1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Onkyo TX-NR525
Onkyo TX-NR515
Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB input
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
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Content
Overview
Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR525 to Onkyo TX-NR515 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-NR525 has 5 channel and the Onkyo TX-NR515 has 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.
Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR525
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR525 over Onkyo TX-NR515.
Onkyo TX-NR525 has more advanced room correction system and bigger power supply. It supports DSD streaming via USB.
Onkyo TX-NR525 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR515 | |
---|---|---|---|
Music Playback via USB | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD | vs | FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM | vs | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC |
DSD via USB | 2-ch Input | vs | |
Phase-Matching Bass Boost | vs | ||
Pure Audio Mode | vs | ||
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System | Audyssey MultEQ | vs | Audyssey 2EQ |
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/30p | vs | up to 1080p |
Bluetooth | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) | vs | |
More RCA Line Inputs | 6 (1 front) | vs | 5 |
More Component Video Inputs | 2 | vs | 1 |
Smart Grid-Ready | vs | ||
Analog Tuner | FM/AM with RDS | vs | FM/AM |
Bigger Power Supply | 420 W | vs | 5 A |
Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR515
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR515 over Onkyo TX-NR525.
Onkyo TX-NR515 has more channels, more channel processing and lower total harmonic distortion. It supports SiriusXM.
Onkyo TX-NR525 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR515 | |
---|---|---|---|
More Channels | 5.2 | vs | 7.2 |
Bi-amp capability | vs | ||
More Channel Processing | 5.1 | vs | 7.1 |
Dolby Pro Logic | PLII | vs | PLIIz |
Dolby Digital EX | vs | ||
DTS-ES | vs | Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 | |
Video Signal Upscaling | vs | up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) | |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | vs | Component**, Composite | |
MHL Input | vs | Front HDMI | |
More HDMI Inputs | 6 | vs | 8 (1 front) |
More HDMI Outputs | 1 | vs | 2 (simultaneous) |
More Optical Outputs | vs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | L/R Audio, Composite, USB | vs | HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video |
More Powered Zones | vs | 2 | |
On-Screen Display | vs | Advanced "Home" GUI | |
On Screen Remote Programming | vs | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio | vs | ||
More Speaker Terminals | 5 | vs | 9 |
More Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | vs | 7 |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 100 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 125 W (0.1% THD) |
Lower THD | 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) | vs | 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power) |
Common Strengths and Weaknesses
Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.
STRENGTHS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Component Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
Spotify |
WEAKNESSES |
---|
No Dolby Atmos |
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization |
No DTS:X |
No IMAX Enhanced |
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer |
No eARC |
No HDR10 |
No HDR10+ |
No Dolby Vision |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Tidal |
Audio Section
Amplifier
Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|
5 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR525 features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
7 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR515 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
- WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR525 and Onkyo TX-NR515 feature 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.
Speaker Configurations
Onkyo TX-NR525's and Onkyo TX-NR515's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- Onkyo TX-NR525: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
- Onkyo TX-NR515: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
- Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-NR515 is able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
- Audyssey: Both receivers come with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.
- Dynamic EQ: selects the best possible frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment. This ensures that the bass response, tonal balance and surround impression remain constant despite changes in volume. This is the first technology that carefully combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a pre-requisite for delivering a dynamic volume solution.
- Dynamic Volume: Your Listening experience can be greatly diminished when there are significant shifts in volume between television programs, commercials and within the program material itself. When this happens you must constantly adjust the volume to maintain your desired listening level. Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment and automatically adjusts it, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve impact.
- Compressed Music Enhancer: Onkyo TX-NR525 and Onkyo TX-NR515 feature Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.
- Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR525 and Onkyo TX-NR515 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.
- Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.
Sound Processing
Room Calibration
Onkyo TX-NR525 comes with Audyssey MultEQ and Onkyo TX-NR515 comes with Audyssey 2EQ room correction system.
Video Section
HDMI
Onkyo TX-NR525 comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
Onkyo TX-NR515 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.
- 4K/30Hz Passthrough on Onkyo TX-NR525: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
1080/60p Passthrough on Onkyo TX-NR515: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal. - 4K Upscaling on Onkyo TX-NR515: It can upscale up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
- Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Onkyo TX-NR515 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
- HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
- 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
Inputs and Outputs
Audio
- Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR525 and 5 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR515 for connecting sources with analog outputs.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Onkyo TX-NR525 and 0 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Onkyo TX-NR515 for digital audio connections.
- Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.
