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.

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.

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	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
More Channels	7.2	vs	5.1
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)		vs
Bi-amp capability		vs
More Channel Processing	7.1	vs	5.1
Dolby Pro Logic	PLIIz	vs	PLIIx
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz	vs	up to 96 kHz
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs
MHL Input	Front HDMI	vs
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue		vs
More HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	vs	4
More HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)	vs	1
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear	vs	1 Front
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video	vs	USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
More Powered Zones	2	vs
On-Screen Display	Advanced "Home" GUI	vs	Basic Overlay
On Screen Remote Programming		vs
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	5
More Large Speaker Terminals	7	vs	5
Bigger Power Supply	5 A	vs	3.9 A
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	125 W (0.1% THD)	vs	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	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	5	vs	6 (1 front)
More Analog Audio Line Outputs		vs	1
More Composite Video Outputs	1	vs	2
More Component Video Inputs	1	vs	2
More Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
uport		vs
Digital Radio		vs	DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster		vs

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

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

Side by Side Comparison

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	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Brand	Onkyo	vs	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR515	vs	TX-NR509
Type	A/V Receiver	vs	A/V Receiver
Country	Taiwan	vs	Taiwan
Release Year	2012	vs	2011

AMPLIFIER	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Channels	7.2	vs	5.1
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)		vs
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)		vs
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry		vs
THX™ Certification		vs
Continuous 6 Ω Rated		vs
Certified 4 Ω Performance		vs
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry		vs
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry		vs
PUSH-PULL Design		vs
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)		vs
Bi-amp Capability		vs
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)		vs

AUDIO	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Digital Processing Crossover Network		vs
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip	vs	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DAC	Burr-Brown	vs	Burr-Brown
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1	vs	5.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification		vs
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
Dolby TrueHD		vs
Dolby Digital Plus		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
Dolby Pro Logic	PLIIz	vs	PLIIx
Dolby Digital EX		vs
Surround EX		vs
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
DTS Virtual:X		vs
DTS Neo	Neo:6	vs	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio		vs
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio		vs
DTS 96/24		vs
DTS Express		vs
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1	vs	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced		vs
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer		vs
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC	vs	FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz	vs	up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC	vs	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB		vs
Gapless Playback		vs
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input	vs	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB		vs
DSD to PCM Converter		vs
USB DAC		vs
Jitter Reduction	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio	vs	PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
DTS Dialog Control		vs
Dialog Enhancement		vs
Dialog Level Adjustment		vs
Dialog Normalization		vs
Dialogue Lift		vs
Tone Control	Front L/R Channels	vs	Front L/R Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Music Optimizer	vs	Advanced Music Optimizer
High-resolution Music Enhancer		vs
THX Processing Mode		vs
Audyssey Dynamic EQ		vs
Audyssey Dynamic Volume		vs
Audyssey LFC		vs
Audyssey Sub EQ HT		vs
Audyssey DSX		vs
Phase-Matching Bass Boost		vs
Direct Mode		vs
Pure Audio Mode		vs
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode		vs
Virtual Speakers	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)	vs	T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output		vs

CALIBRATION	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Audyssey 2EQ	vs	Audyssey 2EQ
Audyssey App Support		vs

VIDEO	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
HDR10		vs
HDR10+		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)		vs
QMS (Quick Media Switching)		vs
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)		vs
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)		vs
QFT (Quick Frame transport)		vs
3-D Ready		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 1080p	vs	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)	vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs
Component Video Upscaling		vs
Analog to Analog Video conversion		vs
isf Certified Calibration Control		vs

CONNECTIVITY	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
MHL Input	Front HDMI	vs
DLNA 1.5		vs
FireConnect		vs
FlareConnect		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
DTS Play-Fi		vs
Works with Amazon Alexa		vs
Works with SONOS		vs
AirPlay		vs
Apple Product Connection	iPod and iPhone via front USB	vs	iPod and iPhone via USB or optional UP-A1 Dock (sold separately)
Remote App	iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices	vs	iPod touch/iPhone
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue		vs
Ethernet		vs
Ethernet Switch		vs
Wi-Fi	via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)	vs	via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth		vs
HDBaseT Compatible		vs
Enhanced ARC		vs
HDMI Input	8 (1 front)	vs	4
HDMI Output	2 (simultaneous)	vs	1
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear	vs	1 Front
USB DC Out Port		vs
Analog Audio Line Input	5	vs	6 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Output		vs	1
Phono Input		vs
Optical In	2	vs	2
Optical Out		vs
Coaxial In/Out	2 /	vs	2 /
Composite Video Input	5 (1 front)	vs	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output	1	vs	2
S-Video Input		vs
S-Video Output		vs
Component Video Input	1	vs	2
Component Video Output	1	vs	1
PC In		vs
Multi-Channel Input		vs
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2	vs	2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
XLR Inputs		vs
XLR Pre-outs		vs
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video	vs	USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
Speaker A/B		vs
Headphone Out	6.3 mm	vs	6.3 mm

ZONES	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Zones	2	vs	2
Powered Zones	2	vs
Zone 2	RCA Line Out	vs	RCA Line Out
Whole House Mode		vs
RS-232		vs
+12V Trigger Output		vs
Remote (IR) Input/Output		vs

MISC	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
On-Screen Display	Advanced "Home" GUI	vs	Basic Overlay
Detachable Power Cord		vs
uport		vs
ONKYO-RI System Control		vs
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)		vs
Pre-Pro/Learning Remote	/	vs	/
On Screen Remote Programming		vs
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI		vs
Activity Based Remote		vs
Smart Grid-Ready		vs

RADIO	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Analog Tuner	FM/AM	vs	FM/AM
Presets	40	vs	40
Digital Radio		vs	DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Internet Radio	vTuner	vs	vTuner
Pandora		vs
Spotify		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Napster		vs
SiriusXM Internet Radio		vs

CONSTRUCTION	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Solid Aluminum Front		vs
Speaker Terminals	9	vs	5
Large Speaker Terminals	7	vs	5
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals		vs
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals		vs
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs		vs
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs		vs
Gold plated RCA terminals		vs

POWER	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz	vs	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply		vs
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Massive High Power Transformer	vs	Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer		vs
Power Consumption	5 A	vs	3.9 A
No Sound Power	65 W	vs	45 W
Standby Power	0.15 W	vs	0.2 W

GENERAL	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	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"	vs	435 mm x 173.5 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"
Weight	9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)	vs	8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years	vs	2 Years

SPECS	Onkyo TX-NR515	vs	Onkyo TX-NR509
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2	80 W (0.7% THD)	vs	80 W (0.7% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2	125 W (0.1% THD)	vs	110 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	160 W	vs	160 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% THD)	vs	130 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	180 W	vs	180 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	160 W	vs	160 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	100 W	vs	100 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)	vs	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Damping Factor	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	vs	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)	vs	200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	200 mV/2.2 kΩ	vs	200 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance	2 V/2.2 kΩ	vs	2 V/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	100 dB	vs	100 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)	vs	20 Hz - 50 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)	vs	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 Response	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)	vs	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX	vs	100BASE-TX
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz	vs	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz	vs	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz

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