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The 818 still provides for control from a mobile device through the network connection.



From http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-NR818&class=Receiver

Personally, the bluetooth doesn't do much for ME.

With regards to the apps , I find them quite usefull at times. Kids get the movie too loud I can turn it down from my bedroom. Handy for switching inputs on the receiver, and controlling the volume from the computer is handy when someone comes into my room to talk. Aptx is the newest BT codec and it boasts cd quality playback, a2dp is highly compressed and the results on a good system are far from stellar. I know Audyssey is all the rage but it can only accomplish so much and I would not base my decision solely on RC software. I wouldn't buy an Onkyo if it was the last receiver on the planet.

You know, I've never heard a better receiver than one of the more pricier Pioneers.

Strawberry is the best flavor.

they all sound good with beer

How do you reeeally feel about it? Would you care to elaborate as to why?

When I first started looking to upgrade from my Sony STR-DG820 I almost bought an Onkyo, it seemed to be the go to brand. But the more I researched the more problems they seemed to have than any of the other brands. They always seem to have the most features for the least money , so compromises have to be made and they just don't seem to have the reliability and they tend to run hot and heat kills . Denon had its own troubles with the 3310 and network issues but the 3311 was better so i took a chance and I did have some issue's with the network features. The Yamaha seems to have a better overall build quality and I personally found no significant difference using YPAO or Audyssey Multieq XT
room treatment first then room correction if necessary. If you feel you need Audyssey I am not going to try to change your mind, pretty much all RC software has had improvements since its inception. I like to concentrate on speaker positioning and use of furniture etc to get the room sounding decent,i find little difference with audyssey on or off. This is after all just my personal opinion, and to be honest I haven't owned a ONkyo and I see no reason I ever will with all the great choices out there.

Richard

Rob, yes; the 828 can be viewed as a "downgrade" in comparison to the 818. This is particularly in light of the Audyssey version being lowered two steps. It can also be noticed that the 818 weighs about 40 pounds and 828 33 pounds.

In the past we discussed both Accessories4less and ShopOnkyo as sources for factory refurbs. Neither of them have the 818 refurb available now. I haven't personally dealt with OneCall, but contrary to an earlier comment here, research shows it to be one of the most highly regarded audio equipment dealers, so I didn't hesitate to recommend it at that 818 sale price.

I didn't pick the 818 at random, as it appears from my research to stick out very clearly as the unit to buy in that price range. My personal experience with Onkyo receivers(and that of most users, see e.g., the four 818 reviews in OneCall)has been highly satisfactory. I see no good reason to even mention a second choice.

Since I purchased my Axioms, I eventually reverted to what the vast majority of Axiom consumers do. Specifically, I sit back and enjoy an excellent sound from quality speakers. I do lurk on the forum from time to time - but I am not as active a poster as I once was. When I have questions, however, I come here as my "go to" source for trusted, non judgemental advice.

To bring closure to the topic, I studied multiple reviews - both professional and non. I perused forum topics at AVS. I PM'd several members of this forum that I have come to respect over the years. At one of their suggestions, I downloaded product manuals and answered for myself several open questions. In the end, I had 3 front runners - Onkyo 818 & 929 and the Denon x4000. All met the under $1000 criteria if purchased at A4L with the 818 available in that price range new. I eventually tossed the 929 as I don't think I would ever sell a 9 speaker plus sub set up to my wife. That left the 818 and the X4000.

Several reviews state that these 2 models were designed to go "toe to toe" with each other and it was a tough decision. In the end, I chose the X4000 with the swing factor being Airplay support. Ordered from A4L last night. So.....if I don't get too caught up in (to paraphrase JohnK) just enjoying the music and not the equipment, I will dig this thread back up in a couple of months and post my critique of the X4000 and the experience of shopping with A4L. Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions.

Great choice, and great post, Rob. I look forward to learning from your experience.