1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Onkyo TX-NR525 (USA version)
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
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Content
Overview
Onkyo TX-NR525 was introduced in 2013. 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 4K/30Hz video signal.
We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 69 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.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR525.
PROS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth |
USB Input |
Many RCA Line Inputs |
Composite Video Inputs |
Component Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
Spotify |
CONS |
---|
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 eARC |
No HDR10 |
No HDR10+ |
No Dolby Vision |
No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Tidal |
Predecessor
Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR525 to its predecessor TX-NR515 and displaying the major changes.
UPGRADES | Onkyo 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 | Onkyo 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 Outputs | vs | ||
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 | ||
More Speaker Terminals | 5 | vs | 9 |
More Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | vs | 7 |
Smaller Power Supply | 4.2 A | vs | 5 A |
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-NR525 vs Onkyo TX-NR515.
Audio Section
5 channel Amplifier
Onkyo TX-NR525 features 5 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-NR525 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.
Speaker Configurations
Onkyo TX-NR525's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- 5.2 with internal amplifier.
Sound Processing
- Audyssey: Onkyo TX-NR525 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-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.
Room Calibration
Onkyo TX-NR525 comes with Audyssey MultEQ 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-NR525 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 4K/30Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
- 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-NR525 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
Multi-zone Playback
Onkyo TX-NR525 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.
Inputs and Outputs
Audio
- Analog Line Inputs: There are 6 line inputs for analog audio connection.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output 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: 6 Outputs: 1
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.
- Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1


Specifications
Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR525.
BASICS | |
---|---|
Brand | Onkyo |
Model | TX-NR525 |
Type | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA |
Release Year | 2013 |
AMPLIFIER | |
---|---|
Channels | 5.2 |
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 | |
---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip |
DAC | Burr-Brown |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 5.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | |
Dolby Atmos | |
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | |
Dolby Atmos Music | |
Dolby TrueHD | |
Dolby Digital Plus | |
Dolby Surround Upmixer | |
Dolby Pro Logic | PLII |
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 | |
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 192 kHz |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC, LPCM |
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 for S/PDIF Audio |
DTS Dialog 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 MultEQ |
Audyssey App Support |
VIDEO | |
---|---|
Enhanced ARC | |
HDCP Version | 2.2 |
HDR10 | |
HDR10+ | |
Dynamic HDR | |
Dolby Vision | |
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | |
BT.2020 color space | |
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/30p |
Video Signal Upscaling | |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | |
Component Video Upscaling | |
Analog to Analog Video conversion | |
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | |
---|---|
MHL Input | |
DLNA 1.5 | |
FireConnect | |
FlareConnect | |
Chromecast Built-In | |
DTS Play-Fi | |
Works with Amazon Alexa | |
Works with SONOS | |
AirPlay | |
Apple Product Connection | iPod and iPhone via front USB |
Remote App | iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | |
Ethernet | |
Ethernet Switch | |
Wi-Fi | via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately) |
Bluetooth | via Front USB (optional UBT-1 adapter sold separately) |
HDBaseT Compatible | |
HDMI Inputs | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 |
8K Inputs | |
USB Input | 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear |
USB DC Out Port | |
RCA Line Input | 6 (1 front) |
RCA Line Output | |
XLR Line Inputs | |
Phono Input | |
Optical Inputs | 1 |
Optical Outputs | |
Coaxial Inputs | 2 |
Composite Video Input | 5 (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 | |
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.2 |
XLR Pre-outs | |
Front A/V Inputs | L/R Audio, Composite, USB |
Speaker A/B | |
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | |
---|---|
Zones | 2 |
Powered Zones | |
Zone 2 Outs | RCA Line Out |
Whole House Mode | |
RS-232C Interface | |
+12V Trigger Output | 0 |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 |
MISC | |
---|---|
On-Screen Display | |
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 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 5 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | |
18mm Pitch High Grade Pre-outs | |
19mm-Pitch Audio Inputs | |
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | |
---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Independent Power Supply | |
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) | Massive High Power Transformer |
Toroidal Transformer | |
Power Consumption | 4.2 A |
No Sound Power | 60 W |
Standby Power | 0.15 W |
GENERAL | |
---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
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" |
Weight | 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs) |
Warranty | 2 Years |
SPECS | |
---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 100 W (0.7% THD) |
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 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 |
THD | 0.7% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power) |
Damping Factor | 60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω) |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 200 mV/47 kΩ (Line) |
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | 200 mV/2.2 kΩ |
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance | 2 V/2.2 kΩ |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 100 dB |
Frequency Response (Analog In) | 5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (DSP bypass) |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 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 | 100BASE-TX |
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 2014 Onkyo TX-NR525 was replaced by TX-NR535. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.
UPGRADES | 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 RCA Line Inputs | 7 (1 front) | vs | 6 (1 front) |
More RCA 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 |
DOWNGRADES | 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 |
High 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 |
Less Composite Video Inputs | 4 (1 front) | vs | 5 (1 front) |
Less Component Video Inputs | 1 | vs | 2 |
Smaller Power Supply | 3.2 A | vs | 4.2 A |
Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 65 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 80 W (0.7% THD) |
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) | 90 W (0.7% THD) | vs | 100 W (0.7% THD) |
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 120 W | vs | 160 W |
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 115 W (0.9% THD) | vs | 130 W (1% THD) |
Lower Dynamic Power per Channel, 3 Ω, Front) | 160 W | vs | 180 W |
Lower Dynamic Power per Channel, 4 Ω, Front) | 125 W | vs | 160 W |
Lower Dynamic Power per Channel, 8 Ω, Front) | 85 W | vs | 100 W |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR525 vs Onkyo TX-NR535.