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Onkyo TX-NR609 review

Our Rating :
Price when reviewed : £500
inc VAT

It’s great when used as a basic amplifier, but the NR609’s extra features make it practically unbeatable

An AV amplifier can do much more than just drive your speakers. Onkyo’s latest model, the TX-NR609, is an excellent amplifier which is also packed with extra features.

Initial impressions were excellent; the unit is smart and well made. Our review sample came in black, but Onkyo also produces a silver version. Most of the basic functions can be controlled on the unit itself using the numerous input switches and oversized volume knob, which lights up when switched on, but you’ll soon want to reach for the utilitarian remote control to navigate some of the more in-depth settings menus.

Onkyo TX-NR609 remote

A simple yet attractive two-line LCD display shows which input is currently active, as well as volume and any active audio processing features.

Onkyo TX-NR609

Unlike many basic amplifiers, changing settings on the NR609 was simple because all the menus appear as an on-screen overlay on the connected display, as well in brief on the front-facing LCD. Menus are responsive and the remote control makes it easy to navigate through them.

Most AV receivers hide all their connections at the back, but the NR609 has several front-facing ports that make it easier to connect something temporarily, without having to reach around the back in a scramble for cables. A single HDMI input, headphone, microphone and USB ports cover all the major bases; the USB port is compatible with the optional wireless adaptor (£50, part code UWF-1), but for that price you can buy a pair of faster HomePlug network adaptors.

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Details

Price£500
Rating*****
AwardBest Buy

Connections

HDMI inputs6
HDMI outputs1
Component inputs2
Component outputs1
Output resolutionsPAL (576i), 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
Total SCART sockets0
SCART socket typeN/A
S-Video input0
S-video output0
Composite inputs5
Composite outputs1
Stereo phono inputs2
Stereo phono outputs0
Coaxial S/PDIF inputs2
Coaxial S/PDIF outputs0
Optical S/PDIF inputs2
Optical S/PDIF outputs0
Multi-channel inputyes
Headphone output1/4in
Speaker configuration7.2
Main unit end speaker connection typespring terminals and binding post terminals
Speaker end speaker connection typeN/A
Other connectionsFM antenna, AM antenna, Universal Port, calibration mic input, zone 2 line out, 2 subwoofer line outs, VGA in, minijack line in
Wired network ports1x 10/100
Wireless networking supportoptional 802.11b/g/n

Playback

Surround sound formatsAudyssey DSX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
Optical driveno
Supported playback disc formatsN/A
Audio format supportAAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, FLAC, WAV
Video playback formatsN/A
Image viewing formatsN/A
RadioFM

Speakers

Speaker configuration7.2
RMS power output840W
RMS power centre120W
RMS power front240W
RMS power surround240W
RMS power subwoofer120W
Centre speaker cable lengthN/A
Front speaker cable lengthN/A
Surround speaker cable lengthN/A

General

Extrasremote control, FM antenna, AM antenna
Size435x328x174mm
Subwoofer dimensionsN/A
Centre speaker dimensionsN/A
Front speaker dimensionsN/A
Surround speaker dimensionsN/A
Power consumption standby28W
Power consumption on75W

Buying Information

Price£500
Warrantytwo years RTB
Supplierhttp://www.richersounds.com
Detailswww.uk.onkyo.com