Onkyo TX-NR515

    71
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    USA Taiwan
    Europe and Australia
    Others

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/30Hz Upscaling
    • Ethernet
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Onkyo TX-NR515 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 71 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. 2012 Lineup
    4. Predecessor
    5. Successor
    6. Audio Section
    7. Video Section
    8. Multi-zone Playback
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Evaluation
    11. 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-NR575E 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 2012 7.2 80 W 1080p
    TX-NR509 Image cannot be found
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    		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.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR515.

    PROs

    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   8 HDMI Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   Low Power Output - 80 W
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   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
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Tidal

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

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   2 HDMI Outputs
    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    Onkyo 2012 Lineup

    In 2012 Onkyo released 9 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Onkyo 2012 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Zones Price
    TX-NR5010 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2145 W11.111.4 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR3010 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2140 W11.111.4 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR1010 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2140 W9.19.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR818 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2135 W9.19.2 Audyssey MultEQ XT323
    TX-NR717 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2110 W7.17.2 Audyssey 2EQ3
    TX-NR616 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2100 W7.1 Audyssey 2EQ3
    TX-NR515 Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.1 Audyssey 2EQ2
    TX-NR414 Image cannot be found
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    		5.180 W5.12
    TX-SR313 Image cannot be found
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    		5.165 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR5010 vs TX-NR3010 vs TX-NR1010 vs TX-NR818 vs TX-NR717 vs TX-NR616.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR515 to its predecessor TX-NR509 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR515 vs 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 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-NR515 vs TX-NR509.

    Successor

    In 2013 Onkyo TX-NR515 was replaced by TX-NR525. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Onkyo TX-NR515 and its successor.

    UPGRADES TX-NR525 vs Onkyo TX-NR515
    Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD vs FLAC, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, LPCM, AAC
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM vs FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, LPCM, AAC
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input vs
    Phase-Matching Bass Boost vs
    More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System Audyssey MultEQ vs Audyssey 2EQ
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
    Bluetooth via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) vs
    More RCA Line Inputs 6 (1 front) vs 5
    More Component Video Inputs 2 vs 1
    Smart Grid-Ready vs
    DOWNGRADES TX-NR525 vs Onkyo TX-NR515
    Less Channels 5.2 vs 7.2
    Bi-amp capability vs
    Less Channel Processing 5.1 vs 7.1
    Dolby Pro Logic PLII vs PLIIz
    Dolby Digital EX vs
    DTS-ES vs Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    Video Signal Upscaling vs up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component**, Composite
    MHL Input vs Front HDMI
    Less HDMI Inputs 6 vs 8 (1 front)
    Less HDMI Outputs 1 vs 2 (simultaneous)
    Less Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
    Front A/V Inputs L/R Audio, Composite, USB vs HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
    Less Powered Zones vs 2
    On-Screen Display vs Advanced "Home" GUI
    On Screen Remote Programming vs
    Less Speaker Terminals 5 vs 9
    Less Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 7
    Smaller Power Supply 400 W vs 480 W
    Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 100 W (0.7% THD) vs 125 W (0.1% THD)
    Higher THD 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) vs 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR515 vs TX-NR525.

    Audio Section

    7 channel Amplifier

    Onkyo TX-NR515 features 7 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-NR515 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.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    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-NR515's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-NR515 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
    Onkyo TX-NR515
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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 PLIIz
    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-NR515 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-NR515 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-NR515 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-NR515 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

    • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-NR515 can upscale up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Onkyo TX-NR515 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Onkyo TX-NR515 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
    Onkyo TX-NR515
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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)
    HDCP Version2.2
    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 up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)

    Multi-zone Playback

    Onkyo TX-NR515 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • 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 2
    Zone 2 OutsRCA Line Out
    Whole House Mode
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    Remote (IR) Input/Output

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    7.1 Channels

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    7.2 Channels

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    7.2 Channels

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs 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: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
      8K Inputs: 0
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • 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. Onkyo TX-NR515 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1

    Front A/V Inputs

    • HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video
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    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs5
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
    Composite Video Outputs1
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs1
    Component Video Outputs1

    Onkyo TX-NR515 Evaluation

    We evaluate Onkyo TX-NR515 and give score of 71 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
    71

    Amplifier

    GOOD
    75

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 75 for Amplifier features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Low Power Output - 80 W

    Audio Features

    GOOD
    70

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 70 for Audio Features features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   7.1 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

    AVERAGE
    58

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 58 for Video Features features.

    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    76

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 76 for Connectivity features.

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

    Zones

    GOOD
    77

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 77 for Zones features.

    •   2 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    88

    We give Onkyo TX-NR515 a score of 88 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   No Tidal


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

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