Flexibility, looks, clean power, pure music mode

None Yet

I originally had on Onkyo receiver years ago and loved it. I went to a Harman Kardon AVR300 about 2 years ago and then started to upgrade the rest of my system. When amplification was the only item left my system seemed to be lacking something.I eventually figured out that the Harman Kardon did not have enough power to drive my PSB speakers. I purchase the Onkyo and have had no problems since. The Onkyo sounds great in home theater and music applications. I love it!! And the price was reasonable.

My system:

Toshiba 56H80 Television
Toshiba SD6200 DVD Player
PSB Straus Goldi Fronts
PSB Stratus Bronze Rears
PSB Stratus C6i Center
Paridigm PW2200 Sub
Onkyo TX-DS898 AV Reciver

Similar Products Used:

Denon 4800

Supports all decoding formats, 110 watts x 7, THX certified, Dual room versatility, "Pure Audio" mode.

None

I have used this receiver for almost a month now and I can not believe how clean it sounds. I especially enjoy the "pure audio mode" which shuts off ALL unneccessary circuitry ensuring the best possible sound. This receiver offers all the current sound formats(once you hear Dts-ES you'll be blown away)It's nice to know that this receiver has it all and it won't become obsolete in a six months. If you shop around you can find this unit for a good price and considering what you get it's well worth it. THX certification, 7.1 channels of full range power, 2nd zone capability, the list of features goes on and on. Once again Onkyo has lived up to its name. "ON" means sound; "KYO" means harmony.

Many decoding capabilities

Does not remember Tone Control and channel level settings for different DSPs and formats unlike the 3802.

I don't usually get into this but while Paul took the pain to give us the differences between the 797/898/989 receivers, I do want to correct him by saying that the 797 also does true THX/DTS-ES discrete decoding.
On the 898, its a very solid receiver with only the 2 weaknesses I mentioned. Every time I switch from Stereo to All channel stereo, I have to adjust my channel settings for optimum listening pleasure. Same goes for Tone Controls.
However this is one clean sounding receiver with great details in the lows and mids and crisp high details with plenty of power to spare.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3801/3802

Ease of Use/Setup, Sound Quality, Remote's Learning Capabilities and the Last-Source-Used "Light-button'
The sound(Upsampling & DVD-A Bass Mngmt), THX-Certification, AVS/Digital I/O's, the Zone-1(5.1) w/Zone-2(Stereo). Ohh, the clean/sleek looking front panel.

Volume (in Absolute)1-25 sound is very-low but this is fine as you increase the volume. Onkyo with the 2002-model, removed the late-night-button from the remote.
No light within the the front-door-panel.

I want to start by saying I wanted the TX-DS989, but since it's release it's been beyond my budget. This receiver(the TX-DS898) is for the price, hands down......incredible!

First: What the TX-DS989 has the TX-DS898 does not.
1.It has an upgradable(RS-232C) input,
2. has IEEE-1394 capability,
3. Front Left, Right and Center Main-Inputs,
4. a RF-Coaxial-Input(For you Laser-disc owners)
5. and 10 additional what i call minor improvements.
50-DSPs - Motorized Front Door Panel
THX-Ultra - 130Watts per channel
DB-25 5.1 cable - 4/5th Coaxial-Input
3rd Component Input - 2nd Tape-loop
2nd LFE-preout - 2nd Monitor-output

Second: What the TX-DS898 has the TX-DS989 does not.
1.It has Default Listening Mode Preset Menu
(User Preset's PCM/PCM=96kHz/DD/DTS/DVD-A Digital/Mono )
by their requested Listening Mode(their 21).
2.Composite to S-Video conversion.
3.Non-preset AM/FM Tuning front panel capable.
4.All of the above (TX-DS-989) 5th...10-features.
5.Priced at 1250.00, none of the above 1st 4-features.

Third: What the TX-DS898 has that the TX-DS797 does not.
1.True(THX/DTS-Discrete/Enhanced-7)7.1 2.110W x 7Chls
3.ZONE-2 runs 2CHL while ZONE-1 PROCESS 5.1DD/DTS, GREAT!
4.Frt Panel Door 5.Pure Audio Swting 6.4th-Toslink input
7.2nd Toslink-output 8.Academy filter/hiss preset
9.A/V Delay Synchonization 10.Custom Built Capacitors.

ARE WE INFORMED OR Need I I I say more.........Buy it.

Similar Products Used:

JVC products, TX-DS575, TX-DS676,

Solid build. Tons of features: THX, DD, Pro-Logic II, DTS-ES, 7-channel amplifier, 192 kHz/24 Bit DAC's. Great menu system. Nice manual.

Cheap remote. Relatively pricey compared to the competition.

