myu701
Vintage futurist
The Onkyo TX-8xx Receiver Series
In the late 1980's through the early 1990's, Onkyo made a 2 channel stereo receiver line numbered as the TX-8xx series. It started with the model 800 and incremented all the way up to 890, the last two designated as the higher end "Integra" line. It doesn't look like many people here are familiar with them, judging by the lack of postings. But they were really very well made and competitive with other gear produced at that time. Unfortunately, they demonstrated some signs of cost cutting, as Onkyo outsourced softer metals for the top cover and chassis than on previous models. And they're a little lighter compared to some other brand receivers produced at that time. But internally, the quality is quite good. Capacitors seem to hold up well and I've personally obtained an example that had been through some rough handling during shipment and it continued to work without a hitch.
Two years ago, I became acquainted with these receivers quite by chance, as I got a TX-860 receiver thrown in with a set of JBL L80T speakers that I bought. At the time, my Yamaha HT receiver had crapped out, so I put the Onkyo to use as a temporary measure. At least, that's what I intended. But... I began to appreciate how good it performs. Later, I started exploring the line to see what models were made and the going market prices. Some seriously cheap bargains could be had on "that auction site", as well as CL.
The thing I find peculiar is that Onkyo released 13 different models (that I know of--if you see one not listed, let me know), with only marginally different power outputs between them, combined with slightly different specifications and feature sets. In actuality, I think they could have easily gotten by with 6 models. Here's what I've found so far:
They all seem quite competent and I've heard praise about a number of models ranging from the TX-820 to the TX-890. From what I understand, they all drive two sets of speakers (A and B). Feature wise, I find that the TX-850 is where it all starts to get rather interesting. Onkyo incorporated some curious sound shaping controls from that model onward, such as a "Dynamic Bass Expander" which is more than just a bass boost. It actually makes the stronger bass passages stronger, while leaving the lesser ones alone. Phase Linear had a very similar design on their 5000 preamp, and from what I've heard it works well. "Selective Tone Control" is a sort of adjustable loudness compensation, but I don't really use it much. The "Stereo Image Expander" is another gimmick, but it adds some interesting color when channeling a movie soundtrack.
The TX-870/890 models were labeled "Integra" and the 890 came with simulated dark wood veneer sides (thin vinyl coating, which isn't very durable). The models TX-866 to 890 all had pre-outs/main-in for either serving as a preamp or as an amplifier for an external preamp.
Onkyo eventually replaced this line with the TX-9xx series, which dropped a number of features and reoriented towards surround sound processing. They're still pretty well made, but the technology for surround sound is quite primitive compared to what came out later in the pre-HDMI models. The TX-906 is 80wpc and compares quite closely to the TX-860. I've heard from a couple of owners that it sounds quite nice in stereo mode and decent in surround sound mode.
Onkyo probably made tons of these receivers, as the used market has multiple examples of at least several models almost every week on "that auction site." Going prices appear to be wildly inconsistent, especially for models below the TX-870. I've seen a TX-830 sell for over $60 while a TX-866 went for less than $20 (in comparable condition). Naturally, the 870/890 models go for much more and are not as commonly found. But quite frankly, they seem to be overkill in weight for the performance specifications and feature sets. An 80wpc TX-860 won't sound much different than a 125wpc TX-890, in most living room arrangements.
Anyway, if anybody here is interested in obtaining an affordable receiver and getting a lot of bang for the buck, definitely give the TX-8xx series some consideration. Also, the user manuals and service manuals tend to be readily available through quite a few websites, some of them free. :thmbsp:
TUNER MODS
The European version of the TX-8xx series had a more selective tuner. In models starting from the TX-850 and above, the main PCB was the same for both US/Euro versions. So, the additional circuitry for the tuner that was left out for the US model results in a section of the board which is devoid of the components (some resistors, transistor, filter cap). The holes are there, but are jumpered. You can install the components, which will turn the mediocre tuner into an excellent one. Also, replace the filter caps with 180kHz low loss ones. As to why Onkyo didn't just install them and avoid a production change, well, it was probably a cost cutting measure.
