Onkyo TX-NR515 vs Onkyo TX-NR509 Detailed Comparison
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SCORE:
74
SCORE:
67
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Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

Overview

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR515 to Onkyo TX-NR509 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Onkyo TX-NR515 has 7 channel and the Onkyo TX-NR509 has 5 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.

Let us have a look at some highlights of the models.

Onkyo TX-NR515 Highlights

Onkyo TX-NR509 Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 4K Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
  • DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi
  • USB input
  • 5.1 channels
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 1080p Passthrough
  • DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi
  • USB input

We have evaluated both receivers. Onkyo TX-NR515 gets higher overall score in our ranking system which is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

Onkyo TX-NR515

Onkyo TX-NR509

AMPLIFIER
75
VIDEO FEATURES
71
AUDIO FEATURES
72
CONNECTIVITY
77
MULTIZONE
77
MISCELLANEOUS
71
RADIO
85
OVERALL
74
AMPLIFIER
75
VIDEO FEATURES
45
AUDIO FEATURES
69
CONNECTIVITY
74
MULTIZONE
64
MISCELLANEOUS
61
RADIO
89
OVERALL
67

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K passthrough, upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR515

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR515 over Onkyo TX-NR509.

Onkyo TX-NR515 has more channels, more channel processing and bigger power supply. It has bi-amp capability.

Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
More Channels 7.2 5.1
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) ✔ ✖
Bi-amp capability ✔ ✖
More Channel Processing 7.1 5.1
Dolby Pro Logic ✔ PLIIz ✔ PLIIx
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB ✔ up to 192 kHz ✔ up to 96 kHz
Video Signal Upscaling ✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) ✖
Analog To HDMI Upconversion ✔ Component**, Composite ✖
MHL Input ✔ Front HDMI ✖
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue ✔ ✖
More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) 4
More HDMI Outputs 2 (simultaneous) 1
USB Input 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear 1 Front
Front A/V Inputs HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
More Powered Zones ✔ 2 ✖
On-Screen Display ✔ Advanced "Home" GUI ✔ Basic Overlay
On Screen Remote Programming ✔ ✖
More Speaker Terminals 9 5
More Large Speaker Terminals 7 5
Bigger Power Supply 5 A 3.9 A
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 125 W (0.1% THD) 110 W (0.9% THD)

Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR509

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR515 over Onkyo TX-NR509.

Onkyo TX-NR515 has more channels, more channel processing and bigger power supply. It has bi-amp capability.

Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
More Analog Audio Line Inputs 5 6 (1 front)
More Analog Audio Line Outputs ✖ 1
More Composite Video Outputs 1 2
More Component Video Inputs 1 2
More Analog Pre-Outs 0.2 2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
uport ✖ ✔
Digital Radio ✖ ✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster ✖ ✔

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

STRENGTHS
Dolby TrueHD 👍
Dolby Digital Plus 👍
Dolby Pro Logic 👍
Dolby Digital EX 👍
DTS Neo 👍
DTS-HD Master Audio 👍
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio 👍
DTS 96/24 👍
DTS Express 👍
DTS-ES 👍
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 👍
DSD via HDMI 👍
Compressed Music Enhancer 👍
Audyssey Dynamic EQ 👍
Audyssey Dynamic Volume 👍
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. 👍
3-D Ready 👍
DLNA 1.5 👍
Ethernet 👍
Wi-Fi 👍
USB Input 👍
Composite Video Inputs 👍
Composite Video Outputs 👍
Component Video Inputs 👍
Component Video Outputs 👍
Zones 👍
Detachable Power Cord 👍
Analog Tuner 👍
Pandora 👍
Spotify 👍
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) 👍
WEAKNESSES
Not Certified 4 Ω Performance 👎
No Dolby Atmos 👎
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization 👎
No Dolby Surround Upmixer 👎
No DTS:X 👎
No DTS Neural:X 👎
No DTS Virtual:X 👎
No IMAX Enhanced 👎
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 👎
No Gapless Playback 👎
No DSD via USB 👎
No DTS Dialog Control 👎
No High-resolution Music Enhancer 👎
No Audyssey App Support 👎
No HDR10 👎
No HDR10+ 👎
No BT.2020 color space 👎
No Dolby Vision 👎
No Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) 👎
No 4K or 8K Video Passthrough 👎
No Chromecast Built-In 👎
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa 👎
Does Not Work with SONOS 👎
No Bluetooth 👎
No eARC 👎
No Phono Input 👎
No Multi-Channel Input 👎
No Tidal 👎
No Deezer 👎
No SiriusXM Internet Radio 👎

Selected Features

Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR515 has 7 channel and Onkyo TX-NR509 has 5 channel amplifiers. They both deliver 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)


Video Features

Both receivers support 1080p passthrough. Onkyo TX-NR515 can do 4K upscaling up to 30p.


