The Onkyo TX-NR809 sits in the top of the mid-range series for 2011. It also replaces the TX-NR808 from last year. The 7.2 channel AV receiver is powerful and has improved video processing abilities.
This Onkyo TX-NR809 has impressive features that set it apart from its competitors. It has superb networking abilities, is 3D compatible and comes with solid build quality. The Onkyo TX-NR809 is one AVR that will give its competitors a good run for their money.
Onkyo TX-NR809
Connectivity and Design
The Onkyo TX-NR809 is packed with plenty of connectivity options. There are 8 HDMI inputs that support 3D media. 7 of them are in the rear and 1 in the front. There are also 2 HDMI outputs. This will be absolutely useful if you like to connect to a TV and a projector at the same time.
This AVR is also fitted with a USB input in the front. This is useful for playing any media from a storage drive, an iPod, iPhone or any other MP3 players. This direct connection prevents the loss of digital signal for a cleaner and purer sound. You can also use this to connect to a Wi-Fi dongle, as it is Wireless Network Ready.
With the Ethernet connection, you can get firmware upgrades as well as access to the some internet services. You get radio services like Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner, Slacker, SiriusXM and MediaFly. The interface is easy to use.
You will be able to stream and play media files if they are in FLAC, MP3, WMA, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, ACC or LPCM. This receiver can decode and provide the best listening pleasure. The TX-NR809 is Windows 7 compatible.
The Onkyo TX-NR809 also has support for Audio Return Channel. It comes with a Set Up Mic input, Auxiliary inputs, PC input and an Ethernet input. You will have 5 Composite and 2 Component inputs as well.
The Onkyo TX-NR 809 has an overall strong, rigid feel. Its front panel has a brushed aluminum finish to maintain a modern look. The display is green on a black background. The volume control has a very pretty and eye-catching blue glow when the set is on.
Below is the back panel layout. Click on image to enlarge for a clearer view.
Onkyo TX-NR809 Back Panel
Features
This receiver pushes an impressive 135 watt to each speaker. The Onkyo TX-NR809 is a 7.2 channel receiver. This means that you can have 2-subwoofer output. This creates a more balanced and tighter bass.
The Onkyo TX-NR809 has a massive transformer that provides enough separate power to give you solid, clean sound. It even has copper bus bars under the hood. This is something a high-end model would have.
Also only a few specialty TVs have 4K resolution. So before the prices of these TVs trickle down to the mainstream budget, The TX-NR809 offers analog and standard definition Upconversion to 4K Upscaling (3840 x 2160). The Marvell QVEO Processing Chip is responsible for this technology.
The Onkyo TX-NR809 has superb audio agility that has earned itself the THX Select2 Plus Certification. This feature will suit bigger rooms better. Video calibration will be optimal with the ISF (Image Science Foundation) feature.
With this receiver, you are able to have multiple speaker configurations. You can set up different a few rooms at the same time. You are also able to bi-amp to gain more control over sound. This will disable the Zone 2 capability.
For advance sound and room calibration, the Audyssey MultEQ XT will help you to figure out the most optimal settings. It comes with a set up mic to assist you with the calibration. Serious home theater fans will appreciate the Audyssey DSX that lets you use the front spatial speakers. The Pro Logic IIz will works in tandem to add more dimension to your sound.
The agility of sound provided by this amplifier also has a technology that eliminates jitter. The 3-stage inverted Darlington circuits, WRAT Pure Audio and its Double Bass capabilities work to offer you accurate sound quality.
The Onkyo TX-NR809 has an interesting remote control that learns. There a big change that you will have multiple remotes at home. This learning remote can learn and understand the codes of other remotes. You do not have to program it yourself. This learning remote receives the command codes and does it all for you.
Performance
Rio 3D in blu-ray is amazing to watch. Black levels are deep and luscious. Colors were vivid and punchy. Carnival in Brazil is a spectacular rich sea of colors. The TX-NR809 presented 3D with stunning separation and depth range. Animals and objects pop as they fly or dance across the screen. Directionality of the picture and audio added tremendous realism. Overall presentation was solid with very little crosstalk.
Audio performance on this receiver is impeccable. The Grammy Award winning Dave Matthews playing live at Radio City sounded awesome. You feel like you are right in the middle of this theatrical rock concert, but only in your home. Acoustics and vocals were also clear and pure. Instruments were well distributed. Singing seems to be coming right from the center where Dave Matthews was. You will enjoy an overall a very immersive and engaging experience.
Conclusion
The Onkyo TX-NR809 is a receiver endowed with impressive networking abilities. Its abilities to cater for 4K resolution means it is a set fit for serious home theater fans. The video and audio performance and feature are exceptionally good in its class. The Onkyo TX-NR809 is a definite choice for the ultimate home cinema experience.
