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Onkyo TX-NR809 7.2 Channel THX Network Receiver Preview [0.13] by tom,May 15, 2011 13:20

The Onkyo TX-NR809 has THX Select2 certification, 7.2 channels, 135 watts per channel, Mavell Qdeo and IDT's HQV Vida video upscaling and processing, ISF calibration, 8 in 2 out HDMI, 3D support with ARC, Audyssey MultEQ XT, GUI over HDMI, and just about everything else. It streams Mediafly, Pandora, Slacker, Napster, Rhapsody, vTuner, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio, and Last.fm and is Windows 7 and DLNA certified. Front and rear USB ports for your external drives and MP3 players, tons of connects for your new and legacy gear, and just about every audio and video feature on the planet makes this $1100 receiver a very attractive option for new buyers.

WiSA Gains New Members: Onkyo, DALI, Amber Technologies, and Gibson [0.13] by smunz,June 20, 2013 19:05

The Wireless Speaker and Audio (aka WiSA) Association appears to be building up some momentum, having recently announced the addition of several key players in the home entertainment market as WiSA members: Onkyo, DALI, Amber Technologies, and Gibson. For those unfamiliar with WiSA, they are aiming to establish standards to deliver reliable, high performance, interoperable, wireless surround sound audio products to the home entertainment market. Read on for more information about the newest members of the WiSA Association.

2011 $600 A/V Receiver Comparison Guide [0.13] by tom,July 13, 2011 05:50

It's that time of year again and we're taking a look at the new receivers. At the $600 price point we have offerings from Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, Marantz, Denon, and Harman Kardon (the TX-NR609, RX-V671, VSX-50, NR1602, AVR-2112CI, and AVR 2650 respectively). Most of these are within $50 of the target price though we gave a slight edge to the Harman offering by choosing an $800 offering. Will they crush the comparison with their extra MSRP? Things to expect at this price point - 3D, Audio Return Channel, HDMI upconversion, networking, tons of power, and two zones of audio.

Onkyo 2012 Midline Receivers Preview [0.13] by tom,April 10, 2012 07:35

Onkyo has long been known for having the most features for the money in their receiver offerings and the TX-NR717 and TX-NR818 receivers are no different. It is easy to get excited about the $1000 TX-NR717 until you see what the extra $200 for the TX-NR818 gets you. Audyssey XT32, 13.5 extra pounds and 25 extra watts per channel, full 9.2 outputs, DTS Neo:X, and a host of installer features including ISF calibration controls? It's hard to see why you wouldn't spend the extra cash. With both having THX Select2+ certificaiton, 9.2 channels, 8/2 HDMI 1.4a connections, full featured networking, and loads more, consumers have a lot to drool over.

Onkyo BD-SP309 3D Blu-ray Player First Look [0.13] by tom,April 20, 2011 02:45

In a post Oppo Blu-ray world, the only thing you can do to compete it to release a player at a lower price point. Onkyo has come in at half the Oppo's price with their new BD-SP309 Blu-ray player. That's a pretty significant savings. But the question is what features did they have to cut? Well, not the important one. 3D is on board as is dual USB ports. You can stream Internet radio, Pandora, Netflix, and VUDU natively. The downside? If you don't have an HDMI input somewhere, you're out of luck. While power users will want to look elsewhere, those wanting 3D and not really caring much about anything else can save a few hundred dollars over other options with the Onkyo BD-SP309.

Onkyo THX Certified BD-SP808 Blu-ray Player First Look [0.13] by tom,September 02, 2010 06:05

The Onkyo THX Certified BD-SP808 Blu-ray player is Profile 2.0 with all the BD-Live features that entails, has an SD card slot, and an HDMI Source Direct mode for outboard video processing. It streams Blockbuster Video on Demand, is DNLA 1.5 certified, and includes remote in and out 3.5mm jacks and an RS-232 port for installer use. The premium Marvel Qdeo chipset upconverts all video to 1080p. What's it missing? Basically 7.1 analogue outputs for integration with legacy receivers and $200 off the price. If you're not interested in the 7.1 outs (or DVD-A, SACD, 3D, or a host of other streaming features available right now on players that cost less), the Onkyo BD-SP808 is for you.

Onkyo CS-345 CD Mini System Preview [0.13] by tom,November 22, 2011 10:00

At $300, the Onkyo CS-345 looks to be well priced and featured for the market. The integrated iPod/iPhone dock will appeal to many and the stereo input will appease the rest. Video output from your docked iDevice is a nice feature for students looking for an easy way to get new content in their dorms. The subwoofer output shows how Onkyo understands that this type of customer is likely to be looking for additional bass before they need additional inputs. The CS-345 may be limited, but it has just about everything a college dorm, bedroom, or office needs.

Onkyo TX-NR609 THX Select2 Plus 7.2 Network Receiver Preview [0.13] by tom,February 14, 2011 03:00

Seeing networking as low as $399 is pretty impressive. Seeing the feature set of the $599 Onkyo TX-NR609 is even more so. We love the Mavell Qdeo upconversion (same as in the new Oppo BDP-93 BD Player), the powered Zone 2, the six HDMI inputs, the front mounted USB that word with iPod/iPhone, and the overlaid on-screen display. The PC input and 4k upconversion will speak to the techie, the room correction and Audyssey Dynamic EQ/Volume and overlaid OSD will speak to the neophytes, and the 3D, 7.2 Channel, and price will speak to those that love buzzwords and deals. If you are planning on buying a receiver, either for yourself or your family, and know that once it is installed it won't be touched until it is replaced, this is a fantastic option.

Onkyo M-5010 Stereo Amplifier Preview [0.13] by smunz,July 12, 2013 09:45

Onkyo is a company known for delivering feature packed receivers at relatively low prices; they aren't necessarily a company most think of when looking at external amplifiers. Enter the M-5010. Priced at an affordable $349 and rated to deliver 75wpc @ 8 ohms, it looks like a decent budget amp. We think its best application is pulling multi-zone duty. Considering that the M-5010 has a street price of only $249, can be daisy chained to other amps, is 4ohm stable, and has a volume control and 12v trigger, we think it would be a great companion to an AVR lacking amplified zone 2 outputs. In the past, for $250 a consumer could just buy a stereo receiver if their main AVR didn't support zone 2, but with the advanced network features built into modern AVRs, an external amp makes more sense.

Onkyo 2012 Budget Receiver Line Preview [0.13] by tom,February 22, 2012 22:20

There is very little that we find more interesting than new budget receiver offerings. Onkyo has made a name for themselves over the last few years for offering the highest feature to dollar ratio. So when they announce that they are updating their budget offerings, we can't help but perk up. While Onkyo has placed their WRAT amplifier typology throughout this entry-level line and have tried to incorporate as many streaming and convenience features as they can at all price points, they don't have any room correction for any offering under $500. While we think users of all but the bare bones TX-SR313 will appreciate Silicon Image's InstaPrevue feature, mostly would be more impressed with a room correction system than a better amplifier typology. We'll have to see how the public receives the new Onkyo 2012 line to know for sure.