2. amps-preamps
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Onkyo TX-NR807 receiver or similar - amp any good?

Hi I just got this aforementioned Onkyo receiver for my new home theater setup and I am also setting up my stereo with it - I used to have TV and stereo in different spots. I have some Vienna Acoustics Mozart speakers for the main speakers. On my old stereo setup I had some Marantz MA500 amps that I liked a lot. But, I only had two of them. Right now I am just using the Onkyo's internal amp for stereo listening. Since the Onkyo can run as a preamp only I, could use my two Marantz amps to amplify the two front channels on the Onkyo, but before I tested that out I wondered what the opinions are on the quality of the Onkyo internal amp compared to my Marantz amps? Also if I did hook the Marantz amps up it could be strange to have one kind of amp driving the mains and another for the other speakers in my HT setup - ? So maybe I should either just use the Onkyo for amplification or get some more MA500's?

Scott
scottfsmith
scottfsmith OP
1 posts
 
Thanks guys. I had no idea if these internal amps stacked up but it sounds like they may not be bad at all. I found the Sensible Sound article online (http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Onkyo+TX-SR800+receiver.-a0115226208) and it doesn't give a lot of description but overall is positive on the amps. In general this is what I found with other reviews, nothing on the amps is mentioned. I bought the receiver (refurb on eBay for a good price) based on a review in Home Theater Mag.

I have to say I was really impressed when I listened to the Onkyo in stereo mode, but it could have more to do with how the new location for the speakers is better than where they were before. Once the dust settles and I have the home theater all set up I will plug in the Marantz amps and do a stereo comparison.

Scott
changster
40 posts
 
I have the same Onkyo for HT. It is good to get by with for 2 channel stereo, depending on what your standards are. However, it's definitely leagues away from audiophile standards and I'm not trying to sound snobbish.

Since I see you have Vienna Acoustics speakers I think in the longer run you do want upgrade to at least something like a small integrated amp. That would bring the quality up by a substantial margin.
blindjim
2,837 posts
 

Enjoy your forthcoming A/B-ing once all is in place.

I will say this about that...

the primary limiting factor using an HT receiver is always going to be the preamp/processor within it. Perhaps more so than the amplifiers it uses, provided a proper speaker set is selected to mate with it.

Even adding very good amps outboard of it might not be as satisfactory a result as you could want for, ultimately.

They'll help for sure, in control dynamics and dimensionality. tonally as well.... but at some point to gain better levels of performance, akin to premium sound quality, I'd suggest some thought on separating things into two systems.

there are work arounds like adding a nice pre with a 'HT pass thru' feature but at the least, another set of ICs along with the desired pre will then be required. If another space is available, I'd definitely recommend it. Some other options are there too, but separation is purely best.

Each amp selection I have on hand has been attached to my receiver at some point. SS, tube monos, and hybrid. None of those additions equal what they can sound like with a great preamp feeding them directly off some source.

How much better can/do they sound like that over the proc/pre in the HT Receiver?

A lot! Depending upon the combination, of course, a whole lot!!

Consequently keeping things in general on a similar and accordingly level playing field when adding amps will be a big help in more areas than one, but mainly savings and performance by not over indulging by stepping too far up the amp stair case.

Changing speakers then, might be a better thought…. Though I suspect your’s are pretty good. I’ve only heard the Cremona’s, and some of the SF two ways.

Good luck
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