Onkyo TX-NR717 USB Power

I just ordered the Onkyo TX-NR717 receiver, and I'm wondering if the USB ports power down when it is off? I understand on some models, certain standby features, etc. must be disabled for this. I'm adding a fan to cool this receiver, and need it to turn on and off with it. As this model doesn't have the 110v switching plug like the one I'm replacing, I was thinking I could use a USB fan. Would this work?

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In regards to your inquiry; the USB port is ONLY active when the receiver is active and NOT on STANDBY. You can use a USB fan and it will be active when the receiver is actively on. The USB fan will not be active when the receiver is NOT active.

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Thanks for the update. I had gotten an answer by phone as well, but they did not seem as confident about it as this answer. I did go ahead and order the receiver (I had canceled my previous order until I found out this answer).

Just as a side question, why is the 110v switch no longer standard on receivers? My last several Onkyo receivers had this, though they are all over 5 years old. It is very handy as I can plug my sub in rather than leaving it on 24/7, and it also allows you to easily add other things such as fans, lights, etc. that you may want to go on and off with your receiver. Now, unless it is USB, this isn't possible. This still works for me, but limits expansion, and I will need to leave my Sub on now.

This decision was made by the Engineering department and as a way to reduce power consumption; this option was no longer implemented into the newer model lines. If you have any more questions or concerns, Please contact our Product Support Dept for further assistance with this specific issue via our phone number and hours of operation (800-229-1687; option #3 PRODUCT SUPPORT 24 hours a day). We would like to speak with you and work to troubleshoot and resolve your issue as prompt as possible.

Thank You;

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Hastor,

I liked having the plug in the rear of the prior units also for the same reason.. to use with my subs. What I have done is got the heavy duty X-10 controllers and have my subs plugged into that. With my Harmony remote I can control X-10 devices. ie: When I want to watch a movie I hit one button and it dims all my lights, turns on my subs, and turns on all of my audio/video equipment. Check into them they are wonderful and UL Approved.


Hope this helps. Have a great evening.


FlyByNgt 11-27-12

I don't see how it would reduce power consumption, as I would expect it to just be a pass-through from the unit's main power cable, with a switch attached. The only extra power being used would be by the device that is connected, not the receiver itself. That just doesn't make any sense to me, but maybe there is something I don't understand. Could you explain exactly how this reduces the power consumption?

For now, a fan connected by USB will fit my needs. My sub does have a standby mode where it is not powered until it detects a signal, so hopefully that will work for me. I haven't tested that function, and hope it doesn't do something like turn off during a quiet scene, then not be on in time for an explosion that interrupts that scene. Hopefully it is well designed and doesn't do that.

I try not to get too complicated with remotes etc, as I tend to be the only one in the house that fully understands how and why everything is connected. I guess using a Harmony remote would work, though I would worry about a scenario where it was positioned so that the receiver turned on, but the fan or sub's controller couldn't see the IR beam. Then I would have a case where the receiver may overheat, or people are watching without a sub. It gets even more complicated when something has a single power button, rather than separate on/off buttons. If that scenario occurs, you get one thing coming on while the other is turning off.

This is proprietary information I wasn't even supposed to divulge. This was basically a R & D decision going forward.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

Thinking about an alternative here... Is there a switch that provides a 110v power outlet (plugged into a 110v outlet) which could also plug into a usb port, and have the switch only turn on when there is power on the USB line?

If not, Onkyo should consider something like this as an accessory. However, I do wonder if this was removed in order to push proprietary technology, forcing us to buy compatible devices that link together, rather than using whatever we want to. While that makes sense in some ways from a business standpoint, there are plenty of configurations that need a device that just isn't going to be available with this technology, especially custom built equipment such as fans, lighting, speakers, etc.

