A dud by Onkyo - Avoid along with the higher model TX-DS898
Written: Sep 05 '02
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Pros: 6.1 receiver with famed Onkyo name; feature-rich; 7.1 pre-outs, but only 6 channels are powered
Cons: Seriously flawed design, speaker clicking noises, audio dropout problems; terrible warranty
The Bottom Line: Terrible, flawed design with defective processing chip(s). Do not buy refurbished or used units or "B-stock" units. Buy only new with factory warranty but better yet, avoid totally.
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| spacecad's Full Review: Onkyo TX-DS797 6.1 Channels Receiver |
I checked some reviews before my purchase of the Onkyo TX-DS797 receiver. Onkyo has an excellent reputation for higher end audio components. This unit is a subject of a sterling review on CNET and I bought a used unit to save some money. Unfortunately, the warranty only covers the original owner - the warranty is not transferable to subsequent purchasers so I had to pay out of my own pocket to have the unit repaired because of clicking noises or static noises emanating from the speakers when I was using the receiver in surround mode.
This receiver (and the higher end TX-DS989) has a flawed sound processing chip causing clicking noises in the speaker. Sometimes, people describe the noise as sounding like a woodpecker. Nonetheless, it is a very noticable noise and annoying to say the least. When I had my unit repaired in Aug/02, there were at least five other units in the repair shop for replacement of the same integrated circuit and the installation of a choke coil. Those owners were luckier than me because they had warranty coverage. Please note that my price described in this review does NOT include the cost of repairs which was an extra $100.00.
The noise from the speakers is an extremely common problem with this receiver. Onkyo even has a repair kit for this problem. The technician said that sometimes some units don't exhibit this problem but also said that some units have the problem appear some months later after the purchase. Unless you are going to have an ironclad factory guarantee/warranty, do not purchase this receiver. A lot of places selling on the internet are selling gray-market receivers with their own in-store warranties but not with factory warranties. Make sure the seller is an authorized dealer with a factory warranty if you feel you must buy this receiver. The internet prices seem to be quite low for this receiver and I suspect that those units are B-stock or returned units that do not have the upgraded IC's installed in them.
I should add that there is another problem with this receiver; many of the newer dolby digital 5.1 encoded disks such as Pearl Harbour, Jurasic Park, Atlantis, etc. experience serious sound dropouts during playback. This problem does not appear when playing DTS encoded disks. Onkyo says that the problem is with Dolby labs and not with Onkyo. Onkyo's website Onkyousa.com describes this problem.
I regret making this purchase and I feel I would have been happier with the older (and cheaper) Onkyo 787 model which does not experience the above problems. The higher end Onkyo TX-DS898 has been replaced with the "TX-DS898 version 2" model to correct the above defects. I suspect a version 2 of this receiver will surface soon. This receiver is feature-rich and if you are still inclined to purchase this receiver, I would suggest you hold out for "version 2" of this product.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 650
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Epinions.com ID:
spacecad
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Reviews written: 1
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