Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2 Networked A/V Receiver Preview

Fourth in Onkyo's refresh to its line up of receivers is the new TX-NR808 networked model, updating the TX-NR807.  The TX-NR808 is a 7.2 channel receiver that features a THX Certified Select 2 Plus amplifier section capable of making 135 watts at 8 ohms over 20 Hz to 20 kHz.  Although not a multi-transformer design like several of the top models in the Onkyo line up, the TX-NR808 does appear to sport a beefy power supply with the unit weighing in at over 40 pounds.

Processing on the TX-NR808 is handled by dual 32 bit DSPs with audio processing run on 24 bit Burr-Brown DACs.  Video processing is based on Faroudja DCDi Cinema, but the TX-NR808 drops the isf certified calibration features of the upper models.   The TX-NR808 supports all of the latest lossless A/V codecs, Audyssey DSX, Audyssey MultiEQ XT, Dolby PLIIz.   Although without 9 amplifier channels or a pre-out for the height channels, it is unclear what exactly PLIIz does for this receiver, the users manual says something about adjusting the front channel gain to low mid or high, but turning up the volume will not change the apparent height of the sound from the source speaker.  Inputs and outputs are nearly identical for both digital and analog connections compared to the TX-NR808 including 7 HDMI 1.4a 3D capable inputs, but the TX-NR808 only has a single HDMI output.  A front mounted USB port is capable of streaming audio files from flash memory and can provide Satellite Radio/iPod connectivity with an added docking station.  Network functionality includes support for Internet radio, and the TX-NR808 is Windows 7/DLNA certification.  The multi-zone audio functionality of the TX-NR808 for zones 2/3 is identical to the TX-NR1008, but the zone 2 video out is absent from the 808.

Although some functionality from the upper models has been removed, the TX-NR808 still represents a solid mid-range receiver packed with features.

Audioholics hasn't yet done a formal review of this product, but we wanted to get as much information as possible to our readers in order to help them make the best possible purchasing decisions.  If possible, we will provide additional info or even a product review at a later date.  For more info, visit Onkyo USA.

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