Onkyo TX-NR3030 (USA version)

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Overview
Onkyo TX-NR3030 was introduced in 2014 and represented a flagship model of the manufacturer. It is equipped with 11 channel amplifier and is capable of 11.1 maximum channel processing.
We evaluated the Receiver and gave 88 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 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 video signal passthrough and 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...
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR3030.
PROS |
---|
👍 Front Wide Channel Support |
👍 THX™ Certification |
👍 Certified 4 Ω Performance |
👍 Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor) |
👍 Bi-amp Capability |
👍 Many Channel Processing |
👍 Dolby Atmos |
👍 Dolby TrueHD |
👍 Dolby Digital Plus |
👍 Dolby Pro Logic |
👍 Surround 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 |
👍 Gapless Playback |
👍 DSD via HDMI |
👍 DSD via USB |
👍 Dialog Normalization |
👍 Dialogue Lift |
👍 Compressed Music Enhancer |
👍 THX Processing Mode |
👍 Phase-Matching Bass Boost |
👍 Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
👍 3-D Ready |
👍 4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
👍 4K or 8K Signal Upscaling |
👍 Analog To HDMI Upconversion |
👍 MHL Input |
👍 DLNA 1.5 |
👍 Ethernet |
👍 Wi-Fi |
👍 Bluetooth |
👍 New HDCP Version |
👍 Many HDMI Inputs |
👍 Many HDMI Outputs |
👍 USB Input |
👍 Many Analog Audio Line Inputs |
👍 Phono Input |
👍 Composite Video Inputs |
👍 Composite Video Outputs |
👍 Component Video Inputs |
👍 Component Video Outputs |
👍 Analog Pre-Outs |
👍 XLR Pre-outs |
👍 Zones |
👍 Detachable Power Cord |
👍 Analog Tuner |
👍 Pandora |
👍 Spotify |
👍 SiriusXM Internet Radio |
👍 Independent Power Supply |
👍 H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) |
CONS |
---|
👎 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 Chromecast Built-In |
👎 Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
👎 Does Not Work with SONOS |
👎 No eARC |
👎 No Multi-Channel Input |
👎 No Tidal |
👎 No Deezer |
👎 No Napster |
👎 Old Bluetooth Version |
Major Changes from its predecessor
Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR3030 to its predecessor TX-NR3010 and displaying the major changes.
UPGRADES | Onkyo TX-NR3030 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR3010 |
---|---|---|---|
More Channels | 11.2 | vs | 9.2 |
Dolby Atmos | vs | ||
Gapless Playback | vs | ||
Phase-Matching Bass Boost | for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range | vs | |
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) | vs | up to 1080p |
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 HDMI Outputs | 3 (2 Main, 1 Zone2) | vs | 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2) |
XLR Pre-outs | Front L/R | vs |
DOWNGRADES | Onkyo TX-NR3030 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR3010 |
---|---|---|---|
THX™ Certification | Select™2 Plus | vs | Ultra2 Plus |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB | up to 96 kHz | vs | up to 192 kHz |
Audyssey Dynamic EQ | vs | ||
Audyssey Dynamic Volume | vs | ||
Audyssey DSX | vs | ||
Component Video Upscaling | vs | * | |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | vs | Composite, PC | |
Less HDMI Inputs | 8 (1 front) | vs | 9 (1 front) |
USB Input | 1 (Front) | vs | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
Less Composite Video Inputs | 4 (1 front) | vs | 5 (1 front) |
Smaller Power Supply | 10.7 A | vs | 11.0 A |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR3030 vs Onkyo TX-NR3010.
Amplifier
Onkyo TX-NR3030 has 11 channel amplifier and delivers 135 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 Ω load. This receiver even supports front wide channels which is found only in a very few high-end receivers these days.
Video Features
The Receiver has 4K passthrough up to 60p and 4K upscaling up to 30p.
Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround upmixer
Onkyo TX-NR3030 supports Dolby Atmos. It can be configured upto 9.1.2 or 7.1.4 channels using internal amplifiers.
