Onkyo PR-SC5508 or Marantz AV7005

[RadTech]

Congrats Theresa! I hope you don't have the same problem I have with my 886.

[Deleted]

Oct 16, 2011 7:56:21 GMT -5 RadTech said:

Congrats Theresa! I hope you don't have the same problem I have with my 886.

I'm sorry I don't know what problem that is. Please update me.
Thanks.

[LCSeminole]

If you ended up buying it from Accessories4less, I'm glad I could point you in the right direction. If you are a member over on AVS Forum, they have a thread that is dedicated to your processor and can get answers to most if not all of your questions about your new toy. Enjoy!

[Deleted]

Yes, Accessories4Less but had seen it on sale with free shipping yesterday morning. I've read a lot of that thread on AVS. There's a lot of buzz about the 5509 of course. I almost always buy last year's model. I certainly do not want to take away from Emotiva so I hope I'm not too out of line talking about this on here.

[LCSeminole]

Oct 16, 2011 9:52:17 GMT -5 @theresa said:

Yes, Accessories4Less but had seen it on sale with free shipping yesterday morning. I've read a lot of that thread on AVS. There's a lot of buzz about the 5509 of course. I almost always buy last year's model. I certainly do not want to take away from Emotiva so I hope I'm not too out of line talking about this on here.

Not out of line at all, you're posting in the correct section of the Lounge.

[NorthStar]

Oct 16, 2011 7:56:21 GMT -5 RadTech said:

Congrats Theresa! I hope you don't have the same problem I have with my 886.

Hi Rich,

You talked to me in the past and asked some advice, but I couldn't help you out...

Did you talk to Bill (billmac), and/or moovtune?
If not please do so.

Cheers,
Bob

P.S. And you can simply explain the issue you are experiencing with your 886 right here in this thread.
You never know who else might read and find the right solution to your Onkyo 886's issue.
And besides, we all love to learn more...

[NorthStar]

And Yes Theresa, the 5508 uses six (6) TI Burr-Brown PCM-1795 32-bit/192kHz stereo DACs.

You know, Bruce mentioned the Oppo BDP-95 Universal 3D Blu-ray player before.
That player is in the Recommended SACD, DVD-A, & CD players & Transports & Music Servers section of the last issue of Stereophile.
And it is in the Highest rating section too; Class A+ with $$$ sign right next to it, meaning that this product performs much better than expected for its price.

It is in the same Class A+ rating as the dCS Scarlatti; four-box system with a $79,996 price tag!

==> The Oppo BDP-95 ($999) was reviewed in Stereophile's September 2011 issue.
Quote: "The Oppo BDP-95 universal disc player deserves consideration by serious audiophiles."
Kal sums up "an outstanding value in a universal player."

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Now, here's some quotes on the Onkyo 5508 and Marantz 7005 pre/pros:

* Integra DHC-80.2 pre/pro (equivalent to the 5508; Class A):

"The Integra DHC-80.2 redefines value in a multichannel preamplifier-processor for the serious music lover or home-theater fan," said KR.

- And Kal prefers it to his own Integra DTC-9.8 pre/pro. Not only for the multitude of useful and beneficial sounding features added, including the latest version of Audyssey MultEQ XT32, and two HDMI outputs version 1.4 with 3D capability plus ARC (Audio Return Channel), and two USB inputs, and two subwoofer outputs, and eight HDMI inputs (all v1.4), and a Universal port for an iPod dock or HDRadio tuner module, and network connectivity, and etc., etc., etc., but he also did find that the DHC-80.2 (PR-SC5508) had a more dynamic, better-balanced sound, with a fuller midrange and improved transparency.
And it is in the Class A section of Recommended Surround Sound Processors with that $$$ sign next to it.
And it is in the same Class A section as the Anthem Statement D2v2 ($8,999) where Kal after reviewing it, said: "For Music I preferred the Audyssey's silky smoothness and harmonic integration, to Anthem's ARC (Anthem Room Correction)."

