Review on Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver: 🔊 Unavailable from Manufacturer, but Still in Demand by Dorian Bharadwaj

Bought this unit to replace a very old ONKYO receiver that eventually died. The intended use is to act as "home theater" sound in addition to powering my other inexpensive stereo components until I actually upgrade to a flat panel system. So far I am VERY happy with this device. The AM loop and included FM wire antennas ensure clear, crisp reception. The features are more than sufficient and the input/output jacks are more than enough to connect older components (cassette deck, turntable, disc). I currently have a VHS/DVD deck and a cassette player connected (because my VHS/DVD deck also plays CDs). A big plus is the almost unlimited station memory (with the option to name stations). a handy feature, especially if you're watching TV or a movie through a VHS/DVD deck. Power, volume, AM/FM mode, preset stations, manual tuning, line in/out options are all there so You don't have to walk back and forth. The downside is that it is a DIFFERENT REMOTE CONTROL! The final "super bonus" in my book comes from the I/O ports: I have a Nintendo DSi handheld gaming system with an SD card and almost ALL of my music CDs are included. I have a 2-in-1 stereo pigtail (Radio Shack P/N: RS-4200956 P/N: 42-956, cost: $5.99) so all I have to do is leave the pigtail connected to ONKYO and then connect the free end. to my Nintendo DSi and it plays via ONKYO with all available features of the Nintendo DSi (shuffle, loop, etc.). The speakers currently used are three-way floor standing speakers with 12 inch bass drivers sitting on a wooden floor with about 3 feet of air space under the bass. My reference point for this (believe it or not) is putting Black Hawk Down on the DVD and appreciating the dialogue and the ammo fire - a very cool unit! Other DVDs (with THX surround sound) are near cinema quality. A NOTICE! There are some bad reviews for this device so I'll wait and see what happens (if anything). Luckily, there are far more positive reviews than negative ones.