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Stereo receiver, Onkyo

buckeye56

buckeye56

Active Member
I needed a replacement for my 1982 Technics receiver, as one of the speaker plugs is dead and no sound emits from any speaker plugged into it.

I ordered an Onkyo 8220 and it arrived yesterday. Sooooo disappointed. It's gigantic and takes up too much space. Haven't even bothered to set it up. The tuner knob is gigantic, the other buttons are push and I thought they were knobs. I will be returning this unit.

So I am looking for a pretty basic receiver to plug in my turntable and a DXD (I play CDs on it) player, and possibly be able to plug in my computer so I can listen to downloaded music. I don't want an AV system, don't wanna connect my TV to it, don't have separate amp or anything else. Less than $200.

I originally wanted to get the Onkyo 8020 that does not have bluetooth, then thought, eh, I'll live a little and get the one with bluetooth in case I ever decide to use it.. Now I don't care about it. Is there anything slimmer out there that will fit the bill? Thanks everyone!
 
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If size is an issue check out the Nad d3020 or ps audio sprout. They will run more than $200. Teac also makes some small integrateds but without a phono section. I really can't think of a device new that will do all you are seeking for $200 and is smaller than a standard receiver. Well there are chip amps from fx audio but the power output and quality is dubious. You might have to change your criteria a bit.
 
In your price range, I'd check out thrift stores, pawn shops and craigslist for something used. Prices have increased, somewhat, in the past year or two due to all the flippers, but you can still find some good deals on decent equipment.

Some of the thrifts around here offer a 10 day return (for store credit only) and some don't. Don't know about the size limitations but generally speaking (very generally), the heavier the receiver, the better.

The only receiver/amp I've ever purchased new was a Yamaha RX v1105 about 18 years ago. Don't recall exactly, but I know it was several hundred. Still works and sounds great (I gave it to my sister, along with some speakers, for her TV set up.)
Something like that can be had for well under a C note today. (Although it too is rather large.)

Click on the pictures in 59volvo's post. That will take you to the site for more info. What is shown is an amp and a pre-amp. A receiver is simply a combination of those two plus a tuner, for radio. If you don't need the tuner, then you don't "need" a receiver. A separate amp and pre would work, or, an integrated amp combines the two. Generally (again with the generally ;)), separates or an integrated will be of better quality (and have better sound) than a receiver.
 
prighello said:
If size is an issue check out the Nad d3020 or ps audio sprout. They will run more than $200. Teac also makes some small integrateds but without a phono section. I really can't think of a device new that will do all you are seeking for $200 and is smaller than a standard receiver. Well there are chip amps from fx audio but the power output and quality is dubious. You might have to change your criteria a bit.
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Thank you!
 
rickb119 said:
In your price range, I'd check out thrift stores, pawn shops and craigslist for something used. Prices have increased, somewhat, in the past year or two due to all the flippers, but you can still find some good deals on decent equipment.

Some of the thrifts around here offer a 10 day return (for store credit only) and some don't. Don't know about the size limitations but generally speaking (very generally), the heavier the receiver, the better.

The only receiver/amp I've ever purchased new was a Yamaha RX v1105 about 18 years ago. Don't recall exactly, but I know it was several hundred. Still works and sounds great (I gave it to my sister, along with some speakers, for her TV set up.)
Something like that can be had for well under a C note today. (Although it too is rather large.)

Click on the pictures in 59volvo's post. That will take you to the site for more info. What is shown is an amp and a pre-amp. A receiver is simply a combination of those two plus a tuner, for radio. If you don't need the tuner, then you don't "need" a receiver. A separate amp and pre would work, or, an integrated amp combines the two. Generally (again with the generally ;)), separates or an integrated will be of better quality (and have better sound) than a receiver.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I really don't need the radio. Reception is pretty crap in my building, anyhow. My goal is to listen to vinyl on my turntable and be able to plug in a CD player. Don't need to connect to TV.
 
I can’t believe that size is a prerequisite for how well a peice of equipment contributes to how well a system sounds....someone hit me in the head. Usually a person collects the best sounding peices and has a cabinet made for the equipment....or just buys a cabinet big enough that will accommodate a choice of better sounding equipment.
 
Djcoolray said:
I can’t believe that size is a prerequisite for how well a peice of equipment contributes to how well a system sounds....someone hit me in the head. Usually a person collects the best sounding peices and has a cabinet made for the equipment....or just buys a cabinet big enough that will accommodate a choice of better sounding equipment.
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The OP is wanting something "slimmer" than the Onkyo, presumably due to space limitations. and you suggest that he buy or build a cabinet to take up more room that he doesn't have?

Couldn't find a "hit me in the head" emoji, so this will have to do. :whip:
 
Djcoolray said:
I can’t believe that size is a prerequisite for how well a peice of equipment contributes to how well a system sounds....someone hit me in the head. Usually a person collects the best sounding peices and has a cabinet made for the equipment....or just buys a cabinet big enough that will accommodate a choice of better sounding equipment.
Click to expand...
Huh? Not sure how you arrive at that understanding of the OP’s situation. Sounds to me like he has a space (and budget) limitation. Consider your head hit again.
 
Sony STRDH190... $150ish pretty much everywhere. It’s pretty shallow so it fits on most shelves, looks pretty good, sounds good. I went with it when my vintage Sony died and I missed the sale price on the Pioneer Elite A20 integrated amp (currently $199 on amazon). I was leaning towards the onkyo, but the Sony had better reviews...
 
Wolfsburg said:
Sony STRDH190... $150ish pretty much everywhere. It’s pretty shallow so it fits on most shelves, looks pretty good, sounds good. I went with it when my vintage Sony died and I missed the sale price on the Pioneer Elite A20 integrated amp (currently $199 on amazon). I was leaning towards the onkyo, but the Sony had better reviews...
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I'm seriously thinking of getting this. Have you detected any sound issues or anything that I should be aware of?
 
buckeye56 said:
I'm seriously thinking of getting this. Have you detected any sound issues or anything that I should be aware of?
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I’ve noticed a hum from the unit itself when it’s powered on, but no issues with the way it sounds, It’s not transmitted through the speakers. It has an adjustable gain on the phono section so you can match it to the level of your other inputs, avoiding any holy crap moments when you switch sources. I have it running a pair of Sony SSCS5 bookshelf speakers, along with a small powered sub on the B channel. Musically, I like it. It replaced a 40 year old Sony receiver that suddenly gave up the right channel... the one Sony had more bass, but the 190 is a pretty good unit for the money. Volume control does feel a little cheap, but I usually use the remote anyway. My main reason for buying it was reviews, and the pretty clean, minimalistic look. I didn’t want a lot of buttons. Bluetooth connects easily, and works good. I would buy it again. It has a small chassis, but it still has some weight to it compared to the 2000era Kenwood and Sherwood receivers I found at Savers.
 
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