When it comes to home theater systems, one of the most crucial components is the receiver. It’s the brain of the operation, responsible for processing audio and video signals, amplifying power, and connecting all the devices in your setup. With so many brands and models on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Onkyo is a well-known brand in the audio industry, but are their receivers any good? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Onkyo receivers, exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
The History Of Onkyo
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Onkyo receivers, let’s take a brief look at the company’s history. Founded in 1946 in Japan, Onkyo has been a prominent player in the audio industry for over 75 years. The company started as a manufacturer of phonograph pickups and later expanded its product line to include amplifiers, speakers, and receivers. Today, Onkyo is a well-respected brand, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and value.
What Makes Onkyo Receivers Stand Out?
So, what sets Onkyo receivers apart from the competition? Here are some key features and benefits that make them a popular choice among home theater enthusiasts:
Advanced Audio Processing
Onkyo receivers are equipped with advanced audio processing technologies, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Audyssey MultEQ. These technologies ensure that your audio experience is immersive, engaging, and accurate. Dolby Atmos, for example, allows for the creation of a three-dimensional sound field, with sound objects moving overhead and around the listener.
High-Quality Amplification
Onkyo receivers are known for their high-quality amplification, with robust power output and low noise levels. This means that your speakers will receive the clean, stable power they need to produce accurate and detailed sound. Onkyo’s amplifiers are designed to handle demanding speaker loads, ensuring that your system sounds its best even at high volumes.
Wide Range Of Connectivity Options
Onkyo receivers offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and analog audio inputs. This means that you can connect all your devices, from Blu-ray players and gaming consoles to turntables and CD players. Onkyo receivers also support 4K and HDR video passthrough, ensuring that your video signal is transmitted without degradation.
User-Friendly Interface
Onkyo receivers feature an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings. The on-screen display is clear and concise, with easy-to-understand menus and options. This means that you can focus on enjoying your music and movies, rather than struggling to set up your system.
Onkyo Receiver Models: A Brief Overview
Onkyo offers a wide range of receiver models, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are a few examples:
Entry-Level Models
Onkyo’s entry-level models, such as the TX-8270, offer excellent value for the price. These receivers provide robust power output, advanced audio processing, and a range of connectivity options. They’re perfect for small to medium-sized home theaters and budgets.
Onkyo’s mid-range models, such as the TX-NR676, offer more advanced features and better performance than the entry-level models. They often include additional HDMI inputs, more advanced room correction, and improved amplification.
High-End Models
Onkyo’s high-end models, such as the PR-SC5509, are designed for serious home theater enthusiasts. These receivers offer the latest and greatest in audio processing, amplification, and connectivity. They often include advanced features like 8K video passthrough, Wi-Fi connectivity, and multi-room audio capabilities.
Pros And Cons Of Onkyo Receivers
As with any brand, Onkyo receivers have their pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
* Excellent Value for the Price: Onkyo receivers offer excellent performance and features at an affordable price point.
* Advanced Audio Processing: Onkyo’s audio processing technologies, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, provide an immersive and engaging audio experience.
* High-Quality Amplification: Onkyo receivers are known for their robust power output and low noise levels.
* Wide Range of Connectivity Options: Onkyo receivers offer a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect all your devices.
Cons:
* Complexity: Onkyo receivers can be complex to set up and adjust, especially for those new to home theater systems.
* Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported difficulty in getting help from Onkyo’s customer support team.
* Not as Well-Built as Some Rivals: Some users have reported issues with build quality, particularly in the lower-end models.
Conclusion
So, are Onkyo receivers any good? The answer is a resounding yes. With their advanced audio processing, high-quality amplification, and wide range of connectivity options, Onkyo receivers offer excellent value for the price. While they may not be the best choice for every user, they’re definitely worth considering for anyone building a home theater system.
Whether you’re a seasoned home theater enthusiast or just starting out, Onkyo receivers are definitely worth exploring. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and value, Onkyo has established itself as a leader in the audio industry.
| Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TX-8270 | $299 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K HDR passthrough, 5 HDMI inputs |
| TX-NR676 | $499 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K HDR passthrough, 7 HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi connectivity |
| PR-SC5509 | $1,499 | 8K video passthrough, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-room audio |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the region and retailer.
