Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

I am using this to power 4 ohm speakers, effortlessly. Make sure you set the receiver for 4 ohm in the "hardware" setup. I receive Pandora and Internet radio and the sound quality is excellent. The unit has 4 digital inputs, and has pre-out RCA plugs for another amplifier and a subwoofer. It also has a USB input that I use for my iPod music. Since I can listen to AM/FM music on the internet, I haven't bothered with the radio receiver.After doing a lot of reading and research, I could not find anything that even came close to this unit for what it does and at this price point. I challenge anyone to put this against comparable NAD, HK, Pioneer, Denon, etc. I don't think you will find a difference.I'm using this as a second stereo system hooked up to Magnepan MMGs.I gave it 4 stars because the firmware has been unstable with a number of updates. Also, the instructions and setup are not as easy as it could be.I consider this to be a real bargain for what I paid for it.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

Just to keep this brief with a simple statement: This receiver is unbelievable!

Expanding on that, I will say all its features make it a worthwhile addition to any home audio setup(stereo not surround), my primary usage is with my growing collection of Flac CD rips with some Pandora. This Onkyo receiver interfaces amazingly well using Toslink to my PC/Macbook/TV, running PCM and providing an ample 80Wx2 stereo speaker output. Probably not important to most, but for me I use this on my computer desk and its 1/4" headphone jack is seeing A LOT of usage from my Grado cans that I have.

Summary:
Network connectivity works amazingly well and I updated my firmware within 10mins of setting it up
Audio connectivity quite complete minus not having HDMI, but has Coaxial/Toslink digital and can interface with iPad/iPod through USB
Headphone jack is 1/4" meaning I don't need an adapter for my Grado's
Power output into my Polk Audio 100W speakers sounds beautiful

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

The receiver is good as far as receivers go but be careful about one thing. The digital inputs (TOSLINK, USB) can only be used for the 2 sets of speakers connected to the device. Those digital inputs are not sent out to any of the line level outputs. So you cannot record on another device, use a second amplifier for additional speakers, or hear them in zone B.

I intended to use this with an apple air express, using the TOSLINK input to by-pass the air express internal DAC, and slaving a second amplifier for additional speakers, but it won't work that way.

Otherwise I like it.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

Four digital audio (DA) inputs - connect to A/V sources and TV's that have DA outputs.
Subwoofer and zone 2 (second room) preamp outputs.
Excellent Internet Radio operation and performance.
The perfect solution where surround sound is not required/desired.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

Replaced a very old NAD receiver. Love the Internet capabilities of this receiver. Onkyo has its own Remote app, but I use O-Remote, which seems more capable--can control on/off, source, volume and tune, and use vtuner for Internet radio. Sounds great. Doesn't cost a fortune.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

I wanted this 2 channel receiver to play music from CDs and music files from my computer. The added bonus is the ability to connect to my Pandora account and play music. We have bad radio reception here, but that is no longer a problem with this receiver. I can stream my favorite radio stations with perfect reception. I can even play my IPod music using the usb connection. I'm happy I bought it and happy with the free and speedy delivery from B&H.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

