Onkyo TX-8020 review
Sep 21, 2018
The process of an ideal stereo receiver search was rather difficult because a value for money is a determining factor in my choice. I wanted to get a device with great audio performance and the abil...
Read MoreOnkyo TX-8020 vs Sony STR-DH190 – Back To Basics
Onkyo TX-8020 vs Sony STR-DH190 is an immoral classic with a new competitor trying to take its spot. Sony STR-DH190 being released only in 2018 and is more expensive.
Features & Performance
Sony STR-DH190 vs Onkyo TX-8020 has a way bigger power output of 200 W comparing to 100 W. The output power per channel is 100 W and 50 W respectfully.
Both have a similar list of supported audio formats like FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, and AAC. Although Sony has a small benefit here, it also plays Apple Lossless. Sony versus Onkyo does not have any decoders. But Onkyo can boast of Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Surround, and Dolby True HD.
Onkyo has a dual-zone capability. But Sony has bi-amplifying and auto power off. Both of the receivers have an A-B speaker switch and a 2 channel surround system. Onkyo has a Front Stage Surround Advance and Headphone Surround sound effects.
Connections & Setup
Sony has Bluetooth, that is all. Compare it to Onkyo that has no Bluetooth left alone Wi-Fi or IEEE. Sounds terribly boring I know. But Onkyo has an up to 4k HDMI pass through. Plus it has an analog to HDMI conversion as well as scaling HDMI to HDMI. No 3D passthrough for either of these receivers.
Sony has some connectivity benefits like 6 AV inputs, 2 optical digital and 1 coaxial digital input plus a USB. But the good news is that both of these receivers have phones and subwoofer inputs.
Design
Both stereo receivers have a matte black finish with a black screen. Onkyo has fluorescent green letters while Sony has basic white ones. The front panel designs are not symmetrical with misplaces buttons and switches of different sizes. Although not symmetrical both designs work well being intuitive and easy to operate.
Onkyo is slightly more compact with 17 inches length and is slightly lighter with 16 pounds. Comparing to 19 inches and 17 pounds for Sony.
Onkyo TX-8020
Pros:
- Onkyo has 40 AM/FM radio stations.
- It comes with a remote.
- Even a kid can operate it. Very simple.
Cons:
- Quite expensive with up to $280 regular retail price for a new unit.
- The model is outdated, there is a new generation out on a sale.
- The tone controls did not change much.
Sony STR-DH190
Pros:
- The sound quality was a pleasant surprise.
- Setup only takes minutes.
- It is extremely cheap, even the brand new unit.
Cons:
- Sony has only 30 AM/FM radio stations.
- The volume control feels quite sturdy and hard to tune.
- No remote control. I mean, at all, zero, nada.