All-in-all, a great, well-balanced A/V receiver. Has tons of the latest and greatest features: THX Select, Dolby Digital, Surround-EX, Pro-Logic II, DTS-ES (Discrete and matrix), 110 watt 7-channel amplification, 7-channel stereo, 192 kHz/24 Bit DAC's, Zone-2 capability, HDTV/DVD-Audio ready, component video switching, and even composite to S-video conversion built-in!...What more do you need??!! Sound quality is superb (movies or music). Build quality is excellent. Yeah, the Denon 3802 may be a lot cheaper but the Onkyo has more digital inputs (important if you have a lot of gear), THX certified components and features, and other neat features like composite to S-video conversion and IntelliVolume. Compared to the Denon 3801 I had earlier, the Onkyo produced a more "refined" and detailed sound in my opinion. The standard remote could be better (i.e. LCD-programmable type would be nice) but all-in-all, this Onkyo is top-notch!!

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3801

Sound, Looks, Sound, Flexibility of setup and ability to tweak, sound, quality construction, and sound.

Umm...it doesn't come with Onkyo's new LCD remote? The only real weaknesses of this unit in my mind is the lack of an RS-232 port (reserved for 989) and lack of bass management on the 7.1 inputs (which is not currently a problem but might be in the future).

This is my fourth Onkyo receiver in as many years. I seem to be addicted to this audio habit of mine and keep upgrading everytime they come out with a new one. I like them that much. It probably helps that I sell them too and can get dealer cost (please don't ask how I got it that cheap, that's how). I started out with the TX-8511 (stereo), then moved to the other 2 Onkyo's listed above. I loved each and every one of them, but love each one more and more as I progress. This one is no exception. There was a dramatic increase in sound quality from the 676 to the 787, and the same is true from the 787 to the 898.

I really can't say much about the sound that hasn't already been said. Suffice it to say that the sound is very clean and this unit has plenty of power to spare. Handles the most demanding music and movies with authority and ease, never a sense of strain; just clean, clear sound. I really like the concept of the pure audio mode on this receiver and if I had some truly full range towers in front I might appreciate it more, but I will say that the idea is good and the sound is better using that mode. As usual, All Channel Stereo is a favorite mode of mine for stereo sources, but the addition of PLII is another big plus. The fact that this unit has every decoding for home theater currently in existence (with the exception of MPEG) is also a big plus. I don't imagine that technology will change a whole lot in the near future, other than perhaps a 7.1 discrete format instead of just 6.1 discrete.

I also very much enjoy the two menus available for setup: "Basic" and "Advanced." If you are a more amatuer user and just want basic system setup, the Basic menu provides everything you need. The Advanced menu is a big plus for me, as I can truly customize a great deal of everything on this receiver (i.e. customize Delay, whether or not Re-EQ is used, choose upsampling, etc etc etc).

I know a few people have complained about the remote on this system, and yes, I agree it would be nice if they'd package their new remote (CHAD) with it, but the remote they provide you with I think is much better and more intuitive than many others I've seen or used. And the addition of pre-programming as well as learning capability on this year's remote is also a big big plus.

Also, the addition of video to Zone 2 this year is a big plus, you can setup a complete audio/video system in another room now, great for those who are looking for one receiver to control their entire home.

There really is more to say about this unit but suffice it to say this: if you are in the market for a top quality 7.1 receiver, then you owe it to yourself to audition this one. You should be very happy. If you have any questions about this receiver or audio/video gear in general, email me. I welcome questions and am usually free to provide advice.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS676, Onkyo TX-DS787

Newest decoding,dts-es discrete,7.1 ins&outs,front digital in,composite to s-video conversion,7 channel power,max-volume settings are nice if you have kids,or let party-goers crank on the knob,on-screen set-up is easy,remote has macro functions,etc....

x-over frequencies are not adjustable for non-thx modes, 7.1 inputs don't offer bass management

This receiver sounds very clean in all modes,the 7 ch stereo would be great for parties, and the pl-2 makes ps2 games and 2-ch movies sound very close to a 5.1 encoding. As stated In the weaknesses , and incorrectly stated by some articles and reviews,this receiver doesn't have bass management on the 7.1 inputs,an rs-232 port,or 2 sub-outs(only 1).In most cases these wouldn't be used anyway,that's why i'm still giving it a 5 star rating. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Similar Products Used:

compared to Denon 3802&4802 and Kenwood avr-5700

Flexibility, Clean Power and Overall Sound

None

I stepped up from a Denon 3801 to this receiver and the move was dramatic. I had been a separates enthusiast in the past and owned high end equipment. This is only the second receiver I have owned and the first one that I do not feel cheated by listening to. The sound quality is excellent on both movies and music. The set up menus are great and allow you to fine tune most everything you need to touch. The remote is adequate and better than the CHAD alternative. I purchased that as well and I am not a fan of touchscreen remotes. I compared this to my 3801 in my set up and its not even close in terms of overall power and purity of the sound. I also compared it to the Denon 4802 and its not worth the price difference for me. This receiver hits a great price niche.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3801

Extreamly clean and honest signal. Power, features.

