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Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Last post Nov 05, 2008, 10:32 AM by Big Chris. (33 replies)
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Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 2:31 AM

Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Been listening to some music this evening and just wondered what mode most Onkyo listeners use when doing so? The way I see it, there are basically three modes for music listening on the Onkyo AV receivers - Stereo, Direct and Pure Audio and I've come to the conclusion over the last few weeks that one of them is sooo much better than the others.

Out of interest though, I wanted to know what other Onkyo owners thought?

Put away those fiery biscuits...

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Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 10:56 AM

128269

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Pure direct all the way for for me! its less agressive sounding to my ears! but then i guess the with a different room and different sources and speakers this could change. the only problem i have with pure direct is it cuts out the sub! be a bummer if you had satilites
pannasonic TH-46PZ85a-onkyo875-CA 840a-Rega r5-rega rvox-Quad 11L-svs sb12+-ps3-sony BDP550-roksan kandy mk111 cdp-enduring wife-beer-lots of cables!

Just like a pig pulling a cartload of sausages, Im drawing my own conclusion.

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 11:54 AM

128341

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Yes, Pure direct for me too.
Sony BDP-S760, Naim CD5i, Nait 5i, Chord Carnival Silverscreen, Sky HD, Onkyo TX-SR707, Sony KDS-55A2000, Monitor Audio Silver RS6 AV, Acer Aspire Revo R3610.

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 12:29 PM

128349

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Do you mean 'Direct' or 'Pure Audio'?
Sony KDL-32D3000 || Onkyo TX-SR605 || KEF KHT 3005 || Playstation 3 || Wii || Sky HD || iPod Classic 160gb || Onkyo DS-A2X Dock || 3x QED Qunex HDMI-P || 2x Chord Optichord || QED Qunex TTV || Chord Crimson || Chord Cobra 3 || QED Silver Anniversary XT

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 3:27 PM

128359

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

That would be Pure Audio using the stereo output from the player.
Sony BDP-S760, Naim CD5i, Nait 5i, Chord Carnival Silverscreen, Sky HD, Onkyo TX-SR707, Sony KDS-55A2000, Monitor Audio Silver RS6 AV, Acer Aspire Revo R3610.

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 5:02 PM

128411

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I find 'Studio-Mix' quite agreeable for most CDs.  Anyone else tried it?

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 6:37 PM

128269

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I use  2 Channel Stereo and sometimes All Channel Stereo mode so that all my 7.1 speakers will function.
Samsung PS50Q97HDX|Infocus IN76|Onkyo TX-SR806|Camb.Audio 640C v2|Sony BDP S360|PS3|Wii LE|SKY+ HD Box|Mordaunt-Short Avant 908i frnt,905i cntr,904i surr,MS302 surr back|MJ Acoustics Pro 50 MKII|Toshiba HD-E1|QED S.A.XT biwire|Tacima CS929.

Posted on Sep 13, 2008, 9:18 PM

128501

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Controversial I know, but I turn it off. And use the HiFi.
Not a Hifi nut, but...has a whole bunch of Nads.

Posted on Sep 14, 2008, 12:55 AM

128549

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I always  listen in pure direct mode. I find it has a more refined range, without any frequency in particularly standing out (for an av amp). Stereo and direct sound the same, both airing on the bright side.
B & W 684 theater, Onkyo 605, NAIM CD 5i, Samsung LE32R, PS3, Qed Silver anniversary XT and Chord Silver HDMI

Posted on Sep 14, 2008, 10:18 AM

128638

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I would have expected Pure Audio to sound the best, but surprisingly Direct Audio wins to my ears. It reproduces a bit more depth and sparkle plus a noticeably wider soundstage, Pure Audio is a bit Denon, i.e. safe sounding. Stereo mode sounds awful!
Pioneer PDP-LX5090 | Yamaha DSP-Z7 (LM4562 opamps) | Oppo BDP-83 | Virgin V+ | DacMagic (Burson opamps) | Media PC | Proac Studio 140's + Studio Centre | KEF HTS2001.2 rears | BK XLS300/PR sub | QED Revelation | LAT AC-2 | Logitech Harmony 1

Posted on Sep 14, 2008, 1:21 PM

128688

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

Actually, I've just tried 'Direct' and think I prefer it.  How about you, ProfessorHat?

Posted on Sep 14, 2008, 2:20 PM

128341

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I have the Onkyo 606  with Kef 2002.2 and you are spot on Garethwd.Pure and direct sound awful without the sub.Might as well be coming from  next doors window through a toilet pan.Depending on the music,all channel stereo sounds good and wholesome,studiomix also is good for certain types, and last nights proms sounded pretty good on orchestra.


 


 


 


 

Always borrow money from pessimists-they do not expect it back.

Posted on Sep 16, 2008, 12:19 PM

128750

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

All very interesting! Actually, for me, Stereo wins out - Pure Audio I find is too clinical and, although Direct isn't too bad, Stereo just seems to add a lot more emotion into the music. The other modes seem to lose the heart and therefore the point of the music from where I'm coming from. Maybe it's not hi-fi I'm looking for I guess, but then it is an AV receiver!

One man's poison though and all that!

Put away those fiery biscuits...

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Posted on Sep 16, 2008, 12:58 PM

129396

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I've changed my mind again and am sticking with 'Studio Mix', as I found I lost detail with the other modes.  How much do you think you'd have to spend on a stereo amp in order to top the Onkyo's (875) musical performance?

Posted on Sep 16, 2008, 5:27 PM

129412

Re: Onkyo owners... Just wondering...

I like stereo best for stereo sources but I often use stero surround on programs with no surround eg some football matches.
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