Several weeks ago we previewed Onkyo’s TX-NR535 and TX-NR636 AV Receivers, both loaded with solid features for entry level gear. A big surprise was the removal of Audyssey room correction in favor of the company’s new proprietary AccuEQ room calibration suite. We contacted Onkyo about the switch (wondering if this would hold true for more expensive models) and received no response. The change is a hot-button issue for the company's followers, sparking points of criticism and raising doubts that can only truly be addressed by independent reviews of the new products. Recently, Onkyo officially released details about their mid-range AVR products (TX-NR737 and TX-NR838)...once again Audyssey is out and AccuEQ is in. Don't let that detail discourage you, the NR737 and NR838 look like winners on paper. Today, we’ll preview these two models and discuss a few of their highlight feature sets that helped them achieve THX Certification.
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Not surprisingly, the NR737 and NR838 are both 4K ready, featuring support of HDMI’s 2.0 specification. This means the units can handle 4K/60Hz signals, 21:9 widescreen formats, and HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection signals (which allows the receivers to play copy protected 4K media and other premium content, receivers without this compatibility feature likely will only pass-through these signals in standard definition). The units also provide 4K up-conversion. The HDCP 2.2 compatibility feature isn’t common in the industry, yet, and is only available on Onkyo’s NR636, NR737, and NR838 models. Onkyo claims to be the first manufacturer to include this technology, which might be a factor if you’re looking for a new AVR this Spring.
The NR737 (7.2 Channel, 110 Watts) and NR838 (7.2, 130W) feature Onkyo’s Wide Range Amplifier Technology (or WRAT), an engine built around a custom high-output transformer, customized capacitors, and low-impedance copper bus-plates. This high powered amplification is combined with dual 32 bit DSP engines and 192 kHz/24 bit digital audio conversion for a sound that the company describes as “wide, deep, and detailed.” An Advanced Music Optimizer DSP is included to improve the sound quality of compressed audio coming from streaming sources.
Similar to the series’ lower end models, AccuEQ Calibration and a free microphone account for the equalization side of the equation. This room correction suite bypasses the front L/R channels during its calibration process, focusing on the remaining channels for optimization. Onkyo says this speeds up the calibration process, but also allows users to enjoy stereo music without DSP correction.
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The NR838 features a Pure Direct Analog Path mode (that removes all digital circuitry from the chain) and a moving-magnet phono equalizer for those users looking to leave their analog source material as intended. This feature makes the NR838 a desirable model for vinyl enthusiast, but also users looking for an analog amplifier for their CD, SACD, and Blu-ray players.
Both new receivers are connectivity rich, featuring seven HDMI inputs (six rear, one front with MHL) and two HDMI outputs. It’s interesting to note that five (four rear and one front) inputs are specified to handle 4K/60Hz signals. Only one HDMI input (rear input 3) is HDCP 2.2 compatible. The NR838 is also capable of transmitting HD video to a Zone 2 display and features 7.2 multichannel pre-outs paired with five digital audio inputs. Much like other offerings from competitors, Onkyo gives the NR737 and NR838 built-in Wifi and Bluetooth for music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM IR, Slacker, AUPEO! and TuneIn Radio (support includes 5.6 MHz DSD, True HD and gapless 192kHz/24 bit FLAC and WAV files). An Onkyo remote app allows for search, track selection, and playback controls for music streamed from servers and internet based music services.
The TX-NR737 (MSRP $899) and TX-NR838 ($1,199) will ship in May 2014.
Image Credits: Onkyo
Not surprisingly, the NR737 and NR838 are both 4K ready, featuring support of HDMI’s 2.0 specification. This means the units can handle 4K/60Hz signals, 21:9 widescreen formats, and HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection signals (which allows the receivers to play copy protected 4K media and other premium content, receivers without this compatibility feature likely will only pass-through these signals in standard definition). The units also provide 4K up-conversion. The HDCP 2.2 compatibility feature isn’t common in the industry, yet, and is only available on Onkyo’s NR636, NR737, and NR838 models. Onkyo claims to be the first manufacturer to include this technology, which might be a factor if you’re looking for a new AVR this Spring.
The NR737 (7.2 Channel, 110 Watts) and NR838 (7.2, 130W) feature Onkyo’s Wide Range Amplifier Technology (or WRAT), an engine built around a custom high-output transformer, customized capacitors, and low-impedance copper bus-plates. This high powered amplification is combined with dual 32 bit DSP engines and 192 kHz/24 bit digital audio conversion for a sound that the company describes as “wide, deep, and detailed.” An Advanced Music Optimizer DSP is included to improve the sound quality of compressed audio coming from streaming sources.
Similar to the series’ lower end models, AccuEQ Calibration and a free microphone account for the equalization side of the equation. This room correction suite bypasses the front L/R channels during its calibration process, focusing on the remaining channels for optimization. Onkyo says this speeds up the calibration process, but also allows users to enjoy stereo music without DSP correction.
The NR838 features a Pure Direct Analog Path mode (that removes all digital circuitry from the chain) and a moving-magnet phono equalizer for those users looking to leave their analog source material as intended. This feature makes the NR838 a desirable model for vinyl enthusiast, but also users looking for an analog amplifier for their CD, SACD, and Blu-ray players.
Both new receivers are connectivity rich, featuring seven HDMI inputs (six rear, one front with MHL) and two HDMI outputs. It’s interesting to note that five (four rear and one front) inputs are specified to handle 4K/60Hz signals. Only one HDMI input (rear input 3) is HDCP 2.2 compatible. The NR838 is also capable of transmitting HD video to a Zone 2 display and features 7.2 multichannel pre-outs paired with five digital audio inputs. Much like other offerings from competitors, Onkyo gives the NR737 and NR838 built-in Wifi and Bluetooth for music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM IR, Slacker, AUPEO! and TuneIn Radio (support includes 5.6 MHz DSD, True HD and gapless 192kHz/24 bit FLAC and WAV files). An Onkyo remote app allows for search, track selection, and playback controls for music streamed from servers and internet based music services.
The TX-NR737 (MSRP $899) and TX-NR838 ($1,199) will ship in May 2014.
Image Credits: Onkyo
