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We were thrilled. So for our 2009 Christmas present we purchased this Onkyo receiver from Amazon. True, there's no loudness function but we don't need it. Whoa.
And all this for around $210. Our bookshelf Bose speakers came to life as we hadn't heard them in years. Crisp, clean sound, fabulous bass. Like so many other reviewers, we had a stereo receiver/amp that was 20-plus years old (a JVC) that had finally given up the ghost (the left channel periodically cut out, static-y sound, the LCD display was becoming illegible, etc). Rather than ship the whole receiver back for a swap, we just called up Onkyo parts and ordered a new remote ($14). and bass treble controls), and its heavy duty power amplifier unit (weighs several pounds) that cranks out analog sound that has the warmth of a good LP vinyl recording.
Plus, we found the FM receiver section really pulls in the stations. We're really having fun listening to music again, especially our old LP's.
It arrived in four days, worked great. Hooked it up inside of 15 minutes, put on a Best of Loggins & Messina CD, and let 'er rip.
Heck of a deal. Felt like we had just bought a whole new stereo system.
What we like about this receiver is, it's unpretentious, with straightforward controls (we like the old-fashioned big knob vol. The only temporary glitch we encountered was the remote arrived DOA.
So, highest recommendation, especially for the price.
I was glad to see that there are still some two-channel stereo receivers that aren't home theater setups. I had to get a flashlight out to read all the controls. Having 40 radio presets is also nice, and a large volume KNOB, not volume buttons, is fantastic. I just wish the controls had bigger buttons and much bigger labels with more contrast. The buttons are black on a black faceplate and the printed labels, though white, are washed out and in about 8 point type. I wish designers would pay more attention to the ergonomics of electronics.
It includes remote, batteries, AM and FM antenna and all the input jacks I will ever need and more - including Phono. Set up was simple, sound is crisp and clear - much clearer than my television and this is important since my hearing is not great so increasing the volume on my TV is not a perfect solution.
I use a simple 2-speaker setup so I did not need surround sound. My 12 year old Technics Receiver died and I was looking for a replacement.
I ordered it with free Shipping from Amazon on Thursday and it arrived 2 days later, Saturday. All I wanted was a Receiver that delivered superior sound to my 32" television - and of course a radio and CD., and I didn't want to spend a fortune.
I checked the reviews on Amazon for various receivers and found this highly rated model in the price range I wanted for the features I needed. The only slight nit is there the bass is not that deep but for the money it is exactly what I needed.
If you do not plan to pump out ultra loud music and don't need surround sound this is a great deal and a quality product that will not disappoint.
He needed a simple button oriented design (a lot of receivers now have one button doing too many functions) The onkyo was just straightforward for him to understand. Hopefully those shopping for a receiver know this has a builtin amplifier for support of a turntable to be played. This was the driving factor for me. I chose this over the Sony or Yamaha or Sherwood because of the simplicity of the design. I needed this for the 80 year old uncle of mine who i was getting this for. At the same time the unit has a very solid feel and look. The sound is great and for well under $200 is a great value.
This Onkyo is an amazing deal for under $200. Terrific value for the money. It has good sound (though not amazing), and tons of features despite its "basic" description, at least compared to the audio components I bought way back when (pre-1990). Although an audiophile in my younger days, I've gotten cheap in this area as time goes on. We needed to replace an old, great-sounding, tag-sale-bought Denon that we primarily use for DVD sound but which had developed problems. Amazon delivered with free shipping in 3 days. If you're looking for something "simple" (compared to the home theater variety of receivers), this is a good bet.
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