Onkyo TX-NR5008 9.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver

by Onkyo

Product Features

• 145 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• 8 HDMI Inputs (1 Front/7 Rear) and 2 Outputs
• THX Ultra2 Plus Certified
• 2 USB Inputs (Front/Rear) for Memory Devices and iPhone/iPod Models (Enables Display of Album Artwork
• ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) Video Calibration for Optimal Video Performance

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 17.1 x 7.8 inches ; 55.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 64 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B003UES8NO
• Item model number: TX-NR5008
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,027 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 1, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The TX-NR5008 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver, Onkyo's new flagship network receiver answers all your home entertainment questions--even some you hadn't yet thought to ask. The quality starts at the very foundations: a massive toroidal transformer, 22,000 µF capacitors, gold-plated terminals, and separate transformers for audio and video processing. Speaking of video, HQV Reon-VX offers the ultimate in 1080p upscaling via HDMI, while ISF calibration gets the best out of every video source. On the audio side, 9.2 speaker channels let you take advantage of lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as expanded surround formats from Audyssey and Dolby. The extra channels also allow you to enjoy a multichannel source in your main room and powered stereo in two other zones. Connections abound, with eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, two USB inputs, and an Ethernet port for streaming audio from your PC or Internet Radio. To simplify setup and adjustments, Onkyo provides a new overlaid on-screen display and Audyssey room correction. It all adds up to one smart and muscular heavyweight contender.

High-end network receiver technology that leads the way in integrated home entertainment. View larger.

HDMI 1.4a Support for 3D Video and Audio Return Channel

The eight HDMI 1.4a inputs on the TX-NR5008 let you simultaneously connect high-def sources such as a Blu-ray player, gaming consoles, and a cable/satellite tuner. And the two HDMI outputs let you send a pristine signal at the same time to two different high-resolution displays. As the latest version of this connector, HDMI 1.4a adds the exciting possibilities of 3D video and an Audio Return Channel. 3D video is the next big thing in home entertainment, with movie, game, and broadcast content on the increase and 3D-compatible TVs coming to market. The TX-NR5008 also offers the convenience of an Audio Return Channel via HDMI. Audio content received directly by your HDTV’s tuner can be sent "upstream" to your A/V receiver, without the need for a separate S/PDIF audio cable.

PC Audio and Internet Radio with DLNA 1.5 and Windows 7 Compatibility

As one of Onkyo's new breed of receivers that can link directly to the Internet or to your home PC via a local network, the TX-NR5008 takes streaming audio and Internet Radio to a whole new level. 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 TX-NR5008 brings to life a huge array of Internet Radio channels from Pandora, SIRIUS Internet Radio, vTuner, and more*. As well as being compatible with earlier platforms, the receiver is compatible with Microsoft's Windows 7 platform, which includes the DLNA 1.5-specified "Play To" media-streaming feature. Another benefit of having the TX-NR5008 connected to the Internet is that you can then easily update its firmware.

All-in-one remote. View larger.

THX Ultra2 Plus Certified

The ultimate benchmark for home audio performance, THX Ultra2 Plus is specified for rooms where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is more than 12 feet and the room volume is 3,000 cubic feet or greater. To achieve THX Ultra2 Plus certification, the TX-NR5008 must meet the world's most demanding standards for home theater audio quality and performance, and must play at reference volume levels with minimal distortion.

Advanced Video Processing and 1080p Upscaling with HQV Reon-VX

HQV Reon-VX is the most sophisticated video-processing chip available for home theater. It provides the ultimate support for 1080p scaling; for filtering of jaggies and artifacts; and for the reduction of random, "mosquito", and block (codec) noise. HQV Reon-VX also enables color region enhancement and the rendering of more than one billion colors.

Sleek, classic receiver styling with easy access to functionality and ports via an easy pop-open/close front control panel. View larger.

VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)

Onkyo's VLSC employs a unique digital-to-analog conversion circuit to mitigate the effects of signal noise. Data is converted between discrete sampling points, which are then joined with analog vectors in real-time to produce a continuous output wave form. The result--a noiseless, smooth analog signal based on the digital source.

Harnessing Power for Audio Performance

Onkyo's H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) concept is based around power transformers with the capability to respond to the wide dynamics of home theater. In the case of the TX-NR5008, a massive toroidal transformer improves power efficiency and radiates very little noise into the surrounding circuitry, while two separate transformers cater specifically to audio and video processing. You’ll also find capacitors (operating at up to 22,000 microfarads) that store the charge necessary to support an effective power supply, along with large new custom-designed transistors to drive high currents.

145 Watts of power available on each channel, along with access to 8 HDMI inputs (2 out), component video and more. View larger.

Customized Audio via Audyssey and Dolby Technologies

The TX-NR5008 is equipped with MultEQ XT32, Audyssey's most powerful room-correction technology. MultEQ XT32 gathers frequency and time-domain measurements from up to 8 positions in the listening area, to help create a clear, well-balanced, and natural sound. Two other Audyssey technologies, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, work to optimize frequency response and dynamic range at all volume levels. In a similar vein, Dolby Volume performs independent loudness adjustments to different frequencies and channels to produce a listening experience that includes all the dynamics of the original mix at whatever volume you choose. It also offers the option of maintaining playback volume at the same user-chosen level across all input sources.

Audyssey dynamic volume control via included microphone. View larger.

Key Features

• Advanced Features
  • THX Ultra2 Plus certified
  • HDMI (version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel) with Deep Color, x.v.Color, LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Multichannel PCM, and CEC
  • 8 HDMI inputs (1 front/7 rear) and 2 outputs
  • HDMI video upscaling to 1080p with HQV Reon-VX
  • VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) for all channels
  • Custom-designed, large-size transistors to drive high currents
  • Customized 22,000 µF capacitors for effective power supply
  • Massive toroidal transformer and two separate transformers for audio and video processing
  • Burr-Brown 192 kHz/32-Bit DACs (PCM1795 x 6) for all channels
  • Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room acoustic correction
  • Network capability for streaming audio files (MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and LPCM)
  • Internet radio connectivity (Pandora, Rhapsody, SIRIUS Internet Radio, Napster, Mediafly, Slacker, and vTuner)*
  • Powered Zone 2/3 and Zone 2/3 pre outs for distributed audio playback in multiple rooms
  • Zone 2 monitor output (composite video)
  • Bi-amping and BTL (Bridged Transless) capability
  • 2 USB inputs (front/rear) for memory devices and iPhone/iPod models (enables display of album artwork)***
  • Gold-plated, machined solid brass, 11/16" (18 mm)-pitch audio inputs (TV/CD and phono)
• Amplifier Features
  • 145 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC
  • WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
  • Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry
  • H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) massive high power transformer
  • Linear Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
• Processing Features
  • Three 32-Bit processing DSP chips (DA830 x 1, DA788 x 2)
  • PLL Jitter-Cleaning circuit technology
  • DSD Direct for super audio CD
  • Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz for new surround channels
  • Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio Decoding
  • DTs Neural Surround decoding
  • 4 DSP modes for gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG
  • Music Optimizer for compressed digital music files
  • Direct mode and Pure Audio mode
  • A-Form Listening mode memory
  • Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround function
• Connection Features
  • Universal port for single-cable connection of optional Onkyo dock for iPhone/iPod or HD Radio tuner
  • Component video switching (3 inputs and 1 output)
  • 4 S-Video inputs and 1 output
  • Analog RGB video input (D-sub, 15 pin) and audio input for PC
  • 7 digital inputs (4 optical and 3 coaxial)
  • 5 A/V inputs (1 front/4 rear) and 1 output
  • Color-coded, 7.1 multichannel inputs
  • Video/S-Video outputs (monitor)
  • 1 audio input and 1 output
  • Color-coded, 9.2 multichannel pre outs (including 2 independent subwoofer pre outs)
  • RS232 port, IR (in/out), and 12 V trigger outs (Zone 2/3)
  • Customized, gold-plated, color-coded, Banana Plug-compatible speaker posts
  • RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) for system control
  • SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready** and HD Radio ready
• Other Features
  • ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) video calibration for optimal video performance
  • Certified with Windows 7 and DLNA version 1.5
  • Firmware updates via Ethernet and USB
  • Audyssey Dynamic EQ for loudness correction
  • Audyssey Dynamic Volume to maintain optimal listening level and dynamic range
  • Dolby Volume for reference-quality listening experience at any volume
  • Overlaid graphical On-Screen Display (OSD) via all video outputs
  • Crossover adjustment (40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz)
  • A/V Sync Control function (up to 250 ms in 5 ms steps)
  • 40 FM/AM/SIRIUS random presets
  • Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for iPod
  • Bi-directional, preprogrammed, and customizable RI remote control with backlight, on-screen setup, mode-key LEDs, and macro presets for four activities

