

/Anders
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post #5303 of 5567
1/7/11 at 8:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rtart View Post

Hi all. Anyone know of any issues with the display of the input label on the screen?

I have renamed my input names in the 885's menu and SOME of them are displayed correctly (as renamed) on the TV screen. The one using the GAME/TV input (renamed to 'PS3 BluRay' ) is displayed incorrectly as 'GAME/TV'. The one I renamed 'DirecTivo' is displayed correctly as 'DirecTivo'.

Not a big issue, but a head scratcher.

I have considered that my 'unique' setup might be part of the problem. I feed my sources into the 885 via HDMI, then out the 885's HDMI out through a DVDO VP30, then through a HDFury to convert the signal to RGBHV to feed my NEC 10PG CRT projector. Seems odd that some input's labels work while others do not.

Any ideas?

Anyone?

Beuhler?
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post #5304 of 5567
1/7/11 at 3:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rtart View Post
Hi all. Anyone know of any issues with the display of the input label on the screen?

I have renamed my input names in the 885's menu and SOME of them are displayed correctly (as renamed) on the TV screen. The one using the GAME/TV input (renamed to 'PS3 BluRay' ) is displayed incorrectly as 'GAME/TV'. The one I renamed 'DirecTivo' is displayed correctly as 'DirecTivo'.

Not a big issue, but a head scratcher.

I have considered that my 'unique' setup might be part of the problem. I feed my sources into the 885 via HDMI, then out the 885's HDMI out through a DVDO VP30, then through a HDFury to convert the signal to RGBHV to feed my NEC 10PG CRT projector. Seems odd that some input's labels work while others do not.

Any ideas?
Just a thought but did you retry renaming that input? I have found that sometimes if I'm not paying attention (quite often) that if I close out of the menu without OKing the entry or making sure it is in the Custom mode it does not change. More than once I renamed an input and found that it did not input correctly.

Bill
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post #5305 of 5567
1/7/11 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac View Post
Just a thought but did you retry renaming that input? I have found that sometimes if I'm not paying attention (quite often) that if I close out of the menu without OKing the entry or making sure it is in the Custom mode it does not change. More than once I renamed an input and found that it did not input correctly.

Bill
I did. (I too have half-heimers.) It actually displays correctly on the 885's display....just not on the TV screen. I also checked to make sure it is in Custom mode.
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post #5306 of 5567
1/24/11 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pepar View Post

Me, too! The new 5508/80.2 are plagued by relay clicking, Denon hasn't updated their nosebleed pre/pro to include XT 32 and the Denon 4311CI is getting reports of w-a-y too bright highs after setting up Audyssey.

Jeff


Not sure I would completely agree with that
The Denon piece you are talking about is another league to the Onkyo...as it should be for the price
Those that are buying that piece are looking at the best of the best..like the Anthem..Krell pieces etc
Nothing Audessey could do can make the Onkyo sound like one of those

I really like my 885 and I got it for a firesale price direct from Onkyo
However..its not without fault...for one its not the best with 2 channel music..it was definitely designed more with HT in mind

The clicking of the relays thats mentioned

It is when the signal changes formats?
I have heard that a lot when people discuss the Onkyo receivers..805,905,876,3007

I must be lucky..I have Direct TV...and even when I pause on the DVR...no clicking of relays

This relay clicking always seems to be a sticking point when comparing Onkyo receivers to denon, yamaha etc...as does the extra heat they put out


Warren
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post #5307 of 5567
1/24/11 at 1:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by turnne1 View Post

Not sure I would completely agree with that
The Denon piece you are talking about is another league to the Onkyo...as it should be for the price
Those that are buying that piece are looking at the best of the best..like the Anthem..Krell pieces etc

It'd be interesting to hear on what you base your "another league" assessment, but then that would take us way off topic and either bore or anger the members on this thread.

You might be able to tell from my post that I don't put gear into categories based on price or legend in the marketplace. A lot of smart people make a good living at branding, positioning and all of the other "black arts" that get people to spend more on something than it is really worth.

Jeff
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post #5308 of 5567
1/24/11 at 5:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pepar View Post

It'd be interesting to hear on what you base your "another league" assessment, but then that would take us way off topic and either bore or anger the members on this thread.

You might be able to tell from my post that I don't put gear into categories based on price or legend in the marketplace. A lot of smart people make a good living at branding, positioning and all of the other "black arts" that get people to spend more on something than it is really worth.

Jeff

Actually

Go and audition an Anthem Statement
That is exactly what I meant by another league
That...IMO..is the best sounding preamp I have ever heard...it excels in both digital and analog domains( and anything and everything else I could throw at it)

I have not heard the Denon piece...so I cannot comment on it
It seems they have manufactured it to an "ultimate" standard...based on the extensive level of "best of the best" parts it contains against pieces like the Anthem....which also have those "cost no object" components

I don't put gear into categories and make assumptions either...without actually having my ears be the judge

To give you an idea of what I have
Onkyo PSRC885 preamp...a Sherbourn 5/1500A amp( 5x200) and an Atlantic technology 350 THX ultra speaker system
I spent a few dollars on it and think it sounds good.
HOWEVER...I heard a home theater that consisted of an Anthem preamp, McIntosh amps and Klipsch THX ultra speakers , last weekend, that puts mine to shame on every level
No surprises I guess.....as it was likely $8K( or more) than the one I have

As far as spending more on something that its really worth
That argument could be used for anything
For instance..I am 100% certain you can find someone who would say their $299( you fill in the brand name) receiver sounds better than the Onkyo PRSC 885 does

I am 100% certain I would not feel that it sounded better than the Onkyo...but you can always find someone that says you wasted money and there is no difference..

Perhaps those are the "smart" people you mention that are doing the branding and positioning

So to use your term..."black arts"...its works well no matter what you are looking at...

Like I said..I like the Onkyo...have I heard better?..absolutely
For the price...especially refurbished directly from Onkyo...I have zero complaints


Warren
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post #5309 of 5567
1/24/11 at 5:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by turnne1 View Post

Actually

Go and audition an Anthem Statement
That is exactly what I meant by another league
That...IMO..is the best sounding preamp I have ever heard...it excels in both digital and analog domains( and anything and everything else I could throw at it)

I don't doubt it at all, Warren. And not to be contentious, but if you could have heard something else in that same system A/B'd with the Anthem, then that would have been more of a confirmation of your impression.

I have an 885 and have been eyeing the 80.2/5508, but my finances are not cooperating. Plus I am waiting to see what the upcoming Outlaw pre/pro offers.

Jeff
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post #5310 of 5567
1/24/11 at 6:03pm
true

and I completely understand that my Sherbourn amp would not measure up to the McIntosh amps...so it clearly was more than the Anthem...it was the whole ball of wax..including those mega Klipsch speakers that could play loud enough( without distorting) to be heard down the street( likely)

But again...at 8K more ( maybe even 10-11 more)...one has some expectations

Quite frankly one of the things the Anthem excelled at...that the Onkyo does not... is critical 2 channel stereo music listening

I have always thought the Onkyo was built more for HT than for music

I don't really have a need for a 5508.....all I have heard is that except for some better Audessey and a few more frills it sounds basically the same as the 885

I have a Blu ray player with 2 HDMI outs( one for TV one for Preamp) so I can get 3D

Actually...I was interested in hearing the Denon piece...I saw a refurb for 50% off retail...still steep...but getting into the "comfort" zone for me

The Anthem is a "pay sticker" price type of deal


Warren
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