TX-NR509

TX-NR509

Even in 2011, not everyone can afford the benchmark $1500 for an audio/video receiver. Even those who can, often choose not to. However, Onkyo has taken the initiative with their new TX-NR509, the $400 middle-member of their newly announced trio of receivers, an entertainment powerhouse that manages to integrate features which even $1000-and up- home theatre receivers were often unable to provide.

The TX-NR509 features- among phenomenal others- network streaming, which allows for smooth PC/Mac audio streaming and internet radio. However, the TX-NR509 only offers a  5.1 channel power-amplifier section, which only goes to highlight the somewhat harsh reality that the concept of 7.1 channel surround is not as popular as one might consider. Additional channels can, however, be supported using an external power-amp.

Setting up the lightweight TX-NR509 was a delight, and for reasons other than the simple lifting. The TX-NR509 includes an auto-setup and basic room correction feature in the form of Audyssey 2EQ, a rather basic version of Onkyo’s MultEQ technology that takes on three mike placements rather than eight, delivering a much lower EQ resolution without any subwoofers. The resultant EQ sounds much alike to that produced by many higher-end systems. The TX-NR509’s simple setup menu and easy to use overlay menus made the entire setting up process fast and easy.

Although, naturally, the Onkyo TX-NR509 fails to outperform, or for that matter even live up to, the company’s $2700 TX-NR50008, it still manages to impress even the most ardent music aficionados. The TX-NR509 produces awe-inspiring sound for its price tag, bringing out the most in even music pieces that can stress the best of home theatre receivers, and doing justice to them.

Another  feature the Onkyo TX-NR509 boasts for its price is Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ. Together, these offer the guarantee of much improved listenability, even at lower volumes.

The TX-NR509 plays streaming audio from any personal computer or Mac flawlessly and smoothly, and sounds great while doing so too. The sound remains awe-inspiringly clear and textured, no matter what the TX-NR509 is playing.

Another massive convenience the TX-NR509 offers is the fact that you don’t need several remotes to control it, unlike many high-end home theatre receivers. In fact, it comes equipped with a fully-functional remote that comes preprogrammed, and proves quite handy. Flash Drive, iPod and iPhone owners can enjoy the added benefit of USB connectivity that allows them to pair their devices with the TX-NR509 and play their music. The four front-panel 3-D ready HDMI ports allow for the projection of crisp, clear and flawless video, which, when paired with the beautiful sound the system produces, results in an altogether different viewing experience than what most users are accustomed to.

Functionally, the Onkyo TX-NR509 is a mid-range, relatively affordable home theatre receiver system that does nearly everything that major models did as early as three years ago, and for a significantly lower price tag. For that price, the drop in quality is nearly insignificant, making the TX-NR509 a receiver system worth buying.

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