Onkyo 708 as good as 608 & 808....?!?

[rana_kirti]

The Onkyo 608 and 808 have been declared World Champions in their respective price category. They are the Reigning, Defending, Undisputed Masters over other AVR's in their price class.

I'm looking at the 708 as it has multeq and i dont need the extra zone features and power of 808. But i cant find any reviews of the 708.

So can i assume that the 708 is as good as it's brothers....?!?

Very confused... Thanks

 

[rana_kirti]

Clare..... Andrew.......

Please guide......

Thanks

 

[professorhat]

Whilst you can't assume it, it's very likely that the 708 borrows the same technology as it's little and big brother respectively. However, that doesn't mean that one of the receivers from the other manufacturers does not outperform it in that price bracket - the only way to be sure is to go and have a listen!

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

rana_kirti,

Expect the 708 to be better than the 608 but not as good as the 808.

I have found this to be accurate along the model range when I owned the 605, 705, 805 and now the 875. As you go higher, it gets better. That is my experience at least with Onkyo.

Improvements across the board will be evident as we move up the model range simply because that is the way it was intended to be - the higher price leads to better quality components, features, functionalities etc.

Seeing that both the 608 and 808 currently lead the pack in it's respective price category, I'd be surprised if the 708 turned out to be a lame duck!

Ronald

 

[rana_kirti]

ronald thanks,

how ever i've now dropped the option of 708. I'm looking at the Yamaha rx v1067 & 2067 as i think i'll prefer a little bit more detail of yamaha instead of more power/punch of onkyo.

 

[professorhat]

rana_kirti:how ever i've now dropped the option of 708. I'm looking at the Yamaha rx v1067 & 2067 as i think i'll prefer a little bit more detail of yamaha instead of more power/punch of onkyo.

Well, if you read the Group Test of AV receivers in the November issue, you'll see the Onkyo 808 ran against the Yamaha RX-V1067 and won. And if you read the review of that amp (here), it says:

"Previous Onkyo amps were like bouncers: big and brutish,with a gruff, uncompromising exterior." ... "But, 2010's range has so far revealed a fair few surprises, with the most spectacular being a new flavour of sound: it's spent less time power-lifting and more time in yoga class." ... "The 'NR808 displays power and subtlety in equal measure - and to fantastic effect."

So the idea that Onkyos are all about power and no detail is outdated in 2010's models and you may find it'll outperform the Yamaha in this aspect now. As I said before though, you really need to audition to find out.

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

rana_kirti:
ronald thanks,

how ever i've now dropped the option of 708. I'm looking at the Yamaha rx v1067 & 2067 as i think i'll prefer a little bit more detail of yamaha instead of more power/punch of onkyo.

I was just about to point out to you what the Prof already has about the Onkyo TX-R808. I think you really need to shortlist a couple of amps and hear these for yourself and then decide what works for you.

 

[rana_kirti]

my friend who hear both 708 & 1067 said this...

"The Onkyo gives a forceful feel to its projection - this doesn't mean it won't be good for all types of tv (you mention dramas, etc) but it means it is well suited to big action and if you like your movies loud and gutsy then it probably would be a good choice. What it misses is the finer detail - for instance i was demo'ing it with Die Hard 4 which had a scene with glass smashing - with the Onkyo you heard the glass smash but with the Yamaha and Pioneer you hear every single splinter hit the ground."

so i guess yamaha has more detail... ;-)

 

[bigboss]

You really have to demo a few systems yourself & see what's best for you. A lot of the receiver's capability also depends on the speakers. If the Yamaha was better in that particular setup, the Onkyo can be better with a different set of speakers.

And remember that it's your money. Buy what sounds better to YOU, & not your friend. We all have our individual listening preferences. What sounds good to me may not sound good to you.

We can only help you shortlist a few options to demo, not make the decision for you.