Onkyo is expanding its range of wireless multi-room audio distribution products, continuing the constantly growing segment in the AV marketplace. The new products include two new AVRs, a network stereo receiver and a wireless audio system.
Joining Onkyo’s AVR line-up is the TX-NR575E and TX-NR474, two AV receivers that have been designed to be an affordable entry into the marketplace. The TX-NR575E supports 7.1-channel audio, while the TX-NR474 supports 5.1 channels. In addition to the hard channel limit, Onkyo has added Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 support, allowing 3D audio on a budget.
There’s little separating the two models, with inputs for HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2, as well as HDR-10 and Dolby Vision 4K pass-through support coming with both. The TX-NR575E is capable of 170w per channel, compared to the TX-NR474’s 135w per channel, however.
As Onkyo is keen to grow its multi-room audio marketshare, the AVRs support all the common streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music. Airplay is also supported, as is the more traditional AM/FM radio. DAB+ capabilities can be added using an optional USB dongle.
The crux to both these AVRs is the ability to wirelessly send both analogue (including vinyl) and digital sources to any other FireConnect-equipped devices in a home. In other words, Onkyo wants these AV receivers to be the heart of a multi-room audio system.
In addition to the two new AVRs, Onkyo is updating its TX-8150 stereo receiver with a brand new model. Dubbed the TX-8270, this receiver supports HDMI interconnectivity, with four HDMI inputs and one output with Audio Return Channel (ARC).
The two 160w of power on tap should easily be enough to drive large floorstanding speakers to high levels. It combines non-phase-shift circuitry for imaging clarity, with discrete output transistors for low distortion.
As with the Onkyo AVRs, the TX-8150 supports streaming music services as standard, although it doesn’t need an optional USB dongle to get DAB+, as that’s already built-in as standard.
To ensure the unit delivers maximum fidelity, digital signals are converted by a high quality AKM 384 kHz/32-bit DAC enhanced with VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) filtering technology to eliminate ultra-high-frequency pulse noise. Processing is optimised for Hi-Res Audio including DSD 5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz and PCM formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit in popular file formats.
Vinyl fans will appreciate the on-board MM phono input, while the FireConnect feature will allow users to stream all their music (including vinyl) to other FireConnect-equipped devices in the home.
While the AV receiver and stereo receiver will act as the hub of the multi-room audio system, the Onkyo NCP-302 will be what will play the music. That’s because it’s a FireConnect-enabled speaker with twin 77mm woofers plus a single 26mm ‘balanced dome’ tweeter.
All of the products are set to be available in March 2017, with the TX-NR57E and TX-NR474 costing £499.99 and £429.99, respectively. The TX-8270 will have an RRP of £599.99, while the NCP-302 will be £279.99.