The HiFi Thread! [Sorry about your wallet]

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Dunnersfella

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#1961787 21-Feb-2018 19:39

The Onkyo is the compact 'micro' type unit, correct? The 70W rating they're pushing is marketing gunk though, it's probably closer to 35-40 watts @ 8homs / 20Hz-20kHz...

There would be better options out there from the likes of NAD, or if you want streaming functionality - Yamaha WXA50 would work etc.

But the question is, why compact?

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#1962170 22-Feb-2018 12:09

Dunnersfella:

The Onkyo is the compact 'micro' type unit, correct? The 70W rating they're pushing is marketing gunk though, it's probably closer to 35-40 watts @ 8homs / 20Hz-20kHz...

You reckon they are downright lying?

Saw a spec page that reckoned 70W into 8OHm...

They didn't seem to be doing the old trick of using PMPO or some other bullpoo measurement!

Dunnersfella

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#1962413 22-Feb-2018 18:50

Item: You reckon they are downright lying?

Saw a spec page that reckoned 70W into 8OHm...

They didn't seem to be doing the old trick of using PMPO or some other bullpoo measurement!

http://www.avalon.co.nz/onkyo-hifi-components/797-onkyo-rn-855-silver.html

Have a look under 'Advanced Features', it's not quite PMPO and I'm not sure how the power rating is considered to be an 'advanced', but, well, yeah...

70 W x 70 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)

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#1964148 25-Feb-2018 23:09

So I had a listen to the Focal Aria 936 today and really, really like them!

Depending on the offer I get for trade in, it looks like my final decision is between the GoldenEar Triton 3+ and the Focals...

Watch this space!

ren1316

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#1964227 26-Feb-2018 09:12

Go Focal

tripper1000

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#1964301 26-Feb-2018 10:20

Item:

You reckon they are downright lying?

Saw a spec page that reckoned 70W into 8OHm...

They didn't seem to be doing the old trick of using PMPO or some other bullpoo measurement!

Technically no they are not lying, but yes, in reality they are being deceptive.

THD% lesson 101:

As a rule of thumb, anyone with average to OK hearing will perceive distortion at levels from 0.1% and up so when comparing systems you not only need to check not only that you are being quoted 'RMS' watt's but critically, what THD% that is at (less THD is better). The Japanese in particular typically twist the headline power figures by quoting the RMS power at unrealistic/un-usable THD %.

Reputable brands will quote RMS power at figures less than 0.1% THD. If we were to do a listening test comparing that Onkyo at 70 watts RMS with 1% THD to my old Denon AVR 1604 quoted as 70 wRMS at 0.08% distortion, the Onkyo will sound terrible at high power levels. Even at moderate power levels the 70wRMS 0.08% THD amp will sound better that the Onkyo 70 wRMS 1% THD amp because the distortion will be 1/10th the level of the Onkyo at the same power level.

So when Dunnersfella says it is about 35-40 watt's, he means it will sound like a 35-40 watt 'honestly' rated system with listenable THD%, not bull-dust 1% THD.

If you only remember on thing, remember this: if the THD% is above 0.1% walk away. You can likely getter better sound for the same money on a different model. For instance the Denon ARV-X1400H - less money, more power and less than 1/10th the distortion - it would eat the Onkyo for breakfast in terms of both clarity and shear grunt.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

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#1988835 5-Apr-2018 15:49

So - update!

In the end, I upped the budget slightly and went with the GoldenEar Triton Two+

It was a close call between those and the Focals, but I am not regretting my choice - a sweet pair of speakers.

Now I am starting to think about the amp...and considering tubes...

Prima Luna will definitely get a demo but I also like the idea of the Musical Fidelity M5 or M6Si as a solid state amp that I could live with for many, many years

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