In the market today $500 can buy a 7.2 (or 9.2) receiver or a mid-level stereo amp. The former has numerous digital music features connecting to vast poor of internet media services, but generally lacks quality in stereo mode. The latter has great audio quality but has zero capability dealing with digital media on the internet.
Onkyo Tx-8050 sits in between these two camps. It plays almost all current network audio services and formats through a pair of solid state amps with reasonable audio quality. It fits my needs as I am building a dedicated stereo music room, after giving up hope that the industry would develop any good music content on the HT(5.1/7.2/9.2) platform.
I am still shopping for a set of floor standing speakers so I am not able to fully judge quality of the amps, but using existing Encore 2 satellites I can tell it delivers better sound than my current Sony STR-DB930. This was largely expected.
Unexpected, however, is buggy firmware in the network module. I was able to consistently crash it by using iPhones "Onkyo Remote 2" app. When this happens it still works for normal audio tasks like CD playing, but loses anything related to the network, like iPhone remote and internet radio. I have to unplug the power to initialize it again, which takes about 2 minutes. Onkyo tech support also confirmed that the network remote functionality is now only in the experimental stage, and they plan to improve it through future firmware/software releases.
Stability issues aside, the unit, together with the WiFi adapter, works fairly well for my music needs. I got addicted listening to internet radios from all over the world. Pandora also brings impressive array of songs with OK quality - Not as good as CDs but easily beats low bit-rate MP3s and average YouTube clips. So far I haven't found anything I don't like from the on-board DAC so I am holding out hope of saving a dedicated CD player.
Its digital network capability, when working, is definitely futuristic. I impressed quite a few visitors by controlling the 2nd-zone in my backyard with my iPhone. I have yet to try more advanced features like DLNA or Windows streaming, which could bring the ultimate convenience of having an in-house audio repository.
Overall it is a great prototype for the next generation digital music receivers, and it certainly demonstrated that potential when it's working. I recommend it to music enthusiasts who don't mind missing HDMI video and 5.1/7.2/9.2 audio capability, and who can hold off using iPhone remote until Onkyo fixes the stability issues.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

I bought this unit because my previous Onkyo stereo receiver of almost 20 years finally died on me. Comparing the two devices in terms of features is equivalent to comparing computers with a 20 year gap. The features this model has included over my past unit highlight the changes in technology, which I haven't even begun to fully explore. Even though it is stereo centric, it has quite a few video options, if only primarily composite. My older unit had zero video features. I have a dual cassette deck, turntable, DVD player, and Apple Airport Express connected: The unit is then connected to my TV for sound. The internet inclusion is especially useful for playing Pandora Radio, as well as Onkyo's own website where I can add basically all the internet radio stations I love, i.e. Soma.FM. I adore this unit and my only complaint is not upgrading sooner and instead blowing $150-ish on repairing my older unit to only die on me within 3 years. And like most devices today, the software is upgradeable via internet, so there is possible future expandability in an update. Bottom line is the sound is great and it does not only what I wanted, but even more than I purchased it for. And as I continue to make use, I expect other features to pleasantly present themselves. I highly recommend.

Comments about Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo A/V Receiver:

Setup:
Network attached storage drive->Onkyo->Zu Soul Standard
General use is either network function for listening to music, or watching movies, through the RCA inputs.

Great things:
The connivence of a network player that doesn't require my computer is extremely useful, it allows me to listen to music even if I have to use my computer in a function which renders music playback impossible.

I have yet to use the integrated DAC, except through the network function, I assume the sound will be just as good. Once again the convenience of having a DAC allows for much more system flexibility now and in the future.

I've used both the amplifier and the pre-amp outputs, the volume control allows for clear adjustment and enough useable range even with my 98+dB sensitive speakers. There is the possibility of a second zone, I have yet to try.

The amplifier is very well constructed there is a large solid aluminum, meaning it isn't bent sheet metal attached to a plate but an actual extruded aluminum heat sink, for the two discrete pairs of output transistors to attach too. There is also a smaller heat sink for the what I'm guessing is class A, judging by the heat, pre-amp stage, also with a pair of discrete transistors. The single large E-I power transformer sits on one side away from the main board. For those that may wish for a toroidal power transformer for this price range an E-I is actually better, you can get more performance for your dollar, namely to actually make a toroidal transformer power transformer better requires significantly higher cost.

I design/build amplifiers as a hobby and would say that this is a very well made and performing amplifier/receiver. I find it incredibly useful because its flexibility allows me to use it numerous ways, ensuring that I'll continue to use it for years to come.

As far as sound goes, it performs at a more than acceptable level for what I would expect out of this price range. It provides a very clear sound, and more than enough bass from my speakers. I can not compare this system to anything else, as it was bought to replace a previous home-made system, which was unfinished.