|
Review 3 of 72
Price Paid:
$220.00
from Tweeter Summary:
The Onkyo TX-DS484 represented my entry into home theater as well as an exceptional value. The receiver was ahead of its time, offering 5-channel stereo alongside Denon, 2 coaxial inputs, a great tuner, and a phono section. Got a great deal after Tweeter bought out a local store, dumping all Onkyo and Polk just to name some brands.
I was not initially impressed by its tonal quality, perhaps because I demoed it, albeit unfairly, alongside a more expensive Denon. But eventually the sound grew on me, as a few months later the amp took on my Acoustic Research towers with the authority of one twice its rated output. I see no reason to complain about the bass control and/or slam here. Both my 91db and 89db speakers put out satisfying lows with the Onkyo behind them. Admittedly, at high volumes, any surround receiver is going to run out of gas, and that's where a sub comes in. But for me, the bass was there and it was of good quality, tone controls flat. Speaking of, I only sometimes reached for that treble knob as I found some music muddy. At 55 wpc I wasn't expecting the world, but Onkyo is now my premier budget manufacturer of audio equipment. That is to say, if I had the money, I would certainly be looking at Krell and Mark Levinson. But for all practical purposes, the TX-DS484 is a TX-8211 with a surround decoder and logarithmic volume scale. An overall solid investment; better than I imagined. Strengths:
Attractive, reliable, relatively versatile, sounds good Weaknesses:
Wish it had another video input and a real tape monitor loop. Sold it a couple months ago. Similar Products Used:
Marantz, Sony, Pioneer
| 
5 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
