Onkyo PHA-1045 reviews?

TnA200

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Hello all,

I came across this system: Onkyo PHA-1045 on the Onkyo UK website, but can't find any reviews of it.

Is it so new that no one as tested it? Or has it just slipped under the WHF radar? Would love to know if anyone here has any experience with this system and how does it compre to other smaller/micro systems, the Marantz M-CR603 being one that springs to mind.

Thanks in advance!

TnA200
 
T

the record spot

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Ah! *Sees an opportunity*

Andrew, if you get the chance, could you ask them what the thinking was behind the TX-8050 and will they be following it up with a similar product or do they see that as more of a one-off? Also will they continue to support the product long term with new features, etc.? We've had two since launch (November & March).

Their two channel strategy is interesting. Some low end stuff, then straight up to the more beefy amps at £1000 & £1500 for two integrateds and then direct to their higher end pre/powers at £5k or so I think. Not checked the prices exactly but it's that kind of step up they're going for it seems.

Appreciate you'll be on the busy side, but if you did happen to get a chance to ask them, it'd be appreciated!

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Andrew Everard

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the record spot said:
Andrew, if you get the chance, could you ask them what the thinking was behind the TX-8050 and will they be following it up with a similar product or do they see that as more of a one-off?

I'm sure we're likely to be shown some new products, and I'd be very surprised if streaming capability wasn't an inherent part of any future thinking. But yes, if there are no obvious answers forthcoming, I'll ask the question.
 
A small additional comment about Onkyo in general.

Since RS's appraisal of the 8050 I've spoken to a couple of dealers (on phone) who stock this amp and others from the brand, and both suggested that although the products are very good, Onkyo do have an image problem, especially in the two-channel sector.

Not sure whether that's a true reflection, but certainly with me, when integrated amps or others from the brand are mentioned, Onkyo aren't at the top of the list for recommendations. Also, perhaps, there is a lack of dealers (main stream high street chains), which doesn't help.
 

Andrew Everard

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TnA200 said:
Have a good trip.

Thanks, will try to do so – though it's a lot of flying for only a day and a half of meetings, I'm sure it'll be informative.

That's if I ever finish writing all the Munich Show coverage by then, of course... :type:
 

simonlewis

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T

the record spot

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plastic penguin said:
A small additional comment about Onkyo in general.

Since RS's appraisal of the 8050 I've spoken to a couple of dealers (on phone) who stock this amp and others from the brand, and both suggested that although the products are very good, Onkyo do have an image problem, especially in the two-channel sector.

Not sure whether that's a true reflection, but certainly with me, when integrated amps or others from the brand are mentioned, Onkyo aren't at the top of the list for recommendations. Also, perhaps, there is a lack of dealers (main stream high street chains), which doesn't help.

I know what you mean PP; they're second to very none for the AV amps, which Hi Fi World regularly review in depth and Noel Keywood there rates them highly, for music as much as cinema.

Their two channel range is by and large also well reviewed, but the support of that sector seems inconsistent to my understanding of it. A few products drip-fed out over the last five years or so, but not in the same league as their AV amps. That said, their A-933 and I think its predecessor, the A9355 were both well rated. They use Class-D for a lot of their amps and that puts some people off with the supposed Marmite sound.

Of course, it needs an open mind and I needed that when I went for the 8050. Glad I did; in the setup below, it's part of a very impressive trio that punches well above its weight; clean, unfussy sound, very focused and boom-free. One of the most musical setups I've had I think, which is pretty good for the money paid. Just had the Stones Emotional Rescue album on (picked up first gen Canadian copy earlier today) which was a rare old treat.
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There have been digital integrated from Onkyo that received luke-warm reviews http://www.whathifi.com/review/onkyo-a-5vl. We know that reviews are a guideline but many people do look at reviews as the ultimate buying tool...

Can't comment personally on Onkyo stuff but, like Denon and Pioneer etc, I still see Onkyo as multi-channel specialists.

By the same token, if Leema produced a multi-channel reciever I'd definitely raise my eyebrows.

BTW, I agree about keeping an open mind but the average person, I believe, doesn't.

If the dealer gave a choice of a Rotel stereo or Onkyo, the majority of votes would go towards the south coast outfit. Not necessarily because Rotel are superior but because Onkyo are, comparatively speaking, unknown quantity in the stereo sector. Or maybe enigma is a better word.
 
T

the record spot

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Yes, and the same amp and CD pairing enjoyed a good four globe review in Hi Fi World from (I think) Steven Green at the time. While I agree that magazine reviews are but one person's opinion, they're not the defining article (no pun intended). And some two channel specialists toil when it comes to AV related gear - see NAD's 3-star attempts at turning out a Blu-ray player in the £500-800 mark in recent years for instance.

And Denon and Pioneer are multichannel specialists...? They've been knocking out stereo stuff for far longer!

http://www.badaweb.co.uk/denon/about.html

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Andrew Everard

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plastic penguin said:
If the dealer gave a choice of a Rotel stereo or Onkyo, the majority of votes would go towards the south coast outfit.

Surely Meguro is nearer the east coast than the south? Now Onkyo, there's a south coast outfit – along with Yamaha, Panasonic...
 
the record spot said:
Yes, and the same amp and CD pairing enjoyed a good four globe review in Hi Fi World from (I think) Steven Green at the time. While I agree that magazine reviews are but one person's opinion, they're not the defining article (no pun intended). And some two channel specialists toil when it comes to AV related gear - see NAD's 3-star attempts at turning out a Blu-ray player in the £500-800 mark in recent years for instance.

And Denon and Pioneer are multichannel specialists...? They've been knocking out stereo stuff for far longer!

http://www.badaweb.co.uk/denon/about.html

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Exactly my point (Nad is another example). Yes Pioneer used to be two-channel specialists, I owned one for 17 years, but they did go an awful long period where either the stereo side was largely ignored, or they just turned their attentions to surround sound. Emeriging a few years ago with a new AJ series of stereo amps. I was hoping they would update or expand the range. Again, since the 90s, AJ range the exception, their efforts have been, largely, with 2+2+1 plus. Pretty much the same with Denon.
 
Andrew Everard said:
plastic penguin said:
If the dealer gave a choice of a Rotel stereo or Onkyo, the majority of votes would go towards the south coast outfit.

Surely Meguro is nearer the east coast than the south? Now Onkyo, there's a south coast outfit – along with Yamaha, Panasonic...

Not unless they moved Worthing to the fars east. You missed one BTW: Exposure.
 

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