Review: Rather than focusing their efforts on trendy designs, it's apparent that Onkyo placed emphasis where it really counts by packing unexpected levels of performance and a long feature list into a reasonably-priced offering. While $500 is certainly not cheap, the 7.2-channel TX-NR609 features THX Select2 certification. Whereas other receivers are labeled '7.1-channel', the Onkyo TX-NR609 boasts '7.2-channel' specification due to its capability to drive two subwoofers. These are features that are generally not found in this price range, and make the TX-NR609 an extremely attractive proposition.
The TX-NR609 is actually the follow-up model to the TX-SR608, despite the slight change in the naming scheme. The 'N' signifies that this A/V receiver is network-capable by using the Ethernet port. The role of home theater A/V receivers continues to be expanded, and the TX-NR609 offers music streaming from major sources such as Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, Napster, and even Sirius satellite radio. These capabilities are a nice complement if you already own a device (or several) with support for internet content streaming. If you own an iPod or iPhone, you can use the front panel USB port to connect your device directly to the receiver without requiring a special harness. This means you can stream music from your iPod/iPhone, and have it played back using your home theater setup.
One particular feature that gives the TX-NR609 extra future-proofing is the inclusion of a Marvell Qdeo video processor. This allows the TX-NR609 to upscale both interlaced or progressive-scan, standard definition or HD content to 3840x2160 pixel resolution, which is the resolution of the not-yet-offered QFHD/QHD (Quad Full High Definition) TVs that are soon to enter the market. The TX-NR609 can also upscale standard-definition content to 'current' HD (1080p), so there's no need to worry if your display cannot handle such a lofty resolution.
Setting the TX-NR609 up for maximum performance is easy and straightforward, thanks to the automatic speaker calibration provided by the Audyssey 2EQ software. This simple process requires a microphone to be placed in the listening position, and the system determines the distance and placement of the speakers and adjusts accordingly. With THX Select2 certification, you would expect the TX-NR609 to deliver outstanding audio quality. When used in the manner prescribed by the THX certification (room size up to 2000 square feet, 10-12 feet away from screen, using THX-certified speakers), the Onkyo TX-NR609 delivers crisp, accurate sound and powerful bass that can replicate the movie theater experience. This receiver also supports major lossless audio codecs like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, making it suitable for watching Blu-ray content with hi-fi audio. If you want extra bass, the 7.2-channel TX-NR609 features a second output to connect another subwoofer.
The TX-NR609 is not short on connectivity, with a total of 6 HDMI 1.4a inputs (one located on the front panel), 2 component video inputs, 5 composite video inputs, 2 digital coaxial audio inputs, 2 optical audio inputs, and 6 analog stereo inputs. A single VGA input is provided as well, allowing a PC to be connected to the receiver. 3D pass-through is fully supported, as is standby pass-through and HDMI audio return channel. Compared to its primary competitors like the Denon AVR-1912 and the Pioneer VSX-1021-K, the Onkyo TX-NR609 is lacking support for Apple AirPlay but is otherwise equipped similarly or better.
Other than the lack of built-in AirPlay (disregard this if you have an Android phone), the Onkyo TX-NR609 makes a strong case for itself with its superb audio performance and future-proof equipment such as the Marvell Qdeo processor. Best of all, the Onkyo unit is usually priced less than the Denon or the Pioneer, making it a steal compared to those two. There's no question that this is one of the best mid-range A/V receivers of 2011.
Pioneer VSX-1122-K Reciever
Winner of: Best AV Receiver
