Onkyo TX-NR515
Onkyo TX-NR509
Highlights
- 7.2 channels
- 7.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
- DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- USB input
Highlights
- 5.1 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 1080p Passthrough
- DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- USB input
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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.
Onkyo TX-NR515
Onkyo TX-NR509
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.
PROS |
---|
👍 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) |
CONS |
---|
👍 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 |
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 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.


Onkyo TX-NR509
Onkyo TX-NR509 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly 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.


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