Best Onkyo AV Receivers

The Onkyo TX-NR7100 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV Receiver is a powerful and versatile audio/video component that offers complete control over your home theater system. This receiver boasts nine discrete outputs: seven channels of 140 watts per channel, as well as two subwoofer outputs for added bass response with up to 150 watts of power each. It also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream music from virtually any device in the house or access streaming services like Spotify Connect, Tidal HiFi Music Streaming Service, Amazon Prime Music & more directly on this unit without having to switch components or use complicated settings menus. Moreover it has multiple HDMI inputs which supports 4K pass through video at 60 frames per second while providing high definition sound quality thanks to Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X™ object based surround sound formats plus many other cutting edge technologies supported by this amazing product!

Onkyo TX-RZ610: Basic Receiver for Seamless Work

If you are looking for a decent receiver for comfortable usage, the following Onkyo TX-RZ610 review demonstrates that this device guarantees the high volume level and doesn’t distort the sound. This 7.2-channel receiver is able to deliver 100W per channel.

Design

The design of the receiver is made in a classic style, slightly diluted with the glossy sheen of the front parts. The aluminum front panel fits greatly with the overall design of the receiver. Volume control complements the overall design of the Onkyo product, it is conveniently located in the hand and has no looseness. A fluorescent display with an active matrix demonstrates all the inscriptions. Legs are made of quality rubber, so they have no unpleasant smell and are solid.

Features

The gapless payback is a decent feature as there are no pauses between audio files while paying and the playback is performed without interruptions. There’s also a possibility to edit the name of each input and radio preset to improve the identification level. Three display dimmer settings help control the brightness according to the time of the day.

Performance

Despite decent TX-RZ610 specs, the unit is complemented with a Dolby Atmos that is greatly demonstrated via two ceiling-mounted speakers that are able to give the required depth to the movies. It’s suitable for the Tidal streaming service usage that allows enjoying exclusive music and lossless audio. Moreover, the Onkyo TX-RZ610 supports the FireConnect (a wireless audio technology), but this feature is available only after the upgrading.

Sound Quality

As the unit belongs to the 7.2 channel surround system class, it produces a theater-dimensional virtual surround sound effect and makes the movies watching really impressive. I like the Dynamic Audio Amplification presence, as this peculiarity makes it possible to enjoy the fast response and low sound distortion at high volumes. One more element (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) makes the analog signals really smooth and performs the noiseless audio processing. The Onkyo TX-RZ610 A/V receiver is complemented with a special audio technology (AccuEQ) that makes object-based sounds cohesive. Due to the Zone 2 DAC, it’s possible to distribute the quality sound to another room.

Connectivity

The unit has 8 HDMI inputs generally (1 is on the front side) and 2 outputs. The manufacturer added a setup mic, auxiliary audio analog input, and above-mentioned HDMI input on the front part. There are some pleasant connectivity features such as IR input, an assignable 12V trigger output, and 2 subwoofer outputs. A phono input on the rear panel is a great solution for vinyl lovers.

Setup

The setting up process is easy as the manual contains all the required data and the on-screen menu controls the process. Moreover, the banana plugs improve the process and it takes no more than 20 minutes. All the owner has to do is to hook up everything (network, HDMI, and speakers), insert the batteries to the remote controller, plug the receiver, and turn it on.

Conclusion

The Onkyo TX-RZ610 is hard to call the best of the best, but it has enough power for stable operation, supports HDMI, app control, and is compatible with various media resources. This unit has lots of inputs and outputs and the firmware updating feature.

Onkyo TX-NR525: Set of Modern Features and Streaming Services Support

The Onkyo TX-NR525 is a receiver with the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support. Moreover, it can perform the 3D video, and the real picture is complemented with a high-quality color rendering.

Design

The front panel is replete with a volume knob and various buttons, but their number does not deter, as they have the same color as the chassis. Here you can find the Music Optimizer button, the accesses to the Listening and Tuning modes, AUX input, phone input, and the 3.5mm headphone jack. A large LCD display demonstrates all the performed procedures. The volume control knob is rather sensitive (the smallest movement changes the volume level). The assembly quality is well; as there are no cracks on the body frame and all the elements are solid (even 4 stands don’t have the rubber smell).

Features

The Onkyo TX-NR525 works with a 4K Ultra HD signal when playing video via HDMI and scales the incoming signals to a resolution of 1080p. It has the InstaPrevue feature (visual viewing of all the active HDMI inputs) and hybrid standby mode (with HDMI inputs turned on and Ethernet port in standby mode). The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technologies are available (using the optional network adapters UBT-1 and UWF-1), which provide a high level of audio files playback quality in a streaming mode from smartphones. A good addition to the capabilities of the device is an AM/FM tuner with 40 preset stations.

