Onkyo TX-SR494

Onkyo TX-SR494 was introduced in 2019. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 81 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-SR494 vs TX-NR474 vs TX-SR444 vs TX-NR414.

In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-SR494.

In 2019 Onkyo released 7 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Onkyo TX-RZ840 vs TX-RZ740 vs TX-NR797 vs TX-NR696 vs TX-NR595 vs TX-SR494.

Onkyo TX-SR494'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.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as 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.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Onkyo TX-SR494 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-SR494 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• 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.
• Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Onkyo TX-SR494 supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

• Neural:X is an advanced 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.
• Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
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
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Onkyo TX-SR494 features 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Onkyo TX-SR494 can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI sources.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Onkyo TX-SR494 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Onkyo TX-SR494 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

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	2.3
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 (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K

Onkyo TX-SR494 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-SR494 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 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.

Audio

• Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input 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: 4   Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0

GENERAL
Brand	Onkyo
Model	TX-SR494
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2019

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Dynamic Audio Amplification
Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
THX™ Certification
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 FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	32-bit Digital Signal Processing Engines
DAC	AKM
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 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
Dolby Digital EX
THX Listening Modes
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network
DSD via HDMI	2-ch
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
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)

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	2.3
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 (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
AirPlay
Apple Product Connection
Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	4
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs
USB Input
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	3
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs
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	Zone B Pre/Line Out
Whole House Mode
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	0
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display
GUI Languages	7
ONKYO-RI System Control
RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	7
Large Speaker Terminals	2
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)
Toroidal Transformer
Power Consumption	490 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 160 mm x 328 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/16" x 12-15/16"
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	525 mm x 240 mm x 405 mm 20-11/16" x 9-7/16" x 15-15/16"
Weight	8.2 kg (18.1 lb 10 oz)
Weight of Package	10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.08% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	160 W (10% THD)
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ (1 kHz, 100 W/8 Ω)
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	109 db
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
Bluetooth Version	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	2 Years

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