AREA DVD Test: AV-Receiver Onkyo TX-DS989 Upgrade 2

Reviewed by Carsten Rampacher, August 20th, 2003

Equipment

For more than two years the head of the AV-receiver line-up from Onkyo is the TX-DS989, which is still „up to date“: Already the second time the AV-receiver with 7 x 160 W ( 6 ohms, 1 kHz DIN), deliverable in the black as well as silver variant, was brought up to the newest level of techniques with an extending upgrade.

After the second upgrade the 989-receiver now achieved the equipment standard of its competitors Pioneer or Denon without any problem. Now the Onkyo also accomplishes the severe THX Ultra 2-standard. Besides this also THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1 and DTS 96/24 are decoded. Of course DTS Neo:6 and Dolby Pro Logic 2 (with all its adjustment possibilities in the music mode) are available. For a first-class music- and film sound reproduction 192 kHz/24-Bit converters are working for all channels in the interior audio part of TX-DS989. Above all for especially demanding listeners Onkyo supplies with extending parameters for the individual adjustment of the numerous hearing modes. A considerable amount of costly programmed DSP-modes and useful additional features like volume adjustment „IntelliVolume“, settling level differences between the different input sources automatically, can be found on the equipment list, too.

There are more than enough connectors like e.g. a lot of digital inputs for numerous external appliances. A RF-input for a laser-disc-player is also available. In this price class of course the video section offers S-Video- and YUV-terminals. For the settlement of running time differences between the audio- and video signals the TX-DS989 disposes of an audio-delay-function. 
The TX-DS989 is already older with regard to its basic construction and therefore it is obvious that a digital high-speed interface (like e.g. i.link) is missing. As 5.1- resp. 7.1-connection terminal Onkyo is using a DB25-Port, the corresponding adaptor cable of usual quality has been attached to the TX-DS989. Compared with the cinch-variants the DB25-connector requires less space on the rear of the appliance. However the one, who has got a high-graded 5.1 cable, has to come to terms with the fact that the sounding advantage of an especially well-finished cinch connection can get lost due to the adaptor. In order to avoid this problem we are recommending the purchase of a more exclusive adaptor or of a complete high-quality 5.1-/DB25-special cable. 

The finish of TX-DS989 is excellent. The extensive DOT-matrix-display, the precisely working volume regulator as well as the excellently finished operating elements on the front side of the appliance are providing a feeling of first-class quality. Premium detail quality is also shown due to the following features: For example the flap on the front side of the appliance, which is driven downwards by pressing the button, is a special highlight. Below the flap the operating elements, which are used less often, are to be found. The delivered remote control is not appropriate talking about the level of the AV-receiver. At a normally-prized AV-receiver the remote control is absolutely all right, however for a high-end appliance to the amount of almost EUR 4.500,-- we are expecting more. At the competitors (like e.g. Marantz, Pioneer or Denon) high-tech remote controls have been enclosed to the noble top AV-machines.

Rating

Operation

The Onkyo can be operated very easy, above all with regard to its numerous functions. The remote control is ergonomically shaped, only the pressure point of some buttons is not exactly enough. The on-screen-display facilitates the adjustments of all functions. Especially good is the handling of all operating elements on the front side of the AV-receiver and additionally to this there are more thought-out comfort features, providing a further simplification of operating. The display with a DOT-matrix resolution can be read without any difficulty, also from a higher distance. 

Rating

Acoustical performance

Testing equipment:

• DVD-Player: Marantz DV12S1, Harman/Kardon DVD-30

• Speaker System: Jamo D 7, KEF Reference

• Software: ID4 (Dolby Digital 5.1), Sleepy Hollow (DTS ES Discrete 6.1), Lord Of The Rings, (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX), THX Ultimate Demo Disc, THX Surround EX Demo Disc, DTS Music Experience Studio Voodoo (DD 5.1 EX/DTS ES Discrete 6.1),  DTS Demo Disc Nr. 4 (DTS 5.1 and DTS ES Matrix 6.1) Naxos Musical Journey, Johann Sebastian Bach: violin concerto, "Bachwerkeverzeichnis" 1042 and Violin concerto "Bachwerkeverzeichnis" 1041 (DD/DTS 5.1), Audiophile Musik für Dolby Pro Logic 2 (Audio-CD), Best Of Rock and Blues Soundcheck (Audio-CD), Classic audiophil (Audio-CD)

At our sound checks only one disadvantage of TX-DS989 was obvious: The task of the noisy operating fan is the effective cooling of the AV-receiver at an intensive use. Above all in this price class a complete passive cooling by means of solid cooling bodies would be perfect - however in this case fans should not be used. This disadvantage of the Onkyo-appliance is really a pity, as normally the appliance is providing with excellent results in the film sound- and multi-channel music operation. Also compared with the strong competitors, like e.g. Pioneer and Denon, the TX-DS989 is still completely up to date. It is on the one hand not in a position to dissociate its class competitors, however on the other hand it does not come off badly at individual ratings. Everywhere it is up to date, although it is present in the product range already for a long time. 

