Suggested cheapo AVR - Onkyo TX-SR393 (1 Viewer)

[Dennis Nicholls]

If you like me are cheap ...
For those not wanting to spend lots of money, a 5.1 or 3.1.2 system should be enough. A few years back I bought a refurb Onkyo TX-SR393. It hit my requirements: 5.1, decent power, pass 4K HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and decoders for DSD audio for SACD.

The model dates from 2019 but you can still buy new stock from places like B&H Camera for $380. It's still in production.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...xsr393_tx_sr393_5_2_channel_a_v_receiver.html

Since it's now a 5 year old model, units are showing up CHEAP on eBay. I'm guessing eBay sellers buy them for resale from estate sales or thrift stores. Two years ago I got one on eBay for $105. Last week I got another for $65 shipped off eBay. The seller had no remote and the seller couldn't make it work. I already had two remotes so I got it up and running in a few minutes. The remote, Onkyo RC-970R, you can buy NEW off eBay for $12. A $65 AVR with modern specs would be great for a friend/relative who's just starting up in the HT world.

 

[Bartman]

Good to know. I started with an analog Kenwood KR-V7030 in the early 90s, it's still used as an FM radio powering kitchen ceiling speakers. My next Kenwood was digital, BB had a stack of them for $80, couldn't resist. It lasted ten years until the rotary encoder died & no spare parts. So off to the Sony outlet, I purchased an STR-DH520 for $100. Five years later, I bought a second one from Ebay, $100. Why a second, because I didn't want to re-learn a new setup menu! The second had an occasional buzz, after much investigation I found a screw missing from a rear module, that fixed it. I contacted the previous owner, he'd never had a problem (he thought).
Do you have any advice regarding the best Onkyo stereo amplifiers or receivers? Not too old, I don't want problems or have to recap.

 

[Bartman]

Three years ago I had good luck finding used cameras on Ebay, the listing photos give a good clue as to condition. Recently I have searched for amplifiers & receivers on Ebay. Generally, receivers (especially AVRs) are more plentiful than amplifiers. I initially searched for NAD (my preferred brand) but most are old & will need recapping and/or very expensive. I searched other brands but most are old or dinged-up (I suspect thrifting, the evidence, lack of operating manual and/or remote).
This thread led me to Onkyo (a brand I hadn't considered) & the largest selection of receivers & AVRs yet, some in good condition. The next hurdle was to find a recent model by Googling the year of introduction, that led me to the TX-8255. It's from 2012+, has binding posts (most don't) & an attractive front panel. I Googled reviews then issues/problems, there were very few! I checked the service manual schematics, it appears to be well designed & use good components.
I hope my methodology helps others searching for HiFi components.

 

[Bartman]

When buying from Ebay check seller reviews to determine quality of packing, receivers are heavy. Ask the seller about water damage. When the component is received unpack it outside & if possible take the cover off to check for bugs.
If the component doesn't come with a remote control, no problem, replacement remotes are often available on Ebay.

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

As mentioned above, the Onkyo remote is still in production and available on eBay NEW for $12 shipped. I think a lot of Onkyo receivers use the same remote.

I note that Onkyo's financial issues a few years back were resolved when they were bought by Klipsch. That explains why retailers are selling "package deals" with Klipsch speakers and Onkyo receivers. That's why newer Onkyo receivers are now listed on the Klipsch website. https://www.klipsch.com/av-receivers-2

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Sellers on eBay may be either "sophisticated" or "non-sophisticated" sellers. The S sellers are like the guy I buy used disk drives from. He knows what he's talking about and he always stands behind his merchandise. Not the lowest prices but his stuff always is fairly priced and works. Seller's eBay name is "harddrivesonly".

The NS sellers buy up things on thrift stores or at estate sales. They don't know much about the goods and they generally don't include accessories.

Look at the other items the seller is selling. The S seller of disk drives has 1,000 or more disk drives for sale. The NS seller also sells used clothing, kitchen gear, books, and other items not related to electronics.

You need the remotes to determine if an AVR is working or not. Units sold without are from a NS seller who may give you a good deal.

Same with PCs. I bought a used Dell from a NS seller who sold a PC stripped of disk and memory. Said it wouldn't pass the Dell self-test. Well I knew darned well it needed at least some memory to run the self test so I bought from her. I put in a spare memory module from my spare parts box and the PC immediately passed all self tests.