Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver (Black)

by Onkyo

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17.1 x 17.1 x 7.8 inches ; 39.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 47 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B002L6GEKG
• Item model number: HT-RC180
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,298 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Onkyo Delivers Maximum Bang for Your Hard-Earned Buck

Combining the latest home theater functionality with home network capability, the Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2 Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver creates a compelling mid-range centerpiece. A rear-side Ethernet port enables the HT-RC180 either to receive and output audio tracks playing on your PC, or to bypass your PC and directly stream Internet radio stations. It provides five HDMI 1.3a inputs to handle a range of high-definition video and audio sources. HDMI compatibility also enables the receiver to upscale any video input to 1080p via Faroudja DCDi Cinema. This 110W-rated receiver also features Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz, two new surround sound formats that expand the spatial dimensionality of games and movies. On top of all this, you also get Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies working to create a well-balanced soundstage, no matter what the volume level or shape of the room. The HT-RC180 also features a customizable remote controller and a proprietary Universal Port that enables single-cable connection of peripheral audio devices.

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Control connected devices with a single remote controller

Experience Superb Mid-Range Versatility with the Added Convenience of Network Capability

1080p Video and High-Definition Surround Sound Processed via HDMI 1.3a

Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the HT-RC180 makes for a powerful A/V control center. Up to five components can be connected via HDMI, including Blu-ray players, gaming consoles and set-top boxes. The system can then receive and switch high-definition video and output a pristine digital signal to your compatible HDTV. On the audio front, lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio provide a bit-for-bit multichannel soundtrack identical to the studio master track.

PC Audio and Internet Radio via Network Function with DLNA 1.5 Compatibility

Connecting directly to the Internet or to your home PC via a local network, the HT-RC180 brings PC audio and streaming Internet radio into your home entertainment setup. Now you're just one click away from high-quality, customizable music programming. MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC and LPCM audio files--whether on your PC or from the Internet--can now be played back through your main system with unprecedented power and fidelity. The HT-RC180 brings to life a wide array of Internet radio sources. As one of Onkyo's new generation of network-capable receivers, the HT-RC180 is fully compatible with the new DLNA 1.5 specification.

Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz Add New Dimensions to Surround Sound

The HT-RC180 handles two surround sound technologies from Audyssey and Dolby that offer exciting new ways to set up the speakers in your home theater system. Audyssey DSX lets you incorporate "front wide" speakers in place of the usual surround back speakers to expand the width of the soundstage. Set up at a recommended 60 degrees off center, these channels help produce a more realistic soundstage and a more immersive listening experience. Alternatively, Audyssey DSX can reconfigure the HT-RC180's surround back channels to deliver "front height" channels. These channels carry ambient, non-directional audio that adds a new vertical dimension to your movies and games. Dolby Pro Logic IIz provides a similar front height speaker option that likewise works to create a more enveloping home theater experience.

HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema

When it comes to video processing, the Faroudja Directional Correlational Deinterlacing (DCDi) Cinema video processor offers several advantages. It can accept any video signal, regardless of the source resolution, and upscale it to 1080p to match the native resolution of your high-definition display. What's more, DCDi Cinema effectively removes video artifacts such as jagged edges during the video signal deinterlacing process. You get to enjoy smooth progressive scan video images, even for fast-moving sports and action scenes.

Free yourself from limited connection options

Audyssey Technologies Create the Ideal Listening Environment

The HT-RC180 incorporates three Audyssey technologies to help create the most suitable listening environment for your home. Audyssey MultEQ measures and removes distortion caused by room acoustics and calibrates speakers for optimal listening throughout the room. Audyssey Dynamic Volume lets you enjoy a consistent level of volume for all content, while optimizing the dynamic range. Audyssey Dynamic EQ maintains a consistent bass response, tonal balance and surround sound effect at different volume levels.

THX Select2 Plus Certified with THX Loudness Plus Technology

THX Select2 Plus certification is specified for rooms where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is 10 to 12 feet and the room volume is around 2,000 cubic feet. To achieve THX Select Plus certification, the HT-RC180 meets the world's most demanding standards for home theater audio quality and performance, and plays at reference volume levels with minimal distortion. THX Loudness Plus is a volume control technology included in THX Select2 Plus that compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume level is lowered. It automatically adjusts the levels of ambient sound and bass frequencies, allowing you to enjoy the true impact of your movies, music and games at any volume.

Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for the iPod or HD Radio Tuner

A proprietary Universal Port located on the rear of the HT-RC180 lets you connect Onkyo’s HD radio tuner or iPod dock (each optional and sold separately). If you have both peripheral devices, they can easily be daisy chained via an input on the HD radio tuner.

Bi-Directional Pre-programmed Remote Control with On-screen Setup and Macro Presets

The HT-RC180's remote controller offers the convenience of controlling a wide range of devices. Select your connected devices from an on-screen list and pre-program your desired settings for each device; the receiver itself sends these settings automatically to the remote controller. Furthermore, the HT-RC180 lets you set up macro presets for up to four activity modes, which you can control via mode-key LEDs on the controller. For example, a single press of the "My Movie" button can simultaneously turn on the receiver, display and DVD to your pre-programmed settings and start playing a disc automatically.

Product Description

The THXSelect2 Plus Certified HT-RC180 combines the latest home-theater functionality with home-network capability to create a compelling mid-range centerpiece. A rear-side Ethernet port enables the HT-RC180 either to receive and output audio tracks playing on your PC, or to bypass your PC and directly stream internet radio stations such as Rhapsody and Pandora. The HT-RC180 provides five HDMI1.3a inputs to handle a range of high-definition video and audio sources. HDMI compatibility also enables the receiver to upscale any video input to 1080p via Faroudja DCDi Cinema. This 110 W-rated receiver also features Audyssey DSXand DolbyPro LogicIIz, two new surround-sound formats that expand the spatial dimensionality of games and movies. On top of all this, you also have Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies working to create a well-balanced soundstage, no matter the volume level or the shape of your room. Among the other highlights of the HT-RC180 are a customizable remote controller and a proprietary Universal Port that enables single-cable connection of peripheral audio devices.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow - I'm blown away!, September 23, 2009

By 

Richard C. Drew "Anaal Nathra/Uthe vas Bethod... (Oak Lawn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

(What's this?)

I've owned a lot of electronics, all makes and many models. I had not upgraded my core system for many years, and knew it was time for a change. I'm a fan of Onkyo (I have another Onkyo AV receiver in the living room) and was looking for one with network connection and more power. Man does this deliver. The quality, feel and look is all top-quality. This may be a 7.1 system, but it powers 10 speakers, two subs, and three different zones/rooms! That's 11 speakers plus two subs (13 total.) Remember that Frasier episode from a few years ago where he purchased a new soundsystem, and his living room looked like a speaker Stonehenge. Seemed farfetched at the time - but now it's clearly possible. If you use full sized speakers you would have a draw-dropping first impression. As it is, I have 11 speakers and one sub, varying sizes and makes - that's impressive enough.

The sound? Wow. I played Aero by Jean Michelle Jarre - a 5.1 audio DVD. It knocked my socks off. The audio resolution and depth were amazing. The receiver also has numerous listening modes - so many it takes over two pages in the manual to list them. Different Dolby modes, THX and many more. There's a diagram on the front panel that displays the speakers that will be used by each mode. As you change them, the speaker display changes - pretty simple. Want only two speakers? Four? Eleven? Simple.

So here's my experience, from unpacking to turn-on.

Packaging: Extra-heavy duty. Double-thick box, form fit foam. The box will take a lot of abuse in shipping. See my included photos.

Unpacking: Typical anti-static and foam wrap, tape and scratch protection. Heavy unit - will take two people to unpack unless you are comfortable moving heavy weight.

Installation: I find it easier to make a temporary platform at around the same height as the shelf the unit will sit on - I've always done this. In this case, two storage boxes put it at about the perfect height. This way I can attach all cables and simply slide the unit in place. When we're talking this many wires it's a big help. The RC180 includes a manual (thick!), quick start (handy!) and a sheet of decals to mark your speaker cables. At first I thought - "yes, like I'll need these!" Man did they come in handy! The labels were a real timesaver. Again, see the photos.

My BluRay player uses a network connection, and so does this unit. I had a single network cable in the room, so had to add a hub to split the connection. I can't use wireless in the home - it's an older building, lath/plaster/steel mesh. It works like a Faraday cage, and kills signals. The RC1800 uses a wired connection anyway, as does my BluRay player. If you already have a wired connection in the room, keep in mind you may need a hub to add more outlets.

