PICK ONE... ONKYO 805 or MARANTZ 8001

The biggest difference between the two is that the Onkyo 805 will decode Dolby Digital HD, DTS HD Master and uncompressed PCM. The 805 also has digital room correction eq wich many believe is a huge improvement in sound especially for mid-fi.

Marantz has a better reputation for sound quality mainly due to their reference series. I would bet the difference in sound would would quite small in their mid-fi gear. I am not sure about the 8001 but the 8002 does have an oversized power supply wich could be benificial for hard to drive speakers or while driving 5 to 7 speakers at high levels.

I would get the Onkyo with an external amp.

I have the 805 and like it a lot. To my knowledge the 805 is a current model, but it's true that you can find them discounted. Previous to the 805 I used a Rotel 1066 processor with a Rotel 1075 amp and, honestly, I don't miss the Rotel at all. The Onkyo is a piece of cake to set up and the functionality is great. I have three HDMI cables running into the Onkyo and one out to my display, so that's 4 cables instead of the 25 or so I had in my prior setup. The unit does run a little hot, so you'll need a few inches clearance overhead. I will point out that I use the Onkyo almost exclusively for HT duties, so I can't honestly comment on its music only abilities. The Marantz and Denon receivers historically have a better reputation for their DAC quality, but the Onkyo is definitely comparable for a lot less money. As mentioned, go over to AVS forums and you should find plenty of info.

Thanks folks... thanks a lot.

I must be a numbers geek when I’m in any way doubtful on a project… that said, the Onkyo 805 supports more digital source material than does the Marantz 8001.

Onkyo does 1.3A HDMI….. the Marantz is but 1.2 HDMI… a minor deal at best as the difference is the replay of DSD & video upsampling non protected (encrypted), I think, via HDMI.

I do find it sort of funny that I’m worried about the video processing and/or up sampling… I sure can’t see it. haha

Can’t swing the TX SR875’s additional $600. i’ve other plans.

Between the MARANTZ & ONKYO… the price diff is about $160.00, the Marantz being the higher of the two.

The overall use will be quite intermittent and very, very seldom… perhaps 2hr – 6hr per week. Maybe more during the NFL season.

The express use will be for video applications. Movies. Some TV music specials. Austin city Limits, jazz channel, Crossroads, PBS, etc. The ultimate display will be a projector…down the road and surely a 1080P capable one. Now it will be a 720P/1080I 61” RP.

I’ll attain speakers with 90db or higher. Likely additional Silverlines though for rears only I’d think, and run a ghost center ch. So as to not muck up the landscape. Geography is at a premium hereabouts.

No additional amp will be purchased, if I can avoid it.

A sub will be employed.

Sources will be an Oppo HD DVD multi format player and an HD cable box… and maybe video tape.

Connections will be via HDMI as much as possible.

I’ve heard of the heat thing on the Onkyo… though not the noise issues.

I also agree with another poster here, that Marantz’s mid fi line up isn’t a hands down way ahead safe and clear bet. It/they are just another one in the mix.

As I’ve related here… I’ve been very happy with my Sony 444es AV 110wpc 5.1 gizmo for going on 8 years now. (with longer rear spkr wire runs however, higher eff speakers and heavier wire is required).

I’m thinking either of these two here are a nice step up from the es receiver. BTW the Sony ain’t the coolest running unit either.

Maybe I ought to just get the one that weighs the most.

I saw the Onkyo 805 at J&R Music World on sale at $799...no tax, and free shipping.

The system I setup a few months back, (mentioned above)...had Onkyo 805, Oppo digital sacd/dvd audio/video player, Sanyo projector, NHT Classic 3's and 2's for speakers, Hsu subwoofer...it sounded (and looked) very nice.

Dave

Sogood51

Thanks much.... What you did is about what I'll be doing too... but different speakers & sub.