Onkyo TX-NR515 review
Everything you could want from a mid-range amplifier, and more. The TX-NR515 is superb
Onkyo is known for packing its AV amplifiers full of features, and the TX-NR515 is no exception. It might be the company’s mid-range model for 2012, but it has a more impressive specification than many of last year’s top-end systems. With support for 7.2 surround sound, 4K video up-scaling and a multitude of in- and outputs, it should have something for almost any home cinema setup.
Connectivity can make or break an AV amplifier, but the TX-NR515 delivers in spades. There are a whopping seven HDMI inputs on the back of the unit, as well as two HDMI outputs that let you connect a TV and projector simultaneously, meaning there’s no need to swap cables when you want to watch a film on the big screen. Four composite video inputs, one composite output and component video in and out let you connect older equipment that doesn’t support HDMI.
There are also plenty of audio inputs. As well as seven binding post terminals for surround sound speakers, with up to 130W power per channel, there are two Zone 2 spring terminal inputs to power a second set of stereo speakers and pre-outs for two subwoofers. A further five sets of analogue RCA inputs, plus two digital coaxial and two digital optical inputs should be more than enough for even the most dedicated audiophiles to connect all their equipment at once.
Finally, AM and FM radio antennae, Ethernet and a single USB port complete the selection, although there are more USB ports on the front of the system to make it easier to connect a portable device. The single HDMI input supports Mobile High definition Link (MHL), meaning you can connect your smartphone or Android tablet to display 1080p video on your TV, as well as charge your device at the same time. There’s also a composite video input for older devices, and a USB port for local multimedia playback, plus a 3.5mm jack for the bundled calibration microphone and a 1/4in headphone jack.
The amplifier’s black brushed metal finish looks classy, and there’s a silver option if you want to match the amp to your existing equipment. The one-line display, oversized volume dial and machined input select buttons mean the amp doesn’t look too fussy, and most of the more advanced features are relegated to the comprehensive remote control. The amplifier also lets you use the iOS and Android Onyko Remote apps, which let you control the active input, adjust settings and wirelessly play audio stored on your Android smartphone or tablet through your home cinema setup.
Details | |
---|---|
Price | £430 |
Rating | ***** |
Award | Best Buy |
Connections | |
HDMI inputs | 8 |
HDMI outputs | 2 |
Component inputs | 1 |
Component outputs | 1 |
Output resolutions | 480i, 480p, PAL (576i), 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p |
Total SCART sockets | 0 |
SCART socket type | N/A |
S-Video input | 0 |
S-video output | 0 |
Composite inputs | 4 |
Composite outputs | 1 |
Stereo phono inputs | 5 |
Stereo phono outputs | 1 |
Coaxial S/PDIF inputs | 2 |
Coaxial S/PDIF outputs | 0 |
Optical S/PDIF inputs | 2 |
Optical S/PDIF outputs | 0 |
Multi-channel input | yes |
Headphone output | 1/4in |
Speaker configuration | 7.2 |
Main unit end speaker connection type | spring terminals and binding posts |
Speaker end speaker connection type | N/A |
Other connections | FM antenna, AM antenna, calibration mic input, zone 2 line out, 2 subwoofer outs |
Wired network ports | 1x 10/100 |
Wireless networking support | None |
Playback | |
Surround sound formats | Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Surround Pro Logic IIx, DTS Decoder 2, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Low Bit Rate, DTS ES, Neo:6, DTS 96/24, Dolby TrueHD |
Optical drive | no |
Region free | N/A |
Supported playback disc formats | N/A |
Audio format support | MP3, AAC, AMR, WMA, MIDI, WAV, OGG |
Radio | FM |
Speakers | |
Speaker configuration | 7.2 |
RMS power output | 910W |
RMS power centre | 130W |
RMS power front | 260W |
RMS power surround | 520W |
RMS power subwoofer | N/A |
Wall mountable | no |
Centre speaker cable length | N/A |
Front speaker cable length | N/A |
Surround speaker cable length | N/A |
General | |
Extras | remote control, calibration mic, FM antenna, AM antenna |
Size | 435x328x174mm |
Subwoofer dimensions | N/A |
Centre speaker dimensions | N/A |
Front speaker dimensions | N/A |
Surround speaker dimensions | N/A |
Power consumption standby | 0W |
Power consumption on | 411W |
Buying Information | |
Price | £430 |
Warranty | one year RTB |
Supplier | http://www.richersounds.com |
Details | www.uk.onkyo.com |