[jaygee]

About two months ago my 797 started the dreaded Popping on the right channel. I called J&R where I purchased it. They informed me I needed to contact Onkyo directly. My call to Onkyo service resulted in taking the receiver to an authorized Onkyo Repair shop here in Northern Va. After expecting a two week repair, I got the 797 back after 4. Not too bad, but I had to call Onkyo to actually have the parts ordered and shipped to the repair shop and follow up with the repair service, etc. Long story short, after picking up the repaired 797 it worked for a hour -- No Popping. Then a big SHHHHHHHHHHHH on all speakers for all dsp's (except direct). Additionally, the front inputs no longer worked. I didn't even give the repair shop a second chance. I called Onkyo service the next morning and received an RMA for a return. Yesterday, I received my replacement receiver. My disappointment is that I was expecting a brand new factory fresh receiver. The case has obviously been opened. Some of the connectors "look" like they have been used, also. Front "protection plastic" on the display is peeling along the edges ( more than the one I returned). When I called back to service I was told the receiver was new, never owned, but had the Pop Repair applied. I was also told that all US 797s will need the repair and that is what they have for trade-in.


I spent a fair amount on this receiver and liked it alot before all of this hassel. Now I feel like my new car has been in a car wreck and will never be the same.

 

[ClarkeBar]

Well, since you presumably put a lot into the selection process before purchasing and also presumably have enjoyed the selection you made prior to this problem, I figure you're still ahead. I understand about the 'is it new or used?' feeling but I would take Onk at their word about the unit being scruffy around the edges because it had been handled when they previously made the repair. At least from here on out you can compare the performance to the original unit and hopefully acquire a new fondness for this one if things check out. After all, while appearance is an important consideration, it is still the performance that defines the bottom line.

 

[hoyty]

Where did you get it repaired? I also live in NoVa and have mine in the shop for same prob (left channel on mine). Just wondering if it is same place. I am now worried about getting it back, it has been 6 weeks already in mine case.

 

[rcweiss]

They have obviously changed their policy. When mine started poping about 3 months ago onkyo sent me a ups shipping label and had it back to me in 4 days. Guess they are overwhelmed with repairs on this now.

 

[jaygee]

Don't want to get into any bashing. Like I said, I didn't give the place a second chance. I am pretty sure the shop would have made good. There are only 2 certified repair shops in NoVa. I suggest you plan on a check out period at the shop. Ask them how they tested it and for how long. Also check the available inputs. The fronts no longer worked when I got it back.


Onkyo did respond quickly to this repair failure. About a week turn around from request for a RMA to receipt of new/refurbed 797.



I haven't had any problems with the new 797. Burned in about 80 hours now. Still burning in!!! to gain confidence.

 

[knoxbh]

My story on the 797. Bought it in November 2001 from SenuousSound in Tampa. Started the dreaded "ticking" noise in rear speakers (in any mode) in April '02. Contacted Onkyo & they gave me two authorized repair shops - the place I bought it from (about 70 miles away) and one in Orlando (about 35 miles away). I chose the Orlando - big mistake! Took it in and they said it would take 7 weeks for repair - if it needed parts they did't have in stock, add at least 2 MORE WEEKS.


Well, we left it and after about a week, decided to take a shot with SenuousSound. They said bring it in and would look at it within 4 DAYS. Wow - off to Orlando, picked it up & over to Tampa. First they didn't believe me about the ticking (or didn't want to). Showed me the repair book from Onkyo with no noice for a "ticking" sound. Anyway, they said they would check it out. Called me in 4 days and said there was a ticking noticed but they couldn't repair it there. They would send it back to Onkyo to repair w/me paying postage up only.


In less than 2 weeks, they called & said it had been returned, they checked it and was working o.k. Picked it up and has been working great since then - it is on about 10-12 hrs a day with DirecTV and movies. Don't get excited - we are both retired (and old) and do watch a lot of TV. As far as I know, I received the same set back - it has the same serial number on it (we had recorded it in our household inventory) altho we can't be positive since the serial number is on a sticker on the back - I guess it could have been removed & placed on this one.


Anyway, we are extremely pleased with the 797 now and hope the "ticking" noise never returns.

 

[Cruiser3]

Some of the problems are due to a bad batch of chips Oink received in 01 from a supplier. They have readily admitted this problem and are good on repairs. I have the 696, and so far so good. Their equipment ,in my opinion, is far superior for the price.