Technical Specifications

Amplifier Section Power Output Front L/R - 145 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC) Center - 145 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC) Surround L/R - 145 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC) Surround Back L/R - 145 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC) Front High L/R, Front Wide L/R, or Zone 2/3 L/R - 145 W/Ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.05%, 2 channels driven, FTC) Dynamic power - 400 W (3 ohms, front), 300 W (4 ohms, front), 180 W (8 ohms, front) THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) - 0.05% (rated power) Damping factor - 60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 ohms) Input sensitivity and impedance - 200 mV/47 k-ohms (line), 2.5 mV/47 k-ohms (phono MM) Rated RCA output level and impedance - 1 V/470 ohms (pre out) Maximum RCA output level and impedance - 5.5 V/470 ohms (pre out) Phono overload - 70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%) Frequency response - 5 Hz-100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode) Tone control - ±10 dB, 50 Hz (bass), ±10 dB, 20 kHz (treble) Signal-to-noise ratio - 110 dB (Line, IHF-A), 80 dB (phono, IHF-A) Speaker impedance - 4 ohms-16 ohms or 6 ohms-16 ohms

Video Section Input sensitivity/output level and impedance video 1.0 Vp-p/75 ohms (component and s-video Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 ohms (component PB/CB, PR/CR) 0.28 Vp-p/75 ohms (s-video C) 1.0 Vp-p/75 ohms (composite) Component video frequency response - 5 Hz-100 MHz/0 dB, -3 dB Tuner Section Tuning frequency range FM: 87.5 MHz-107.9 MHz AM: 530 kHz-1,710 kHz FM/AM/SIRIUS preset memory - 40 stations General Power supply - AC 120 V~, 60 Hz Power consumption - 12.8 A Dimensions (W x H x D) - 17 1/8" x 7 13/16" x 18 1/4" (435 x 198.5 x 463.5 mm) Weight - 55.1 lbs. (25.0 kg) Carton dimensions (W x H x D) - 23 3/8" x 13 1/4" x 22 11/16" (594 x 337 x 596 mm) Shipping weight - 66.1 lbs. (30.0 kg)

*Availability of services depends on region.
**SIRIUS Satellite Radio requires separate purchase of subscription, compatible tuner, and antenna.
***Only front-panel USB input is compatible with iPhone/iPod.

Product Description

Onkyo’s new flagship network receiver answers all your home entertainment questions—even some you hadn’t yet thought to ask. The quality starts at the very foundations: a massive toroidal transformer, 22,000 μF capacitors, gold-plated terminals, and separate transformers for audio and video processing. Speaking of video, HQV Reon-VX offers the ultimate in 1080p upscaling via HDMI, while ISF calibration gets the best out of every video source. On the audio side, 9.2 speaker channels let you take advantage of lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as expanded surround formats from Audyssey and Dolby. The extra channels also allow you to enjoy a multichannel source in your main room and powered stereo in two other zones. Connections abound, with eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, two USB inputs, and an Ethernet port for streaming audio from your PC or internet radio. To simplify set-up and adjustments, Onkyo provides a new overlaid on-screen display and Audyssey room correction. It all adds up to one smart and muscular heavyweight contender.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Great Specifications But Poor Quality and Customer Service July 30, 2011

By HillbillyinMA

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased the Onkyo TX-NR5008 as part of a home renovation project. I purchased in late February, but didn't deploy it until May 2011. This is my first Onkyo receiver, my previous setup was a Rotel Amp and Processor. It worked great for 8 years, but it was time to upgrade.

As almost everybody that has reviewed this receiver, I did a pretty exhaustive online review. I liked what people were saying about it and I like the specifications. So I took the plunge along with a Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50, Polk Audio Atrium 45 All-Weather Speakers, Polk Audio RC60i In-Ceiling / In-Wall Speakers, and a VIZIO XVT3D554SV 55-inch 1080p 480Hz 3D LED HDTV.

The features that I wanted were:
- Networkability, including internet radio and DLNA support
- Three zone support
- Support for HDMI 1.4a (3D support)
- Plenty of Inputs

The TX-NR5008 statisfied all these requirements. Once the installation process began, it was relatively straight forward. Lots of cables to hook up. Not overly daunting, but plan on taking some time. Just remember this is a heavy receiver so make sure it has a shelf / drawer that will support it.

Initially performance was excellent for about 1 month.

- The three zones worked great. Slightly complicated on the remote side. I easily learned it, but my wife still hasn't.
- Sound quality from DT Mythos Soundbar is great.
- Internet radio worked great. Using Powerline ethernet for a hardwired connection.
- Didn't work great with a Wii. Video latency issues. My son was disappointed.
- Video / Audio from HD Cable Box and Blue Ray was good.