It took around an hour to hook everything up, from unpacking to sliding the unit in place.

BEFORE I put the unit in place, I ran the speaker test. This allows you to verify correct placement. Again, it came in handy. I had the upper left front and upper right front speaker connections swapped (there are SEVEN speakers in front - Two Upper front, Two front, Two wide front, and one center!) Fixed that, then slid the unit in place.

Turned it on again, verified all the AV connections. You can customize pretty much all the connections. For example, I have my DVD set to use component in 1 and digital audio coax in 2. My VCR (yes, I still have a VCR) uses the VCR input, and I have the TV set to use optical in 2. This allows a lot of customization and personalization. Next I named all the inputs, so the display shows whatever text I want.

Then I ran the Audyssey setup. I love this system. My other Onkyo uses it as well, and it's great. The RC180 uses a more advanced version. It tests the standard three listening positions, and has an additional optional three positions for more fine tuning. I only needed three. This took around 15 minutes to run. It tests every speaker, including the subwoofer, then writes the data.

Next I customized the remote control. It's a universal remote with some cool options. There are programmable shortcut buttons (my music, my movies, etc.) as well as the standard controls for all your devices. It's interactive - you follow on-screen prompts (it uses your TV for the display.) Basically you enter the first three letters of your make, perform a search and select the make from an amazingly comprehensive list. You also select the category of the device - VCR, DVD, etc. You then go through a train and error selection process of codes. You're instructed step by step. My DVD took three tries for the correct codes. The BlyRay and VCR did it in one. After you are finished with that, you can program the shortcut buttons (My Movies, etc.) With one button press it will turn on selected devices, press play, etc.) Works perfectly. I press MyMovie and the TV turns on, the Onkyo turns on, the BluRay turns on and plays.

My only gripe is the net connectivity - the remote control takes a lot of getting used to, as the functions for net use are counterintuitive. The unit has built in support for several web based radio services. One of the included services, vTuner, is free. The others require a subscription (Sirus, Pandora, Rhapsody.) The instructions for vTuner setup were problematical. You're instructed to go to a URL and use the unit's MAC address to register. vRadio won't accept the MAC address - they want a unit ID. The vRadio instructions for finding the unit ID are not even close. Basically the Unit ID and Mac address are the same thing, but vTuner won't take it. Still fighting that. You can use vTuner without it, but you won't have favorites, playlists, etc.

Update: Figured it out. They do indeed want the MAC address - however, without any spaces, dashes, colons. Just the letters and numbers as one long string. Find the MAC address under the network setup - ignore the instructions from vTuner.

Streaming from your computer? The RC180 automatically detects the computers on your network with media servers running. I have three PC's running Windows media player - it found all three of them. I'll add more details on in-house media streaming in the future - I need some more hands-on to make an honest evaluation. My main PC is based on Windows 7. The instructions for connecting to the media player are for Media Player 11 (Vista / XP), not Windows 7. Windows 7 uses Media Player 12 - so you need to use the DLNA instructions, not the Windows Media Player instructions. One big mistake I made was attempting to connect to my computer before allowing access to the Onkyo. This stuck the Onkyo in a loop while it kept trying to connect. Eventually it gave up and I was able to get it all to work. You really need to create playlists to make it easy to use.

From what I see so far, I can't use my iTunes library. The Onkyo requires DLNA compliance, and iTunes is not - that's why you can't use iTunes with many devices over a network, including the PS3.

Followup: I can't stress how important a great center speaker is. I had an anemic speaker with a 4" woofer. It was basically a spare JBL studio speaker - great quality, but it was rated at 50 watts. I replaced it with a BIC center speaker that has two 6" woofers and a large horn - and handles 175 watts ( BIC America DV-62CLRS 6-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Speaker ). Wow! What a difference. With the old speaker, the Onkyo would not go past 70% volume - the Audyssey setup detected that feeble little speaker and limited the maximum output. Really annoying, since the rest of the speakers were pretty decent, but any more volume and that speaker would have been so much scrap. The center is mainly used for voice, but don't overlook it! Now I can crank to 100%!

More followup: It detects and streams audio from my Iomega StorCenter Pro ix4-200d 2 NAS (A network storage devide.)