None for the price.

I started out 6 weeks back to upgrade my old Music/HT system. I put music first because this is my priority.

I was first steered towards an Onkyo/Integra 5.2 receiver by a local sales person. This was a wonderful introduction to Onkyo products. The receiver’s power was clean beyond belief. Cranking it up without a signal proved to be dead silent. My old Sony would emit pink noise about 2/3 – ¾ of the way on the volume.

The 5.2 was connected to a set of Bose AM-5’s for the fronts, a set of Bose cubes connected in series for the center channel and a pair of old Boston Acoustics HD-5’s for rear surrounds.

I then set out to upgrade my speakers. After much listening to many bookshelf speakers I opted for a pair of Boston Acoustics VR-M50’s with the PV-1000 subwoofer. This three-piece set is KILLER for music.

I then invested in a new center speaker, choosing the Boston Acoustics VR920 over the VR-MC for sheer size and power for HT use. They use the exact same tweeters so the timbre is matched perfectly to the fronts. The vertically aligned midrange does wonders for the dialog in a movie. Allowing all in the room to hear clearly, not just those directly in front of the center speaker.

It was at this point when I realized that I had invested as much into a single center speaker as I had in the receiver. Time to upgrade again!

Having fallen in love with the sound of the Integra 5.2, I looked towards the Onkyo line. Now knowing they were the same products. The differences I have observed between the two lines were gold plated connections and detachable power cords. The rear connections on the units are exactly the same.

Other than those two features they seem to be the same exact basic design platform. The 898 weighs in at a pound more than the Integra 8.2, so you would be hard pressed to tell me they use better components. Maybe someone can explain the specs below if the Integra is a better product.

Integra 8.2
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono MM 80 dB
CD/TAPE 100 dB

Onkyo 898
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono MM 80 dB
CD/TAPE 110 dB

The 110dB S/N ratio is even better than the 989. How can that be?
The 8.2 is lacking THX certification, Surround-EX / DTS-ES decoding and many other nice features included in the 898. I’m sure Integra will come out with a new iteration of the 8.2 cloned after the 898 with those upscale gold connection and detachable power cord features soon.

The extra power afforded by the 898 (40 watts) over the 5.2 was just what the doctor ordered. Now being in possession of a seven-channel receiver it was time to upgrade the surrounds as well. You guessed it, a pair of VR-MX’s for the side surrounds and a pair of VR-MEX’s for the rears. My couch is against the rear wall so the delay function allowing me to push the back surrounds further away is a very nice feature and is one of the THX select requirements.

The all channel stereo feature playing through the entire speaker system sounds AWESOME! Pro-Logic II is a big improvement and sounds great as well but I still prefer the VR-M50’s and the PV-1000 working together for 2-channel music. The sound is crisp and clear with power to spare. No matter how loud I push it the entire system, it stays clean and juicy with punch on the bass like I never heard before. It’s easy to follow the exact bass line on lots of material instead of just hearing a boom of noise.
The bass from the PV-100 is tight and as loud as you like it. The bass on the 898 is more powerful than the 5.2 as is the PUNCH of all the channels.


FOR HT USE THE SYSTEM IS SIMPLY AMAZING! We watched T2 in THX-EX the other night and were nearly blown off the couch. Today we saw Harry Potter in the theater and I came to the conclusion that my living room now sounds as good as the local theater!

This is a wonderful receiver and I am extremely pleased with the purchase. Paired with the Boston Acoustics VR-M series speakers it’s a match made in heaven.

Similar Products Used:

Integra 5.2, Denon 3802.

EVERYTHING!

NONE

I love this piece! It has seven channels of amplification at 110 watts per channel and as far as I can tell they are all there. This receiver breathes new life into my Home Theatre and I had to listen to all my DVD's again (especially the one's in DTS). After months of research which in the electronics industry is like years. I settled on the 898 because you just can't beat the features at this price the remote is great It's controlling all of my other gear. The multi zone feature allows me to listen to whatever I want in the shower while my wife listens to whatever while she is cooking. The surround processing is GREAT! Saving Private Ryan in DTS blew me away again and again finding myself almost ducking myself. At this price this receiver is a no brainer, REALLY and if you want a good deal you should try J&R they are really good and Todd is the Home Theatre guy to go to 800 221 8180 extension 1039. He always takes good care of me. I also like the feeling of helping out NY's economy(they are located right up the block from what used to be WORLD TRADE CENTER)

So check them out @ www.jandr.com

Similar Products Used:

SONY ES, TECHNICS SADA10N, ONKYO TXDS-575