Onkyo's TX-NR616 is an incredible AV receiver value Video
Onkyo's TX-NR616 is an incredible AV receiver value Video Transcript
Hey I'm Matthew Moskovciak at CNET and today we're gonna take a look at the onkyo TX NR 616. This is a midrange AV receiver from onkyo and it's currently selling for 410. Dollars -- makes it one of the best AV receiver values on the market. -- design is nothing special on the -- this is a big bulky AV receiver and the front panel doesn't look quite as refined as miles from saint and I emirates. The included remote is decent although the buttons are pretty small as little more -- -- -- needs debate around back you'll see why this receivers such a good value. Including a front panel input there are eight total HDMI inputs which is to more than any other receiver at this price the only catch is that there's not enough input buttons to access all of the inputs directly from the remote. So you'll need to navigate the on screen interface to get that he and the front panel HDMI input is also an Intel compatible so it'll work with phones that support that new connection time. There's also an ethernet port on the back and that gives you access to all of -- -- built in streaming audio services. There's Spotify pandora rhapsody slacker last FM Internet radio and deal on a streaming which is a better selection that you'll get on most competitors. You'll notice that there's no built in airplay support although -- -- is low price you can easily add an Apple TV which is gonna give you a lot more functionality than just airplay. And if you don't have ethernet in your living room onkyo offers a small Wi-Fi dongle for around 25 bucks which is a lot less than other receivers wireless solutions. User interface for all these services is decent compared to other receivers but looks a little out of date compared to something like an Apple TV or an Xbox-360. Luckily you can skip the on screen interface and -- onkyo is Smart -- app instead. Which actually works pretty well although it can be a little buggy at times we get cnet's resident coordinator Steve Guttenberg take a listen to the -- sound quality. It wasn't quite up to the level of last year's -- -- 1912 but it was still solid performer overall. Blu-ray concert this sounded great as well as Blu-ray movies although the Denon is slightly better especially with movies. Really the only thing that gives us pause about the -- are some early complaints about -- or glitches. We didn't run into any major problems with our review sample with the latest firmware load it up but some buyers have definitely had issues. But that doesn't hold us back from thinking the -- was still a tremendous value overall with tons of issue -- and puts the cheap Wi-Fi adapter and lots of streaming media services. If you're looking to -- an AV receiver. This model or one of -- stepped down models should be on your short list. I'm Matthew Moskovciak and this is the onkyo TX NR six months.
Related Videos
A wireless-friendly receiver that's big on value
Onkyo's TX-NR626 is a value-packed AV receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even a turntable input, but it's just short of being our our top pick.
The Onkyo HT-RC260 offers an extraordinary value for a receiver with six HDMI inputs, although its sound quality isn't what we expect from an Onkyo.
The Onkyo TX-NR609 has six HDMI inputs and lots of built-in streaming music services, but it lacks AirPlay and doesn't sound quite as good to our ears as some competitors.
If you can overlook its poor analog video conversion, the Onkyo TX-SR607 offers up a ton of HDMI connectivity and excellent sound quality for a midrange AV receiver.
Sony's STR-DG920 is a standout midrange AV receiver, with a basic graphical user interface, four HDMI inputs, and solid video processing.
Six HDMI inputs, easy iPod connectivity, and sweet sound quality make the Pioneer VSX-1020-K an excellent midrange AV receiver, although it's missing some minor HDMI features.
The Onyko TX-NR414 offers the best AV receiver value for those with a tight budget, although the step-up TX-NR515 model is worth the extra if you can afford it.
Yamaha's budget receiver is light on HDMI inputs
The Yamaha RX-V473 is a serviceable 5.1 AV receiver, but with only four HDMI inputs, competing models offer a better value.
The Onkyo HT-SR800 delivers an amazing combination of performance and features for the price, despite less than ideal HDMI features.
The Denon AVR-1912 gets our Editors' Choice Award in the midrange AV receiver category, with built-in AirPlay, outstanding sound quality, and six HDMI inputs.
Onkyo TX-NR616 Review
The good: The Onkyo TX-NR616 is feature-packed, with eight HDMI inputs, dual HDMI outputs, built-in networking, and extensive streaming audio support, including Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, and Internet radio. Wi-Fi functionality can be added with a tiny, inexpensive USB adapter. And the TX-NR616's street price is consistently well below its competitors.
The bad: Some users have complained about reliability problems. The eighth HDMI input cannot be accessed via direct button, only by navigating menus. And the TX-NR616 lacks built-in AirPlay.
The bottom line: The Onkyo TX-NR616 is a tremendous AV receiver value, with eight HDMI inputs and a very low street price, although Onkyo's step-down models may be an even better buy.
Onkyo TX-NR616 Specs
Manufacturer: Onkyo
Part number: TX-NR616
- Product Specifications
- Product Basic Spec
Onkyo TX-NR616 Prices
Online stores
| Store | Certified rating | Inventory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $339.99 |
| | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $339.99 |
| Vanns.com | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $396.00 |
| Abt Electronics | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $348.00 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Rate this store See store profile | In stock | $369.00 |