1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Onkyo TX-NR525

Onkyo TX-NR515

SCORE:
69
SCORE:
71

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.


Onkyo TX-NR525 Onkyo TX-NR515

Onkyo TX-NR525 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz video signal.

Onkyo TX-NR515 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 69 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 71 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
72
VIDEO FEATURES
59
AUDIO FEATURES
70
CONNECTIVITY
75
MULTIZONE
64
MISCELLANEOUS
54
RADIO
90
OVERALL
69

AMPLIFIER
74
VIDEO FEATURES
58
AUDIO FEATURES
70
CONNECTIVITY
76
MULTIZONE
77
MISCELLANEOUS
64
RADIO
90
OVERALL
71

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. 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
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

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, bigger power supply and lower total harmonic distortion.

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
More Speaker Terminals 5 vs 9
More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 7
Bigger Power Supply 4.2 A vs 5 A
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.


  • Sound Processing

    • 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.

    Room Calibration

    Onkyo TX-NR525 comes with Audyssey MultEQ and Onkyo TX-NR515 comes with Audyssey 2EQ room correction system.

    • 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.

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

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Onkyo TX-NR515

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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
BrandOnkyoOnkyo
ModelTX-NR525TX-NR515
TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
CountryUSAUSA
Release Year20132012
AMPLIFIER Onkyo TX-NR525 Onkyo TX-NR515
Channels5.27.2
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) EngineAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP ChipAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DACBurr-BrownBurr-Brown
DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing5.17.1
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 USBFLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHDFLAC, 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 USBFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCMFLAC, 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 Version2.22.2
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 Passthroughup to 4K/30pup 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 Resolution1080p
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 Inputs68 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs12 (simultaneous)
8K Inputs
USB Input1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
USB DC Out Port
RCA Line Input6 (1 front)5
RCA Line Output
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs12
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs22
Composite Video Input5 (1 front)5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output11
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input21
Component Video Output11
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V InputsL/R Audio, Composite, USBHDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
ZONES Onkyo TX-NR525 Onkyo TX-NR515
Zones22
Powered Zones 2
Zone 2 OutsRCA Line OutRCA Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output0
Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 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 FM/AM
Presets4040
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 Terminals59
Large Speaker Terminals57
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 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 Consumption4.2 A5 A
No Sound Power60 W65 W
Standby Power0.15 W0.15 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"
Weight8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)
Warranty2 Years2 Years
SPECS Onkyo TX-NR525 Onkyo TX-NR515
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 280 W (0.7% THD)80 W (0.7% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2100 W (0.7% THD)125 W (0.1% 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
THD0.7% (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
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance2 V/2.2 kΩ2 V/2.2 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB100 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 HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 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 - 107.9 MHz87.5 MHz - 107.9 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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