Onkyo TX-NR809 (Others version)

Onkyo TX-NR809 was introduced in 2011. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing.

We evaluated the Receiver and gave 50 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-NR809.

Amplifier

Onkyo TX-NR809 has 7 channel amplifier and delivers 135 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 Ω load. This receiver even supports front wide channels which is found only in a very few high-end receivers these days.

Video Features

The Receiver has 1080p passthrough and 4K upscaling up to 30p.

WRAT

Onkyo TX-NR809 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-NR809 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™ Certification

Onkyo TX-NR809 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™2 Plus class performance. 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.

Advanced Music Optimizer

Compressed music enhancement in Onkyo TX-NR809 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.

Audyssey

Onkyo TX-NR809 comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Audyssey DSX.

Audyssey 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.

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.

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.

Room Correction

Onkyo TX-NR809 comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

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.

Connectivity

Onkyo TX-NR809 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately). It has 8 HDMI inputs. There is a phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the cartridge output of the turntable directly to the Receiver. There are 7.1 multi-channel analog inputs and 7.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio and Optical inputs.

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Onkyo TX-NR809.

BASICS
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR809
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	Others
Release Year	2011

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support	✔
WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)	✔
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	✖
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry	✔ Linear
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
Digital Processing Crossover Network	✖
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip
DAC	Burr-Brown
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification	✖
Dolby Atmos	✖
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization	✖
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
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	✖
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 All Audio Signals
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	✔
Phase-Matching Bass Boost	✖
Direct Mode	✔
Pure Audio Mode	✔
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode	✖
Virtual Speakers	✔ T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
Independent Dual Subwoofer Output	✖

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT
Audyssey App Support	✖

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 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	✔ up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	✔ Component, Composite, S-Video, PC
Component Video Upscaling	✖
Analog to Analog Video conversion	✖
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p
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 or optional UP-A1 Dock (sold separately)
Remote App	✔ iPod touch/iPhone
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue	✖
Ethernet	✔
Ethernet Switch	✖
Wi-Fi	✔ via Front USB (optional UWF-1 sold separately)
Bluetooth	✖
HDBaseT Compatible	✖
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)	✖
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (simultaneous)
USB Input	1 Front (for iPod/iPhone) and 1 Rear
USB DC Out Port	✖
Analog Audio Line Inputs	6 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Outputs	1
Phono Input	✔
Optical Inputs	3 (1 front)
Optical Outputs	✖
Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	3 / No
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	2
S-Video Inputs	4
S-Video Outputs	2
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
PC In	✔
Multi-Channel Input	✔ 7.1
Analog Pre-Outs	7.2
XLR Inputs	✖
XLR Pre-outs	✖
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio, Optical
Speaker A/B	✖
Headphone Out	✔ 6.3 mm

ZONES
Zones	3
Powered Zones	✔ 2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode	✔
RS-232 Interface	✔
+12V Trigger Output	2 (Zone2, Zone 3)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1

MISC
On-Screen Display	✔ Advanced "Home" GUI
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 with RDS
Presets	40
Digital Radio	✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Internet Radio	✔ vTuner
Pandora	✔
Spotify	✔
Tidal	✖
Deezer	✖
Napster	✔
SiriusXM Internet Radio	✖

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front	✔
Speaker Terminals	11
Large Speaker Terminals	11
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
Independent Power Supply	✖
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	✔ Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer	✖
Power Consumption	710 W
No Sound Power	100 W
Standby Power	0.3 W

GENERAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 198.5 mm x 435.5 mm 17-1/8" x 7-13/16" x 18-1/8"
Weight	18.3 kg (40.3 lbs)
Warranty	2 Years

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	135 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	145 W (0.7% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	160 W (0.1% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	230 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	180 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	300 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	250 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	150 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)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	2.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	200 mV/470 Ω
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	4.6 V/470 Ω
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component and S-Video Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite) 0.25 Vp-p/75 Ω (S-Video C)
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 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

In 2012 Onkyo TX-NR809 was replaced by TX-NR818. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR818	Onkyo TX-NR809
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)	✔	✖
More Channel Processing	9.1	7.1
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	✔ up to 192 kHz	✔ up to 96 kHz
DSD via USB	✔ 2-ch Input	✖
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT32	✔ Audyssey MultEQ XT
MHL Input	✔ Front HDMI	✖
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	7 (1 front)	6 (1 front)
More Analog Pre-Outs	9.2	7.2
Bigger Power Supply	720 W	710 W

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR818	Onkyo TX-NR809
Less Analog Audio Line Outputs	✖	1
Less Composite Video Outputs	1	2
Multi-Channel Input	✖	✔ 7.1
Digital Radio	✖	✔ DAB/DAB+ Radio via optional UP-DT1 Tuner (sold separately)
Napster	✖	✔

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR818 vs Onkyo TX-NR809.