Onkyo 608/609 is a 'bright' sounding amp?

NeilF

NeilF

NeilF

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Has anyone had any experience of these amps compared to others?

I'm looking at upgrading from a Yamaha, but people suggest I need to be careful because these Onkyo's are bright sounding in nature, which may not go well with my 'bright' sounding Mordaunt Short speaker?

Do there amps really sound that much different tonely?

If I plugged my speakers into an Onkyo, a Sony and a Yamaha, would I really hear that much difference (excluding clarity/quality)?
 
I had the 609 and didn't find it that bright, my Pioneer is probably a touch brighter.

If you have a Richer Sounds nearby maybe you could pop in for a listen.

If not look to Denon for something warmer sounding.

I had a back to back demo of Marantz Vs Pioneer on my Monitor Audio RX6 and could hear the difference, the Pioneer just seemed clearer with vocals and more crisp with the top end, I liked the sound so went for it.
 
Nick1881 said:
I had the 609 and didn't find it that bright, my Pioneer is probably a touch brighter.

If you have a Richer Sounds nearby maybe you could pop in for a listen.

If not look to Denon for something warmer sounding.

I had a back to back demo of Marantz Vs Pioneer on my Monitor Audio RX6 and could hear the difference, the Pioneer just seemed clearer with vocals and more crisp with the top end, I liked the sound so went for it.
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Any opinions with it regarding music listening (compared to other AV amps)?

Any idea if the 608/609 are basically the same sound wise?
 
No idea about the 608 but I found the 609 to be very good for the money. In fact I described the change to the LX53 as only about 20% better, the main thing being the LX53 having more controlled bass, just made things feel more effortless. I since added an Arcam power amp and gained probably another 10% again.

Best thing would be to have a listen if you can.

If you have a £500 budget there are a few other amps to consider too, Yamaha 1065, Denon AVR-2311, Marantz sr6004. All of which are higher level than the Onkyo, also Denon and Marantz are said to be better with music.
 
Nick1881 said:
No idea about the 608 but I found the 609 to be very good for the money. In fact I described the change to the LX53 as only about 20% better, the main thing being the LX53 having more controlled bass, just made things feel more effortless. I since added an Arcam power amp and gained probably another 10% again.

Best thing would be to have a listen if you can.

If you have a £500 budget there are a few other amps to consider too, Yamaha 1065, Denon AVR-2311, Marantz sr6004. All of which are higher level than the Onkyo, also Denon and Marantz are said to be better with music.
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My problem is a depth restriction of approx 33cm, which knocks all of them off the list :(

Only modern/new amp I've found that would fit is the Sony DN1020. The Onkyo's would obvious fit too! But I don't believe the Sony support bi-amping, which the Onkyo's do. And my fron Mordaunt Short 902i speakers offer this!

The Marantz sr6004 is only HDMI 1.3? I'd need 1.4 I suspect...
 
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Ah, I see. I noticed how much bigger the LX53 was when I upgraded.

The Onkyo might be a good shout then, I have heard other people say that Onkyo have tamed back the brightness on later models.
 
Seeing as you have Mordaunt Short speakers, I would recommend you go with warm sounding Yamaha/denon/Marantz amplifier's instead as they will suit the bright nature of the Mordaunt Short speakers better. :)
 
Soul.Survivor said:
Seeing as you have Mordaunt Short speakers, I would recommend you go with warm sounding Yamaha/denon/Marantz amplifier's instead as they will suit the bright nature of the Mordaunt Short speakers better. :)
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There are no Yamaha or Denon's that are 33cm or shorter (approx) in depth - my limt. Marantz are too expensive.

Also, the point of this thread is to ask someone who's updated to a 608/609 if they are really 'brighter', or if this is a left over mis-concept!
 
Like I said, I think they are much more neutral now, I compared the 609 to an old Technics stereo amp which was way brighter.
 
Nick1881 said:
Like I said, I think they are much more neutral now, I compared the 609 to an old Technics stereo amp which was way brighter.
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Thanks! V.useful to know!

Now if someone has listened to the 608 and 609 and confirm they're the same, or not, that would be useful!
 
onkyos as a whole has always leaned towards a neutral sound - not bright, not warm - and this naturally doesnt make them the best for music, as people generally prefer warm amps for that. i can say i've ever heard a bright onkyo, and i have an 805! I think perhaps brightness could be confused with harshness especially where the budget models are concerned.
 
james.miller said:
onkyos as a whole has always leaned towards a neutral sound - not bright, not warm - and this naturally doesnt make them the best for music, as people generally prefer warm amps for that. i can say i've ever heard a bright onkyo, and i have an 805! I think perhaps brightness could be confused with harshness especially where the budget models are concerned.
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Thanks...

I'm wondering if the 609 (608) have improve their music playback maybe!

Some comments on the 609 specifically seem quite +ve!
 
The whole bright/warm thing is quite subjective and probably not at all as dramatic as you imagine. Having a listen is definately your best bet.
 
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