Dolby Atmos is the first cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound - the helicopter, a car screeching around a corner, a melodic bird call - can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. You'll feel like you're inside the action, in ways you've never experienced before.
Dolby Atmos for the home represents every sound in the original cinema mix as an audio object. Extensions to the Dolby Audio™ codecs, along with an advanced scalable algorithm, allow Dolby Atmos to be delivered via Blu-ray Disc and streaming media. A spatially-coded substream is added to Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus. A Dolby Atmos audio/video receiver (AVR) adapts the cinema experience to your home theater from seven speakers to as many as 34 in 24.1.10 configuration, recreating the original artistic concept. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.
If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
WRAT
Onkyo TX-NR3030 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.
THX™ Certification
Onkyo TX-NR3030 is THX™ certified which offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature RE-EQ, timbre matching, boundary gain compensation and THX Loudness Plus. The current model has Select™2 Plus class performance. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.
Advanced Music Optimizer
Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR3030 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-NR3030 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.
Room Correction
Onkyo TX-NR3030 comes with AccuEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.
Connectivity
Onkyo TX-NR3030 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 8 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver. There are 11.4 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification. This Receiver is exceptional for even having XLR outputs for front left and right channels.
Front panel has HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio and Optical inputs.


Specifications
Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR3030.
BASICS | |
---|---|
Brand | Onkyo |
Model | TX-NR3030 |
Type | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA |
Release Year | 2014 |
AMPLIFIER | |
---|---|
Channels | 11.2 |
Front Wide Channel Support | |
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) | |
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) | |
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry | |
THX™ Certification | Select™2 Plus |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry | |
3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry | All Channels |
PUSH-PULL Design | |
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor) | |
Bi-amp Capability | |
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging) |
AUDIO | |
---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Dual 32-bit DSP for Powerful Advanced Processing |
DAC | Burr-Brown |
Maximum Channel Processing | 11.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | |
Dolby Atmos | |
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
Dolby TrueHD | |
Dolby Digital Plus | |
Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
Dolby Pro Logic | PLIIz |
Surround EX | also known as Dolby Digital Surround EX |
DTS:X | |
DTS Neural:X | |
DTS Virtual:X | |
DTS Neo | Neo:X |
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 |
Music Playback via USB | 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 |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC |
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB | |
Gapless Playback | |
DSD via HDMI | 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 |
DTS Dialog Control | |
Dialog Enhancement | |
Dialog Level Adjustment | |
Dialog Normalization | |
Dialogue Lift | Screen Centered Dialog |
Tone Control | All Channels |
Compressed Music Enhancer | Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included) |
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 | for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range |
Direct Mode | |
Pure Audio Mode | |
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode | |
Virtual Speakers | T-D (Theater-Dimensional) |
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output |
CALIBRATION | |
---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | AccuEQ |
VIDEO | |
---|---|
HDR10 | |
HDR10+ | |
BT.2020 color space | |
Dolby Vision | |
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
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) |
Video Signal Upscaling | up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | Component**, Composite, PC |
Component Video Upscaling | |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | |
Component Video Maximum Resolution | 1080p |
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | |
---|---|
MHL Input | Front HDMI |
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) |
Remote App | Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | |
Ethernet | |
Ethernet Switch | |
Wi-Fi | |
Bluetooth | |
HDBaseT Compatible | |
Enhanced ARC | |
HDCP Version | 2.2 |
HDMI Input | 8 (1 front) |
HDMI Output | 3 (2 Main, 1 Zone2) |
USB Input | 1 (Front) |
USB DC Out Port | |
Analog Audio Line Input | 7 (1 front) |
Analog Audio Line Output | |
Phono Input | |
Optical In | 3 (1 front) |
