Onkyo TX-NR797 (Asian version)

Onkyo TX-NR797 was introduced in 2019. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing.

We evaluated the Receiver and gave 65 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 score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and video signal passthrough and upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR797.

Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR797 to its predecessor TX-NR787 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR797	Onkyo TX-NR787
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✔	✖
DTS Virtual:X	✔ via future firmware update	✖
IMAX Enhanced	✔ via future firmware update	✖
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ 1080p to 4K	✖
Newer HDCP Version	2.3 (via future firmware update)	2.2
More HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	2 (simultaneous)
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS	✔ FM/AM
Bigger Power Supply	760 W	750 W
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Newer Bluetooth Version	4.2	4.1 + LE

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR797	Onkyo TX-NR787
Less Optical Inputs	1	2
Less Component Video Inputs	1	2
Pandora	✖	✔

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR797 vs Onkyo TX-NR787.

Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR797 has 9 channel amplifier and delivers 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 Ω load.

Video Features

The Receiver has 4K passthrough up to 60p and 4K upscaling. It can bypass HDR10, Dolby Vision.

HDR10

High-dynamic-range (HDR) video has greater dynamic range than standard-dynamic-range (SDR) video with brigter whites and deeper blacks. HDR10 was announced on August 27, 2015, by the Consumer Technology Association and uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness and 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors.

Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision is an update to HDR10 by adding dynamic metadata that can be used to more accurately adjust brightness levels up to 10,000 nits maximum brightness on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis and supports up to 12-bit color depth (4096 shades of RGB) and 8K resolution.

Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround upmixer

Onkyo TX-NR797 supports Dolby Atmos with its Dolby Surround upmixer. It can be configured upto 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 channels using internal amplifiers.

Dolby Atmos is the first cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound - the helicopter, a car screeching around a corner, a melodic bird call - can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. You'll feel like you're inside the action, in ways you've never experienced before.

Dolby Atmos for the home represents every sound in the original cinema mix as an audio object. Extensions to the Dolby Audio™ codecs, along with an advanced scalable algorithm, allow Dolby Atmos to be delivered via Blu-ray Disc and streaming media. A spatially-coded substream is added to Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus. A Dolby Atmos audio/video receiver (AVR) adapts the cinema experience to your home theater from seven speakers to as many as 34 in 24.1.10 configuration, recreating the original artistic concept. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

DTS:X and Neural:X upmixer

Onkyo TX-NR797 supports DTS:X with its Neural:X upmixer. It can be configured upto 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 channels using internal amplifiers.

A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

DTS Neural:X is a new upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.

Dynamic Audio Amplification

Onkyo TX-NR797 features Dynamic Audio Amplification which is Onkyo’s amplification philosophy that focuses on capturing the energy and dynamism contained in the audio signal and reproducing it without loss. Audio signals are not static like a test tone, but rather a countless collection of constantly moving waves. While static measurements such as S/N ratio and Total Harmonic Distortion are important, Onkyo believes that excellent dynamic and transient response is the key to emotionally involving sound. Dynamism - the “life” in music - is achieved when the amp can respond to changes in the signal instantaneously, so notes start and stop naturally and the nuances in attack, decay, sustain, and release are voiced with conviction. Onkyo home theater receivers represent the culmination of almost 70 years’ experience in amplifier design. The unique elements of their amplification system comprise high-current, low-impedance architecture to accurately control large speaker cones while enabling instantaneous response to dynamic changes, and discrete wide-range amplifier circuit topology to eliminate phase shift for clear and accurate audio imaging.

WRAT

Onkyo TX-NR797 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.

THX™ Certification

Onkyo TX-NR797 is THX™ certified which offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature RE-EQ, timbre matching, boundary gain compensation and THX Loudness Plus. The current model has Select™ (previously known as Select2) class performance. This means that it is for medium sized rooms, up to 2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.

Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR797 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.

Phase-Matching Bass Boost

Onkyo TX-NR797 features Phase-Matching Bass Boost. The negative effects of phase-shift or the timing difference between sound waves of different frequencies can sometimes be heard in audio players when corners are cut in order to increase bass response. While most audio systems have some form of low-frequency enhancement system, often a bigger bass sound comes at the expense of mid-range clarity, and results in a smeared or muddy sound. Onkyo’s Phase-Matching Bass Boost technology avoids this problem by improving the phase timing to preserve the natural clarity of the mid-range allowing vocals and strings to shine while maintaining a smooth, powerful bass response at all volume levels.

