Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver

by Onkyo

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000HXNF8O
• Item model number: TX8222
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,765 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

While new technologies come and go, the fundamentals of competent receiver design remain constant. It is best to think of it in simple terms: a power supply, an input stage, a driver stage, and an output stage that all combine to amplify signals without any loss in quality. The current that actually drives the loudspeakers comes from a power source via the receiver’s power supply. You can never underestimate the importance of the power supply, and all other audio processing functions cannot rule over good solid amplification. This is the direction Onkyo has taken with the TX-8222. Built for those people who value the benefits of time-proven amplification design, the TX-8222 takes core Onkyo technology—and an array of features you’ll actually use—to bring you a no-nonsense stereo receiver that will deliver audio and radio signals with agreeable quality.

Key technology Features:
RI (Remote Interactive): With Onkyo’s exclusive RI (Remote Interactive) system capability, you can integrate and operate all compatible components through a single remote control. What’s more, RI capability enables you to simply connect the iPod® to your receiver through Onkyo’s RI Dock for the iPod (DS-A1). Your iPod effectively becomes another Onkyo component from which you can relish a fuller sound that just can’t be experienced through headphones. RI capability will also give you remote operability of your iPod for hands-off control over your digital music.

WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Imagine turning up the volume and filling your entertainment room with noise-free, impressively powerful, true-to-life sound. That's the benefit of Wide Range Amplifier Technology. Originally developed for our most expensive high-end amplifiers to handle the sonic demands of today's digital age, you'll now find WRAT even in our lowest-priced A/V receivers. The WRAT family of technologies includes a broader frequency range with lower noise entering the signal path – perfectly suited for new high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD formats.

Product Description

Onkyo 50 Watt Stereo Receiver TX8222

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid machine, good value., May 23, 2007

By 

Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver (Electronics)

I had a 30-year-old, top-of-line Marantz that gave up the ghost altogether after the internal lights started fading. Much as I liked it, the cost of repair was considerably higher than this Onkyo (the internet lists plenty of repair places to send units like the Marantz to), and I no longer use my stereo nearly as much as I used to (I wonder how often the surround-sound, 5-speaker audiophiles actually remain seated in their sonic cocoons).

Anyone with experience with audio knows that manufacturer wattage claims are variable, often essentially meaningless, even when listed as RMS, and that 50 watts is more than adequate for all but the most low-efficiency speakers (Acoustic Research, Bose). So I decided to forego the extra pound and a half and save a few bucks, because the features are practically identical with the 100 watt Onkyo. The latter has a few additional frills (brightness dimmer, effects bypass, FM character naming) along with provisions on back for a studio geek to plug in 3 addition pieces of equipment.

Both Onkyos have a convenient volume knob, but I miss the other knobs and the gyroscope tuning, which was more accurate than digital tuning. Also, the Marantz had a third, mid-range tone control (useful for bringing out vocals), both a loudness and a volume control, and numerous filters that were useful for "smoothing-out" the sound of some old LP records. The handiest feature of the Marantz was two additional phone plug inputs on the front of the machine, intended for plugging in tape recorders for dubbing or musical instruments for recording and monitoring. Most of us don't place units such as this in cabinets where it's convenient or even practical to plug and unplug other equipment to the rear of the machine on a continual basis. And as is the case with most Japanese manufacturers, including Sony, the machine is not actually assembled in Japan (try Malaysia).

The biggest annoyance of both this receiver and the more powerful one is an ill-conceived switch that doubles as both an input and a tape monitor switch. You must avoid even touching the switch (more difficult than it sounds) or you'll activate the monitor function and mute all devices connected to the receiver. (I even placed temporary masking tape over the switch to "quarantine" it from my fingers.) Nevertheless, the 8222 is a fine performer and a top brand (I don't recall ever seeing Onkyo producing cheap, low-end product and catering to the masses, as is frequently the case with Sony and Panasonic). But I'm hanging on to the Marantz in case I decide to get cash-careless and go all-out retro.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Stereo Receiver, April 13, 2007

By 

Al Chartreux (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver (Electronics)

I already have an Onkyo receiver as my home theater receiver and have been immensely satisfied with it. I decided to go with Onkyo again when setting up speakers above my kitchen cabinets for CD and radio listening when I am in the kitchen cooking or washing dishes, etc. The TX-8222 has proven to be a worthy purchase. The speaker wire posts are screw-on binding posts, not spring clips as in cheaper models by other manufacturers. Definitely makes it easier to connect wire to the back. The 50 watts are more than powerful enough to power a pair of Sony 3-way bookshelf speakers. FM radio reception is pretty good, and the unit remembers your station presets even if the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. My two complaints about the receiver are minor - there is no numerical volume indicator on the display when you raise or lower the volume, which would have been nice, and the volume dial on the receiver moves rather pointlessly when adjusting the volume by remote. For the price though, this model can't be beat if you're looking for a stereo receiver.

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great receiver, February 2, 2007

By 

CHRISINK (St. Augustine, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver (Electronics)

I recently assembled my first stereo component system (having had mostly single piece stereos for the last 35 years). I thought I might find "suggested systems" on the web, however, I ended up researching and price comparing for a month or so before my system was completed. Here is what I bought and some comments:
1. The receiver is an Onkyo TX8222 with a "tape monitor function" which you need to be able to use an Equalizer plus to hear what you are recording. Although it has just 50 watts per channel, I have never had the volume over a third of the way up. The components below are all connected to it. From my research, Onkyo has a very good reputation.
2. I already have an 8 year old Pioneer CD File type player which holds 101 CDs. It still works great. If it ever goes, I will probably get another with a larger capacity.
3. A Teac W-600R Dual Full-Logic Cassette Combo. It has two tape decks, is reasonably priced and works fine.
4. A Panasonic Technics SLBD20D Turntable. I found good reviews and this is a simple but solid turntable.
5. SONY SS-MB350H Bookshelf Speakers (These are a Consumer Reports "Best Buy"). These speakers really are too big for a bookshelf and deliver very nice sound. I have them connected to the "A" speaker output of the receiver.
6. SONY SA-WM250 100-Watt Active Subwoofer. I like bass and the addition of this subwoofer connected to the "B" speaker output of the receiver really enhances the sound.
7. A Technical Pro EQ-5150 graphic equalizer. This is a nice unit and lets you fine tune your music. By connecting it through the tape monitoring loop, you can select any input source to your receiver and adjust the sound. This equalizer has 4 inputs labeled DVD, TAPE, TUNER, and AUX. There are two output connections. An equalizer really tops off a system.

You also need something to hold all these components. You may want to look at an OSullivan Black TV VCR Stand - 20222. It has glass doors, three drawers, and adjustable shelves. I put my turntable on top and the other components inside. Try to buy it locally since shipping is otherwise prohibitive. I put caster wheels on it for mobility since it is quite heavy. I also cut a thin plywood backing with larger access holes for the back with access covers that attach with Velcro. I painted the plywood black. The wheels and larger access holes are a real life-saver as you connect all your components.
For phonograph record storage I bought a Sauder TV/VCR Cart, Black 401082. I had to drill some higher shelf pin holes to accommodate the records. I also cut a plywood back which I painted black (much better than the black cardboard that comes with it) This unit has wheels and is a cheap way to store records.

In summary, the above items have really made for a nice system and all the components work well together. The sound is incredible especially compared to the aged single piece system I previously had. My wife noticed the difference right away. I bought several of the components at Amazon and some at other sites when the price was better. The furniture I bought locally.