Optical Out | |
Coaxial In/Out | 3 / |
Composite Video Input | 4 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 1 |
S-Video Input | |
S-Video Output | |
Component Video Input | 2 |
Component Video Output | 1 |
PC In | |
Multi-Channel Input | |
Analog Pre-Outs | 11.4 |
XLR Inputs | |
XLR Pre-outs | Front L/R |
Front A/V Inputs | HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio, Optical |
Speaker A/B | |
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm |
ZONES | |
---|---|
Zones | 3 |
Powered Zones | 2 and 3 |
Zone 2 | HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out |
Zone 3 Outs | RCA Pre/Line Out |
Whole House Mode | |
RS-232 | |
+12V Trigger Output | 2 (Zone2, Zone 3) |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 1 / 1 |
MISC | |
---|---|
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 | |
---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM |
Presets | 40 |
Digital Radio | |
Internet Radio | TuneIn |
Pandora | |
Spotify | |
Tidal | |
Deezer | |
Napster | |
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | |
---|---|
Solid Aluminum Front | |
Speaker Terminals | 11 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 11 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs | Front L/R |
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs | |
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | |
---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Independent Power Supply | 4 |
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) | Massive High Power Transformer |
Toroidal Transformer | |
Power Consumption | 10.7 A |
No Sound Power | 145 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W |
Capacitor Bank | 18,000 µF |
GENERAL | |
---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 mm x 199 mm x 466.5 mm 17-1/8" x 7-13/16" x 18-3/8" |
Weight | 22 kg (48.5 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years |
SPECS | |
---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 135 W (0.08% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 150 W (0.08% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 160 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 230 W |
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 185 W (1% THD) |
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | 300 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 250 W |
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 150 W |
THD | 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) |
Damping Factor | 60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 200 mV/47 kΩ (Line) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 2.5 mV/47 kΩ |
Rated Preout Level and Impedance | 200 mV/470 Ω |
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance | 4.6 V/470 Ω |
Rated XLR Output Level and Impedance | 400 mV/470 Ω (Pre Out) |
Maximum XLR Output Level and Impedance | 9.2 V/470 Ω (Pre Out) |
Phono Overload | 70 mV (MM, 1kHz, 0.5% Direct) |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 110 dB |
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | 80 dB |
Frequency Response (Analog In) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode) |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 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) |
Video Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component) |
Ethernet Standard | 10BASE-T/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 |
AM Frequency | 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted
Successor
In 2016 Onkyo TX-NR3030 was replaced by TX-RZ3100. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.
UPGRADES | Onkyo TX-RZ3100 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR3030 |
---|---|---|---|
Dolby Surround Upmixer | vs | ||
DTS:X | vs | ||
DTS Neural:X | vs | ||
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB | up to 192 kHz | vs | up to 96 kHz |
DTS Dialog Control | vs | ||
HDR10 | vs | ||
BT.2020 color space | vs | ||
Dolby Vision | vs | ||
FireConnect | vs | ||
FlareConnect | vs | ||
Chromecast Built-In | vs | ||
DTS Play-Fi | vs | ||
Works with SONOS | requires firmware update & Sonos Connect | vs | |
AirPlay | AirPlay 2 after firmware update | vs | AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately) |
Tidal | vs | ||
Deezer | vs | ||
Bigger Power Supply | 340 W | vs | 10.7 A |
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz | vs | 2.8 MHz |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n | vs | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n |
Newer Bluetooth Version | 4.1 + LE | vs | 2.1 + EDR |
DOWNGRADES | Onkyo TX-RZ3100 | vs | Onkyo TX-NR3030 |
---|---|---|---|
Front Wide Channel Support | vs | ||
Video Signal Upscaling | 1080p to 4K | vs | up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) |
MHL Input | vs | Front HDMI | |
Less HDMI Outputs | 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2) | vs | 3 (2 Main, 1 Zone2) |
Less Analog Audio Line Inputs | 6 | vs | 7 (1 front) |
Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs | 2 / | vs | 3 / |
Less Composite Video Inputs | 2 | vs | 4 (1 front) |
Less Composite Video Outputs | vs | 1 | |
Less Analog Pre-Outs | 11.2 | vs | 11.4 |
XLR Pre-outs | vs | Front L/R | |
SiriusXM Internet Radio | vs |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-RZ3100 vs Onkyo TX-NR3030.