• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Onkyo TX-8211 problems

burgerbob

burgerbob

Well-Known Member
I just picked up an Oink 8211. It's great- it sounds way better than my Sony STR, looks good, can do 4ohm speakers, the whole shebang.

However, there's something wrong with the outputs- if the volume is low (not mute), then the speakers won't kick in. I have to really hit the volume to get them to kick in.

Now that I've run it for a few hours, the channels aren't working either- on the A speakers, the left channel cuts out, and on B the opposite. Edit: It also switches from left to right, so not necessarily what I said previously.

It worked fine for a few hours. What could be the problem?

I only spent 15 dollars on it, so if it's trash, I'll be sad but not out all of my savings. :no:

Input is from a Realistic EQ (usually bypassed, only listened with it on for maybe an hour out of five), then from a DAC.

Output is two Polk 8ohm bookshelf speakers or two Advent III bookshelf speakers, also 8 ohm, always separately.

All of this at moderate listening levels- I played it loud for a little bit, but nothing happened then. The problem really surfaced with choral music at moderate volume.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
burgerbob said:
I just picked up an Oink 8211. It's great- it sounds way better than my Sony STR, looks good, can do 4ohm speakers, the whole shebang.

However, there's something wrong with the outputs- if the volume is low (not mute), then the speakers won't kick in. I have to really hit the volume to get them to kick in.

Now that I've run it for a few hours, the channels aren't working either- on the A speakers, the left channel cuts out, and on B the opposite. Edit: It also switches from left to right, so not necessarily what I said previously.

It worked fine for a few hours. What could be the problem?

I only spent 15 dollars on it, so if it's trash, I'll be sad but not out all of my savings. :no:

Input is from a Realistic EQ (usually bypassed, only listened with it on for maybe an hour out of five), then from a DAC.

Output is two Polk 8ohm bookshelf speakers or two Advent III bookshelf speakers, also 8 ohm, always separately.

All of this at moderate listening levels- I played it loud for a little bit, but nothing happened then. The problem really surfaced with choral music at moderate volume.
Click to expand...

I don't know what's wrong, but mine has always had a bit of a balance issue at low volumes until I crank it a little and dial it back down...then all is well. I'm the original owner and have had it for 15-16 years now. Its like it needs to put out a little juice to get it going.
 
Isn't that a big problem though?

I think I'll open it up and see if anything needs to be cleaned or looks fried.
 
Looks like it needs some cleaning of switches/pots.
Also, bypass equalizer (not the button but the whole unit) and plug directly to see if it behaves the same.
 
burgerbob said:
Isn't that a big problem though?

I think I'll open it up and see if anything needs to be cleaned or looks fried.
Click to expand...

Well for me its driving a tertiary system so its quark doesn't really bother me. I guess I could open it up and clean it to see if the issue goes away, but it's been like that so long I've just accepted it as "normal" operation for said unit.
 
It likely needs the relay contacts cleaned. I believe signal switching is electronic on this so nothing there to clean.
 
I just cleaned the left (looking from the back) relay. I'm going to test it soon, see if it makes a difference. It didn't look dirty or anything but I have no idea.
 
I cleaned the one relay, but it didn't seem to make a difference. This is with 6ohm speakers, no EQ. So I cleaned the other one and the first one again to see if there's a difference.

Is this the only diagnosis? It looks almost pristine on the inside. Not even dust.
 
if you have a multimeter set it on at least 100v dc and measure between both left speaker outs then the right .. if not much reading go down in volts ...expected is up to 80mv or so .. good reading would be 0mv . in case you don't know this is checking the dc offset .
sorry if you know this but i was bored and wrote it just in case ..
 
petehall347 said:
if you have a multimeter set it on at least 100v dc and measure between both left speaker outs then the right .. if not much reading go down in volts ...expected is up to 80mv or so .. good reading would be 0mv . in case you don't know this is checking the dc offset .
sorry if you know this but i was bored and wrote it just in case ..
Click to expand...

I didn't know that!

So to measure that, I still have the speakers hooked up and I measure it at the speaker connectors?

I'll have to wait a bit, I'm waiting for contact cleaner to dry.
 
Well, I cleaned the contacts (cleaner+paper towel) and it's working great! Speakers come on at lowest volume level and no channel problems yet.

Thanks everyone, I was really looking forward to using this receiver!
 
prighello said:
Glad to hear you got it figured out...sounds like mine is due for a cleaning too.
Click to expand...

Pretty easy fix. Hardest part was getting the plastic covers off the relays! I eventually broke one just a little. No damage to the relays, but jesus they don't make it easy.
 
One more question, guys.

Is it safe to leave the covers off the speaker relays? Taking them off is nerve-wracking and I skewed one of them last time. Is there some chance of a short?

I understand if I need to keep them on.

Thanks!
 
The cleaning is only temporary, the relays need to be replaced. The contacts are gold plated and once the gold wears off they start to oxidize. Cleaning might last a month. In this receiver you probably have to pull the whole main board to get to the bottom to de- solder the relays and replace them. Or you can go with Plan B. With a Dremel tool and a cut off wheel you can cut a hole in the bottom panel under the relays for access. Save the piece of steel that comes out. If you turn it slightly it will cover the hole and you can solder it back in place. You may have to scrape off the plating on the metal to be able to solder it.
 
Alright. I might just end up cleaning them often until I get a more permanent setup. And yes, I'll have to take out the main board to get to them.

Not that I'm qualified for any such repair, of course!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom