Onkyo TX - NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver

by Onkyo

Product Features

• 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC; 125 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.1%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output, HDMI Support for 3D, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color, x.v.Color, LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD-Audio
• Direct Digital Connection of iPod/iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port
• Network Capability
• THX Select2 Plus,Power Requirements: AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches ; 24.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 30 pounds
• 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: B004O0TRD8
• Item model number: TX-NR609
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (256 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,953 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #67 in Electronics > Televisions & Video > AV Receivers & Amplifiers
  • #95 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Receivers & Amplifiers > Component Receivers
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 14, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Let The Show Begin!
	The TX-NR609 is an immediate Onkyo classic, showcasing all the latest in matchless technology. This THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified network A/V receiver handles so much content- from disc-based media, to internet radio, iPod®/iPhone®, and PC and Android devices. Six HDMI® inputs- including one on the front panel- provide support for 3D video and ultra-high resolution display technology. HDMI also carries master-quality audio formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as the expanded surround sound of Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Onkyo's proprietary WRAT ensure a clean and compelling amplifier performance. And when audio signals are output, the 7.2-channel configuration includes twin subwoofer pre-outs for added bass impact. All this and more makes the TX-NR609 an irresistible choice: it's the best bang for your buck. Let the show begin!

Onkyo has more THX-certified A/V receivers than any other manufacturer.

With a THX-certified Onkyo A/V receiver, you know you're experiencing movie soundtracks the way they were recorded and produced to be heard. You're getting the power and nuance the director made for the cinema, the very best sound quality available, in your own home. This 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 2000 cubic feet. THX Loudness Plus is included in the specification.

Onkyo network A/V receivers give you access to more internet radio stations than any other brand...period.
		Streaming your choice of internet radio through your Onkyo A/V receiver gives you unsurpassed sound quality and access to a virtually infinite selection of world class music. Enjoy your own personal concert from anywhere in the world... right in your own living room. All Onkyo network receivers are also compatible with Microsoft’s Windows® 7 platform, which includes the DLNA 1.5-specified “Play To” media-streaming feature so you can easily stream music store on PCs connected to your home network. This internet connectivity has the added benefit of making firmware updates simpler than ever.

UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor

Onkyo's UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor removes unwanted cables. This small, optional unit is worth way more than its tiny price.  Connect the UWF-1 to the USB port on any compatible 2011 Onkyo network receiver, and bring your music through your wireless router into your Onkyo system. Now internet radio and audio files stored on your PC can be played back with the superior fidelity of your main Onkyo system — with no cable clutter. A sensible and inexpensive solution.

Onkyo's Remote Apps

Onkyo's Remote Apps for Android and iPod/iPhone turn your cell phone into a remote control. The Android app lets you Stream audio files from your Android to your Onkyo home network receiver. Set tone, volume levels and control input selection, as well as a number of other key features like controlling internet radio stations… The Onkyo app for iPhone/iPod will allow you to set tone, volume levels and control input selection.

Made for iPod®/iPhone®

Onkyo receivers allow you to and play audio files stored on your iPod/iPhone or even a USB flash drive. The on screen display lets you see exactly what is playing. As the audio signals are played back in digital form, rather than analog, there is much less chance for signal degradation. Onkyo's exclusive Advanced Music Optimizer also compensates for lost bit information and improves the quality of compressed audio signals. End result: Your music sounds cleaner and more faithful to the original.

Crisp and Clean 1080p Upscaling... and Ready for Next Generation Displays, NOW!

Onkyo's A/V receiver provides the finest, most beautiful and pristine 1080p upscaling you can find, thanks to the Marvell Qdeo™ video-processing chip that erases video noise and artifacts such as jaggies and feathering. The result: astoundingly crisp video. Played back on a compatible widescreen display, your Blu-ray Discs and standard DVDs will look AMAZING: more detailed and cinematic than ever. While deftly handling the most current high-def display formats, Onkyo's also the first in the world to support the coming full 4K upscaling (3840 x 2160) of standard video sources such as 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i/p. Interlaced-to-progressive conversion and scaling are performed by a high-quality Marvell Qdeo video-processing chip.