In the late 1980's through the early 1990's, Onkyo made a 2 channel stereo receiver line numbered as the TX-8xx series. It started with the model 800 and incremented all the way up to 890, the last two designated as the higher end "Integra" line. It doesn't look like many people here are familiar with them, judging by the lack of postings. But they were really very well made and competitive with other gear produced at that time. Unfortunately, they demonstrated some signs of cost cutting, as Onkyo outsourced softer metals for the top cover and chassis than on previous models. And they're a little lighter compared to some other brand receivers produced at that time. But internally, the quality is quite good. Capacitors seem to hold up well and I've personally obtained an example that had been through some rough handling during shipment and it continued to work without a hitch.
Two years ago, I became acquainted with these receivers quite by chance, as I got a TX-860 receiver thrown in with a set of JBL L80T speakers that I bought. At the time, my Yamaha HT receiver had crapped out, so I put the Onkyo to use as a temporary measure. At least, that's what I intended. But... I began to appreciate how good it performs. Later, I started exploring the line to see what models were made and the going market prices. Some seriously cheap bargains could be had on "that auction site", as well as CL.
The thing I find peculiar is that Onkyo released 13 different models (that I know of--if you see one not listed, let me know), with only marginally different power outputs between them, combined with slightly different specifications and feature sets. In actuality, I think they could have easily gotten by with 6 models. Here's what I've found so far:
They all seem quite competent and I've heard praise about a number of models ranging from the TX-820 to the TX-890. From what I understand, they all drive two sets of speakers (A and B). Feature wise, I find that the TX-850 is where it all starts to get rather interesting. Onkyo incorporated some curious sound shaping controls from that model onward, such as a "Dynamic Bass Expander" which is more than just a bass boost. It actually makes the stronger bass passages stronger, while leaving the lesser ones alone. Phase Linear had a very similar design on their 5000 preamp, and from what I've heard it works well. "Selective Tone Control" is a sort of adjustable loudness compensation, but I don't really use it much. The "Stereo Image Expander" is another gimmick, but it adds some interesting color when channeling a movie soundtrack.
The TX-870/890 models were labeled "Integra" and the 890 came with simulated dark wood veneer sides (thin vinyl coating, which isn't very durable). The models TX-866 to 890 all had pre-outs/main-in for either serving as a preamp or as an amplifier for an external preamp.
Onkyo eventually replaced this line with the TX-9xx series, which dropped a number of features and reoriented towards surround sound processing. They're still pretty well made, but the technology for surround sound is quite primitive compared to what came out later in the pre-HDMI models. The TX-906 is 80wpc and compares quite closely to the TX-860. I've heard from a couple of owners that it sounds quite nice in stereo mode and decent in surround sound mode.
Onkyo probably made tons of these receivers, as the used market has multiple examples of at least several models almost every week on "that auction site." Going prices appear to be wildly inconsistent, especially for models below the TX-870. I've seen a TX-830 sell for over $60 while a TX-866 went for less than $20 (in comparable condition). Naturally, the 870/890 models go for much more and are not as commonly found. But quite frankly, they seem to be overkill in weight for the performance specifications and feature sets. An 80wpc TX-860 won't sound much different than a 125wpc TX-890, in most living room arrangements.
Anyway, if anybody here is interested in obtaining an affordable receiver and getting a lot of bang for the buck, definitely give the TX-8xx series some consideration. Also, the user manuals and service manuals tend to be readily available through quite a few websites, some of them free. :thmbsp:
TUNER MODS
The European version of the TX-8xx series had a more selective tuner. In models starting from the TX-850 and above, the main PCB was the same for both US/Euro versions. So, the additional circuitry for the tuner that was left out for the US model results in a section of the board which is devoid of the components (some resistors, transistor, filter cap). The holes are there, but are jumpered. You can install the components, which will turn the mediocre tuner into an excellent one. Also, replace the filter caps with 180kHz low loss ones. As to why Onkyo didn't just install them and avoid a production change, well, it was probably a cost cutting measure.
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However, I wouldn't be surprised if there's another model in the lineup I've missed. 
