Onkyo TX-NR838

Onkyo TX-NR838 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 85 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-RZ840 vs TX-RZ830 vs TX-RZ820 vs TX-RZ810 vs TX-RZ800 vs TX-NR838.

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR838.

In 2014 Onkyo released 7 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-NR3030 vs TX-NR1030 vs TX-NR838 vs TX-NR737 vs TX-NR636 vs TX-NR535.

Onkyo TX-NR838 has replaced TX-NR828. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR838	vs	Onkyo TX-NR828
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
Gapless Playback		vs
Pure Direct Analog Path Mode		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)	vs	up to 4K/30p
More HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)	vs	2 (simultaneous)
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	RCA Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	RCA Line Out
Smart Grid-Ready		vs
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via HDMI	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-NR838	vs	Onkyo TX-NR828
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIz
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
Audyssey DSX		vs
isf Certified Calibration Control		vs
Less HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	8 (1 front)
Less Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)	vs	5 (1 front)
Less Component Video Inputs	1	vs	2
Less Powered Zones	2	vs	2 and 3
Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI		vs
Activity Based Remote		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR838 vs TX-NR828.

Onkyo TX-NR838's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Onkyo TX-NR838 supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 7.2.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-NR838 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Onkyo TX-NR838 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

• Surround Upmixer: 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.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
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-NR838 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-NR838 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 video sources and Onkyo TX-NR838 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 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-NR838 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)
HDCP Version	2.2
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/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)

Onkyo TX-NR838 comes with AccuEQ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

• AccuEQ: First, AccuEQ detects the presence of speakers and evaluates the impedance of each. Next, it pinpoints their distance relative to the main listening position using the mic and sets suitable sound-pressure levels. Then it selects the optimal crossover frequency so that deeper bass rolls smoothly off to the subwoofer. Finally, AccuEQ performs frequency response equalization based on room-acoustic and speaker data collected via microphone. The sound-field is now tailored around the listening position, resulting in a more immersive and realistic in-film experience.

Onkyo TX-NR838 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 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.
• HDMI Output: Onkyo TX-NR838 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

Zone 3

• Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 3 amplifier.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• Analog Pre-Outs: Onkyo TX-NR838 has 7.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 7 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 3 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: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs: 0
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 4   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. Onkyo TX-NR838 supports up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio

In 2015 Onkyo TX-NR838 was replaced by Onkyo TX-RZ800. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Onkyo TX-NR838 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Onkyo TX-RZ800	vs	Onkyo TX-NR838
Higher Power Output	135 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	130 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)	All Channels	vs
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)		vs
Higher DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit	vs	192 kHz/24 Bit
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
DTS Dialog Control		vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	AccuEQ Advance	vs	AccuEQ
HDR10		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay	vs	AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)
More HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)	vs	7 (1 front)
More Optical Inputs	3	vs	2
More RCA Line Inputs	8	vs	7 (1 front)
More RCA Line Outputs	1	vs
More Component Video Inputs	2	vs	1
Deezer		vs
Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	135 W (0.08% THD)	vs	130 W (0.08% THD)
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	185 W (1% THD)	vs	180 W (1% THD)
Higher Rated Preout Level	1 V/470 Ω	vs	200 mV/470 Ω
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	2.8 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz

DOWNGRADES	Onkyo TX-RZ800	vs	Onkyo TX-NR838
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
Dialog Normalization		vs
Video Signal Upscaling		vs	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i	vs	1080i
MHL Input		vs	Front HDMI
Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	2	vs	3
Less Composite Video Inputs	3	vs	4 (1 front)
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI	vs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Line Out	vs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Smaller Power Supply	7.8 A	vs	8.1 A
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	215 W	vs	215 W
Lower Damping Factor	40 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)	vs	60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Onkyo TX-NR838 vs TX-RZ800.

GENERAL
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-NR838
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2014
Predecessor	Onkyo TX-NR828
Successor	Onkyo TX-RZ800

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	130 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	All Channels
PUSH-PULL Design
Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
Bi-amp Capability
BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Dual 32-bit DSP for Powerful Advanced Processing
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
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, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TruHD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC
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 Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Tone Control	Front L/R 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	for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range
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.	AccuEQ

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
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/60p (YCbCr 4:2:0)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/30p (Marvell Qdeo)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input	Front HDMI
DLNA 1.5
AirPlay	AirPlay via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)
Apple Product Connection	iPod and iPhone via optional Onkyo RI Dock DS-A5 (sold separately)
Remote App	Onkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	3
RCA Line Inputs	7 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	4 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI/MHL, USB, Composite Video, RCA Audio
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
uport

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	1 (Zone2)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0

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
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	11
Large Speaker Terminals	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Independent Power Supply	2
H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply)	Massive High Power Transformer
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	8.1 A
No Sound Power	90 W
Standby Power	0.1 W
Capacitor Bank	15,000 µF
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 198.5 mm x 400 mm 17-1/8" x 7-13/16" x 15-3/4"
Weight	15.5 kg (34.2 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	130 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	145 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	160 W (0.7% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	215 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, 1kHz, 0.5% Direct)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 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, 5.6 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	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
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