3D and ARC

All Onkyo A/V receivers support the latest in 3D technology. Play 3D movies, games, and broadcast content in cinematic quality in your own home and be amazed by the realistic quality. The HDMI® inputs let you connect multiple high-def sources, such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, and a cable/satellite tuner. The HDMI output, on the other hand, lets you send a pristine signal to a compatible high-resolution display. Audio Return Channel allows audio content received directly by your HDTV’s tuner to be sent “upstream” via HDMI to your A/V receiver, without the need for a separate S/PDIF audio cable.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies

Audyssey 2EQ tailors multi-channel audio for your home theater speaker set-up by measuring three room positions and applying a resolution filter to the satellite speakers to correct for room acoustics. Audyssey Dynamic EQ maintains a consistent bass response, tonal balance, and surround-sound effect at different volume levels, so you can enjoy the natural dynamics of your content regardless of the volume. Audyssey Dynamic Volume automatically compensates for volume fluctuations in different audio content (for example, during commercial breaks) while optimizing the dynamic range.

Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz
	Allows reconfiguration of the 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. Audyssey DSX provides a similar front-height speaker option that likewise works to create a more enveloping home theater experience.

Change Your Receiver's Settings Seamlessly

Thanks to Onkyo's overlaid graphical on-screen display (OSD), set-up menus appear on top of the video image you're watching, so you don't have to switch to a blank screen background. Easily navigate intuitive menus to maximize all of the features and benefits of your Onkyo A/V receiver. The OSD and Graphical User Interface (GUI) both operate over HDMI, making excellent use of that versatile interface.

Extra Connectivity Options
	Use PC-IN to easily connect your notebook or mediacenter PC to your Onkyo AV receiver, and watch your movie files on your flatscreen TV. You can now easily watch internet videos, PC-stored movies and pictures on your TV. (Audio connectivity may vary depending on your computer hardware, but Onkyo A/V receivers support a wide range of different interfaces.)

Comparison Chart

Model	Watts/Ch	3D Capable/ HDMI I/O	Front Direct USB for iPod®/iPhone®	OSD Setup Advanced	Network Function	THX Certified	Audyssey	Dolby Volume	Wireless Ready
TX-SR309	65 x 5	3/1	✓	(Basic)	-	-	-	-	-
TX-NR509	80 x 5	4/1	✓	(Basic)	✓	-	2EQ	-	✓
TX-NR609	100 x 7	5+1/1	✓	✓	✓	Select2 Plus™	2EQ	-	✓
TX-NR709	110 x 7	7+1/2	✓	✓	✓	Select2 Plus™	MultEQ®XT	✓	✓

Specification

Number of Channels	7.2
Power	100W/Ch (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.7% THD)
Network Capable	Yes
THX Certification	Select2 Plus™
Audyssey Room EQ	2EQ®
HDMI I/O	5+1 in / 1 out
Overlay On-Screen Display	Advanced via HDMI
Made for iPod®/iPhone® (Direct USB input)	Front & Rear (Supports album art)
Multiroom	Powered Zone 2
Component Video I/O	2 in / 1 out (HDTV capable)
Composite Video I/O	5 in (1 front) / 2 out
Digital Audio Input	2 Optical & 2 Coaxial
Analog Audio I/O	6 in (1 front) / 1 out
Subwoofer Pre-out	Yes
Color-coded Speaker Terminals	Yes
AM/FM Presets	40
RIHD (CEC via HDMI)	Yes
Onkyo Exclusive Gaming Modes	4
Advanced Music Optomizer	Yes

© Copyright 2011 Onkyo USA Corporation. All rights reserved.

Product Description

Targeting the sweet spot where affordability meets superb functionality, the TX-NR609 looks set to be another Onkyo classic. This THX Select2 Plus Certified A/V receiver handles content from all your favorite disc-based media, as well as networked and wireless audio content from the internet, iPod/iPhone, and PC. Six HDMI inputs—including one on the front panel—provide support for 3D video and ultra-high resolution 4K video upscaling via Marvell Qdeo. HDMI also carries master-quality audio formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as the expanded surround sound of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and Onkyo’s proprietary WRAT ensure a clean and compelling amplifier performance. And when audio signals are output, the 7.2-channel configuration includes twin subwoofer pre-outs for added bass impact. Meanwhile, a user-friendly on-screen display and GUI make it easy to adjust settings and navigate your content. All this and more makes the TX-NR609 an irresistible choice for the value-seeking home theater fan.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

340 of 342 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mid-range AV Receiver with more than most others April 6, 2011

By snakeye142

Amazon Verified Purchase

I upgraded from an old non-HDMI Yamaha HTR-5850.

