2016 Onkyo Atmos A/V Receivers Budget Line Preview

Along with their high-end line of receivers, Onkyo has also released a new line of impressive AV receivers for the discerning audiophile on a budget. Introducing the TX-SR353, TX-NR555, TX-NR656, and the TX-NR757 AV receivers.  Aside from the TX-SR353, these receivers are *Dobly Atmos-ready along with DTS:X decoding which gives them a more customized listening experience (upon an upcoming firmware update).  Onkyo’s VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) is also applied to the three more expensive units which, according to Onkyo, presents a “virtually, noiseless, smooth, analog signal that brings out even the most subtle of nuances in music sources.”  The following comparison chart lays out a few of the differences between the new products.

The Onkyo TX-SR353

This 17.6 lb. receiver is the budget AVR of these budget AVRs and at $399 has the least frills of its bigger siblings.  It has 5-way binding posts for the front channels only, whereas the center and rear channels incorporate spring-loaded terminals.  Nonetheless it is still an Onkyo receiver, which counts for something.  Like its siblings, it incorporates the typical Onkyo discrete channel circuitry for all channels, 0.08% THD to 2 channels (great for 2 channel listening especially with its 192K/24 bit DACs), and 4K pass through.  Other features similar to the other models is the built-in Bluetooth capability, AccuEQ, Subwoofer analog pre-out, USB input, and the 2 year warranty just to name a few.  If this is used in a multi-media system with a couple of components, there are 4/1 HDMI input/output connections with Audio Return Channel to the TV.

The Onkyo TX-NR555

At $599 and 20.7lbs. the next step up in this line of receivers is a big jump from the TX-SR353 in terms of features, technology, and weight due to more channel amplification.  It still has 80w x 2 with 0.08% THD, but with 384K/32 bit DACs.  A few of the major differences are the Dynamic Audio Amplification, 7.2 channels, 5 way binding post speaker terminals, and DTS:X/Atmos decoding for a 5.1.2 configurability.  It also has 6 analog inputs including Phono, 2 more HDMI inputs, 4K upscaling, and many network capabilities.  Another important feature that the TX-NR555 has is Onkyo’s VLSC technology for a superior 2-channel listening experience.  This feature is pretty nice for those still spinning the vinyl.

The Onkyo TX-NR656

Of all these budget AVRs, the TX-NR656 seems to be the better overall buy, but that’s just my opinion.  For $699 this receiver has more in common with the next unit up the TX-NR757 than the other two including the same sound processing, inputs, 5-way binding posts, and even the same weight at 22lbs.  This receiver jumps up in wattage from 80w to 100w x 2 at 0.08% THD with the same Dynamic Audio Amplification, VLSC, but now features Onkyo’s HCPS (High Current Power Supply).  This AVR is also comes with 8 Analog/HDMI inputs, zone 2 line out, and AccuEQ with AccuReflex to calibrate the 2 height channels especially for Atmos decoding.

The Onkyo TX-NR757

At $799, the TX-NR757 features 110w x 2 at 0.08%THD, which is only 10 watts higher than the NR656.  Unlike the other units though, this model has a 12v trigger output for those who may have a concealed automatic projection screen that drops down from their ceiling.  Another noteworthy addition is THX certification and a THX processing mode to go along with the standard HCPS, Dynamic Audio Amplification, and also the VLSC.  If you’re not going with all 7.2 channels in one room, bi-amping the front channels, or an Atmos 5.1.2 set-up, this receiver can have Zone 2 speakers A/B with 4 speakers instead of the usual 2 in a second room.

Conclusion

The translation of Onkyo from Japanese is “sound harmony.”  Despite these receivers being considered their budget line, consumers get a sampling of what Onkyo supplies in their high-end units.  I believe they still embody the company’s mission with all components working in “harmony” to produce an excellent audio experience, with even the entry level TX-SR353.  Hypothetically speaking, I would step up to the other models according to the specs as they possibly reach that point of audio quality a little more so.  The defining moment, of course, is how they sound in one’s room due to room treatment, furniture, type of speakers, etc.  If you happen to get one of these new Onkyo's in your theater room, please share your experiences in our forum and let us know if it has indeed helped you reach yet another harmonic relationship towards audio bliss.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.