Onkyo TX-NR509

    67
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 5.1 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Onkyo TX-NR509 was introduced in 2011. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 1080/60p video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 67 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
    75
    Audio Features
    67
    Video Features
    46
    Connectivity
    73
    Zones
    64
    Radio
    91
    OVERALL
    67

    For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.


    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    TX-NR5100 Image cannot be found 2021 7.2 80 W 8K
    TX-NR595 Image cannot be found 2019 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR585 Image cannot be found 2018 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR575E Image cannot be found 2017 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR555 Image cannot be found 2016 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR545 Image cannot be found 2015 7.2 65 W 4K
    TX-NR535 Image cannot be found 2014 5.2 65 W 4K
    TX-NR525 Image cannot be found 2013 5.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR515 Image cannot be found 2012 7.2 80 W 1080p
    TX-NR509 Image cannot be found 2011 5.1 80 W 1080p

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR5100 vs TX-NR595 vs TX-NR585 vs TX-NR575E vs TX-NR555 vs TX-NR545.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR509.

    PROs

    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Digital Radio
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   Few Channels - 5.1
    •   Low Power Output - 80 W
    •   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 HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   No Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   4 HDMI Inputs
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No Tidal

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Wi-Fi
    •   2 Zones

    3. Onkyo 2011 Lineup

    In 2011 Onkyo released 8 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Onkyo 2011 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    TX-NR5009 Image cannot be found 9.2145 W9.19.23
    TX-NR3009 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.19.23
    TX-NR1009 Image cannot be found 9.2135 W9.19.23
    TX-NR809 Image cannot be found 7.2135 W7.17.23
    TX-NR709 Image cannot be found 7.2110 W7.17.22
    TX-NR609 Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.12
    TX-NR509 Image cannot be found 5.180 W5.12.12
    TX-SR309 Image cannot be found 5.165 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR5009 vs TX-NR3009 vs TX-NR1009 vs TX-NR809 vs TX-NR709 vs TX-NR609.

    4. Amplifier

    5 channel Amplifier

    Onkyo TX-NR509 features 5 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.1
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      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)

      5. Speaker Configurations

      Onkyo TX-NR509's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Configurations: Available configurations are:
      • 5.1 with internal amplifier.

      6. HDMI

      Onkyo TX-NR509 features 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
      • 3D Ready: Onkyo TX-NR509 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.


      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling

      7. Room Calibration

      Onkyo TX-NR509 comes with Audyssey 2EQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      • 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.

      8. Multi-zone Playback

      Onkyo TX-NR509 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Audio Line Output: If you have a dedicated integrated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via line outs by sending fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Line Out
      Whole House Mode
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output
      Remote (IR) Input/Output

      9. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Analog Pre-Outs: Onkyo TX-NR509 has 2.1 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 6 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 4   Outputs: 1
        8K Inputs: 0
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Inputs: 5   Outputs: 2
      • 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.
      • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

      Front A/V Inputs

      • USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs6 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs2
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1

      10. Replaced by TX-NR515

      In 2012 Onkyo TX-NR509 was replaced by Onkyo TX-NR515. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Onkyo TX-NR509 and its successor.

      UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR515 vs Onkyo TX-NR509
      More Channels 7.2 vs 5.1
      WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) vs
      Bi-amp capability vs
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 5.1
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz vs PLIIx
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz vs up to 96 kHz
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) vs
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite vs
      MHL Input Front HDMI vs
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue vs
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 4
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (simultaneous) vs 1
      USB Input 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear vs 1 Front
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video vs USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
      More Powered Zones 2 vs
      On-Screen Display Advanced "Home" GUI vs Basic Overlay
      On Screen Remote Programming vs
      More Speaker Terminals 9 vs 5
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 5
      Bigger Power Supply 480 W vs 370 W
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 125 W (0.1% THD) vs 110 W (0.9% THD)
      DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR515 vs Onkyo TX-NR509
      Less RCA Line Inputs 5 vs 6 (1 front)
      Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      Less RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
      Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
      Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 2
      uport vs
      Digital Radio vs DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
      Napster vs

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR509 vs TX-NR515.

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Onkyo TX-NR509 and give score of 67 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      67

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      75

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 75 for Amplifier features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      67

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 67 for Audio Features features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   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
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      POOR
      46

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 46 for Video Features features.

      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      73

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 73 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   No Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      64

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 64 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      91

      We give Onkyo TX-NR509 a score of 91 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandOnkyo
      ModelTX-NR509
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryEurope and Australia
      Release Year2011
      SuccessorOnkyo TX-NR515
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.1
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      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 FEATURES
      Digital Processing Crossover Network
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineAdvanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
      DACBurr-Brown
      DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing5.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIx
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo 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
      Music Playback via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 96 kHz
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog Level Adjustment
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift
      Tone Control Front L/R Channels
      Compressed Music Enhancer 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)
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey 2EQ
      Audyssey App Support
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY
      Wi-Fi via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
      Bluetooth
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via USB or optional UP-A1 Dock (sold separately)
      Remote App iPod touch/iPhone
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs6 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs2.1 (Surround Back and Sub)
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs2
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsUSB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      uport
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Line Out
      Whole House Mode
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output
      Remote (IR) Input/Output
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen Display Basic Overlay
      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 with RDS
      Presets40
      Digital Radio DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
      Internet Radio vTuner
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals5
      Large Speaker Terminals5
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER
      Power SupplyAC 230 V, 50 Hz
      Independent Power Supply
      H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer
      Toroidal Transformer
      Power Consumption370 W
      No Sound Power45 W (230 V)/50 W (240 V)
      Standby Power0.3 W
      PHYSICAL
      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"
      Weight9.2 kg (20.3 lbs)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.7% THD)
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)110 W (0.9% THD)
      Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)160 W
      Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)130 W (1% THD)
      Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)180 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)160 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)100 W
      THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
      Damping Factor60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
      Rated Lineout Level and Impedance200 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
      Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance2 V/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB
      Frequency Response (Analog In)20 Hz - 50 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass)
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 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 Response5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
      Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
      AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz
      Warranty2 Years

      * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
      ** - 480i/576i only
      *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
      **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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