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I will never buy a Home Theater in a Box again! Long live the dedicated receiver., September 22, 2009

By 

Anthony Pantliano "The Photo Guy" (New York State) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

(What's this?)

"My name is Anthony and I was a Home Theater in a Box junkie, but I have seen the light of a dedicated receiver and her name is Onkyo".

The last two surround systems I purchased were Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) types. I figured who wants to waste time and money looking for separate components. That worked fine for me for a few years, but then I outgrew the stingy inputs most HTiB systems have...

In comes the Onkyo HT-RC180, a receiver with more inputs than I hope I'll ever need, and the ability to hook up more speakers than I have room for. Some may see this as overkill, but for me it's a luxury to know that I'll always have room to grow. The Onkyo's connectivity highlights include 5 1080p HMDI ports, 2 component videos, 3 optical audios, 3 digital coaxials, and a phono input. You can connect up to 11 surround sound speakers and 2 powered subwoofers to the unit as well. Alternatively, you can run stereo output in two other rooms, or zones. However, if you wish to keep running 7.1 surround in your main room, the other zones must have separate amps. Finally, it supports speakers from to 4-16ohms.

The design of the Onkyo is nothing special. It's basically a large and heavy black box (see my included photo). But it's a well built box, with a solid feel and a heavy aluminum front panel. The door on the front feels sturdier than some car doors. Lastly, there is a large and bright display that is easy to read from across the room.

The remote is very sophisticated as well. It can be programmed to turn on the TV, Receiver, and DVD player all at once and switch over the necessary inputs. There are three buttons on the remote labeled "My Movie", "My TV", and "My Music", which can be programmed in this manner. The remote is universal and can be programmed to operate almost any device. Currently, it controls my Panasonic TV, Panasonic DVD-Recorder, LG Blu-ray player, and iPod using an Apple dock. I was very impressed that in worked with the iPod dock. Programming the remote is simple, and is usually done via the receiver's on-screen menu which actually beams the codes into the remote (see my included photo), or, if the code is not found, by pointing the remotes at each other and programming it that way. The remote is a nice size and built well, but could stand to lose the piano black finish that attracts fingerprints (see my included photo).

You'll notice I haven't mentioned sound quality yet, and that's because I don't consider myself an audiophile. I'm an electronics guru with a love for good quality sound. I'm a guru on a budget though, so I re-used the 5 surround sound speakers and wires that were included with my Panasonic HTiB system (the center speaker has two woofers and a tweeter and is rated 320W, the left/right front speakers have two woofers and a tweeter and are rated at 190W, and the left/right rear have one full range speaker and are rated at 90W, so they are decent speakers). I had to buy a powered subwoofer though, and purchased the SONY SA-W2500. Initially I was looking forward to the connectivity options the receiver would offer, and figured the sound quality would be a marginal improvement. Boy was I wrong! Even using the same speakers, save the subwoofer, the sound is so much more detailed and clear. It really envelops you. Nothing sounds muffled or compressed together, nor does it sound too spread out and "surroundy". I'm hearing instruments and subtleties I never noticed before, and this is true no matter what the source. I find music sounds best using the Dolby Pro-Logic II Music setting. (Note: the music I listen to on the receiver is from my iPod in the Apple dock using a mini-plug to RCA stereo connection. The songs on the iPod are all 256kbps AAC, and 99% of them were burned off studio CDs.) The Onkyo supports multiple surround sound methods, including Dolby True HD, and dts-HD Master Audio, and there are 4 buttons on the remote labeled "Movie/TV", "Music", "Game", and "THX", you use these buttons to toggle through the various surround modes available for each type of source.

All my video sources are running through the Onkyo as well and I've noticed no degrading in quality, or any connection problems, when using it with my Panasonic 720p 32" LCD TV via HDMI. I have the LG Bly-ray player hooked up using HDMI, the Panasonic DVD recorder using component video, and the Nintendo Wii using composite video.

The Onkyo has an on-screen menu that is chock full of options. From customizing the speakers, to the video signals, to the remote, and even allowing you to tailor the mute volume and the volume the receiver defaults to when you turn it on. Moreover, the menu system is easy to navigate, with large fonts and bright graphics.

