Onkyo to replace Cambridge Audio in my system....OK?

[Danny Tse]

Just want to get you guys' opinion on this....

Currently, my system is build around a Cambridge Audio A500 stereo integrated amp (65 watts/channel) and a Sony DVP-NS500V DVD/SACD player. The system is integrated as part of a stereo HT system in a small den (44 inches between left and right speakers). I am thinking of replacing the Cambridge Audio integrated amp with the new Onkyo 502 6.1 receiver, not for movies but more for multi-channel music. The Onkyo has an analog bypass thru its multi-channel inputs (no analog >>> digital >>> analog conversion). I was just wonder what you all think about my plan.

[Zero]

You have the chance to go check it out yourself, dont waste your time with us - go to your local Circuit City and pick up the Onkyo 501 (Im not aware of any 502). You will have 30 days to try it out. That way you can be your own judge.

But you did ask for opinions, so heres mine:

The current line of Onkyo products make superb machines for home theater. It is what they were designed for. For music, they are modest at the very best. Definately not a machine you would use for critical listening.

I havent heard the integrated amplifier you have, though I have read lots of glowing reviews about it. Seems to me that you will have to make a trade off. To get your surround sound, all the cool formats and connections, you will have to sacrifice sound quality.

Pick your evil.. Demo it first, and decide which one you want to live with.

[gmorris]

I have the Onkyo TX-SR601 reciever (85 W/c) and use it in my 6.1 home theater. I also use it for 2 channel music.

For home theater, it is great. For 2 ch. music, it is not so great. My biggest complaint is NO BASS. I MUST run my subwoofer in 2 channel music, or it justs sounds very wimpy. The Onkyo, as a music performer, is not a good way to go.

I agree with ATC, go and pick up a 501, or a 601. Here is a link to the site I got my 601 from, for only $399. http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/products/product_detail.asp?Inventory=2757&Show=D
The price on the page says $499, but you only pay $399.

Pick one up and try it out.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Some around here may remember my experience with the Onkyo...

Overall it's a great unit if you're really into HT, but again not great for music...lacking alot of the detail...

I had the TX-DS595, so the new ones may be different. My 595 served me well for a while, but as I started to get into music more, I demanded more of my receiver and had to upgrade...

Give it a listen and see what you think...

[Danny Tse]

Here's the info on the new Onkyo TX-SR502 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-X2VBir0bB6M/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=4&g=10420&I=580TXSR502&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=) at Crutchfield. It's available at J&R for $250.00 shipped.

Hmmmm....maybe I will keep the Cambridge Audio then. Thanks to everyone for your insights.

[Early B.]

Can you keep that Cambridge Audio int. amp and set up a separate HT system? Maybe share the same fronts if money and space are issues. That way, you'll have the best of both worlds.

I used to have an Onkyo TX-SR500. It's nice for HT, but when I replaced it with a comparable Denon receiver (the 1803), the Denon was much, much better, especially with music. I say, go for the best receiver you can afford. But whatever entry level receiver you get, the Cambridge amp will probably sound better for music.

[Danny Tse]

Yeah, the system is probably 90% music/10% DVD, so I will keep the Cambridge amp.

You guys really know how to talk someone out of doing something dumb. :D

[steveinaz]

You may gain channels, but you'll be losing fidelity. The Cambridge is a highly regarded piece of equipment that will not be outdone by a receiver, at least none that I'm aware of.

....BUT...its is your money....

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

In fairness to the Onkyo...I've never listened to multi-channel formats on it...

Who know, maybe it sounds great for SACD...

I like Early Bs idea of having both...

[PolkThug]

Give it a shot. I think my Onk 700 sounds great for both movies and SACD stuff.

[gmorris]

Keeping the Cambridge for music is a good idea. You have one problem, though.

The Onkyo 501/502 has NO pre-amp OUTPUTS. You can't connect the Cambridge to the Onkyo for use in multichannel mode. (or put another way, you can't use an external amp with the Onkyo)

About the only way to connect all the equipment would be to run the Front L&R from the SACD player directly to the Cambridge, then run the SUB, Center & Surrounds from the SACD player to the Onkyo's analog inputs. You will then have to figure out how to match the levels. I guess the Rat Shack SPL meter would get you close. But, this whole arrangement is kind of messy.

Or, you could of course just switch speaker wires back & forth from the Onk to the Cambridge.

[Early B.]

If you decide to have an HT setup and a 2-channel rig, and need to share fronts, use an amp selector (Niles DPS-1). No messy wiring needed.

BTW -- what is the size of your den? What speakers are you using?

[gmorris]

Good idea about the Niles DPS-1. Never saw that before. I might be interested in one of those myself.

Thanks.

[Danny Tse]

Thanks again for everyone's input. What I will likely do is keep the Cambridge Audio amp.

I just wonder I must I am "losing" when I am not listening to multi-channel SACDs.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Originally posted by Danny Tse
Thanks again for everyone's input. What I will likely do is keep the Cambridge Audio amp.

I just wonder I must I am "losing" when I am not listening to multi-channel SACDs.
Most of the SACDs I have are in multi-channel and I do occasionally enjoy that format. However, the majority of the time I'm a 2 channel kind of guy.

Everyone is different, but I don't think you're missing too much with multichannel, but it's kind of neat to have...

[steveinaz]

Originally posted by Danny Tse
Thanks again for everyone's input. What I will likely do is keep the Cambridge Audio amp.

I just wonder I must I am "losing" when I am not listening to multi-channel SACDs.

Absolutely nothing. When you're at a live concert, are there band members standing at your sides and to the rear? Nope. They're all in front of you, rear cues are provided by reflection, just like your listening room provides. I'm a 2-channel die hard, and until they start letting me sit in the middle of the band at concerts, I'll stick with 2 speakers and 2-channels. I'd rather spend my speaker budget on 2 really good speakers, than to spread my budget across 5.1 speakers that I could afford.

[PolkWannabie]

Although there are no musicians to the side of you per se, in a concert where you are close to center stage, where of course everyone wants to be, there is a distinct sense of sound going on to the immediate left and right of you to the point where you find yourself looking left and right to see what's going on. To me this is not unlike what SDA technology brings to some Polk speakers for in home listening. This most likely occurs because the perception of the sound stage width is, at the listening point, much wider than it is if you're in the nose bleed section several hundred rows away. This is not to say that if you're not in the first 10-15 rows it's not worth it, it is, but it's different.

[reeltrouble1]

You might keep the Cambridge buy an Onk with pre-out and use the Cambridge to run your fronts for music. The higher end Onks do OK with 2 channel when set to "direct" bypassing any processing.

In any event your amp is very nice and I would keep it.

[Danny Tse]

Thanks to everyone who commented.

I will keep the Cambridge integrated amp since 2 channel is where my heart is.