Hey guys!
Sorry, been busy for the past few days with family and holiday celebrations.
I'm setting myself up naman this week for our weekend camp in Clark..
Update:
With the Current setup:
1500Watt Samwon AVR -> Onkyo 809 -> Cal's "Magic" Cables for LR, *Rega Quattro's for C, SnS free cables for Surrounds, connected to RTi A3's for LR, A6 for C and OWM3's for Surrounds, with Egreat S100 NMT as source and LG LED as Display.
Initial impressions:
A. Setup
- Takes a bit longer since I opted to do the 8 point Mult EQ Calibration. Even if my space isn't that big, I still did it hoping to help my AVR understand my living area.
- Was able to rename my Sources with the "edit Name" feature.
- I noticed the rear of the AVR is also more organized and not as cramped together as the 509, so it's easier to re-locate the banana plugs when I need to remove and connect to audio setup.
- I initially used Bi-Amp setting, but since it took time to remove and put back the jumper plates when I wanted to listen to music, I went back to normal setup using Cal's speaker wires. Looking forward to the Center speaker wire and jumpers from him.
- I was able to program the remote to control the TV as well. This AVR has online database query for remotes and devices, unfortunately, my DSL is still down, so I had to input the codes manually. Was able to find the right codes eventually, however, I miss having the "Home" Button working on the TV as well. now whenever I press Home button, it switches back to "Receiver" instead of "TV" and accesses the Receiver's Home menu.
B. PQ
- I've set the video to "Through" and so far, I'm getting 24bit RGB color, 1080p 60Hz.
- Color is superb, however, I also upgraded my HDMI cables to Audioquest Pearl's. Black's are deeper and I love watching movies on Cinema mode now because "theatrical" na yung skin tone. Hindi na ganun ka-pale. I couldn't compare it with my 509 kasi it didn't have a Video "Info" option.
C. SQ Movies
- If I were to describe my current movie-watching experience, I would call it "Enveloping".
- My surrounds seem to have come alive and it has more impact compared to just hearing sound coming out from it before.
- New features on this AVR is THX mode and Dolby Volume. I still prefer using the original audio format with Audyssey EQ on and Dynamic Volume off. Dolby Volume lowers the volume of "explosive" scenes and tames it. What's the power for if I have that on.. Hehehe..
D. SQ Audio
- Definitely more power compared to my 509. However, I feel that the sound is still sharp and bright if I play music via HDMI.
- I'll try out the analog input with a tube buffer and DAC and see if it smooths out. But still, I realized I'd rather use my "Low-Power" T-Amp setup. Way more electricity savings, lalo na since I love to leave the music on for a long time.
E. Overall
- I am pleased with this 809 as an upgrade and glad that I was able to get it on sale. I believe, I still haven't maximized it's full potential considering I'm still based in a condo. Maybe when I move over to a house na a few years later. Maybe even add a pair of A9's to go with it. Hehehe..
- Should you upgrade to 809? Well, considering my total cost is way below local market value, shipping was free, plus low exchange rate, it was a good upgrade for me. However, if you're condo based and you'll buy it at local retail price, it may be over-kill and not worth the double price difference comparing the price of 509 and 609. But that's just my 2 centavos. Hehehe.. If you can afford it, then GO! Hehehe.. Work hard and play hard lang naman e..
F. What to try next..
- Center Speaker wires from Cal
- Jumpers from Cal
- Audio setup via Tube buffer and DAC with Laptop as source going to analog input.
- Pictures.. (hehehe..) sorry, madilim na ngayon e..
Pasensya na sa mahabang post... Hehehe.. Thanks for reading up to this point!
Have a great week ahead! God bless and happy new year!
*Rega Quattro's anyone? PM lang.. ehehehe..