Performance

Due to the decent Onkyo TX-NR525 specs, the receiver is capable of playing FLAC and WAV formats with parameters up to 24bit/192kHz both from the USB storage medium and with a network connection. The Pandora, Spotify, and Sirius services start up quickly and do not freeze during operation. The picture quality is out of the question and really demonstrates the realistic colors.

Sound Quality

Its high-quality sound is good most of the time, but there is one caveat. When the Onkyo TX-NR525 stereo receiver is used with floor speakers and plays at the max volume, the strong distortions appear (after 3 minutes of listening), so I have to reduce the loudness. In most cases, the sound is performed without claims. Top notes sound clear, while the bass is solid and brings the desired groove.

Connectivity

The Onkyo TX-NR525 review demonstrates that it is equipped with 6 line inputs (5 of which are for AV sources), digital audio inputs, linear 2.1 outputs for sounding the second zone, and an output for headphones connecting. 6 HDMI inputs have the ability to transmit video with 4K resolution. There are 2 USB-connectors on the front and rear panels. You can hook up iPod/iPhone in the front USB, the signal from which will be digitally transmitted. The Android devices can be connected via the USB port on the rear side.

Setup

The user interface is intuitive and simple. Just press the Home button on the remote control and a menu will appear on the screen offering the basic options of the receiver: network services, USB, configuration, firmware updating, etc. You can assign image output to one or two monitors and set the image resolution via the video settings. The Audyssey MultEQ can help you perform the basic setup procedures in an automated way.

Conclusion

The Onkyo TX-NR525 AV receiver has impressive connectivity possibilities and simplifies the setup process via Audyssey MultEQ. Its streaming services work seamlessly, but the sound on a max volume isn’t perfect.

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Choose Onkyo TX-NR616 and Get Rich Connectivity with QDEO Technology

The Onkyo TX-NR616 has the HDMI 1.4 inputs, which are compatible with the 3D signal. The available MHL technology supports high-definition video transmission (it provides high-resolution image display (up to 4K)) while charging a connected mobile device. I also appreciate the Deep Color feature that brings a greater number of shades of colors in the image on the screen.

Design

The Onkyo TX-NR616 AV receiver has a rectangular body frame with a large rounded adjuster on the front panel. The large volume knob is solid and the bezel glowing around it can be turned off in the setup menu. The green figures on the receiver’s screen are bright and greatly visible at any time of the day. Four rubber legs are stable and the construction of the body frame protects the inner elements from the dust.

Features

The Onkyo Remote 2 app allows you to control the receiver using an iPhone/Android. It is especially convenient to exploit with Onkyo’s built-in streaming services since the application repeats what is on your smartphone on the TV screen. The downside may be that the app sometimes freezes and doesn’t respond to commands. The Onkyo TX-NR616 review shows that it doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi but allows you to connect an external Wi-Fi module via USB. There’s an Ethernet, due to which all the network functions are available, including software updates, smartphone controls, and media streaming from your home network and the Internet.

Performance

I can fully enjoy the QDEO technology that allows reaching the 4K resolution and really decent picture quality. The control over the device is simplified by a nice graphic interface equipped with the ability to preview all connected sources. It looks like a picture-in-picture function and makes it possible not to rename the inputs. Pay attention that after pressing the Home button, a series of figures are superimposed on top of the video being watched.

Sound Quality

Despite decent Onkyo TX-NR616 specs, the receiver has rather a rasp sound. On the one hand, the wideness of the panorama is very pleasing and the localization of the effects is accurate. After careful listening, you can detect the synthetic notes and not entirely reliable transmission of voices and musical instruments. The Dynamic EQ и Dynamic Volume options can be the reason for it, as they make the sound less dynamic but raise the bass level and mute the high frequencies.

Connectivity

The Onkyo TX-NR616 stereo receiver has 8 HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel. The front USB port supports iPhone, iPad, and Android, so you can connect these devices directly using a corresponding cable and work with media files on the screen. Composite video input and a mini-jack are provided in the front part (for older devices).

Setup

It’s equipped with Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system. If you want to do the calibration without bothering yourself, use the Audyssey Quick Start function with one microphone position (in the usual listening position), the whole operation takes several minutes. If there is a bit more time, run Audyssey 2EQ. This is a full calibration with three positions for the microphone, which will expand the area of optimal sound. The special app can also be useful while adjusting, as it contains the manual guide and recommendations.

Conclusion

The surveyed receiver has enough HDMI inputs for various purposes and its app is a great helper in setup and performance. 4K resolution makes it easy to enjoy the picture. The sound is peculiar, but you can get used to it.