AV Receivers Onkyo

You can create a great home theater experience with Onkyo AV receivers. The products of this brand are generally sound and deserve close attention. However, you will have to thoroughly study the basic selection criteria and requirements for the operation of products.

The best way to characterize an Onkyo AV receiver is to describe the ratings the public gives it. Users note the ease of operation and traditionally high sound quality. Branded applications for the iPhone platform are quite convenient and do not cause any particular complaints. There are models where network broadcasting is implemented. Onkyo technology predictably supports a wide variety of file formats. Also in the reviews they write about:

• pleasant and harmonious appearance;
• lack of support for Google Music;
• work only with rather weak online radio services;
• fully justified expectations from the purchase;
• quite powerful DAC;
• the ability to play music from an external hard drive;
• convenient and quite reasonable settings.

Deserves attention first of all Onkyo TX-RZ730. This is a modern 9.2-channel receiver. The manufacturer promises consumers full-format sound and high-quality picture. The output power is large enough. The technical part is worked out properly for sound reproduction at Dolby Atmos, DTS: X levels. Dynamic sound amplification is structurally implemented.

Back in this model, Onkyo has applied proprietary noise reduction techniques. The finest details of a melody or voice are displayed as well as possible.

Of course, both standard HDMI and Dolby Vision are used. Implemented HLG, HDR10 functions. Acoustic room calibration is performed according to the AccuEQ Advance standard. The manufacturer claims that there are phenomenal emotional effects when watching movies with this receiver. The designers have selected selected components, including the power transformer.

The main technical functions are as follows:

• preamplifier output for 11.2 channels;
• sound processing for playback on 7.2.4 channels (when using an external stereo sound amplifier);
• pass-through 4K / 60 Hz;
• HDCP 2.2;
• cross-augmented mixing of Dolby, DTS tracks;
• simplified control of multi-room complexes using Onkyo Controller 5;
• access to Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, TuneIn.

Onkyo TX-NR575 able to challenge the previous model. This receiver is already made according to the 7.2 channel scheme. The device adapts without problems to the requests and needs of the consumer. It will suit everyone - fans, movie fans, and connoisseurs of music services. Of course, the most advanced technologies are used.

As with other Onkyo products, Dolby Atmos, DTS: X modes are used. Hi-Res level audio files can be played. The ability to share network content and even analog audio is available - for this they use the original FireConnect technique. Spotify is available. For streaming music, you can use dual-band transmissions over Wi-Fi networks.

The manufacturer promises:

• 135 watts sound power per channel;
• dynamic audio amplification;
• high-end DAC with a resolution of 384 kHz / 32 bit;
• filtering according to the VLSC scheme;
• built-in Chromecast module;
• identification of spatial effects in soundtracks;
• Dolby Surround;
• FireConnect.

The rear panel is equipped with 6 HDMI inputs. Through 2 outputs, pass-through of HLG, HDR10 signals is provided. You can connect a camcorder or game console via the HDMI input on the front panel. The option of transmitting video to a display located in an adjacent room has also been implemented. The system is capable of driving a 4-ohm load, which is very difficult even for many leading amplifiers.

It is also worth noting:

• need update the firmware to support a range of functions;
• DTS Play-Fi;
• AirPlay;
• Tidal, Deezer;
• signal-to-noise ratio 106 dB;
• impedance AC 4-16 Ohm;
• ranges FM, AM;
• memory for 40 radio stations;
• weight is exactly 9 kg.

Another attractive device - Onkyo TX-NR686 Black. This receiver operates on a 7.2 channel scheme. Dynamic audio amplification technology is used. Compliance with the BT standard should be noted separately. 2020. There are mutually compatible solutions for 3D audio augmentation mixing.

This option will allow you to experience spatial sound even when playing typical multi-channel movies. Now it has become possible to receive music from mobile devices to a receiver and other compatible systems. For this purpose, use Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi. Of course, both AirPlay and Bluetooth are implemented. There is access to high-resolution recordings via the USB interface.

Additionally, it should be noted:

• THX Select Certified Theater-Grade Reference Sound;
• 165 watts per channel;
• the ability to work with 4-ohm systems;
• interaction with Google Assistant;
• dual band Wi-Fi;
• FlareConnect wireless mode suitable for multi-room audio streaming;
• support for Amazon Music;
• the ability to play Hi-Res audio level;
• Advanced Music Optimizer;
• conversion of 480i video with interlaced scan type to modern progressive format;
• massive power transformer HCPS.

But just getting to know these models is not all. It is very important to make the right choice when buying a receiver... The range of Onkyo is quite large, and therefore it is necessary to understand what specific functionality a good device should have. The most important thing here is to decide how many amplification channels should be in the system. Not only technical perfection depends on this, but also the cost of individual systems.

A few years ago, many believed that the 5.1 standard was absolutely everything one could wish for. Times are changing, however, and the proliferation of Blu-ray quality audio has forced such concepts to redefine. The recording of seven-channel soundtracks has already become the modern standard. Even more channels are needed if you are trying to achieve surround or even more spatial sound.

9 or 11 channels - solutions that will help expand the panorama using additional acoustic generators. It is worth noting that many experts disagree with their application. They believe that receivers of this level are justified only for playing 9 or 11-channel recordings. But if you plan to use the Dolby Atmos option, this is exactly the level you should focus on. The power of the receiver is always selected taking into account the area of ​​the room and the power of the combined acoustic devices.

On average, for each square meter, a power of 25-30 watts is required. But you must additionally take into account the manufacturer's instructions regarding the area of ​​the room. Don't seriously trust a parameter like PMPO. These are always overestimated figures.

Only speakers with an impedance of 4 to 16 ohms can be connected to Onkyo receivers. At the same time, the company disclaims responsibility for the connection of any equipment from other manufacturers. If some signal cannot be reproduced by the display of the receiver, it will be replaced by "asterisks". Connection to TVs with ARC standard is only possible with 1 HDMI cable. Camcorders and similar devices must be connected to the AUX Input.

Other recommendations:

• to access Spotify, you need to install the application on the gadget and activate a premium account;
• remote playback of files on a PC is possible through Windows Media Player 12 and newer versions (subject to correct configuration);
• in the event of any extraneous noise, unusual odors, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply and contact the company's service department;
• if there is no sound from the TV, you must switch the receiver to the same connector to which the TV is connected.

In the next video you will find an unboxing and review of the Onkyo TX-NR696 receiver.