Your message has been forwarded to the appropriate representatives and department for further review and research. Thank you again for your input; as someone from the Engineering and Marketing department will research your suggestion. There is no current information to suggest such a accessory product will be made available by Onkyo; but wanted to provide these representatives with your idea.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

Hastor,

You are going to LOVE the TX-NR717. It TOTALLY BLOWS ME AWAY!! OMG! I have had Onkyo's for over 35 years. By far THE BEST! Hats off to you Onkyo!!!

All these issues will work out. The remote app is really nice. You will enjoy.


Ciao, FlyByNgt 11-28-12

Hastor/Others,

Take a look at devices like the Smart Strip LCG3 on Amazon to provide surge protection for your Onkyo receiver as well as provide automatic AC switching for other devices to be controlled such as powered subwoofers, CD/DVD players, etc. While I am not using this device, I purchased a similar device (NLA) several years ago and it works great when using a receiver or a TV as the control device. Basically, if the device detects that the AC current draw has increased or decreased when you turn on or turn off your receiver or TV, it will automatically turn on or turn off power to the controlled devices.
The LCG3 is less than $40. I would post the link for you guys but I am a new member and am not allowed to post a link for the next 7 days. PM me if you have trouble finding this or similar devices for your setup.

Link: not allowed at this time (see above)

BTW, my new NR717 has been working great for the last 7 days. I am operating it with the original firmware, as I have not yet encountered any real problems and I don't want to "suffer an enhancement" for a problem I don't currently have. I have three interconnected HDMI devices and the power off video/audio pass through function works perfectly on my HDMI2 port. The network features, general control features, and the sound quality are all great. In addition, my unit runs very cool, even when driving some 6 ohm speakers at pretty strong levels.

mangusta1969 wrote:Hastor/Others,

Take a look at devices like the Smart Strip LCG3 on Amazon to provide surge protection for your Onkyo receiver as well as provide automatic AC switching for other devices to be controlled such as powered subwoofers, CD/DVD players, etc. While I am not using this device, I purchased a similar device (NLA) several years ago and it works great when using a receiver or a TV as the control device. Basically, if the device detects that the AC current draw has increased or decreased when you turn on or turn off your receiver or TV, it will automatically turn on or turn off power to the controlled devices.
The LCG3 is less than $40. I would post the link for you guys but I am a new member and am not allowed to post a link for the next 7 days. PM me if you have trouble finding this or similar devices for your setup.

Link: not allowed at this time (see above)

BTW, my new NR717 has been working great for the last 7 days. I am operating it with the original firmware, as I have not yet encountered any real problems and I don't want to "suffer an enhancement" for a problem I don't currently have. I have three interconnected HDMI devices and the power off video/audio pass through function works perfectly on my HDMI2 port. The network features, general control features, and the sound quality are all great. In addition, my unit runs very cool, even when driving some 6 ohm speakers at pretty strong levels.

Mangusta, Thank you so much for that information. I am going to look into that for my other room. I did not know they existed.
I have the TX-NR717 also.. it is a great receiver. I have not had any issue for the past just about 3 weeks now.
Finding new stuff each day. As well, my unit does not feel warm or hot at all. I love the App and all other functions that I am finding. he he he!!

Have a good one. Ciao, FlyByNgt 11-30-12

Thanks, I will definitely pick up one of those if I need to add another device. My last receiver, an Onkyo 6.1 from about 7 years ago (model # is escaping me atm) ran pretty hot, though was fine with around 2 inches of clearance above it. The front and back of the shelf are completely open. The shelf above it did get warm, but never super hot. Moving to the TX-NR717, it reduced the clearance to half an inch. I assumed that this would likely get warmer than my last one, and even if it was only the same, this wouldn't be enough. I installed a 120mm USB powered fan in the shelf above it, so that half inch of space is constantly being replaced with cool air as the heat is sent upwards. It has felt cool to the touch every time I've checked. Not even sure if it was necessary but didn't want to risk it. As the fan is USB powered, it turns on and off with the receiver just fine.