One of the nicest new models to come out relatively recently is the Onkyo TX-RZ1100, which, at 9.2 channels, doesn't have the same 11.2 channel array as the TX-RZ3100 THX-Certified, but boasts nearly identical features in almost every aspect. That includes particularly high-quality digital-to-analog conversion at 384 kHz and 32 bits. Of course, there are simpler models than these for anyone looking to either spend less money in the first place or keep their setup confined to a single zone in the 5.1 tradition. Something like the TX-SR494 Hi-Res is ideal for this, though it does have fewer inputs than many other models, and neither HDMI nor USB located on the front panel. We also updated the previous list's CD player to their newer CS-265 Home Audio. This does a good job recognizing rewritable CD formats while providing you with a simple audio solution for small spaces like bedroom or offices. Its speakers are mid-range at best, however, so don't expect to hook this up as your primary home theater setup. If you're in the market for an Onkyo receiver, the company has most likely won your loyalty, whether through past experience or at the recommendation of a credible authority.
Determining what kind of receiver is best for you depends upon what kind of audio/video setup you'll be using it for. If you're only using your receiver to power a pair of bookshelf speakers, and you don't expect to expand into a home-entertainment system, then it's not necessary to consider A/V (audio/video) models. Most of these support five-, seven-, or nine-channel setups for surround-sound purposes. If you just want a receiver to reproduce audio - from a turntable or your laptop, for example - your needs will be met best by a stereo receiver. However, slowly, even stereo receivers are beginning to feature video capabilities, such as our #9 choice, the TX-8270, so it's good to know that the option to connect your stereo speakers to your television does exist with a model like this. If you're an audiophile like me and care about cd sound quality, you owe it to yourself to check out the Onkyo DX-C390 cd player.If you are looking to wire a multi-channel, surround-sound system, your options will vary in accordance with the number of speakers you want to set up. I promise you won't be disappointed!Īnyway, I'm finished gushing. If you're an audiophile like me and care about cd sound quality, you owe it to yourself to check out the Onkyo DX-C390 cd player. That AccuPulse d/a converter Onkyo uses really must be something!Īnyway, I'm finished gushing.
I'm not saying that the little Onkyo (referring to price not size.) betters those expensive players in all areas, the Sony for example had greater solidity and went deeper in the bass, the Denon had more treble detail, etc., but for $200 you get a player that spreads its strenghts evenly across the board and has no obvious weakness! Remarkable for any cd player, much less one as inexpensive as this. I can honestly say that overall this $200 Onkyo sounds as good as any of them. I've owned several high-end cd players including a Sony X77ES (retail $1700), a Rotel 970BX (retail $600), a Denon DCD-3000 (retail $1200) just to name a few. I'm hearing things on my cd's that I didn't know were there! Wow! This is the best cd sound I've had in my system for ages! The bass goes deep and bounces along joyously! The treble is delicate and non-fatiquing. I'm not saying that the little Onkyo (referring to price not size.) betters those expensive players in all. I can honestly say that overall this 200 Onkyo sounds as good as any of them. I normally don't buy those extended warranties but I am glad I did for this CD player because 6th Ave has to keep me supplied with a CD player for the next 3 years now. I've owned several high-end cd players including a Sony X77ES (retail 1700), a Rotel 970BX (retail 600), a Denon DCD-3000 (retail 1200) just to name a few. I paid 170 for the CD changer and then 30 for the extended warranty. Otherwise, stay away from Onkyo and 6th Ave, both for quality and service. I will give this CD player 1 star because I remember liking it when I first had it. I am very dissapointed with the company for thelength of time that it took to fix it, but also the quality of the CD player. It took over 9 months to get this CD player fixed. The CD player should be the last thing to break in a system. Maybe it was how it was fixed, but this CD player is not cutting it for me. Now that I have gotten it fixed, it is a very obnoxious CD player because I can always hear the CDs changing or the CDs while they are playing. It took so long to get the player fixed that I can't remember how it sounded when I first got it. I can't quite remember how it sounded, but I remember that I liked it when I first had it. My particular CD player worked for roughly a month before saying "NO DISC" every time I tried to use it.