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
Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.
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.
We have evaluated both receivers. Both receivers get equal 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-NR535
Onkyo TX-NR525
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-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 Analog Audio Line Inputs | 7 (1 front) | vs | 6 (1 front) |
More Analog Audio 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-NR535 over Onkyo TX-NR525.
Only Onkyo TX-NR535 supports gapless playback.
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) | 115 W (0.9% 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.
PROS |
---|
👍 Dolby TrueHD |
👍 Dolby Digital Plus |
👍 Dolby Pro Logic |
👍 DTS Neo |
👍 DTS-HD Master Audio |
👍 DTS-HD High Resolution Audio |
👍 DTS 96/24 |
👍 DTS Express |
👍 High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network |
👍 DSD via HDMI |
👍 DSD via USB |
👍 Compressed Music Enhancer |
👍 Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
👍 3-D Ready |
👍 4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
👍 DLNA 1.5 |
👍 Ethernet |
👍 Wi-Fi |
👍 Bluetooth |
👍 USB Input |
👍 Many Analog Audio Line Inputs |
👍 Composite Video Inputs |
👍 Composite Video Outputs |
👍 Component Video Inputs |
👍 Component Video Outputs |
👍 Zones |
👍 Analog Tuner |
👍 Pandora |
👍 Spotify |
👍 SiriusXM Internet Radio |
👍 H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) |
CONS |
---|
👍 Not Certified 4 Ω Performance |
👍 No Bi-amp Capability |
👍 Few Channel Processing |
👍 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 DTS Dialog Control |
👍 No High-resolution Music Enhancer |
👍 No HDR10 |
👍 No HDR10+ |
👍 No BT.2020 color space |
👍 No Dolby Vision |
👍 No Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) |
👍 No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
👍 No Chromecast Built-In |
👍 Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
👍 Does Not Work with SONOS |
👍 No eARC |
👍 Few HDMI Outputs |
👍 No Phono Input |
👍 No Multi-Channel Input |
👍 No Analog Pre-Outs |
👍 No Tidal |
👍 No Deezer |
👍 No Napster |
Amplifier
Onkyo TX-NR535 and Onkyo TX-NR525 have 5 channel amplifiers. Onkyo TX-NR535 delivers 65 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and Onkyo TX-NR525 delivers 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Video Features
Onkyo TX-NR535 supports 4K passthrough up to 60p and Onkyo TX-NR525 supports 4K passthrough up to 30p.
WRAT
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.
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.
Phase-Matching Bass Boost
Onkyo TX-NR525 features Phase-Matching Bass Boost. The negative effects of phase-shift or the timing difference between sound waves of different frequencies can sometimes be heard in audio players when corners are cut in order to increase bass response. While most audio systems have some form of low-frequency enhancement system, often a bigger bass sound comes at the expense of mid-range clarity, and results in a smeared or muddy sound. Onkyo’s Phase-Matching Bass Boost technology avoids this problem by improving the phase timing to preserve the natural clarity of the mid-range allowing vocals and strings to shine while maintaining a smooth, powerful bass response at all volume levels.
Connectivity
Onkyo TX-NR535
Onkyo TX-NR535 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or built-in wi-fi adapter. It can also connect to bluetooth devices via built-in bluetooth adapter. The Receiver supports AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately). It has 6 HDMI inputs.
Front panel has USB, Composite Video and RCA audio inputs.


Onkyo TX-NR525
Onkyo TX-NR525 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It can also connect to bluetooth devices via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) . It has 6 HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 copy protection.
Front panel has L/R Audio, Composite and USB 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-NR535 and here - Onkyo TX-NR525.
BASICS | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Brand | Onkyo | vs | Onkyo |
Model | TX-NR535 | vs | TX-NR525 |
Type | A/V Receiver | vs | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA | vs | USA |
Release Year | 2014 | vs | 2013 |
AMPLIFIER | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | vs | 5.2 |
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-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | 32-bit DSP | vs | Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip |
DAC | Burr-Brown | vs | Burr-Brown |
Maximum Channel Processing | 5.1 | 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 | PLII | vs | PLII |
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 | vs | ||
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, 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 |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | 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 |
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 | 2-ch Input | vs | 2-ch Input |
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 (bluetooth included) | 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-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | AccuEQ | vs | Audyssey MultEQ |
VIDEO | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
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 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) | vs | up to 4K/30p |
Video Signal Upscaling | vs | ||
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | vs | ||
Component Video Upscaling | vs | ||
Analog to Analog Video conversion | vs | ||
isf Certified Calibration Control | vs |
CONNECTIVITY | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
MHL Input | 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 | AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) | vs | |
Apple Product Connection | iPod and iPhone via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) | vs | iPod and iPhone via front USB |
Remote App | Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices | vs | iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | vs | ||
Ethernet | vs | ||
Ethernet Switch | vs | ||
Wi-Fi | vs | via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately) | |
Bluetooth | vs | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) | |
HDBaseT Compatible | vs | ||
Enhanced ARC | vs | ||
HDMI Input | 6 | vs | 6 |
HDMI Output | 1 | vs | 1 |
USB Input | 1 (Front) | vs | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
USB DC Out Port | vs | ||
Analog Audio Line Input | 7 (1 front) | vs | 6 (1 front) |
Analog Audio Line Output | 1 | vs | |
Phono Input | vs | ||
Optical In | 1 | vs | 1 |
Optical Out | vs | ||
Coaxial In/Out | 2 / | vs | 2 / |
Composite Video Input | 4 (1 front) | vs | 5 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 1 | vs | 1 |
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 | 0.2 |
XLR Inputs | vs | ||
XLR Pre-outs | vs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB, Composite Video, RCA audio | vs | L/R Audio, Composite, USB |
Speaker A/B | vs | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm | vs | 6.3 mm |
ZONES | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Zones | 2 | vs | 2 |
Powered Zones | vs | ||
Zone 2 | RCA Line Out | vs | RCA Line Out |
Whole House Mode | vs | ||
RS-232 | vs | ||
+12V Trigger Output | 0 | vs | 0 |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | vs | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | vs | ||
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-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM | vs | FM/AM |
Presets | 40 | vs | 40 |
Digital Radio | vs | ||
Internet Radio | TuneIn | vs | TuneIn |
Pandora | vs | ||
Spotify | vs | ||
Tidal | vs | ||
Deezer | vs | ||
Napster | vs | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio | vs |
CONSTRUCTION | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Solid Aluminum Front | vs | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | vs | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | 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-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | vs | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Independent Power Supply | 2 | vs | |
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) | Massive High Power Transformer | vs | Massive High Power Transformer |
Toroidal Transformer | vs | ||
Power Consumption | 3.2 A | vs | 4.2 A |
No Sound Power | 55 W | vs | 60 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | vs | 0.15 W |
GENERAL | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | vs | ||
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" | vs | 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) | vs | 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years | vs | 2 Years |
SPECS | Onkyo TX-NR535 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR525 |
---|---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 65 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 90 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 100 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 120 W | vs | 160 W |
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 115 W (0.9% THD) | vs | 130 W (1% THD) |
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | 160 W | vs | 180 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 125 W | vs | 160 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 85 W | vs | 100 W |
THD | 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) | vs | 0.7% (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 |
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance | 2 V/2.2 kΩ | vs | 2 V/2.2 kΩ |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 100 dB | vs | 100 dB |
Frequency Response (Analog In) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode) | vs | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass) |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz | vs | 2.8 MHz |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 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 | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | vs | 100BASE-TX |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz | vs | 87.5 MHz - 107.9 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