I looked at the following:
- Onkyo TX-SR608
- Denon AVR-1911
- Pioneer VSX-1020-K
- Pioneer VSX-1021-K
- Yamaha RX-V667
- A few others
- Onkyo HT-RC360 is also a very similar one that merits comparison, esp. with the price.

First impression:
- Box was well packaged.
- Easy to connect right out of the box. I have a simple 5.1 set up, but even the 7.2 seems easy enough. Plenty of space between things, except the power cord seems to be in a slightly awkward location, but definitely not a game changer or something to lose more than 5 minutes thought to.
- Plenty of ports (more on that below).
- Very nice and mostly intuitive GUI OSD. I am one of those guys who does not read the manual unless I have to, and the only time I had to was knowing how to program in a radio station.
- Remote is just ok. Could use a heavier feel to it and a better explanation of what things do. I got used to it or use my iPhone remote (more on that below too).

Pros of this one:
- 6x HDMI inputs, one in front, one output.
- Network capable. I use Pandora A LOT and it integrates nicely, but it has many other internet music capabilities.
- Nice On Screen Display (OSD) of its GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- 4K Support Via Marvell Qdeo (3840 x 2160 resolution vs 1920 x 1080, though most TVs do not support this, yet...).
- iPhone/iPad control app (give it a sec, I have more to say on this below).
- All the standard HDMI 1.4 features (HDMI stand by pass-through, 3D, Audio Return Channel).
- Powered Zone 2 audio out.
- iPhone/iPod connectivity right out of the box via your standard USB cable in the front (no need for an additional (more money) port, though one is available: Onkyo UP-A1 Dock for the iPod).
- PC VGA In (but really, most have HDMI out now anyway).
- Optional Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner.
- Superb Audio quality.
- Superb Video up-conversion. I took an old DVD and set the output to 480i (standard definition) and let the Receiver up-convert it. Then compared it to the output from my PS3 at 1080 as well as an old HD DVD player (lol) and a standalone DVD player with 1080 upconversion and this receiver just blew it away. (Note: on a 50inch top of the line Sony TV.)
- DLNA (for connecting to a home media system or a PC with music).
- THX certification (just for show for me and the cool factor as I could not tell much difference).
- Of course it does Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA and all the other standard decoders.
- Ability to upgrade firmware via internet easily.

Cons of this one:
- No built-in HD Radio.
- No built-in AirPlay (like some Denon and the Pioneer VSX-1021-k).
- No video out for Zone 2.
- No PC control.

A few things to note:
- The iPhone remote is a bit lacking. It does your basic things you expect it to: control the station, input, turn it on/off, change music from Pandora/DLNA/iPod connected/etc., but the volume could use some work and the ability to control bass/treble as big buttons instead of the volume is useless. Two things I wish this had: The ability to vote for Pandora or any such interaction and the ability to fine tune the audio levels of each speaker. Connecting it is easy and it is pretty simple to use. Very nice bonus.

- When using the Stand-by through, you can choose "last used input", "a specific output", or "Auto". If you change it, it powers on. The "Auto" option can be flaky, sometimes switching to something that is off, but it after turning the thing I want it to be off then back on, it catches it.

- There is a cooling fan on the top but have yet to notice it, even in the dead silence of a scary movie, even after having the receiver going for 5-6 hours straight for a few days in a row. Maybe it will later on.

I am very pleased with this and would (and have already) recommend this as a purchase.

Update 06/20/11:
- Added the Onkyo HT-RC360 as a comparable option. One of the only major difference is the price and lack of THX. Should definitely be on people's radar! Thanks Joshua.
- A couple minor grammar things.

Since having this for a couple months now I have to say I am still quite happy with this receiver. Here are a few updates:
- I barely notice the fan at all. Sometimes I will get up and check to see if it is even running (out of curiosity) and can see/hear it when I am up close. It was mentioned that cleaning this may be an issue. Thanks Mastercard!
- HDMI Stand-By Pass-Through is not a problem. The "Auto" works pretty well with only 3 or 4 times in the past couple months it has been finicky, in which case I whip out my iPhone or the remote to change it.
- The iPhone app is quite basic but I like it. I can control Pandora, the input, and the volume, which is all anyone really needs.
- On Android you can use a DLNA player such as 2Player and select this receiver as the target to stream music. Thanks George!
- Sound quality and video quality are still going strong / well.