WRAT

Onkyo TX-NR515 features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.


Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR515 and Onkyo TX-NR509 is done by Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer. While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine through the headphones of your portable digital player, the limitations of these files can be exposed when played back through a quality home entertainment system. This is because a significant amount of high-frequency bit information is lost during the file-compression process. To counter this, Onkyo has designed the Advanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. This results in a clearer and more expansive sound. Also included in this technology is a loudness correction feature that further improves the audio character of compressed files.


Connectivity


Onkyo TX-NR515

Onkyo TX-NR515 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly[y] via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 8 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

Front panel has HDMI/MHL, USB and Composite Video inputs.

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Onkyo TX-NR509

Onkyo TX-NR509 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly[y] via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 4 HDMI inputs. There are 2.1 (Surround Back and Sub) channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has USB, Composite Video and RCA Audio inputs.

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Detailed Specifications

And in the end let us list the detailed specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

Note: The following table shows only those details which are applicable for both models and excludes the ones that are applicable for only one model. If you want to see a full list of specs for each model please visit their individual pages here - Onkyo TX-NR515 and here - Onkyo TX-NR509.

BASICS Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
BrandOnkyoOnkyo
ModelTX-NR515TX-NR509
TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
CountryTaiwanTaiwan
Release Year20122011
AMPLIFIER Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Channels7.25.1
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)✔ ✖
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)✖ ✖
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry✔ ✔
THX™ Certification✖ ✖
Continuous 6 Ω Rated✔ ✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance✖ ✖
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry✔ ✔
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry✖ ✖
PUSH-PULL Design✖ ✖
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)✖ ✖
Bi-amp Capability✔ ✖
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)✖ ✖
AUDIO Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Digital Processing Crossover Network✖ ✖
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP ChipAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DACBurr-BrownBurr-Brown
Maximum Channel Processing7.15.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification✖ ✖
Dolby Atmos✖ ✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization✖ ✖
Dolby TrueHD✔ ✔
Dolby Digital Plus✔ ✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer✖ ✖
Dolby Pro Logic✔ PLIIz✔ PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX✔ ✔
Surround EX✖ ✖
DTS:X✖ ✖
DTS Neural:X✖ ✖
DTS Virtual:X✖ ✖
DTS Neo✔ Neo:6✔ Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio✔ ✔
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio✔ ✔
DTS 96/24✔ ✔
DTS Express✔ ✔
DTS-ES✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1✔ Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced✖ ✖
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer✖ ✖
PCM✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AACFLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network✔ up to 192 kHz✔ up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AACFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB✖ ✖
Gapless Playback✖ ✖
DSD via HDMI✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB✖ ✖
DSD to PCM Converter✖ ✖
USB DAC✖ ✖
Jitter Reduction✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio✔ PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialog Control✖ ✖
Dialog Enhancement✖ ✖
Dialog Level Adjustment✖ ✖
Dialog Normalization✖ ✖
Dialogue Lift✖ ✖
Tone Control✔ Front L/R Channels✔ Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer✔ Advanced Music Optimizer✔ Advanced Music Optimizer
High-resolution Music Enhancer✖ ✖
THX Processing Mode✖ ✖
Audyssey Dynamic EQ✔ ✔
Audyssey Dynamic Volume✔ ✔
Audyssey LFC✖ ✖
Audyssey Sub EQ HT✖ ✖
Audyssey DSX✖ ✖
Phase-Matching Bass Boost✖ ✖
Direct Mode✔ ✔
Pure Audio Mode✖ ✖
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode✖ ✖
Virtual Speakers✔ T-D (Theater-Dimensional)✔ T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output✖ ✖
CALIBRATION Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.✔ Audyssey 2EQ✔ Audyssey 2EQ
Audyssey App Support✖ ✖
VIDEO Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