The fact that the 989-appliance is belonging to the high-end class unlimited is justified by its outstandingly good precision as well as the dynamic power amplifiers and the first-class and natural voice reproduction. Besides this the bass range of the Onkyo completely convinces, also without connected active subwoofer TX-DS989 is supplying an absolutely satisfying pressure. Even in extensive testing rooms with more than 40 square metres, there is enough power available. With its plastic and clear reproduction the AV-receiver also achieves brilliant results above all at the presentation of high-graded multi-channel-music-DVDs. The Onkyo is supplying a very realistic reproduction, which brightens up the spirit of the music in the testing room. Great and fast differences in the dynamic range are handled by the appliance with an unshakeable sovereignty, the crystal-clear high frequency range is providing with a high dimension of acoustical freshness and precision. 

With its sophisticated and precise reproduction the TX-DS989 convinces during Pro Logic 2-operating. No matter if music or film material is reproduced, always it is the case that the performance profile extraordinarily succeeded. In films the Onkyo achieves an amazingly dynamic and lively surround sound scenery and therefore uses the possibilities arising by PL2 very well. During music operation the sensitive incorporation of all instruments and the extensive room feeling are impressing. 

The stereo sound performance is of outstanding quality. Very precisely the TX-DS989 also reproduces small musical details and on a high level is the accurate reproduction of classical music. Its crystal-clear presentation in the high frequency range is providing a complete, deep and intensive musically-seen total result in connection with the never too obtrusive and always suitable bass reproduction. Also in this discipline Onkyo achieved the same results as its competitors. 

Rating home cinema multichannel
Rating music multichannel
Rating Dolby PLII 
Rating Stereo

Summary

The Onkyo TX-DS989 is to be found still on the peak of its class. In the home cinema and multi-channel music operation it achieves excellent results. The brilliant finish and the totally seen very varied equipment are further extra marks. Critical points: The fan is operating too quickly and loudly and the remote control is not working in accordance with the appliances of its range. 

Excellent
High end class
August 20th, 2003

Value

Pro:

• Very clear and precise detail resolution in the high frequency range
• Extraordinarily dynamics and powerful performance in the home cinema use
• Natural and plastic presentation in the multi-channel music operation 
• Excellent stereo qualities
• Outstanding appliance-display
• Premium quality
• High-graded details (engine-driven flap)
• Perfectly thought-out equipment

Contra:

• Noisy fan
• Remote control could be more high-graded
• No digital high speed interference

Specifications

• AV-receiver with THX Ultra 2-certificate
• Decodes DD/DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1, THX Surround EX, DTS 96/24, Dolby Pro Logic 2, DTS NEO:6
• 7 x 160 W/Kanal, 6 ohms, 1 kHz (DIN)
• DAC (digital/analogue converter): 192 kHz/24-bit 
• 96 kHz/24-bit digital up-sampling
• Frequency response: 5 Hz-100 kHz 
• 10 digital connections + AC-3 RF input (digital inputs: 3 optical, 5 coaxial, 1 optical and digital output, 1 coaxial digital output 
• 3 component-video-inputs/1 component-video-output
• S-video-compatible input/output jacks: 6/5 
• 5.1/7.1-input (DB25-connection, adaptor additionally delivered)
• Pre-amplifier-outputs for 7.1-channels
• 3 amp-in-terminals
• Zone 2 (multisource) line out: 1 
• Head-phone jack
• Phono-inputs
• 2 subwoofer pre-outs
• Audio- and A/V-inputs: 4/6 
• RS232-interface
• A/V synchronisation delay 
• Different DSP-programmes
• Changeable cross-over frequencies for the bass-management (40/60/80/100/120 Hz) 
• RDS-Tuner with 40 presets
• IntelliVolume
• On-screen-display
• DOT matrix display
• Deliverable colours: black and silver
• Suggested retail price EUR 4.499,-- (on the German market)

Reviewed by: Carsten Rampacher
Assistent: Matthias Walther-Richters

2003/08/20

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