Also in that same Class A section, you have the Krell Evolution 707 pre/pro ($30,000).
And Meridian Reference 861 pre/pro ($18,995).

==> The DHC-80.2 Pre/pro was reviewed in July and September 2011 (Stereophile mags).


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* Marantz AV7005 pre/pro (Class B):

"Despite its slightly forward overall balance, the AV7005 had a clean, exciting sound, and was particularly impressive with hi-rez FLAC files. It's hard to fault the Marantz AV7005 for sound, appearance, or ergonomics," KR concluded.

John Iverson also like its Pure Direct audio mode, which disables everything not needed to send the signal out the back (including shutting off all video circuits and front panel lights).
This is the perfect preamp for a system that does double duty for audiophile music and HD movies.

* {The Onkyo PR-SC5508 Pre/pro has that exact same 'Pure Audio' mode feature, which does exactly the same!}

==> The AV7005 Pre/pro was reviewed in March 2011 (Stereophile mag).

[RadTech]

First off let me say that things break I understand it happens. I also don't want to discourage Theresa or others by my comments. This is just what happened with my Onkyo and I'm not flaming the company. YMMV! My 886 is an older brother to the 5508 in this thread. Mine was purchased refurbished from accessories4less in April of 2010 via Paypal. I believe I paid about $1000. Could have been more , I would have to check.

I would just send theresa a PM but maybe someone reading this will spot something I missed.

I'm having resolution issues with my 886. I can't get a consistent picture through my 886 with it's resolution set to anything but 1080i or less. Through, Auto, Source and 1080p only produce static. My two sources are a PS3 and a cable box. Then the 886 to my Panasonic 54G10. All via HDMI. I've contacted Onkyo and the phone support was of no real help. It was outsourced and the gentlemen just kept reading from the manual. I 've sent them several E mails regarding this over the last 6 months because that's how long it takes for them to respond. If they responded at all. They basically quoted parts of the manual so once again, no real help. I have tried trouble shooting it myself. I've studied the manual, did a reset, swapped cables, inputs/outputs, different displays. I checked all settings on all devices, checked for FW/SW updates and read as much as I can about the unit ie. AVS , Bluray, various forums. I've yet to post this else where as I'm under the belief that the 886 is the issue. When the components are connected directly to the TV there are no issues. I have written just about every forum member I know here and elsewhere that could shed light on this situation. At this point most people say including Onkyo that they don't know or it is a HDMI board issue. I spoke to a service center and the board is $700. So, I live with it because I can't afford to replace it right now. I don't think I'll repair it either because I don't think I could sell the unit for that much. The unit is only a year and half old so I just didn't expect this to happen so soon if at all. I'll keep it until I find the funds and the upgrade bug is biting me. After dealing with Onkyo CS it makes you appreciate a company like Emo. I will say that I've never had to deal with Onkyo CS in the past because I've never had an issue with any of their products that I've owned in the past 20 years. In fact my roommate has one of my older units and it works to this day. I know I hear it everyday after he gets home from work.

[Deleted]

I've had lemons too. NAD, Pioneer, Sherwood, and others. I have my finger's crossed as there are a lot of posts out there from those with problems with their Onkyo's. I feel as if this might be a mistake.

[NorthStar]

Rich, it does sound like an HDMI board issue; sorry friend.

Theresa, if you find an electronic company without any issues, please let me know.
And that includes Marantz, Krell, Denon, McIntosh, NAD, Sherwood Newcastle, Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, Cary, Ayre, Lexicon, Anthem, and all of them.

[RadTech]

Oct 16, 2011 18:06:16 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

Rich, it does sound like an HDMI board issue; sorry friend.

Theresa, if you find an electronic company without any issues, please let me know.
And that includes Marantz, Krell, Denon, McIntosh, NAD, Sherwood Newcastle, Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, Cary, Ayre, Lexicon, Anthem, and all of them.