76 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Onkyo TX-NR609 is a Masterpiece of a Mid-range Receiver April 4, 2011

By Chetan P. Uttarkar

I wanted to upgrade my receiver from a non hdmi Yamaha HTR-5890 to hdmi one. Researched a lot of receivers and bought a Denon AVR990 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Capability and 1080p HDMI Connectivity. Then I found out this new receiver Onkyo is releasing and was due to be out pretty soon. I liked the Denon's features, especially the built in HD Radio which I miss in this Onkyo. Anyway, I still love the new Onkyo TX-NR609.

The OSD GUI is fabulous and very pleasing to the eye. Pandora, Slacker, vTuner, and DLNA features are very attractive for my likes and will most likely use them the most, among the other 'Internet' features. Connecting my Wii, PS3, HTPC, Cable box, and Asus media player was a breeze. I use banana clips for speakers and is very easy to connect. I use a Velodyne powered subwoofer, NHT ones for fronts, and Infinity Quadrapoles for surround back. The Onkyo was out of the box and connected in 15 minutes. The first time I powered it up and heard the sound, I was pretty happy with the result. I am yet to use Audyssey to setup my speakers but already like the sound even before configuring. They have taken out the Audyssey MultiEQ and provided just the 2EQ which I am fine with but some people may not like that.

I miss the HD Radio which I started getting used to on the Denon. I hate the idea that I need to spend another $100+ on a Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner to use the HD radio feature on the receiver. This is lame.

The Qdeo video processing is something else. It does an excellent job and the 1080p picture on my Samsung UN55B8500 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV looks amazing. All my components are power conditioned through the Monster Home Theatre Reference HTS 2600 MKII PowerCenter with Clean Power Stage 2 v.2.1 10.

Onkyo has made some improvements on the NR609 compared to the predecessors. There is a fan on the top for additional cooling. Seems like Onkyo has finally heard the complaints of the previous owners of over heating receivers. Thanks to Onkyo, for adding this extra fan. The remote is very well laid out and easy to use. The THX Music and Cinema setting both work very well for my sources.

I highly recommend this receiver for anyone looking for a fairly priced mid-range AV receiver.

4/5/2011 - The HDMI through was not turned on by default. I had to go into Hardware Setup and turn on "HDMI Control" which also sets "Audio Tv Out" to auto and "HDMI Through" to on.

There is also additional options setting for HDMI Through. You have the options to either set HDMI Through to, 'Off' (Default), 'Auto detect', 'Last source selected' and specific HDMI 'Input jack'. (previous 60x model only offers Last source).

81 of 85 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it, love it, love it! April 6, 2011

By Aurthur760

Amazon Verified Purchase

We just got our TX-NR609 yesterday. The sturdiness of the product harkens to decades ago, when you could still pick up a stereo amplifier with a real metal case and it weighed something. At 32 lbs. shipping weight, it surprised us in a good way.

We purchased the unit as a replacement for an entry level Dolby Digital/DTS HD 5.1/6.1 receiver, primarily for the ability to use HDMI connectivity throughout the home theater system, for uncompressed audio signals and ease of signal switching. Also, THX certification at this price point is positively amazing. Don't let the name of the certification fool you - the certification level is based on room size, and this unit is certified for the vast majority of home theater sizes.

Connecting the components and speakers was extremely easy and required only one configuration change in the unit for a device which does not have an HDMI output and had to be connected via component video and stereo audio.

Running the system setup was, I'm sorry to say, a little bit daunting at first. The remote is a bit on the complicated side and not particularly well marked when you first see it (two volume controls two buttons apart, for example), but easy to adapt to once you understand the layout. Once we managed to find the right place to start in the positively huge manual, it was actually quite easy to finish. The number of options for listening modes is enough to make your eyes glaze over trying to decide on one. This system is probably not for the entry level person in that regard. However, once you get it dialed in, it is very easy to use. Consider professional tuning if you are an entry level person.

The Audissey2 system built in was amazing and saved hours of the usual tweaking with the EQ and individual speaker levels.

The HDMI video pass-through left very little sign that the signal was being passed through the receiver, and for those who had not seen the switching between modes without it, I doubt they'd notice what was there. On the contrary, the noise reduction and edge enhancement features worked very well if you need them and the up convert to 1080p for all input types worked amazingly well.

The sound output blew us away. We hooked this unit up to the entry level receiver's speakers for the time being until we can afford a good set, and we didn't even recognize them. The volume, the clarity, the channel isolation and the cleanliness of the crossover made movies we thought we had heard good sound out of before sound completely new. We spent the whole night re-watching old favorites and noticing sound effects and background conversations we never knew existed.