1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Onkyo TX-NR535
Onkyo TX-NR525
Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately), DLNA
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB input
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
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Content
Overview
Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR535 to Onkyo TX-NR525 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. Both receivers have 5 channel amplifiers with Onkyo TX-NR535's being less powerful.
Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR535
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR535 over Onkyo TX-NR525.
Only Onkyo TX-NR535 supports gapless playback.
Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 | |
---|---|---|---|
Gapless Playback | vs | ||
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) | vs | up to 4K/30p |
AirPlay | AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) | vs | |
Wi-Fi | vs | via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately) | |
Bluetooth | vs | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) | |
More RCA Line Inputs | 7 (1 front) | vs | 6 (1 front) |
More RCA Line Outputs | 1 | vs | |
Independent Power Supply | 2 | vs | |
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz | vs | 2.8 MHz |
Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR525
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR525 over Onkyo TX-NR535.
Onkyo TX-NR525 has more power per channel and bigger power supply.
Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 | |
---|---|---|---|
Music Playback via USB | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM | vs | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD |
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB | up to 96 kHz | vs | up to 192 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC | vs | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM |
Audyssey Dynamic EQ | vs | ||
Audyssey Dynamic Volume | vs | ||
Phase-Matching Bass Boost | vs | ||
USB Input | 1 (Front) | vs | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
More Composite Video Inputs | 4 (1 front) | vs | 5 (1 front) |
More Component Video Inputs | 1 | vs | 2 |
Bigger Power Supply | 3.2 A | vs | 4.2 A |
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 65 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 90 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 100 W (0.7% THD) |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 120 W | vs | 160 W |
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 120 W (1% THD) | vs | 130 W (1% THD) |
Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 3 Ω, Front) | 160 W | vs | 180 W |
Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 4 Ω, Front) | 125 W | vs | 160 W |
Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 8 Ω, Front) | 85 W | vs | 100 W |
Common Strengths and Weaknesses
Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.
STRENGTHS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth |
USB Input |
Many RCA Line Inputs |
Composite Video Inputs |
Component Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
Spotify |
WEAKNESSES |
---|
5.1 Channel Processing |
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 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Tidal |
Audio Section
Amplifier
Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|
5 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR535 features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
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). |
- WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR535 and Onkyo TX-NR525 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-NR535's and Onkyo TX-NR525's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- Onkyo TX-NR535: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
- Onkyo TX-NR525: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
- Audyssey: Onkyo TX-NR525 comes 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-NR535 and Onkyo TX-NR525 feature Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.
- Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR535 and Onkyo TX-NR525 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.
- AccuEQ: First, AccuEQ detects the presence of speakers and evaluates the impedance of each. Next, it pinpoints their distance relative to the main listening position using the mic and sets suitable sound-pressure levels. Then it selects the optimal crossover frequency so that deeper bass rolls smoothly off to the subwoofer. Finally, AccuEQ performs frequency response equalization based on room-acoustic and speaker data collected via microphone. The sound-field is now tailored around the listening position, resulting in a more immersive and realistic in-film experience.
Sound Processing
Room Calibration
Onkyo TX-NR535 comes with AccuEQ and Onkyo TX-NR525 comes with Audyssey MultEQ room correction system.
Video Section
HDMI
Onkyo TX-NR535 and Onkyo TX-NR525 come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 4K/60Hz Passthrough on Onkyo TX-NR535: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) video signal.
4K/30Hz Passthrough on Onkyo TX-NR525: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal. - HDCP 2.-1 Copy Protection: Onkyo TX-NR525 is 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 and Outputs: There are 7 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR535 and 6 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR525 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Onkyo TX-NR535.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connections on both receivers.
- Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.
Video
- HDMI:
- Onkyo TX-NR535
Inputs: 6 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Onkyo TX-NR525
Inputs: 6 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
- Onkyo TX-NR535
Inputs: 4 Outputs: 1. - Onkyo TX-NR525
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. resolution on Component video connectors.
- Onkyo TX-NR535
Inputs: 1 Outputs: 1. - Onkyo TX-NR525
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1.
Front A/V Inputs
- Onkyo TX-NR535: USB, Composite Video, RCA audio
- Onkyo TX-NR525: L/R Audio, Composite, USB
Onkyo TX-NR535
Onkyo TX-NR525
Specifications
And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.
BASICS | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Onkyo | Onkyo |
Model | TX-NR535 | TX-NR525 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | Taiwan | Taiwan |
Release Year | 2014 | 2013 |
AMPLIFIER | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | 5.2 |
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-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | 32-bit DSP | 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 | 5.1 |
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 | PLII |
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 | ||
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 | FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | up to 96 kHz | up to 192 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM |
Gapless Playback | ||
DSD via HDMI | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
DSD via USB | 2-ch Input | 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 (bluetooth included) | 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-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | AccuEQ | Audyssey MultEQ |
Audyssey App Support |
VIDEO | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Enhanced ARC | ||
HDCP Version | 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/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) | up to 4K/30p |
Video Signal Upscaling | ||
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | ||
Component Video Upscaling | ||
Analog to Analog Video conversion | ||
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
MHL Input | ||
DLNA 1.5 | ||
FireConnect | ||
FlareConnect | ||
Chromecast Built-In | ||
DTS Play-Fi | ||
Works with Amazon Alexa | ||
Works with SONOS | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) | |
Apple Product Connection | iPod and iPhone via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) | iPod and iPhone via front USB |
Remote App | Onkyo Remote App for 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) | |
Bluetooth | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) | |
HDBaseT Compatible | ||
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
8K Inputs | ||
USB Input | 1 (Front) | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
USB DC Out Port | ||
RCA Line Input | 7 (1 front) | 6 (1 front) |
RCA Line Output | 1 | |
XLR Line Inputs | ||
Phono Input | ||
Optical Inputs | 1 | 1 |
Optical Outputs | ||
Coaxial Inputs | 2 | 2 |
Composite Video Input | 4 (1 front) | 5 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 1 | 1 |
S-Video Input | ||
S-Video Output | ||
Component Video Input | 1 | 2 |
Component Video Output | 1 | 1 |
PC In | ||
Multi-Channel Input | ||
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.2 | 0.2 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB, Composite Video, RCA audio | L/R Audio, Composite, USB |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 2 | 2 |
Powered Zones | ||
Zone 2 Outs | RCA Line Out | RCA Line Out |
Whole House Mode | ||
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | 0 | 0 |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | ||
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-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM | FM/AM |
Presets | 40 | 40 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | TuneIn | TuneIn |
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
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-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Independent Power Supply | 2 | |
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) | Massive High Power Transformer | Massive High Power Transformer |
Toroidal Transformer | ||
Power Consumption | 3.2 A | 4.2 A |
No Sound Power | 55 W | 60 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | 0.15 W |
GENERAL | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | ||
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 mm x 150 mm x 329 mm 17-1/8" x 5-7/8" 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 | 7.6 kg (16.8 lbs) | 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
SPECS | Onkyo TX-NR535 | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 65 W (0.7% THD) | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 90 W (0.7% THD) | 100 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 120 W | 160 W |
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 120 W (1% THD) | 130 W (1% THD) |
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | 160 W | 180 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 125 W | 160 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 85 W | 100 W |
THD | 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) | 0.7% (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 (Direct Mode) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass) |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz | 2.8 MHz |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 2.8 MHz | 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 | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | 100BASE-TX |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n | |
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | 2.4 GHz | |
Bluetooth Version | 2․1 + EDR | |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz | |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 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