Video
- HDMI:
- Onkyo TX-NR525
Inputs: 6 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Onkyo TX-NR515
Inputs: 8 (1 front) Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
8K Inputs: 0. - Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
- Onkyo TX-NR525
Inputs: 5 Outputs: 1. - Onkyo TX-NR515
Inputs: 5 Outputs: 1. - Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. resolution on Component video connectors.
- Onkyo TX-NR515 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
- Onkyo TX-NR525
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1. - Onkyo TX-NR515
Inputs: 1 Outputs: 1.
Front A/V Inputs
- Onkyo TX-NR525: L/R Audio, Composite, USB
- Onkyo TX-NR515: HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
Onkyo TX-NR525
Onkyo TX-NR515
Specifications
And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.
BASICS | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Onkyo | Onkyo |
Model | TX-NR525 | TX-NR515 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | Asia | USA |
Release Year | 2013 | 2012 |
AMPLIFIER | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | 7.2 |
Front Wide Channel Support | ||
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-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Digital Processing Crossover Network | ||
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip | Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip |
DAC | Burr-Brown | Burr-Brown |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 5.1 | 7.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | ||
Dolby Atmos | ||
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | ||
Dolby Atmos Music | ||
Dolby TrueHD | ||
Dolby Digital Plus | ||
Dolby Surround Upmixer | ||
Dolby Pro Logic | PLII | PLIIz |
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 | |
IMAX Enhanced | ||
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer | ||
PCM | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
Music Playback via USB | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD | FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | up to 192 kHz | up to 192 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC |
Gapless Playback | ||
DSD via HDMI | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
DSD via USB | 2-ch Input | |
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 Subwoofer Outputs |
CALIBRATION | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | Audyssey MultEQ | Audyssey 2EQ |
Audyssey App Support |
VIDEO | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Enhanced ARC | ||
HDCP Version | 2.2 | 2.2 |
HDR10 | ||
HDR10+ | ||
Dynamic HDR | ||
Dolby Vision | ||
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | ||
BT.2020 color space | ||
QMS (Quick Media Switching) | ||
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | ||
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
QFT (Quick Frame transport) | ||
3-D Ready | ||
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/30p | up 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 | ||
Component Video Maximum Resolution | 1080p | |
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
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 front USB |
Remote App | iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices | iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices |
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 | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) | |
HDBaseT Compatible | ||
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 8 (1 front) |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 2 (simultaneous) |
8K Inputs | ||
USB Input | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
USB DC Out Port | ||
RCA Line Input | 6 (1 front) | 5 |
RCA Line Output | ||
XLR Line Inputs | ||
Phono Input | ||
Optical Inputs | 1 | 2 |
Optical Outputs | ||
Coaxial Inputs | 2 | 2 |
Composite Video Input | 5 (1 front) | 5 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 1 | 1 |
S-Video Input | ||
S-Video Output | ||
Component Video Input | 2 | 1 |
Component Video Output | 1 | 1 |
PC In | ||
Multi-Channel Input | ||
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.2 | 0.2 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | L/R Audio, Composite, USB | HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 2 | 2 |
Powered Zones | 2 | |
Zone 2 Outs | RCA Line Out | RCA Line Out |
Whole House Mode | ||
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | 0 | |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | Advanced "Home" GUI | |
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-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM with RDS | FM/AM |
Presets | 40 | 40 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | TuneIn | vTuner |
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 9 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | 7 |
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-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz | AC 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 Consumption | 420 W | 5 A |
No Sound Power | 60 W (230 V)/65 W (240 V) | 65 W |
Standby Power | 0.2 W | 0.15 W |
GENERAL | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | ||
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" |
Weight | 9.0 kg (19.8 lbs) | 9.0 kg (19.8 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
SPECS | Onkyo TX-NR525 | Onkyo TX-NR515 |
---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 80 W (0.7% THD) | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 100 W (0.7% THD) | 125 W (0.1% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 160 W | 160 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 W | 180 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 160 W | 160 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 100 W | 100 W |
THD | 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) | 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power) |
Damping Factor | 60 (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 Impedance | 200 mV/2.2 kΩ | 200 mV/2.2 kΩ |
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance | 2 V/2.2 kΩ | 2 V/2.2 kΩ |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 100 dB | 100 dB |
Frequency Response (Analog In) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass) |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz | 2.8 MHz |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 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) | 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) | 5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component) |
Ethernet Standard | 100BASE-TX | 100BASE-TX |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz |
AM Frequency | 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz | 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted