Onkyo TX-DS989

[ahorvitz]

I've found one for sale- used. It's a huge upgrade from my current Onkyo 5.1 (TX-DS575X, I think). What's it worth in good condition?

Version 2 model btw... Thanks.

[Skynut]

Not real sure but probably around $750.00
Fwiw I upgraded my Onkyo tx-ds787 to a Sunfire theater grand II for $750.00 and I am amazed how much better the TG is.
Better sound all the way around as far as I am concerned.

PS. the sunfire requires an external amp.

[ahorvitz]

Thanks.
I'm at the stage now where I want to add power, but my current receiver lacks pre-amp outs. I may be able to get this 989 for as little as $500, so I think I have to do it. If it's not a long term solution, I ccan hopefully dump it for what I might pay for it.

[Skynut]

You can also use it with your new amp when you get one.
that is what I did, I got a new amp and used the pre outs.
I pretty much figured out the Onkyo had to go at that point so I scored the Sunfire.
It will be never ending so just do what you feel is right and enjoy.
There are very few wrong answers.

[disneyjoe7]

I own a Onkyo 898 sweet nice, works well as a Prue / pro for future needs. For $500 for a 989 model above mine I would jump on it.

[disneyjoe7]

Not real sure but probably around $750.00
WWI I upgraded my Onkyo tx-ds787 to a Sunfire theater grand II for $750.00 and I am amazed how much better the TG is.
Better sound all the way around as far as I am concerned.

PS. the sunfire requires an external amp.

Why would a Sunfire theater grand II sound better then a Onkyo with an external amp. I don't think that is apples to apples comparison.

[Toxis]

For that price, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat. But then again, what are you running off it?

[Skynut]

Why would a Sunfire theater grand II sound better then a Onkyo with an external amp. I don't think that is apples to apples comparison.

I was using the Onkyo with the same amp I used the Sunfire with.
When the Onkyo came out and the Sunfire went in it sounded better.
The only change was the processor.

[disneyjoe7]

Skynut,

Interesting the only thing that comes to mind is that I read years ago that the 787 had processor problems. If memory serves me correct the 898 and the 989 receivers used another type of processor so for $500 I would jump on it.

BTW your statement as me thinking about removing the Onkyo soon.

[Skynut]

I really wanted the 989 when I got my 787. I just could not afford it.
I really like my 787 and it is now in the bedroom.
I think they are great pieces of equipment it's just that my Sunfire sounds better then my 787 does in my opnion.

[disneyjoe7]

Well the same here the 989 looked really sweet, my 898 was my compromise. Again with your statement I see my 898 leaving. But I use it as an AD converter mostly as I do a lot of 2 channel only this is a pre / pro only in that mode.

If I did it all over again it would be separates all the way.

[ahorvitz]

I'm running these right now... just picked up the RT1000p's used last week.

[okiepolkie]

Looks like you will have a very nice system. The next thing you will have to do is upgrade your subwoofer.

[ohskigod]

500 bucks, with pre outs, and future expansion ability? future being key, you can easily use the onk as a stand alone for now until you can afford to go the amplification road right, getting the onk is a no brainer.

[Skynut]

Disney,

That is what i found out also.
I was real lucky that I had pre outs on mine because that was not something I knew about when I bought it.
I added the amp later and liked the added power.
Then the opportunity came to get the Sunfire and I just did it.
I am thinking about going for the Sherbourn processor next to compare it and the Sunfire.
These damn upgrades and switching equipment get real expensive, eventually I need to sell off some older stuff.

I say for $500.00 go for it, you won't be dissapointed.

[ahorvitz]

Thanks all... I DEFINITELY need to upgrade the subwoofer. I got it free with the 55's and the 245 through Crutchfield. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have upgraded to the CS400i center and probably the PSW450, but I was even more of a rank amateur than I am today.

We'll see if this actually comes through for the 989. It's a private sale and the seller is being difficult about testing it.

[Holydoc]

I am thinking about going for the Sherbourn processor next to compare it and the Sunfire.

Isn't the Sherbourn processor the one that Outlaw uses in their 990?

[Skynut]

I am not sure about that.
I have heard that Sherbourn is very similar to the Sunfire inside.

[okiepolkie]

I think the Sherwood processor is the same as the Outlaw's. I know the Outlaw 950, Sherbourn, and Atlantic Tech of the same time frame used the same processor, but I don't know if the same platform is being used for Sherbourn's new model.

[Holydoc]

My bad. It was the Sherwood P-965 that the Outlaw 990 was built off of.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/support/faq_990.html

And the ATI 2000 series that the Outlaw Amps were built off of.

Umm...nevermind. I will shut-up now and stop thinking out loud. :)

[doug lang]

Hey I have to add to this. I have a 989 which I replaced with a sunfire III. I also have a sunfire amp. For me there was no comparison. The 989 with all the goodies does not match the sunfire. I never got a clear answer with the 4 amp deal with the polk speakers. I even called onkyo for advise. Of course they said the 989 could handle the lsi polk speakers. My sunfire runs a lot cooler than onkyo, which means a lot in sw fl. My onkyo is being used for outdoor and living room use. Would I give up the onkyo, no and if there was one available for 500.00 I would buy it. I bought the last one new from the company in Boston Mass. Can't remember their name. All in all that would be a good deal.

[Skynut]

Agreed, I do not plan on letting my Onkyo go either.