Onkyo launches its first 2011 receivers
Four new models, with facilities including 4k video, and network audio capability from £350

The line-up also brings 4k video capability to the receiver market, and offers network audio streaming at a new low price-point – the TX-NR579 offers both of these features at £450, while the £350 TX-NR509 has audio streaming.
At the top of the initial range is the 7.2-channel TX-NR609, at £500: it's THX Select2 Plus certified, and is the first home cinema receiver in the world to use the Marvell Qdeo video processor, allowing upscaling of video to a maximum of 3840x2160 pixels (aka 4k resolution).
Networking is built-in, either through built-in Ethernet or an optional UWF-1 wireless USB Adapter, giving an IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connection to all Onkyo network-capable receivers with a USB port.
The 609 also has front-panel USB port for direct digital iPod/iPhone connection, as well as providing playback from USB memory devices.
It has six HDMI inputs, a powered Zone 2 facility, analogue RGB video input for computer connectivity, and two subwoofer outputs.
Audyssey DSX decoding, 2EQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ are also provided, and there's a new overlaid GUI for easy set-up.
The £450 TX-NR579 is a 7.1-channel receiver, and drops the 609's THX certification, PC video connectivity, Audyssey DSX and second subwoofer preout. It has four HDMI inputs.
Step down to the five-channel TX-NR509 (£350) and you get a non-powered Zone 2 output, while Audyssey DSX and Pro-Logic IIz are also omitted, along with the 4K video scaling.
Finally the budget TX-SR309 (£250) drops networking, Zone 2 and Audyssey features, and has three HDMI inputs.
The TX-SR309 will be on sale at the end of this month, with the RX-NR509 on sale soon after, and the two upmarket models in the shops at the end of March.
For more pictures, tech specs and info read our dedicated Onkyo blog
Follow whathifi.com on Twitter
Join whathifi.com on Facebook
Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.











