Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Am 64 years old and have been into HiFi Stereo since I was a teenager. I am competent with electronics. Have done live audio recording and assembled numerous speakers and electronic components in my time. This TX-8020 replaces a 1990's model Onkyo receiver of the same output power and similar physical configuration. Am powering Klipsch bookshelf speakers with a 5 1/2 inch woofer in the second bedroom. This location is where I do a lot of casual listening while reading, etc. My input sources vary from FM (classical), Sirius, Roxu and CD. Have not tried this with the optional unit for my iPad, but it is nice to have that feature for the future. Have not done a direct comparison with the old Onkyo TX-8211 receiver this replaced but it seems to be very similar in design and sound quality. This TX-8020 is more modern in as much as the remote also controls the bass and treble, they are digitally encoded rather than using a potentiometer (good). The TX-8020 also has a digital readout for volume level as opposed to a rotating knob with a painted indicator as on the old receiver. In that regard please understand that the indicated number for volume is NOT an absolute value of the percent of output power. I think the previous reviewer did not understand exactly how volume controls old and new work, this one is digital and fairly linear. The older designs were analog and used a potentiometer, which is usually non linear. At any rate, 50 watts is 50 watts, the TX-8020 is every bit as powerful as my old Onkyo rated at the same power, they both are just as loud. How does it sound? It sounds very similar to the old receiver it replaced, the only notable difference is in how the tone controls work. This has a "direct" control which cuts out the tone circuitry, the old one did not. Doesn't mean much to me in my setup but might be useful if you are running a subwoofer and don't need any compensation for the mains as it offers less sound coloration. The old TX-8211 had Onkyo's infamous version of "loudness" compensation which stunk! This has no such "feature", no loss there imo. It might be useful to note that the bass compensation on the new TX-8020 seems to have a lower roll over point which works fine for my Klipsch speakers. If you have really small speakers you might want something with more dramatic bass enhancement. Overall, of the four very similar Onkyo receivers I have owned all sound quite similar (no surprise there). fyi, one is starting to have problems with the old style mechanical relays for the speakers (TX-8211), one I sold, one I gave away to a inlaw, this one is a keeper. This is a good investment for someone looking to power reasonably efficient speakers in a small room. It is intended, for the money, to provide clean distortionless sound for those caring to listen closely to a musical performance. While Iit is not the greatest HiFi component I have ever owned, it probably has the best sound per dollar of any receiver out there today. One last word for the uninitiated, there is a competing receiver by Sony which claims 100w per channel and is about 50 bucks cheaper. I have not tested that, but the Sony is an IC based amplifier rather than using discrete components and a large power supply as does this Onkyo. Would not be surprised to find out that the TX-8020 plays louder in the real world and sounds much smoother. But again, have not had the opportunity to do such a hands on comparison. Also, I would not consider the older TX-8255 due to its older control design and the better remote features on the TX-8020.