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Sherwood/Newcastle R-972 Official Thread

230K views 950 replies 79 participants last post by  Linkage2010 
#1 · (Edited)
Well I got my R-972 today from accessories4less (that shipped to me from Florida to Edmonton Canada in just 2 days!) and had an hour to hook it up and play with it just a little.
First impressions are is that it was probably one of the best investments I could have made :)

Out of the box this receiver is huge! the weight is about 45lbs although Ive red conflicting reports that it weighs as much as 60lbs. No matter how you look at it its a beast for size and covers the top shelf of my AV rack completely and its very tall for a receiver.
I hooked all my gear up to it and the main speakers (I plan only using this as a two channel setup) I then powered it up and it came to life without any issues (First sigh of releaf given the distance it traveled). Without even having time to do any of the settings or even running Trinnov I played my iPod and could not believe the clarity of the sound, It brought my Missions to life it seems. they were clean and like my EV sentrys downstairs sounded much more dynamic and the separation was outstanding!

Im going to spend some more time playing tomorrow but for now I am thrilled by what its done even without any room eq applied :T

To check the version of your R-972 firmware:
hold Display and Enter/Memo

To reset the R-972 to factory settings:
Once in Standby Mode, press and hold down the STANDBY & MEMO/ENTER buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. This will reset the unit and it will turn on automatically. If the reset was successful, you should notice that the receiver powers up at 87.5 FM . If not, repeat the reset process.

Information on installing the bass boost Hex files here
 
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#133 ·
Hello,
Big props to your ex Girlfriend owning a Subwoofer. That statement is food for thought as the Descent i is a good bit more powerful than my Depth Subwoofer.
Cheers,
JJ
 
#135 ·
Hey guys , I just got my 972 from AC4L yesterday . I cant get the OSD to show on my 55 LED . I have tried HDMI and component cables. Also , on the front panel of the unit I dont get any response when I push the monitor output or the setup buttons.
Any suggestions?
There is a menu item that allows you to specify which output (HDMI, Component or Composite) to look at for "monitor out" function. I don't recall what the default is, but you might try the composite connection, too.

On my setup, I also have to switch the TV input to look at the correct HDMI input, then press the setup button on the 972 remote. It takes a few seconds for the menu to appear.

Good luck.

Jim
 
#137 ·
Thanks for the reply Jim.
I havent been able to locate the sub menu for selecting which output type to use on monitor out and that might be the problem.
My tv doesnt have s-video or composite so I am limited to HDMI or component for the OSD.
The menu setting is in the "System Setup" / "Monitor Output" submenu. Then just toggle thru the choices. Are you sure you have the HDMI cable running from the HDMI OUTPUT to a TV HDMI input? Supposedly you can run the setup menu from the receiver display. Then switch the TV so it's looking at the correct HDMI input, press the 972 remote setup button, and wait. It should pop-up.

Jim
 
#143 ·
Installed the unit today. Neither remote worked at first, but now the little IR one turns the unit on, although it turns itself back off seconds later. It comes on as ROOM2 SET >Room2 = OFF, then goes back into standby.

Hooked my universal player up, played some 2 channel. Some info was missing like the AVR was in multi channel mode. I had to use the front panel controls to get anything done.
 
#144 ·
I believe the little remote is only used for "Room 2". It does not seem to do anything for the main listening area (as far as I can tell).

In order to get the big remote to control the unit, make sure to press the "AUD" button on top so it says "Audio" in the display. Really, the remotes are the biggest downside to this unit - they are really, really poor IMO.
 
#145 ·
Ive abandoned my 972 remote and i use my Harmony 880, works just fine with that.
 
#146 ·
Remote is working, thanks! Set the CD to multi channel, it seems to be playing proper 2 channel now.

Doesn't want to switch inputs, but I'll figure that out tomorrow. I have a lot to learn. I know... read the instructions. :dumbcrazy:
 
#147 ·
its a little quirky as far as the front panel input is concerned. Im starting t understand how it works but still a bit of a learning curve to it. In the video input settings there are alot of options as to what it defaults to.
 
#148 ·
Hello,
The Remote Control was the main issue with this AVR and I pointed this out on the "I Got a New Toy's" first Post. I have been remiss that I have not mentioned this more, but the value is so good and Trinnov so exceptional that I have lost sight of this issue.
J
 
#150 ·
CD in Stereo mode, my mains do not sound as good as before. While the Newcastle does sound pretty good, I am missing the clarity of the Exposure integrated, the highs are subdued and the image isn't as specific, less air around the performers. I feel the sound does improve after 10-15 minutes of play (warmup).

My subs do sound better, the Dayton SA1000 is liking the LFE feed. Haven't played with the settings, levels or XO FR. I am tired and just want to listen to music. Looking forward to tweaking settings and running Trinnov.
 
#151 ·
Looking forward to tweaking settings and running Trinnov.
Have you not run Trinnov? thats why it sounds so flat trust me it will sound far far better after you run Trinnov:T
 
#152 ·
I am counting on that, Room EQ is the whole reason I undertook this experiment. High tech AVR vs. minimalist audiophile amp.

I will run Trinnov this Friday. Work drains me during the week, and I will have that day off paid. It will be fun.

I am curious, I browsed around the manual, but didn't find XO points for the mains and subs. Just running straight Stereo mode.
 
#153 ·
I really am looking forward to reading your insights. It truly is best to run Trinnov when you have the time to do it in the best possible way. I was honestly shocked just how much a difference using a Tripod was as opposed to using Pillows to approximate Ear Level.
 
#154 ·
I wonder if there is an adapter that would allow me to attach the probes to my mic boom stand? I understand that the probes need to point upward and the dot goes to the front.
 
#155 ·
It is essential for the Microphone to be orientated correctly. I simply used Velcro Tape to place the Microphone to the Tripod.
 
#156 ·
Well I just jumped in and purchased a R972, This will be replacing my old Onkyo 805 and I will be running it in 5.1 for now. I have been reading about Trinnov for years now and even though I was hoping to get it in a new preamp with XLR outputs I just had to jump on the amazing price A4L had it. I should have it in a few days and will report back once I get everything setup :)
 
#157 ·
Hello,
With a 3 Year Warranty and it now being $1250 off the MSRP (actually that is for the Open Box 972's/$1200 off MSRP otherwise), this is truly an absolute steal. I personally use my Onkyo Remote to control the 972 as the Remote is absolutely pathetic on the 972. That being said, the Onkyo RC from the 805 can easily learn all of the important functions of the 972.
Cheers,
JJ
 
#159 ·
Does anyone know if the owners manual is available online? I would like to read through it before I get the receiver but it looks like Sherwood totally dropped support for this thing including the manual :huh:
Also are there any firmware updates available for this receiver?
 
#160 ·
Manual is here, If your buying it form Accessories4less then it will have the latest firmware already installed.
 
#161 ·
Thanks for the link, I found that site but it is only a sales flyer and not the owners manual,

Sucks that Sherwood pulled it off their main site, is it really that big a deal to keep a few files available for people to download! It's not like this thing is 10 years old, it is 1 generation old!
 
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