Onkyo has provided details on its first crop of 2016 AV receivers. The TX-NR757 ($799), TX-NR656 ($699), and TX-NR555 ($599) are all 7.2-channel receivers with Dolby Atmos (DTS:X coming soon), 4K Ultra HD upscaling, HDR support, built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Google Cast, AccuEQ room calibration, and Onkyo's new FireConnect multi-room audio platform. Also announced was the entry-level TX-SR353 ($399) 5.1-channel receiver with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, 4K Ultra HD upscaling, HDR support, and AccuEQ. The TX-NR757 will be available in May; the other three models will be available in April.
From Onkyo
Onkyo USA has unveiled details of its AV receiver lineup scheduled to debut in 2016.
Redefining expectations for price-to-performance, Onkyo's new lineup includes the TX-NR757, TX-NR656, TX-NR555 and the TX-SR353 A/V receivers. The first three receivers bring high-current Dynamic Audio Amplification and state-of-the-art features to the mid-range with Dolby Atmos decoding and are DTS:X-ready. They also support 4K UltraHD video and 4K upscaling; AirPlay, and Wi-Fi, with Google Cast, Tidal music streaming and the new FireConnect multi-room audio technology* soon to come via firmware update*.
FireConnect Powered by Blackfire is a stable wireless protocol that sends any audio source connected to the receiver--from vinyl to streaming audio--to an optional Onkyo speaker or another FireConnect-compatible product in another room.
Also debuting in these three receivers is Onkyo's AccuReflex, part of the company's AccuEQ calibration suite. The technology adjusts the phase of sound bounced off the ceiling by up-firing speakers so that it syncs perfectly with sound from the other speakers to create a more accurate Dolby Atmos experience. Together with AccuEQ to eliminate standing waves, surround sound is precisely balanced for supreme clarity.
TX-NR757 NETWORK AV RECEIVER (MSRP $799)
THX Select2 Plus theater reference sound and cutting-edge wireless tech is ready to transform consumers' home entertainment with the TX-NR757 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver. The receiver harnesses 180W of high-current power and patented VLSC high-frequency pulse-noise removal technology for crystal clear sound. Processing for lossless and Hi-Res Audio is handled by a state-of-the-art AKM 384-kHz/32-bit D/A convertor. Easily bring audio to another room with multi-zone support including multiple speaker connections for Zone 2 (2A/2B).
The TX-NR757 looks to the future with HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI inputs supporting 60Hz Ultra HD and Full HD video with 4:4:4 color space and High Dynamic Range (HDR). The receiver was also designed with custom integration in mind with RS-232, 12v trigger, IR input and more on board.
TX-NR656 (MSRP: $699) & TX-NR555 (MSRP: $599) NETWORK AV RECEIVERS
The 7.2-Channel TX-NR656 packs 170W/Ch while the 7.2-Channel TX-NR555 boasts 140W/Ch for powerful home theater experiences. Both receivers let music lovers take advantage of the full-scale stereo power through Google Cast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth streaming music from mobiles and PCs, while Onkyo's own remote app streams everything from MP3s to hi-res audio stored on a media server. Digital music benefits from noise-free 32-bit D/A conversion with VLSC, while discrete non-phase-shift amps provide a sense of clarity and depth.
Both receivers also feature powered Zone 2 speaker terminals and support the latest in Ultra HD entertainment with HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI terminals passing 4K/60 Hz/4:4:4/HDR video through to the latest TVs for display. The TX-NR555 has 6 HDMI inputs and 1 output, while the TX-NR656 features 8 in and 2 out.
TX-SR353 AV RECEIVER (MSRP $399)
The powerful yet affordable TX-SR353 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver is engineered front-to-back to streamline and enhance daily entertainment. It features full support for 4K video (4K/60 Hz/HDR/4:4:4/HDCP 2.2) via four HDMI inputs, decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio common to Blu-ray discs, and video upconversion via HDMI to reduce TV connections to a single cable.
A redesigned and clearly labeled rear panel and simple remote controller make initial setup and daily operation easy, while AccuEQ room acoustic correction ensures clear stereo imaging and equalized surround sound. Once connected, the TX-SR353 acts as a hub for all your AV sources, from the latest 4K media players and game consoles to legacy DVD decks and VCRs, and adds 140W of dynamic audio power from five discrete analog amplifiers.
Music lovers will appreciate Bluetooth technology for wireless audio from most mobile apps, with Advanced Music Optimizer restoring lost bit information to compressed music. A USB input handles MP3s, while analog/digital terminals are available on the back panel to connect other audio players.
The TX-NR656, TX-NR555 and TX-SR353 will be available in mid April, while the TX-NR757 debuts in May.
Additional Resources
• Onkyo Announces RZ Series of AV Receivers at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Iron Maiden Hi-Res Catalog Exclusively on OnkyoMusic at HomeTheaterReview.com.
