AV receiver decision - Onkyo 875 or Yamaha 863

[admin_exported]

Hi All,

I'm looking to purchase a HD surround amp in the near future. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a refurbished Onkyo 875 for 500 or trying to source a new Yamaha 863. I'm assuming both have a full set of preouts? I'm intending to use my stereo amp to drive the front left and right channels.

What opinions do people have regards the best purchase? My main worry with the Onkyo is that I have heard the have a tendancy to run hot - I have no AV rack and it will therefore be in a stack of equipment with a stereo amp, cd player and ps3; would overheating be an issue?

Any other suggestion would be greatfully received,

Thanks

James

 

[margetti]

Can't comment on the Yamaha, but the Onkyo will certainly do the trick - it's a great amp. That said, you will definitely need a rack I'm afraid - it needs at least 3-4 inches clear air above it - preferrably more - it runs VERY hot.ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Yes the Onkyo 875 runs hot, that is because it is what many Audiophiles regard as the best of amp designs, which is 'Full Class A'

They are a very inefficient (hence the heat) but give a high end performance on music. For the price they can be bought at now they are a bargain IMHO.

Have a look at class A stereo amps and see how much they cost, the likes of Sugden, Boulder for instance.

 

[Anonymous]

The Onkyo 875 is a monster of an AV amp and would be my choice between the two. I own one by the way, and absolutely love it.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice - I followed it and managed to get an 876 for a good price. Now that I have solved a ground loop problem, I am delighted with the quality. I'm astonised at just how big a jump HD audio is over DD/DTS.

I do have a couple of questions though regarding video and upscaling:

1. I'm connecting my Freeview PVR through the amp - a Humax 9200T. I'm using a SCART to s-video lead which my friend assures me will provide better quality than an RCA connection. Is this right? I'm using an optical link for sound.

2. I'm somewhat underwhelmed by the upscaling of the freeview box. I've tried it on 720p, 1080p and pass through and can't really see the difference. Am I blind? I have a Toshiba 37" Z3030 - is there anyway to make this TV display on screen what signal it is receiving i.e. 720p/1080i etc.? I know Sony TV's do this, but can't figure it out on mine.

Thanks in advance for any shedding of light!

 

[PIPPI]

I read the original review of the yammy in Whf and they said the yammy had better sound qaulity over the onkyo.

 

[PIPPI]

Ask claire.