amazing sound quality, tons of inputs,UPGRADABLE!!!!!

none

I can't believe how incredible this reciever is.In surround ex the the sound quality is amazing.I have owned this reciever since may and have loved it since the day i got it home.I used to own the onkyo tx ds 939 and then upgraded to this reciever the moment I heard about it. What a difference this reciever made over the 939.I wasn't expecting such a difference.It's great to now have DTS in my system and I can't wait for the DTS ES upgrade.Great job Onkyo!!! My system consists of: Onkyo TXDS 989 - Sony 61" tv KP61HS10 - four Velodyne HGS 18 subwoofers - Parasound power amp HCA 2205A - Cerwin Vega VS150 as main speakers - 2 pairs of Cerwin Vega E715 as rear speakers - Cerwin Vega center speaker CVT7 LCR - Pioneer Elite DV09 dvd player - Pioneer Elite recordable cd player PDR19 RW - Pioneer laser disc player CLD105 - two Panamax 1000 line conditioners. THIS SYSTEM HAS TO BE HEARD TO BE BELIEVED!!!

Similar Products Used:

ONKYO TXDS 939
PIONEER ELITE VSX D3s

Killer sound, Tons of inputs, Expandability, Power and Surround EX

Fan noise

I have to agree with all of the praise that I have read in previous reviews. I would definitly recommned this receiver over all other receivers. I do have a problem with the fan noise. I noticed in a previous review that newer 989's do not have this fan noise. Can anyone verify this. I've also had a tough time getting the 989 to recognize a Surround EX DVD when in the Auto mode. I must manually put the THX mode to On. Any comments or suggestions???

multiple surround formats (in use today)direct mode, RS-232 upgradable unlike Denon's 1-way 232 port. lip sync function.

none so far (not bad considering I had a Theta Casablanca II and related seperates costing 5x the cost of the Onkyo)

Oddly enough, after selling my Cal Audio Amp, rated at 500 wpc and my Theta Casablanca II preamp/processor, I thought I'd be hitting myself over the head by buying a "single" box to process and amplify the signal.

Well, I've been presently surprised. After discovering that Denon's Rs232 port is not used for product upgrades (it's only used for 1-way control of system control units) I realized that though Denon has more surround modes NOW, the 4MB of flash memory included in the Onkyo will allow for upgrades to DPL2, THX EX discrete, etc. Thus, the Denon will eventually not be "the end all be all processor."

I'm used to seperate components that are upgradable. I had the $12000 Casablanca II processor, using superior DAC's and balanced connections, and I'm "hear" to tell you...don't waste your money on high priced seperates. The margin of diminishing returns has been set, now that the Onkyo has hit the market with 4MB of upgradable flash memory.

The sound quality is great for its price. I was considering buying another MC-1, because the Logic7 is wonderful. Thankfully, the Onkyo has multiple proprietary surround modes, including one called "Action" which is very similar to the Logic7 mode found on the Lexicon.

One other aspect I truly appreciate about the Onkyo (unlike the Denon) - you can select a given surround mode for each input. IE, the DVD input will automatically select a surround mode of your choosing, and it will remain that mode until you change it. Thus, for TV, you can select "Action," and for DVD's select THX, and each time it will automatically switch to that mode - I was suprised to see a mid-priced receiver with this function.

The DAC's in the Onkyo are more similar to the Casablanca Dac's than are the Denon's - basically, I mean the Onkyo sounded more like my high priced seperates than the Denon. The Denon was too laid back for me, but with the Onkyo you can hear the difference between DD, and DD with THX. On that point, you can 'include' THX reEQ with any surround mode, which is terrific for some sporting events (crowd noise).

Lastly, The unit allows you to easily change the volume level of any of the 8 speakers for a given "listening." Once the Onkyo is put into standby, it will automatically change the volume to the "setup/default" listening level, which is terrific if you're watching tv, and want more effect from the rear speakers, and hence turn the volume of the rears up to +12dB. If you come back to the receiver an hour later and want to watch a movie, just turn it back on, and the volume will be back to the initial default volume.

I've been THX certified, as you can see I'm listed on the THX site, and I must say that this unit truly does live up to THX standards. I have not had a fan "noise." I notice it comes on ever so often, but my unit hasn't been loud enough to complain (I have it in an enclosed rack, and only hear the fan when the door is open).

Highly recommend the unit, it's crystal clear, and continues to make me jump from my seat to answer the phone when it's actually part of "the show." What more could you ask for than realistic sound and effects?

Similar Products Used:

Not similar, but have owned a Theta Casablanca II, Lexicon MC-1, and others.