C'est la vie ! Right Bob. ;D

I have already started saving for my next pre/pro. We'll see what the future brings and I hope I have better luck.

[billmac]

Oct 14, 2011 16:08:52 GMT -5 moovtune said:

But you can get a tweaked one here. - www.upgradecompany.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&product_id=2&category_id=6&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=61

No offense but why are you pushing the The Upgrade Company? Do you own any of their products? Without giving my personal opinion of TUC anyone interested in them should read through this thread from AVS.

www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1198719

Bill

[Deleted]

Yes I read that. I refrained from commenting about the recommendations for them. I think it's a risky proposition to have anyone unconnected with the manufacturer "upgrade" a unit, especially one with such a poor reputation.

[billmac]

Oct 16, 2011 17:25:10 GMT -5 RadTech said:

First off let me say that things break I understand it happens. I also don't want to discourage Theresa or others by my comments. This is just what happened with my Onkyo and I'm not flaming the company. YMMV! My 886 is an older brother to the 5508 in this thread. Mine was purchased refurbished from accessories4less in April of 2010 via Paypal. I believe I paid about $1000. Could have been more , I would have to check.

I would just send theresa a PM but maybe someone reading this will spot something I missed.

I'm having resolution issues with my 886. I can't get a consistent picture through my 886 with it's resolution set to anything but 1080i or less. Through, Auto, Source and 1080p only produce static. My two sources are a PS3 and a cable box. Then the 886 to my Panasonic 54G10. All via HDMI. I've contacted Onkyo and the phone support was of no real help. It was outsourced and the gentlemen just kept reading from the manual. I 've sent them several E mails regarding this over the last 6 months because that's how long it takes for them to respond. If they responded at all. They basically quoted parts of the manual so once again, no real help. I have tried trouble shooting it myself. I've studied the manual, did a reset, swapped cables, inputs/outputs, different displays. I checked all settings on all devices, checked for FW/SW updates and read as much as I can about the unit ie. AVS , Bluray, various forums. I've yet to post this else where as I'm under the belief that the 886 is the issue. When the components are connected directly to the TV there are no issues. I have written just about every forum member I know here and elsewhere that could shed light on this situation. At this point most people say including Onkyo that they don't know or it is a HDMI board issue. I spoke to a service center and the board is $700. So, I live with it because I can't afford to replace it right now. I don't think I'll repair it either because I don't think I could sell the unit for that much. The unit is only a year and half old so I just didn't expect this to happen so soon if at all. I'll keep it until I find the funds and the upgrade bug is biting me. After dealing with Onkyo CS it makes you appreciate a company like Emo. I will say that I've never had to deal with Onkyo CS in the past because I've never had an issue with any of their products that I've owned in the past 20 years. In fact my roommate has one of my older units and it works to this day. I know I hear it everyday after he gets home from work.

Radtech,

I have the 886 and can not check to see if I have the same issue as my plasma is only 768p. You should try posting on AVS if you are a member in the 886 thread outlining the issue you are having. If you are not a member I would be glad to post on your behalf to try to find a solution. I would think if it was the HDMI board you would have no video at all as I find it odd that it works with the resolution set below 1080i. I agree 100% that I would not even consider spending $700.00 to repair the 886 when that is about the current value. Luckily I have never had to deal with Onkyo support but it is as you experienced not very good to put it nicely.

Bill

[Deleted]

One big thing that Emo has going for it is great customer support. Support seems to have gotten very poor during this recession and the tsunami in Japan probably affected Onkyo as a Japanese company.

[billmac]

Oct 16, 2011 9:52:17 GMT -5 @theresa said:

Yes, Accessories4Less but had seen it on sale with free shipping yesterday morning. I've read a lot of that thread on AVS. There's a lot of buzz about the 5509 of course. I almost always buy last year's model. I certainly do not want to take away from Emotiva so I hope I'm not too out of line talking about this on here.

