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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, Sky HD, Sony STRDA2400ES, Sony KDS-55A2000, Monitor Audio Silver RS6 AV, Chord Silver Aniversary, Chord Cameleon Silver Plus

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, Sky HD, Sony STRDA2400ES, Sony KDS-55A2000, Monitor Audio Silver RS6 AV, Chord Silver Aniversary, Chord Cameleon Silver Plus

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|Mordaunt-Short Avant 908i frnt,905i cntr,904i surr,MS302 surr back|2x MJ Acoustics Pro 50 MKII|SKY+ HD Box|Sony PS3|Toshiba HD-E1|Sony CDP-XE270|QED Silver Anniv.XT biwire|Tacima CS929 Mains Cond.

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 | Oppo BDP-83 | Virgin V+ | DacMagic (Burson Opamps) | Media PC | Proac Studio 140's + Studio Centre | 2 x KEF HTS2001.2 rears | BK XLS300/PR sub | QED Revelation | LAT AC-2 Mains | 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.


 


 


 


 

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

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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