Which AVR is right for me?

Onkyo has a long history of bringing innovative and norm-breaking consumer audio devices to the masses. We continue that tradition today with several audio video receiver (AVR) series to suit all people: from those just starting their home theater to gaming and movie buffs that need the best of everything. Keep reading to learn more about the Onkyo SR, NR, and RZ Series AVRs to find your perfect fit.

SR SERIES OVERVIEW

Those new to the world of home entertainment would do well to invest in an affordable Onkyo SR series AVR. Currently, we offer the TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 for those building 5.2-Channel or 7.2-Channel surround sound setups. These models incorporate some of today’s most necessary tech (like 4K and Bluetooth), while keeping connective options to a minimum to save on cost and complex setups. Either of these models would be an excellent choice for a new homeowner setting up a home theater system, or for folks upgrading from a soundbar to something more dynamic and impactful.

SR SERIES PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: TX-SR494

The TX-SR494 7.2-Channel Receiver is perfect for those building their first setup. A very common intro setup could include the following products:

  • High-definition TV
  • Xbox One
  • Two passive bookshelf speakers
  • Center channel speaker
  • Two subwoofers
  • Two surrounds

The TX-SR494 has enough space to add two height channels like Dolby Atmos elevation speakers from Klipsch, adding overhead sound to your home theater. That’s a lot of power and processing capability for an entry level AVR.! It’s built for Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® formatting too, which means you’ll get a more immersive audio experience. Honestly at this price, the technology and amplification you’ll get is a steal.

NR SERIES OVERVIEW

But some people want more right off the bat or are looking to upgrade as they improve their home theater over time. the Onkyo NR series of AVRs is full of products to suit a wide range of entertainment interests from intermediate home theater to higher resolution music streaming. All of these models include Klipsch Optimized Mode for seamless enhancement with Klipsch speakers, Bluetooth streaming capability, and power at least a 7.2-Channel setup. There are several products in this series and they all have their strengths, but let’s focus on a fan favorite for now.

NR SERIES PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: TX-NR6100

The TX-NR6100 7.2-Channel THX-Certified AVR is a seriously impressive piece of hardware that can appeal to just about anyone wanting to power a classic 7.2 setup. It offers four distinct THX listening modes (cinema, gaming, music, and surround EX), 8K60 resolution (Zone 1 only), and built-in streaming services like Spotify®, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora®. Gamers get a boost from HDMI 2.1 and 4K/120HDR passthrough, as well as enhancements to eliminate lag, stutter, and frame tearing for fluid gameplay. It also includes connectivity options for turntables, so vinyl lovers won’t need to purchase a separate stereo receiver to power their tunes.

RZ SERIES OVERVIEW

The RZ Series offers the best of the best Onkyo AVRs on the market today. Just this year (2023) we introduced our flagship TX-RZ70 11.2-Channel receiver. Built for avid home entertainment enthusiasts, especially gamers and home theater buffs with tons of speakers, the RZ line offers some of the best circuitry and processing design in the AV space.

RZ SERIES PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: TX-RZ50

I have nothing but positive reviews for the TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver, which features up to 11.2 channel processing and pre-outs for 7.2.4 system layouts, making it an ideal choice for your premium home theater setup. I might be biased, because it’s currently the AVR I use to power my 5.1.2 home theater system complete with Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers and several next-gen gaming consoles. What I love about the TX-RZ50 tracks with a lot of the rave reviews online too:

  • Klipsch Optimized Mode allows you to implement the precise crossover values for specific Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers. Simply select the model speakers you’ll be using for each individual channel and the optimized crossover setting will be automatically applied for superior sound.
  • Dirac Live’s state-of-the-art room correction tech comes standard with this unit and uses machine learning to address acoustic imperfections and improve the overall sound quality of any room layout or speaker system. It provides highly accurate correction to improve the clarity and detail of your audio across the entire frequency range. This means that you get a more natural and balanced sound, regardless of the type of content you're listening to.
  • Customizable Presets allow you to easily switch between your favorite settings depending on the content you’re enjoying. I toggle my TX-RZ50 for extra Dolby Atmos when I’m watching cerebral content, and sometimes switch to a more dialogue-centric preset when I want to catch every word of a drama.

The great thing about Onkyo’s wide range of AVRs is that there’s truly something for anyone and everyone. Music lovers, gamers, and cinema enthusiasts all have different priorities when it comes to experiencing their favorite content and with Onkyo, you don’t have to compromise on quality or functionality.