Pioneer vsx-1017txv-k vs Onkyo TX-SR805

[lectronicjunkie]

I need some help here. I'm looking at two different AVR's. Pioneer vsx-1017txv-k @$200 and Onkyo TX-SR805 @$500. The major difference that I see is the THD%. Pioneer is .2% and Onkyo is .05%. Will it make a big difference in sound clarity? Is the Pioneer as bright as the Onkyo? It would be 80% HT and 20% music.
Any help would be appreciated.:D

[holt]

If price isn't a factor and you have no plans to add any external amps in the future, I would go for the Onkyo based on its power. I own a Pioneer now and had a Onkyo 605 before and brightness is factor in both.
Cnh would be a good one to answer this for you...

[lectronicjunkie]

Would an ADCOM GFA-555 II tame the brightness or is that done by the receiver?

[billbillw]

Where are you finding the SR805? Is it refurb or just on the used market? I would highly recommend the SR805 if it is refurbed and has the newest firmwares applied. If it's used, I'd ask if the firmware was updated to the 1.08 version and if the DSP firmware was updated to get rid of the DTS 'bomb'.

The SR805 was a gem in its time/price and Onkyo has severely reduced the quality in the followup models (806,807,...)

[lectronicjunkie]

It's on the local Craigslist. I will ask about the firmware. I've seen some posts in another forum where they show you how to update it yourself.

[billbillw]

It's on the local Craigslist. I will ask about the firmware. I've seen some posts in another forum where they show you how to update it yourself.

Yeah, but updating is not for the faint of heart. There is also a certain configuration on many of the earlier models that doesn't allow an easy upgrade to the 1.08 firmware. Best to see if its there. If not, more reason to talk them down.

I'd read up on how to check the firmware versions. There are several to worry about, main firmware (1.08 ideally), DSP1, DSP2, DSP3. I'd go there with the info written down, then check and compare.

The DSP firmwares are easy to update, but the main is not.

Local CL sale for an 805 should be substantially lower than $500. They are going on Ebay for $400-$450.

[wutadumsn23]

I would recommend the Onkyo as well, leaps and bounds better than the other model you are looking into. Like stated above the 805 is a beast and built very well, much better than my 806 and other models after it. For $500 you can't go go wrong. If you are going to be doing 80% HT, it is even more of a reason to get it, Onkyo AVR's do HT very well. My 806 shines in this aspect and is pretty good with music as well.

-Jeff

[Sherardp]

In this case I would consider the Onkyo, however be aware of 805 issues. They are known for overheating so consider external fan, they also had a firmware update to fix some sort of "pop" that were causing speaker damage.

[billbillw]

In this case I would consider the Onkyo, however be aware of 805 issues. They are known for overheating so consider external fan, they also had a firmware update to fix some sort of "pop" that were causing speaker damage.

The pop is also known as the DTS 'Bomb'. It is easily fixed through a DSP firmware update.

As far as overheating, all modern Onkyo AVRs run pretty hot compared to some other brands. The 805 actually has two cooling fans that draw in air from the lower front corners and blow across the main amp heatsink. That part stays fairly cool. However, there is another source of heat on the video board (back corner) that is not actively cooled. That can be a concern if you have the receiver in a closed cabinet (which I generally don't recommend unless you have some active cooling). Just leave 8+ inches above the receiver and you'll probably be fine. I've had my 805 for 2+ years with no problems whatsoever.

[maximus_okc]

I have a tx-sr805 currently for sale on Ebay along with a matching DVD player. The receiver was updated with the latest firmware last week. This is just an FYI if anyone is interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

[ken brydson]

I have a tx-sr805 currently for sale on Ebay along with a matching DVD player. The receiver was updated with the latest firmware last week. This is just an FYI if anyone is interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

You're skirtin' the rules there chief...

[AGUERRA]

I don't mean to hijack your thread, but does anyone know how to perform the update's in the south texas area? and if so how much you charge to do the update's.

[Pauly]

You're skirtin' the rules there chief...

What rules? Its a free for all. You didnt know?
;)


Pauly

[lectronicjunkie]

I have a tx-sr805 currently for sale on Ebay along with a matching DVD player. The receiver was updated with the latest firmware last week. This is just an FYI if anyone is interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

Thanks but I don't need another dvd player. I'm trying to buy local to cut out shipping charges.

Also, thanks to everyone's help with this. I was glad to find out about the firmware issues.

[vc69]

Go Onkyo 805. That's a fine piece of AV receiver and has pre-outs so power will never be a problem.

[cnh]

I've already given my 2 cents on this in a PM....so I won't elaborate here. Except to say that it was my understanging that the POPS and speaker damage mentioned above were very 'rare' and were supposedly cause by problems in the Audyssey set up....SET UP MANUALLY and you should be fine! I never bother with the AUTO set ups--usually don't like their equalization, etc. Prefer a FLAT sound adjusted by 'yours' truly!

Like billbillw I haven't had any problems over a year running.

cnh

[AGUERRA]

thanks for the link with the info on the updates. i was able to do the dsp update but for the main im one of the sol people and i have 1.00 and trying the update probly brick my 805

[cnh]

What exactly does this 1.08 update...I don't remember there being any
'major' problems with the 805? And I've never had 'any' problems with mine...NONE! Please elaborate.

cnh

[Rodeo0530]

I've read about some popping sound issue when switching sources, but I don't know this is what the problem is or not.

[cnh]

Clicking and popping sounds are normal on Onkyos trying to latch onto different digital formats and decode them when they switch from one to another.

I remember some people claiming their speakers popped now and then...but as far as I know that was a problem with the Audyssey set up? Is that what the firmware is for?

cnh

[sir_lagzalot]

I own one and it has all the latest firmware upgrades and has never had a problem, it does get hot but if kept in open rack or with proper ventilation shouldn't be an issue. Just remember this thing weights 51 pounds, but if you have room for it, its definitely worth the money.