Theresa,

Congrats on buying the 5508 as it is an excellent prepro. If the 5508 has not shipped I would ask A4L if the serial cable that has been problematic has been replaced. If you have read the 5508 or the 80.2 threads over at AVS you have read that there is an issue with this cable. I believe what happens is the unit will start cycling between inputs with eventual loss of remote functions. Onkyo is replacing the cables even if the unit one owns is out of warranty.

I have had the 886 for almost two years and I have had no issues at all (knock on wood ). I will agree that with music the 886 is not as good as the UMC-1 using digital inputs or the CD analog input. But what I found recently that surprised me quite a bit is the 2CH SQ of the 886 when using the 5.1 analog input. I use the 7.1 analog output of my Oppo 83SE to the 886's 7.1 analog input for MCH SACD/DVD-As. But until recently had not tried the 7.1 analog input for 2CH music. When I compared the 2CH SQ of the 886 (using the 7.1 input) to my Parasound 2100 I could not tell the two apart .

I did the comparsion using Patricia Barber's Verse which is a reference quality 2CH SACD IMO (DSD setting). I can swap between the 2100 (Input 1) and the 886 (HT Bypass Input) with the push of a button which gives an instant no delay change. Once the volumes were matched (by ear) when I switched back and forth I could honestly not tell which was which. So when you get your 5508 I would suggest that you try connecting the stereo outputs of your CD player to the Rfront/Lfront 7.1 analog input to give it a try .

As far as the 5509 goes I think the 5508 is the better buy without a doubt. The 5509 at this time is not even available in the US and there are rumours that it will not be available at all. I don't understand why Onkyo would do this other than they are trying to push possible prepro buyers to the Integra 80.3. If that is the case and the 5509 will not be for sale in the US then it is a huge mistake IMO. The 80.3 is only available through select dealers and normally without much discount at all. So I would pass on the 80.3 and only consider the 5508 as a replacement for my 886. Although the XMC-1 and the Outlaw 978 are strong contenders as well .

Bill

[Deleted]

I sent an email asking about the serial cable.
I will risk getting flamed by 2 channel purists but I listen to everything stereo with DPL on. If I really got into 2 channel I would get a Emo analog pre-amp. Perhaps this will change as I've bought a lot of music from HDTracks that are high def. My system is supposedly limited by the miniDSPs used for the front channels which resample everything at 48k. I cannot tell that the miniDSPs are there though so its a theoretical difference that I don't let bother me.

[billmac]

Oct 17, 2011 7:58:19 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I will risk getting flamed by 2 channel purists but I listen to everything stereo with DPL on. If I really got into 2 channel I would get a Emo analog pre-amp. Perhaps this will change as I've bought a lot of music from HDTracks that are high def.

I tried 2CH music with DPII but it wasn't to my liking. But if you like it thats all that counts . If you do get into 2CH try my suggestion of using the 7.1 analog input of the 5508. You might be surprised.

My system is supposedly limited by the miniDSPs used for the front channels which resample everything at 48k. I cannot tell that the miniDSPs are there though so its a theoretical difference that I don't let bother me.

Once you have the 5508 in your system are you still going to use the miniDSPs? I would be curious as to how Audyssey XT32 compares to using the miniDSPs.

Bill

[Deleted]

I will be trying the miniDSPs as they are with Audyssey which is as crossovers and manual equalization. My L/C/R are actively crossed over by the miniDSPs, they will appear to Audyssey to be like any other speaker. I won't be running REW for room correction for the time being except perhaps to see what Audyssey has done.

[billmac]

Oct 17, 2011 8:32:02 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I will be trying the miniDSPs as they are with Audysey (sp?) which is as crossovers and manual equalization. My L/C/R are actively crossed over by the miniDSPs. I won't be running REW for room correction for the time being.

I'm sure that will work but I have zero knowledge about the miniDSPs. You could check the Audyssey setup guide in the first post of the Audyssey thread over at AVS. The setup guide is very informative as to how to do a proper calibration and mic placement.

www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=795421

Bill