In order to remain competitive in this industry and bring quality to every level of home entertainment, Onkyo showcases the TX-SR309. With 3D technology becoming a factor nowadays, the Onkyo TX-SR309 doesn’t miss out on it as it has three HDMI inputs that can support 3D video content. With high-definition audio in the form of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, this entry-level A/V receiver would be a good affordable purchase.
Onkyo TX-SR309
Design & Connectivity
The TX-SR309 looks very similar to the TX-NR509, only differing in size. It sports a nice brushed aluminum finish and retains the black fascia similar to previous Onkyo models. Set-up is simple and adjustments are easy, thanks to a new overlaid on-screen display. The on-screen display allows you to see what is playing and change your A/V receiver’s settings easily with a simple press of the home button without having to switch back and forth from a blank screen background.
There is also a front-panel USB port that provides a high-quality digital link to your iPod or iPhone. As the audio signals are transported in digital form, rather than analog, there is much less chance for signal degradation, hence your music sounds cleaner. The TX-SR309 has 5.1 audio channels and three HDMI v1.4a inputs that allow you to immerse yourself in 3D video content with an Audio Return channel and connect to 3 high-definition sources such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console and a cable/satellite tuner.
Below is the back panel layout. Click on image to enlarge for a clearer view.
Onkyo TX-SR309 Back Panel
Features
For all audiophiles out there, this A/V receiver certainly does it job very well. It employs Onkyo’s proprietary Advanced Music Optimizer to get the best out of your compressed audio files. The receiver also handles high-definition and lossless audio in the form of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The high-quality Burr-Brown DACs work to optimize analog audio performance on the TX-SR309 as well. These DACs perform advanced 24-bit signal processing and support sampling rates of up to 192 kHz. They also work to reduce jitter so you get better sound for movies as well as for music playback.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a affordable entry-level A/V receiver that can play 3D, the Onkyo TX-SR309 would be an excellent purchase. You would be able to enjoy excellent audio quality while gaming or enjoying yourself in your own music.