Onkyo TX-NR5008 And NR3008 Flagship Streaming Receivers Outed

Onkyo's latest pair of network-enabled A/V receivers have been outed, the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008, complete with eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, THX Ultra2 Plus certification, network audio streaming, multi-room and 3D support, and 1080p HD upscaling.  As well as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support, the 9.2-channel Onkyo pair also work with Audyssey DSX or Dolby Pro Logic IIz, for boosted height or width channels.  Meanwhile there's Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Slacker and other streaming radio, via the ethernet port, together with DLNA 1.5 for funnelling content within the home.

Two high-def outputs can be supported simultaneously, and Onkyo have used separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors.  It also has front and rear USB 2.0 ports, whereas the TX-NR3008 makes do with one up front; they work with PMPs like Apple's iPod.

As for multi-room use, owners can listen to a 5.1-channel source in the primary room together with fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. There's also the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.  Onkyo expect the TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 to drop in August, priced at $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.

Press Release:

Onkyo Announces Top-of-the-Line Network Receivers with Flagship Features and Performance

Upper Saddle River, NJ (6/29/10) — Onkyo, a world-renowned innovator in home entertainment, has announced the release of two new high-end network A/V receivers, the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008, that offer a wide range of the most up-to-date and user-friendly home theater features, and have achieved THX® Ultra2 Plus™ certification. Both receivers support network audio streaming, various multi-room set-ups, iPhone/iPod playback over USB, and fully immersive, 3D-compatible home theater.

Each of these models features eight HDMI® 1.4a inputs, with compatibility specified for an Audio Return Channel and 3D video. Both mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting—"Side-By-Side (Half)" and "Top-and-Bottom"—are supported. With 3D content on the rise, users will be able to take advantage of the unique visual dimensions made possible by this dynamic new format.

Dual HDMI outputs are also provided on these models, allowing users to connect two high-definition displays simultaneously. In conjunction with HDMI, HQV-Reon VX enables 1080p upscaling of all video inputs, regardless of source resolution. Both also feature advanced ISF video calibration, which allows users to make fine-grained, independent adjustments for each video source.

Audio networking and internet radio are common to both models. A rear-side Ethernet port enables easy firmware upgrades and links the receiver/controller directly to the internet or to a home PC. Users can access streaming internet radio through Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Slacker, Mediafly, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner, or play back a wide variety of PC-based audio files, including FLAC, MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, and LPCM. The receivers are also Windows® 7 compatible and DLNA 1.5 certified to ensure optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment in the home.

With 9.2 audio channels, users have a great deal of flexibility in how they set up their home theater. The 9-channel configuration allows users to take advantage of the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX™ or Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz. The former adds extra height or width channels for greater spatial ambience, while the latter provides the option of extra height channels.

Naturally, support is also provided for Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, the popular lossless codecs found on Blu-ray Disc. Furthermore, compatibility with DSD Direct means that users will be able to enjoy their SA-CD collections in all their pristine clarity. High-quality Burr-Brown DACs allow these Onkyo models to handle the heavy demands of multi-channel audio processing.

In a modern home theater, matching audio output to the acoustic characteristics of the room is all-important. Both receivers include a full suite of Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies. These work to optimize audio performance, regardless of room shape and volume level. Audyssey MultEQ® XT, for example, uses information from up to 8 positions throughout the room to calibrate speakers for optimal audio balance.

Flexibility is the byword when it comes to multi-room set-ups. The TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 let users play a 5.1-channel source in the main room, along with fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. On top of that, users also have the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.

The TX-NR3008 features a front-side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 has USB ports front and rear. As well as handling audio content from flash memory devices, the USB ports let users play music—and display album art—from a connected iPhone/iPod.

Build quality is highlighted by gold-plated audio inputs and PLL jitter-cleaning circuit technology on all models. These A/V receivers feature separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a massive toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors, a feature more typical of separate component amplifiers.

Other convenient features shared by both models include an analog RGB input for video content from a connected PC; a backlit and customizable remote controller; HDMI Thru allows children to still watch programs when the receiver is not turned on; and Onkyo's new overlaid graphical OSD for seamless adjustment of settings during a viewing session.

These new releases keep Onkyo at the forefront of high-end integrated home entertainment, and demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to providing maximum performance at every level of the home theater market.

The Onkyo TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.