Onkyo TX-NR609

    75
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • THX™Select™2 Plus Certified
    • 4K/30Hz Upscaling
    • Ethernet

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

    1. Overview

    Onkyo TX-NR609 was introduced in 2011. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 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 75 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
    89
    Audio Features
    71
    Video Features
    58
    Connectivity
    74
    Zones
    77
    Radio
    91
    OVERALL
    75

    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-NR696 Image cannot be found 2019 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR686 Image cannot be found 2018 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR676E Image cannot be found 2017 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR656 Image cannot be found 2016 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR646 Image cannot be found 2015 7.2 100 W 4K
    TX-NR636 Image cannot be found 2014 7.2 95 W 4K
    TX-NR626 Image cannot be found 2013 7.2 95 W 4K
    TX-NR616 Image cannot be found 2012 7.2 100 W 1080p
    TX-NR609 Image cannot be found 2011 7.2 100 W 1080p

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR696 vs TX-NR686 vs TX-NR676E vs TX-NR656 vs TX-NR646 vs TX-NR636.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR609.

    PROs

    •   THX™ Certification
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Digital Radio
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   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
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   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
    •   Power Output - 100 W
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   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

    7 channel Amplifier

    Onkyo TX-NR609 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR609 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.
    • 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry: Onkyo TX-NR609 features 3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry. Standard amplifiers employ a negative feedback (NFB) design that counters distortion by feeding back the opposite phase of the output signal into the input stage. Unfortunately, NFB is easily affected by inverse electromotive forces from the speakers, leading to an increase in circuit noise. Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry is a core Onkyo technology incorporating a low-NFB design that makes the sound more natural. Sensitive to oscillations, this circuitry requires very advanced control technology in order to be incorporated into the amplifier.

    THX Select™2 Plus certified

    Onkyo TX-NR609 is THX™ Select™2 Plus certified. 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.

    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output100 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 Select™2 Plus
    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-NR609's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.

    6. Immersive Audio Formats

    Audyssey DSX

    Audyssey DSX allows you to augment a standard five-channel home theater with either two Front Wide or two Front High speakers. The Wide channels create an expansive soundstage and bring out convincing directional effects. Alternatively, Height channels can add a vertical dimension to movie and game soundtracks.


    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 also known as Dolby Digital 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

    7. HDMI

    Onkyo TX-NR609 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
    • 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-NR609 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 and PC video sources and Onkyo TX-NR609 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • 3D Ready: Onkyo TX-NR609 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 up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)

    8. Room Calibration

    Onkyo TX-NR609 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.

    9. Multi-zone Playback

    Onkyo TX-NR609 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

    10. Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • 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: 6 (1 front)   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. Onkyo TX-NR609 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

    Front A/V Inputs

    • HDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found
    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs6
    RCA Line Outputs1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
    Composite Video Outputs2
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs2
    Component Video Outputs1

    11. Replaced by TX-NR616

    In 2012 Onkyo TX-NR609 was replaced by Onkyo TX-NR616. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Onkyo TX-NR609 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR609
    Bi-amp capability vs
    Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz vs up to 96 kHz
    Dialog Normalization vs
    MHL Input Front HDMI vs
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue vs
    More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 6 (1 front)
    More HDMI Outputs 2 (simultaneous) vs 1
    USB Input 1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear vs 1 Front
    More Zones 3 vs 2
    Whole House Mode vs
    Bigger Power Supply 620 W vs 610 W
    DOWNGRADES Onkyo TX-NR616 vs Onkyo TX-NR609
    THX Processing Mode vs
    Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
    Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
    Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 2
    PC In vs
    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-NR609 vs TX-NR616.

    12. Evaluation

    We evaluate Onkyo TX-NR609 and give score of 75 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
    75

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    89

    We give Onkyo TX-NR609 a score of 89 for Amplifier features.

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 100 W
    •   THX™ Certification

    Audio Features

    GOOD
    71

    We give Onkyo TX-NR609 a score of 71 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-NR609 a score of 58 for Video Features features.

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

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    74

    We give Onkyo TX-NR609 a score of 74 for Connectivity features.

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

    Zones

    GOOD
    77

    We give Onkyo TX-NR609 a score of 77 for Zones features.

    •   2 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    91

    We give Onkyo TX-NR609 a score of 91 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   No Tidal

    13. Specifications

    GENERAL
    BrandOnkyo
    ModelTX-NR609
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryOthers
    Release Year2011
    SuccessorOnkyo TX-NR616
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Power Output100 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 Select™2 Plus
    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 Processing7.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
    Dolby Digital EX
    Surround EX also known as Dolby Digital 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 Front Height
    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 up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component, Composite, PC
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p
    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 Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs6
    RCA Line Outputs1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    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 InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    Detachable Power Cord
    uport
    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
    MISCELLANEOUS
    On-Screen Display Advanced "Home" GUI
    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 Terminals9
    Large Speaker Terminals7
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
    Independent Power Supply
    H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer
    Toroidal Transformer
    Power Consumption610 W
    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"
    Weight11.3 kg (24.9 lbs)
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)100 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)125 W (0.1% THD)
    Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)175 W
    Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)160 W (1% THD)
    Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)240 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)210 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)120 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)106 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

    Discussion

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