Room Correction

Onkyo TX-NR797 comes with AccuEQ Advance with AccuReflex™ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

Connectivity

Onkyo TX-NR797 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or built-in wi-fi adapter. It can also connect to bluetooth devices via built-in bluetooth adapter. The Receiver works with SONOS and supports AirPlay 2 after firmware update. It has 7 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.3 (via future firmware update) copy protection. There is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver.

Front panel has HDMI and Mini-Jack inputs.

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR797.

BASICS
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR797
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	Asia
Release Year	2019

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✖
Amplifier Design	Linear Class A/B
Dynamic Audio Amplification	✔
Non-Phase Shift Amplifier	✔
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	✔ Front L/R channels
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry	✖
THX™ Certification	✔ Select™ (previously known as Select2)
Continuous 6 Ω Rated	✔
Certified 4 Ω Performance	✔
Discrete Output Stage Circuitry	✔
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)	✖
Bi-amp Capability	✔
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)	✖

AUDIO
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	32-bit Digital Signal Processing Engines
DAC	AKM AK4458
Maximum Channel Processing	9.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖
Dolby Atmos	✔
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✔
Dolby TrueHD	✔
Dolby Digital Plus	✔
Dolby Surround Upmixer	✔
Dolby Pro Logic	✖
Dolby Digital EX	✖
THX Listening Modes	✔
DTS:X	✔
DTS Neural:X	✔
DTS Virtual:X	✔ via future firmware update
DTS Neo	✖
DTS-HD Master Audio	✔
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio	✔
DTS 96/24	✔
DTS Express	✔
DTS-ES	✔
IMAX Enhanced	✔ via future firmware update
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	✖
PCM	✔ 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	✔ up to 192 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, DSD, AIFF, AAC, Dolby TrueHD
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖
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 Dialogue Control	✔
Dialog Enhancement	✖
Dialog Normalization	✔
Dialogue Lift	✖
Tone Control	✔ All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	✔ Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included)
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)

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔ AccuEQ Advance with AccuReflex™

VIDEO
HDR10	✔
HDR10+	✖
Dynamic HDR	✖
BT.2020 color space	✔
Dolby Vision	✔
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)	✔
Quick Media Switching (QMS)	✖
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)	✖
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)	✖
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)	✖
3-D Ready	✔
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ 1080p to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control	✖

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input	✖
FireConnect	✖
FlareConnect	✔
Chromecast Built-In	✔
DTS Play-Fi	✔ via Onkyo Music Control app
Works with Amazon Alexa	✖
Works with SONOS	✔
AirPlay	✔ AirPlay 2 after firmware update
Apple Product Connection	✔ iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Onkyo Onkyo Controller and Music Control apps
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖
Ethernet	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖
Wi-Fi	✔
Bluetooth	✔ SBC, AAC
HDBaseT Compatible	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖
HDCP Version	2.3 (via future firmware update)
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
USB Input	1 (Rear)
USB DC Out Port	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	7 (1 Front)
Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖
Phono Input	✔
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1 / No
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs	✖
S-Video Inputs	✖
S-Video Outputs	✖
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs	✖
PC In	✖
Multi-Channel Input	✖
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Inputs	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, Mini-Jack
Speaker A/B	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES
Zones	3
Powered Zones	✔ 2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Line Out (shared with Zone B)
Zone 3 Outs	✖
Whole House Mode	✖
RS-232 Interface	✔
+12V Trigger Output	1 (MAIN, 100 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0

MISC
On-Screen Display	✔ Graphical User Interface with Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI
GUI Languages	7
Detachable Power Cord	✔
uport	✖
ONKYO-RI System Control	✖
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)	✔
Smart Grid-Ready	✔

RADIO
Analog Tuner	✔ FM/AM with RDS
Presets	40
Digital Radio	✖
Internet Radio	✔ TuneIn
Pandora	✖
Spotify	✔
Tidal	✔
Deezer	✔
Napster	✖
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front	✖
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
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 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	✔ Customized Transformer
Toroidal Transformer	✖
Power Consumption	760 W
No Sound Power	75 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 379.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-15/16"
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	534 mm x 265 mm x 468 mm 21" x 10-7/16" x 18-7/16"
Weight	10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)
Weight of Package	13.5 kg (29.8 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years

SPECS
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	185 W (10% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	250 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	220 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	130 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (1 kHz, 100 W/8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Headphone Power Output	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 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)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
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