After about a month that is when the problem began.
- The receiver quit recognizing the remote. I also have a Logitech Harmony Universal Remote. It wouldn't work with this remote either. The remotes would turn on the TV and the Cable Box.
- Started to get video dropouts. Had to unplug the HDMI cable and plug it back in. This would fix it for a while.

Emailed Onkyo technical support and did not receive a response for seven days. It took another five days to respond back to me after following their suggestion.
- Followed the manual, reset the remote and receiver. Upgraded the firmware (very easy to do).
- Tried to call several times but kept getting voice mail.
- Finally go through and the customer support person had me go through and reset the remote again and check to make sure the remote and receiver were on the same channel. Authorized me to take it to a repair center about an hour away.

The repair center has now had my receiver for 1 month. I called and they indicated a part had been ordered and that it was a known issue and a Technical Service Bulletin was issued. The repair center has had the part for two weeks, but I can't get an answer as to when I will get it back.

I am very unhappy with the service the Onkyo has provided. I purchased their top of the line receiver for a nice chunk of change, and customer support has abysmal. I would never purchase another Onkyo product. It has been a very disappoint experience.

Update 1:

I found out that Onkyo has issued a recall for several of their receivers including the TX-NR5008.[...]

I have been without a working receiver for 2 months (over 1 month in the repair center).

Update 2:
Almost 3 months and still no receiver and no contact from Onkyo. The worst customer service I have seen. I cannot recommend any Onkyo product. The 3rd party repair center just called and they just received the part and it will only be another 3 weeks. Outrageous.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilled with my new TX-NR5008!!! January 8, 2011

By lpgstock

Amazon Verified Purchase

Like many "gear heads" a great deal of research online and in various A/V mags went into the prep for purchasing a new receiver for my dedicated home theater. I had been a pretty loyal Denon owner in the past with my last one being the 3808ci. It was a great unit but I wanted a new receiver with the Audissey x32 that could better calibrate for new front high and wide speakers. I also wanted the newest HQV Reon processor for enhanced upscaling of video. Frankly, this Onkyo was much more price efficient than the current Denon equivalent. I took the leap and purchased thru Amazon...one of my best decisions of 2010! It did take me a couple of shots with Audissey, playing around with the microphone positioning; but, the end results were fantastic. My Paradigm speakers never sounded so full and brilliant. The depth and soundstage this receiver creates blows away any receiver I have ever had. A couple of key features for me...1) a full rich soundstage even at lower volumes; 2) the THX Ultra2 Cinema settings... Hats off to Mr. Lucas!... I have never been a fan of using "enhanced" preset sound settings but this is absolutely amazing. If you have at least a 7.1 speaker setup this setting will transform your typical hohum cable TV 5.1 Dolby into a 7.1 aural soundfest! I have found that when I have guests over to watch a blu-ray in 5.1 DTS Master HD, and the back row seating is occupied, near the back surround speakers, I will use the THX to bring the back surrounds to life for them. They love it, and IMHO there doesn't seem to be much, if any, loss in sound integrity. A similar setting, THX Cinema, will even make the inherent 2.0 sound from sources such as Netflix or Amazon VOD come to life. Of course, this is all just my opinion but for this home theater junkie it's like heaven. Oh, and BTW the video upconversion is excellent too. In this price and category, I believe you are unlikely to find a better A/V Receiver; the equivalent...maybe; better... I don't think so... Do your own due diligence and enjoy whatever your purchase may be!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 9.2, THX, 3D, Internet connected. Sweet package at a great price November 26, 2010

By TechnoRat

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the 3rd Onkyo receiver I have purchased. The other 2 didn't die, they just became outdated. I was originally looking for a couple models below this level, but the Amazon virtually half-price made this lower priced than than those, and an absolute bargain. My only negative is that using Zone 2 or Zone 3 doesn't allow you to use the full 9.2 channels, but being able to pump out internet or computer tunes to the pool for the kids while still being able to watch Bluray movies in 7.2 THX definitely outweighs the negative. The receiver was very easy to set up and it's filled with the latest technology. If you plan to use the internet and network connectivity I highly recommend purchasing the Netgear XAVB5004 Internet Adapter. It streams at up to 500Mps, works off of an electical outlet, and allows you to connect up to 4 devices to it. I never experience any speed degradation with this combination.