The Onkyo TX-8220 is a unique stereo receiver that aims to provide convenience and value to its users with stereo sound quality which you will enjoy listening to. We find the built-in features make the TX-8220 rather niche but based on the high positive ratings, this stereo receiver certainly does its job really well. Are you currently looking for a pair of stereo speakers for your Onkyo TX-8220? If you are, then look no further, we are planning to share with you the list of the best speakers that you can go for.
Finding speakers that have the right price is important but they also need to be compatible with your Onkyo TX-8220 in terms of sonic characteristics. To find such matching speakers, we will first need to learn more about the TX-8220 stereo receiver such as its merits and how they sound. With this knowledge, you can even find speakers with certain sound characteristics to fine-tune the overall sound quality to your liking.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Onkyo TX-8220
For a stereo receiver, the Onkyo TX-8220 is pretty big, especially the large display where you can easily see what is being written from a distance. Still, it would be nice if it were a little more compact in size. The rated power output is 45 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms (2 ch driven) and can go up to 100 Watts at 6 Ohms (1 ch driven), with a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. If you use Direct Mode, the frequency response is increased to 10Hz–100kHz (+1dB, -3dB). The power output of the Onkyo TX-8220 is actually really good for a stereo receiver at this price point. It does allow the Onkyo stereo receiver to drive most bookshelf speakers which have a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms. The dedicated subwoofer output will come in handy especially if you want better overall bass performance.
More Details at Amazon – Onkyo TX-8220 2 Stereo Receiver
The Onkyo TX-8220 also comes with useful built-in features such as Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and a DAC PCM1754 (192kHz/24-bit). There is also a Phono Input with MM Equalizer which is really cool. There are other features such as DAB+ and FM/RDS Radio Tuners and more. The earlier specs already determined what type of speakers we can go for and now we should check out the Onkyo TX-8220 sonic characteristics to further filter out incompatible speakers.
For such a modest RMS power output, the Onkyo TX-8220 is quite powerful and has the muscles to really handle some of the music transients and peaks with ease. The level of clarity is high where you can hear the musical details clearly, including subtle ones but when you start turning up the volume, you will notice distortion in the background. If you like to turn up the volume, we will suggest adding an active subwoofer into the mix. The sub will provide that added presence and open up the sound stage with higher bass output for that added low-end oomph.
The treble is crisp and open, with a hint of brightness which we find is okay as it doesn’t reach a level of harshness that is unbearable. The soundstage is decent and the stereo imaging is precise. The music presentation is smoothly delivered and there is a decent level of transparency but we find it better when the Direct Mode is turned on. More details can be heard and subtle musical nuances are clearer, there is also an improvement to the overall clarity. With an active subwoofer connected, you will also notice more details in the lower frequencies.
The Onkyo TX-8220 is really quite an incredible stereo receiver, the level of sonic performance you’ll get at such an affordable price, simply worth every penny invested. If we were to nitpick, it will be that the TX-8220 is not clean-sounding enough. All in all, we still enjoy listening to this talented stereo receiver especially with an active subwoofer and Direct Mode activated. What it needs now will be a pair of matching speakers and we will be sharing with you the best speakers to go for.
Onkyo TX-8220 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 45 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms (2 ch driven), 100 Watts at 6 Ohms (1 ch driven)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, 10Hz–100 kHz (+1dB, -3dB, Direct Mode)
- DAC: PCM1754
- Inputs: 1 Phono input, 4 Analog inputs, 1 Optical input, 1 Coaxial input
- Outputs: 1 Headphone output, 1 Analog output, 1 Subwoofer output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435mm x 149mm x 328mm (17.1″ × 5.9″ × 12.9″)
- Weight: 7kg (15.4lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Onkyo TX-8220
If you prefer a warmer-sounding stereo system, then the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 will probably be the best choice to go with your Onkyo TX-8220. The Diamond 12.1 doesn’t just sound pleasing, it is capable of delivering a detailed music presentation with defined stereo separation and precise imaging. You can push these speakers to high volumes and they won’t sound harsh. The low frequency is tight and full-bodied, not to mention, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 can go surprisingly deep into the bass extension which is pretty impressive for a bookshelf of its size.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Black Oak Bookshelf Speaker
Q Acoustics makes plenty of high-quality budget speakers but we will suggest investing a little more, to go for their higher-end model. The Q Acoustics Concept 20 is a multi-award-winning bookshelf speaker with exceptional sound quality and is still sanely priced. The dynamics of these stand-mounters are impeccable and have impressive insights where they dig out plenty of details without being clinical-sounding. The bass performance of the Concept 20 bookshelf speakers is taut and rich. It is definitely a worthy match for your Onkyo TX-8220. The transparency of the Q Acoustics Concept 20 complements the Onkyo stereo receiver really well too.
More Information at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20
The Dali Spektor 2 is another pair of compact bookshelf speakers that will be an amazing match for your Onkyo TX-8220 stereo receiver. For listeners who prefer an expressive sounding system and just want to enjoy listening to their favorite tunes with engaging dynamics, then you should really audition this pair of Dali Spektor 2 speakers immediately. These are energetic musical performers with a knack for vocal reproduction which sounds realistic and natural. Overall the music presentation is still well-balanced, furthermore, the Dali Spektor 2 speakers are considerably affordable.
More Info at Amazon – DALI SPEKTOR 2 Bookshelf Speakers
We understand there are times you just want to ramp up the volume and Klipsch speakers will be ideal choices for this case. The Onkyo TX-8220 has limited power output but it is more than enough to drive high-efficiency speakers such as the Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. These are lively speakers with a high level of clarity, able to deliver a clear and dynamic music presentation. The Klipsch R-51M speaker sensitivity is pretty high as well, allowing your Onkyo TX-8220 to drive them with ease. They do lack in the bass department but you can easily solve it by connecting to an active subwoofer. They can be overly bright sounding so it is recommended to hear them out first.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch R-51M
As mentioned earlier, Q Acoustics designs fantastic budget speakers and the Q Acoustics 3010i is one of the very finest. The sonic characteristics of the 3010i make it a good match with the Onkyo TX-8220. They are well-balanced, have good rhythm, and more importantly, entertaining to listen to. The Q Acoustics 3010i may not have the insights and clarity of the coveted Concept 20 but their price point justify the sonic difference. The overall sound reproduction is rich and full-bodied with an ample amount of bass. The low frequency is warm and taut but if you want more output and deeper bass reproduction, mixing in an active subwoofer will do the trick.
More Information at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3010i Bookshelf Speaker
Integrating an active subwoofer will help improve the overall bass performance and provide more musical presence. Furthermore, deep bass reproduction will sound more prominent and has more weight which the listed bookshelf speakers are unable to deliver. You can choose to stick with the same brand as your speaker, for instance, the Q Acoustics 3060S subwoofer to match with the Q Acoustics 3010i. You can also go with subwoofer brands such as SVS, Rythmik Audio, etc. You might want to take a look at SVS SB-1000 for a start or Rythmik Audio’s L12 which is a powerful entry-level subwoofer suitable for both music and movie listens.
More Information at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3060s Active Subwoofer
More Information at Amazon – SVS SB-1000 300 Watt 12″ Sealed Subwoofer
To Sum It Up
The mentioned speakers are mostly affordable and fit well with the price range of Onkyo TX-8220. They are also some of the best matching speakers and certainly worth your time to hear them. You can shortlist some of these speakers and arrange an audition, so as to judge the speakers’ sound quality with your own ears. If you like what you hear then probably that will be the speakers you should get. After the audition, you can also use what you have heard to compare with other speaker brands or models which you might be interested in.
