Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I upgraded from an old non-HDMI Yamaha HTR-5850.
I looked at the following:
- Onkyo TX-SR608
- Denon AVR-1911
- Pioneer VSX-1020-K
- Pioneer VSX-1021-K
- Yamaha RX-V667
- A few others
- Onkyo HT-RC360 is also a very similar one that merits comparison, esp. with the price.
First impression:
- Box was well packaged.
- Easy to connect right out of the box. I have a simple 5.1 set up, but even the 7.2 seems easy enough. Plenty of space between things, except the power cord seems to be in a slightly awkward location, but definitely not a game changer or something to lose more than 5 minutes thought to.
- Plenty of ports (more on that below).
- Very nice and mostly intuitive GUI OSD. I am one of those guys who does not read the manual unless I have to, and the only time I had to was knowing how to program in a radio station.
- Remote is just ok. Could use a heavier feel to it and a better explanation of what things do. I got used to it or use my iPhone remote (more on that below too).
Pros of this one:
- 6x HDMI inputs, one in front, one output.
- Network capable. I use Pandora A LOT and it integrates nicely, but it has many other internet music capabilities.
- Nice On Screen Display (OSD) of its GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- 4K Support Via Marvell Qdeo (3840 x 2160 resolution vs 1920 x 1080, though most TVs do not support this, yet...).
- iPhone/iPad control app (give it a sec, I have more to say on this below).
- All the standard HDMI 1.4 features (HDMI stand by pass-through, 3D, Audio Return Channel).
- Powered Zone 2 audio out.
- iPhone/iPod connectivity right out of the box via your standard USB cable in the front (no need for an additional (more money) port, though one is available: Onkyo UP-A1 Dock for the iPod).
- PC VGA In (but really, most have HDMI out now anyway).
- Optional Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner.
- Superb Audio quality.
- Superb Video up-conversion. I took an old DVD and set the output to 480i (standard definition) and let the Receiver up-convert it. Then compared it to the output from my PS3 at 1080 as well as an old HD DVD player (lol) and a standalone DVD player with 1080 upconversion and this receiver just blew it away. (Note: on a 50inch top of the line Sony TV.)
- DLNA (for connecting to a home media system or a PC with music).
- THX certification (just for show for me and the cool factor as I could not tell much difference).
- Of course it does Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA and all the other standard decoders.
- Ability to upgrade firmware via internet easily.
Cons of this one:
- No built-in HD Radio.
- No built-in AirPlay (like some Denon and the Pioneer VSX-1021-k).
- No video out for Zone 2.
- No PC control.A few things to note:
- The iPhone remote is a bit lacking. It does your basic things you expect it to: control the station, input, turn it on/off, change music from Pandora/DLNA/iPod connected/etc., but the volume could use some work and the ability to control bass/treble as big buttons instead of the volume is useless. Two things I wish this had: The ability to vote for Pandora or any such interaction and the ability to fine tune the audio levels of each speaker. Connecting it is easy and it is pretty simple to use. Very nice bonus.
- When using the Stand-by through, you can choose "last used input", "a specific output", or "Auto". If you change it, it powers on. The "Auto" option can be flaky, sometimes switching to something that is off, but it after turning the thing I want it to be off then back on, it catches it.
- There is a cooling fan on the top but have yet to notice it, even in the dead silence of a scary movie, even after having the receiver going for 5-6 hours straight for a few days in a row. Maybe it will later on.
I am very pleased with this and would (and have already) recommend this as a purchase.Update 06/20/11:
- Added the Onkyo HT-RC360 as a comparable option. One of the only major difference is the price and lack of THX. Should definitely be on people's radar! Thanks Joshua.
- A couple minor grammar things.
Since having this for a couple months now I have to say I am still quite happy with this receiver. Here are a few updates:
- I barely notice the fan at all. Sometimes I will get up and check to see if it is even running (out of curiosity) and can see/hear it when I am up close. It was mentioned that cleaning this may be an issue. Thanks Mastercard!
- HDMI Stand-By Pass-Through is not a problem. The "Auto" works pretty well with only 3 or 4 times in the past couple months it has been finicky, in which case I whip out my iPhone or the remote to change it.
- The iPhone app is quite basic but I like it. I can control Pandora, the input, and the volume, which is all anyone really needs.
- On Android you can use a DLNA player such as 2Player and select this receiver as the target to stream music. Thanks George!
- Sound quality and video quality are still going strong / well.

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Targeting the sweet spot where affordability meets superb functionality, the TX-NR609 looks set to be another Onkyo classic. This THXSelect2 Plus Certified A/V receiver handles content from all your favorite disc-based media, as well as networked and wireless audio contentfrom the internet, iPod/iPhone, and PC. Six HDMI inputs-including one on the front panel-provide support for 3D video and ultra-highresolution 4K video upscaling via Marvell Qdeo. HDMI also carries master-quality audio formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as the expandedsurround sound of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Onkyo's proprietary WRAT ensurea clean and compelling amplifier performance. And when audio signals are output, the 7.2-channel configuration includes twin subwooferpre-outs for added bass impact. Meanwhile, a user-friendly on-screen display and GUI make it easy to adjust settings and navigate your content.All this and more makes the TX-NR609 an irresistible choice for the value-seeking home theater fan.

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