HDR10✖ ✖
HDR10+✖ ✖
BT.2020 color space✖ ✖
Dolby Vision✖ ✖
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)✖ ✖
Quick Media Switching (QMS)✖ ✖
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through✖ ✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)✖ ✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)✖ ✖
3-D Ready✔ ✔
Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080pup to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)✖
Analog To HDMI Upconversion✔ Component**, Composite✖
Component Video Upscaling✖ ✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion✖ ✖
isf Certified Calibration Control✖ ✖
CONNECTIVITY Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
MHL Input✔ Front HDMI✖
DLNA 1.5✔ ✔
FireConnect✖ ✖
FlareConnect✖ ✖
Chromecast Built-In✖ ✖
DTS Play-Fi✖ ✖
Works with Amazon Alexa✖ ✖
Works with SONOS✖ ✖
AirPlay✖ ✖
Apple Product Connection✔ iPod and iPhone via front USB✔ iPod and iPhone via USB or optional UP-A1 Dock (sold separately)
Remote App✔ iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices✔ iPod touch/iPhone
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue✔ ✖
Ethernet✔ ✔
Ethernet Switch✖ ✖
Wi-Fi✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth✖ ✖
HDBaseT Compatible✖ ✖
Enhanced ARC✖ ✖
HDMI Input8 (1 front)4
HDMI Output2 (simultaneous)1
USB Input1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear1 Front
USB DC Out Port✖ ✖
Analog Audio Line Input56 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Output✖ 1
Phono Input✖ ✖
Optical In22
Optical Out✖ ✖
Coaxial In/Out2 / ✖ 2 / ✖
Composite Video Input5 (1 front)5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output12
S-Video Input✖ ✖
S-Video Output✖ ✖
Component Video Input12
Component Video Output11
PC In✖ ✖
Multi-Channel Input✖ ✖
Analog Pre-Outs0.22.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
XLR Inputs✖ ✖
XLR Pre-outs✖ ✖
Front A/V InputsHDMI/MHL, USB, Composite VideoUSB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
Speaker A/B✖ ✖
Headphone Out✔ 6.3 mm✔ 6.3 mm
ZONES Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Zones22
Powered Zones✔ 2✖
Zone 2RCA Line OutRCA Line Out
Whole House Mode✖ ✖
RS-232✖ ✖
+12V Trigger Output✖ ✖
Remote (IR) Input/Output✖ ✖
MISC Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
On-Screen Display✔ Advanced "Home" GUI✔ Basic Overlay
Detachable Power Cord✔ ✔
uport✖ ✔
ONKYO-RI System Control✔ ✔
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)✔ ✔
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote✖ / ✔ ✖ / ✔
On Screen Remote Programming✔ ✖
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI✖ ✖
Activity Based Remote✖ ✖
Smart Grid-Ready✖ ✖
RADIO Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Analog Tuner✔ FM/AM✔ FM/AM
Presets4040
Digital Radio✖ ✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Internet Radio✔ vTuner✔ vTuner
Pandora✔ ✔
Spotify✔ ✔
Tidal✖ ✖
Deezer✖ ✖
Napster✖ ✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio✖ ✖
CONSTRUCTION Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Solid Aluminum Front✖ ✖
Speaker Terminals95
Large Speaker Terminals75
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals✔ ✔
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals✖ ✖
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs✖ ✖
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs✖ ✖
Gold plated RCA terminals✖ ✖
POWER Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply✖ ✖
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)✔ Massive High Power Transformer✔ Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer✖ ✖
Power Consumption5 A3.9 A
No Sound Power65 W45 W
Standby Power0.15 W0.2 W
GENERAL Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 173.5 mm x 328 mm
17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"		435 mm x 173.5 mm x 328 mm
17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"
Weight9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
Warranty2 Years2 Years
SPECS Onkyo TX-NR515 Onkyo TX-NR509
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 280 W (0.7% THD)80 W (0.7% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2125 W (0.1% THD)110 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)160 W160 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)130 W (1% THD)130 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)180 W180 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)160 W160 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)100 W100 W
THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Damping Factor60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance200 mV/2.2 kΩ200 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance2 V/2.2 kΩ2 V/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB100 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)20 Hz - 50 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Frequency Response5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX100BASE-TX
FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted

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