Onkyo TX-NR535 and TX-NR636 Receiver Preview

Historically, the newest features trickle down receiver lines. For example - when upconversion from analog to digital became available, it first appeared in the flagship receivers. Every year thereafter, receivers with lower and lower price points would tout upconversion. Scaling was the same, as were HDMI inputs when they first hit the scene.

Apparently, no one told Onkyo.

If you've been following the roll-out of 4K, or "Ultra HD" as they really, really want us to call it, it has mirrored other video technologies. Manufacturers are so desperate to be first to market with the new tech that they forgot no one is really ready for it yet. Case in point - HDMI version 1.4 is not ready to pass full 4K/60Hz content. Even if you bought a brand new 4K display, the HDMI port in it very well may not be able to accept the full 4K/60Hz signal. For other products that have to deal not only with video but audio, the lack of the new HDMI spec is even more important.

The new HDMI version that is designed to handle 4K/60Hz is version 2.0. It is out and finally products are shipping with these connections. Of course, because Onkyo wants to maintain their reputation of putting the newest technology in products whose price points you wouldn't believe, their new receivers with HDMI 2.0 aren't flagship models. No, not even the step down from flagship. Their newest TX-NR535 and TX-NR636 receivers with HDMI 2.0 cost $700 and $500 respectively.

Yeah, we couldn't believe it either.

Lets start with the lower cost TX-NR535. Featuring 5.2 channels and 65 watts per channel (8ohms 20-20kHz, 0.7%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC), the TX-NR535 has Onkyo's WRAT amplifier techology, a massive high-power transformer, and is rated into 6 ohms. It weighs in a 16.8 pounds and it has discrete output stage circuitry.

Onkyo TX-NR535

Taking a look at the back, we find five HDMI inputs and one output. The new HDMI inputs can handle 4K/60Hz signals, and gives owners some piece of mind knowing their receivers will at least be compatible with any new 4K displays they might purchase in the next few years. There is a single component video input and four composite video inputs (including one on the front), and an output for each. No upcoversion is available on this receiver.

The TX-NR535 has two coaxial and one optical digital audio input as well as six RCA stereo analog audio inputs on the back plus one on the front. The speaker connectors are five-way binding posts, and there is a line out for Zone 2. Dual subwoofer outputs are available, and there is a wired Ethernet connection for connecting to your home network.

If you don't have an Ethernet run to your home theater, you can connect the TX-NR535 to your network by a built-in WiFi connection. The TX-NR535 also has built-in Bluetooth for streaming your audio to the receiver. DNLA 1.5 certification is on board with a number of streaming services supported, with more on the way. The TX-NR535 supports WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, OggVorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD 5.6 MHz, LPCM file formats. Audyssey has been dropped in favor of a new room correction called AccuEQ. Other convenience features are available including InstaPreview and a front USB port.

The TX-NR636 costs $200 more than the TX-NR535. The price difference is immediately justified by Onkyo adding two additional channels of amplification (up to 7.2 channels) and increasing the power by 30 watts per channel (up to 95 watts per channel). The TX-NR636 weighs 22 pounds and adds 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry to the main speakers.

Onkyo TX-NR636

The TX-NR636 has five-way binding posts for 7 channels plus and an extra set for Zone 2. This allows you to have a full 7.2 channel system in your main room with a powered Zone 2 pre-wired for on-the-fly switching. Zone 2 also has pre-outs for those that want to use an external amp. The surround back channels can be used for bi-amping.

The TX-NR636 has almost identical inputs as the TX-NR535 except that the TX-NR636 adds two HDMI inputs (including one MHL input on the front) and a second HDMI output. The RCA audio and composite video inputs on the front have been replaced by the HDMI input, but the USB is still present. The HDMI inputs are now HDCP 2.2 compliant. The HDCP 2.2 copy protection should further future-proof the TX-NR636 as content protection continues to evolve. Mavell Qdeo video scaling/upconversion has been added to convert your analog video to HDMI and scale it up to 4K. Last but not least, the TX-NR636 adds a phono input for vinyl lovers.

Conclusion

While the $500 TX-NR535 can pass through 4K/60Hz and has HDMI version 2.0 ports, the $700 TX-NR636 adds HDCP 2.2 compliance for the best possible chance of future-proofing your receiver purchase. Regardless, both of these receivers offer fantastic features for the price and should do well for the company. Between HDMI 2.0, integrated Bluetooth and WiFi, and low prices, Onkyo looks to have winners on their hands.

For more information, please visit www.onkyousa.com.

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