The FM/AM tuner works well and pulls in a decent signal. The receiver is also Sirius satellite and HD Radio ready. To use either service you will need to buy the required modules. Using the Ethernet port on the back you can stream Internet radio services such as Pandora and Rhapsody (unfortunately, the receiver is not near an Ethernet port, so I'm unable to use this feature).

Also included with the Onkyo is the Audyssey MultiEQ system. It consists of a microphone that you plug into the receiver and place in up to 6 locations in the room and it will calibrate the receiver and speakers to take into account the number of speakers, their size, optimum crossover for the subwoofer, and the room's acoustic properties.

Lastly, make sure you're up to the task of setting this up; picking the cables and speakers, running the wires, and customizing the setting. The manual is over 100 pages for a reason, make sure to read it.

All in all...An investment piece that should serve you well for years to come.

P.S.: I realize this is a long review, there is a lot to cover, and if you'd like to know something I have not mentioned feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

12/07/2009 Update: The Onkyo's maximum sleep time is 90 minutes. I would prefer a longer sleep timer than that.

03/26/2010 Update: Still enjoying this receiver. No problems thus far.

12/17/2010 Update: I still use the receiver almost every day and have not had any problems with it. It works well.

62 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great features & sound, but serious quality/support issues., December 3, 2009

By 

Nicholas E. Johansen - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) (Electronics)

(What's this?)

The Onkyo HT-RC180 has lots of features, plenty of speaker connections, incredible sound and a sturdy, heavy case, all of which would suggest that this is a quality product. Indeed, upon initially opening up the box and setting it up, it blew away my Sony STRDG820 7.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black, even with the same pair of cheap Sony SS-B3000 speakers. The sound was crisp and the definition was unlike anything I'd ever heard. I'm certainly no audiophile, but the difference was that noticeable -- this thing cranks out some really nice sound. Music sounded fuller, and movies -- even without a center channel -- sounded convincing and clear. The video quality wasn't any different on my 56" Samsung 1080p DLP, but that's to be expected. Sound quality and features is why you buy a more expensive AV receiver, generally speaking, and this thing delivers in spades. I can only imagine what it would have sounded like had I been able to test it with a full 7.1 setup (alas, it died before my other speakers came -- more on that later). Features such as the media server streaming and the ability to use up to 13 speakers make the Onkyo HT-RC180 a fully-loaded AV receiver. The media streaming was a bit awkward to navigate with the remote -- if you have an Xbox 360, a Playstation 3 or a dedicated media streaming hub, they'll do the trick much better -- but it functioned fine, and connected to my network without hassle via the ethernet port on the back of the unit.

Despite its great performance, I would not recommend the Onkyo HT-RC180. Why? After just a month of use, it broke. One day, with only 2 bookshelf speakers connected, using the auxillary jack in the front with an iPod, the unit shut itself off and the standby light started blinking. After an internet search, I learned that this is a somewhat common problem with Onkyo receivers, something called amp protect (or circuit protect) mode. The unit will no longer power on, even with no speakers attached. Considering the load this thing was handling when it died, I find its demise to be rather suspect, and an indication of questionable build quality. A call to Onkyo was fielded by someone in the USA -- a positive -- who was very nice, but only suggested that I take it to an Authorized Onkyo Service Center. There is one such place in PA -- more than 200 miles away from my location -- and the customer service representative indicated that I would have to pay for shipping to the service center myself, even though the unit was still under warranty. This receiver weighs over 40 pounds, so even shipping/packaging within state would be forty or fifty dollars. Since Onkyo proved unhelpful, I called around local service shops to see what their estimates would be on repairs, and I was quoted around eighty to a hundred fifty dollars. For a month old product that retails for $700, I find paying extra money so soon hard to swallow.

I may have just gotten a lemon, but the internet posts I've seen indicate that I'm not the only one who has had these types of problems with Onkyo products. I was disappointed, given that the sound quality was impeccable, and Onyko had a pretty solid reputation. Unfortunately, the build quality and service they provided for my HT-RC180 left a lot to be desired. I would highly suggest that you check the location of service centers in your area or buy an extended warranty from the retailer if you do end up purchasing an Onkyo product. I understand that not every unit is perfect, but in such instances, I expect the company to bend head over heels to fix the problem. Onkyo did not do this in this circumstance, and, as such, I would seriously consider purchasing another brand of AV receiver, especially since there are some good offerings from Pioneer and Denon in the same price range.