Are Onkyo Receivers Durable And Long-lasting?
Onkyo receivers have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting. Many users have reported using their Onkyo receivers for 10-15 years without experiencing any major issues. The build quality of Onkyo receivers is generally good, with sturdy constructions and high-quality components that can withstand regular use. Additionally, Onkyo offers a 2-year warranty on most of its receivers, providing peace of mind for customers.
However, it’s worth noting that like any electronic device, Onkyo receivers are not immune to failures. Some users have reported issues with faulty HDMI ports, overheating, and other problems. But these issues are relatively rare, and Onkyo’s customer support is generally responsive to customer complaints.
Do Onkyo Receivers Support 4K And HDR?
Yes, most modern Onkyo receivers support 4K resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) video. In fact, Onkyo was one of the first receiver manufacturers to support HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Onkyo receivers can pass through 4K resolution at up to 60fps, making them suitable for use with 4K TVs and projectors. Additionally, many Onkyo receivers support HDR10+, which offers improved color accuracy and contrast.
It’s worth noting that not all Onkyo receivers support 4K and HDR, so it’s essential to check the specifications of the model you’re interested in to ensure it meets your needs. Additionally, some Onkyo receivers may require firmware updates to enable HDR support, so be sure to check for updates regularly.
How Is The Sound Quality Of Onkyo Receivers?
Onkyo receivers are known for their excellent sound quality, thanks to their high-quality amplifiers and advanced audio processing technologies. Onkyo receivers support a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and object-based audio. They also feature advanced room calibration systems, such as AccuEQ, which help to optimize the sound quality for your specific listening space.
The sound quality of Onkyo receivers is often described as detailed, immersive, and engaging. They have a strong reputation among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, who praise their ability to produce clear, accurate, and nuanced sound. Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, Onkyo receivers are capable of delivering an exceptional listening experience.
Are Onkyo Receivers Compatible With Smart Home Systems?
Many Onkyo receivers are compatible with popular smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can control your Onkyo receiver using voice commands, which can be convenient and fun. Onkyo receivers also support other smart home protocols, such as Sonos, which allows you to integrate your receiver into a whole-home audio system.
However, not all Onkyo receivers are compatible with smart home systems, so be sure to check the specifications of the model you’re interested in to ensure it meets your needs. Additionally, some smart home features may require additional hardware or software components, so be sure to check the compatibility before making a purchase.
Can I Connect Multiple Devices To An Onkyo Receiver?
Yes, Onkyo receivers offer a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple HDMI inputs, USB ports, and analog audio inputs. This means you can connect multiple devices to your Onkyo receiver, including Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming devices, and more. Onkyo receivers can handle a large number of devices, making them suitable for complex home theater systems.
It’s worth noting that the number of available inputs can vary depending on the specific model of your Onkyo receiver. Some higher-end models may offer more inputs than entry-level models, so be sure to check the specifications of the model you’re interested in to ensure it meets your needs.
Is Onkyo Customer Support Good?
Onkyo customer support has a mixed reputation. Some users have reported positive experiences with Onkyo’s customer support, praising their responsiveness and helpfulness. Onkyo offers a range of support options, including phone support, email support, and online chat.
However, other users have reported negative experiences with Onkyo’s customer support, citing long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty resolving issues. It’s worth noting that Onkyo’s customer support may vary depending on your location and the specific issue you’re experiencing. If you’re concerned about customer support, be sure to research and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase.
Are Onkyo Receivers Expensive?
Onkyo receivers can vary in price, ranging from entry-level models under $200 to high-end models over $1,000. Generally, Onkyo receivers tend to be priced competitively with other receiver brands, offering a good balance of features and performance for the price. However, some higher-end Onkyo receivers can be quite expensive, especially those with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and THX certification.
That being said, Onkyo receivers are often considered to be good value for the price. They offer a wide range of features, excellent sound quality, and durable construction, making them a good investment for home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles.