Onkyo TX-NR509

    67
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    USA Taiwan Europe and Australia
    Others

    Highlights

    • 5.1 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Ethernet
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    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.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2011 Lineup
    4. Successor
    5. Audio Section
    6. Video Section
    7. Multi-zone Playback
    8. Inputs and Outputs
    9. Evaluation
    10. Specifications  

    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
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    		2021 7.2 80 W 8K
    TX-NR595 Image cannot be found
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    		2019 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR585 Image cannot be found
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    		2018 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR575 Image cannot be found
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    		2017 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR555 Image cannot be found
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    		2016 7.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR545 Image cannot be found
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    		2015 7.2 65 W 4K
    TX-NR535 Image cannot be found
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    		2014 5.2 65 W 4K
    TX-NR525 Image cannot be found
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    		2013 5.2 80 W 4K
    TX-NR515 Image cannot be found
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    		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-NR575 vs TX-NR555 vs TX-NR545.

    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

    Onkyo 2011 Lineup

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

    Onkyo 2011 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Zones Price
    TX-NR5009 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2145 W9.19.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR3009 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2140 W9.19.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR1009 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2135 W9.19.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT3
    TX-NR809 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2135 W7.17.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT3
    TX-NR709 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2110 W7.17.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT2
    TX-NR609 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2100 W7.1 Audyssey 2EQ2
    TX-NR509 Image cannot be found 5.180 W5.12.1 Audyssey 2EQ2
    TX-SR309 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		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.

    Successor

    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 540 W vs 410 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.

    Audio Section

    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)

      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.
      Onkyo TX-NR509
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      DECODING
      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

      Sound Processing

      • Audyssey: Onkyo TX-NR509 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.
      • Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR509 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-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.

      Video Section

      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.
      Onkyo TX-NR509
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      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

      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

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      >

      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
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      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

      Onkyo TX-NR509 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


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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