Onkyo TX-NR609

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 74 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.

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.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR696 vs TX-NR686 vs TX-NR676 vs TX-NR656 vs TX-NR646 vs TX-NR636.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 Passthrough	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)

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.

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.

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

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	6.3 A	vs	6.2 A

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	HD Radio via optional UP-HT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR609 vs TX-NR616.

GENERAL
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR609
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2011
Successor	Onkyo TX-NR616

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	100 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) Engine	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DAC	Burr-Brown
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
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 USB	FLAC, 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 USB	FLAC, 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 Passthrough	up 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 Resolution	1080p
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 Inputs	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 Front
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	6
RCA Line Outputs	1
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	2
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA 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
Presets	40
Digital Radio	HD Radio via optional UP-HT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Internet Radio	vTuner
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
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	6.2 A
Standby Power	0.2 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"
Weight	11.2 kg (24.7 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
THD	0.08% (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 (REC OUT)
Maximum Lineout Level and Impedance	2 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 HDMI	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
Warranty	2 Years

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