My journey into the realm of home theater audio took an exciting turn with the Onkyo TX-SR494 AV receiver. With a remarkably affordable starting price of just $299, this AV receiver held the promise of transforming the home theater experience for enthusiasts like me. In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with the Onkyo TX-SR494, offering insights into its key features, performance, and overall value.
Specifications :
- Channels: 5.2.2
- Power Output: 80W per channel (8 ohms)
- Sound : Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Calibration: AccuEQ Sound Calibration
- Video Upscaling: 1080p to 4K UHD
- HDMI Ports: 4 x HDMI-In / 1 x HDMI-Out
- Connectivity: Built-In Bluetooth
- Audio Enhancement: Vocal Enhancer
- Zone: Zone B Line-Out
- Outputs : Height/Surround Back Outputs
- Power Output : USB Power Output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): Approximately 17.1″ x 6.8″ x 12.8″
Pros:
- Powerful sound
- Dolby Atmos
- Affordable price
- Easy setup
- Multiple inputs
Cons:
- No streaming apps
- Limited EQ options
Unboxing and First Impressions :
The Onkyo TX-SR494 made a grand entrance, arriving in a robust, well-packaged box that immediately instilled confidence. As I unboxed it, the first thing that struck me was its sleek and modern design. The matte black finish, clean lines, and well-organized front panel exuded a sense of understated elegance, seamlessly fitting into any home theater setup.
Setting up the receiver turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Thanks to the comprehensive user manual and clearly labeled back panel, I was able to connect my speakers, TV, and other components with ease. The inclusion of color-coded speaker terminals was a thoughtful touch, ensuring that I could make the right connections effortlessly.
Power and Performance :
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter – audio performance. The Onkyo TX-SR494, a 5.2.2-Channel AV Receiver, impressed with its powerful sound. Delivering a robust 80W per channel at 8 ohms, it consistently provided an immersive and impactful audio experience. Whether I was engrossed in a movie, engaged in gaming, or simply enjoying music, the audio quality remained consistently impressive.
One of the standout features that set this receiver apart is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound technologies. These cutting-edge technologies create a captivating three-dimensional audio environment that sets the Onkyo TX-SR494 in a league of its own. The sensation of sound enveloping you from all directions is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a game-changer for those who value an immersive audio experience.
Sound Calibration :
The Onkyo TX-SR494 doesn’t just rely on its power; it’s also equipped with AccuEQ Sound Calibration, a feature that takes the complexity out of speaker setup. By fine-tuning parameters like speaker size, distance, and sound-pressure levels, it optimizes the audio performance, tailoring it to the unique characteristics of your room. It’s like having a personal audio engineer at your disposal, ensuring that the sound quality is fine-tuned to perfection.
Video Enhancement :
This AV receiver doesn’t stop at audio; it elevates the video experience as well. With features like HDR UHD Pass-Through and 1080p to 4K UHD Upscaling, it ensures that you enjoy the best possible video quality. Watching 4K content, I noticed a substantial improvement in visual clarity. The HDMI connectivity, complete with Audio Return Channel and 3D support, simplifies device integration, making it a breeze to use.
Connectivity :
The Onkyo TX-SR494 excels in terms of connectivity, making it a true standout. Sporting four HDMI inputs, I was able to effortlessly connect multiple devices such as my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and streaming device. Furthermore, the HDMI output supports Audio Return Channel (ARC), enabling easy playback of audio from integrated apps on my TV. What’s more, the receiver comes with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing me to seamlessly stream audio from my mobile devices, laptop, or computer.
For those who love customizing their audio experience, the Onkyo TX-SR494 offers a Vocal Enhancer. This thoughtful feature empowers you to fine-tune vocal frequencies to your liking, whether you’re immersed in a movie or grooving to music. It’s a valuable addition for those who seek a personalized audio touch.
Zone B Line-Out :
This receiver goes beyond offering a great audio experience in the main room. It introduces a level of convenience with its Zone B line-out feature. This enables the sharing of audio with another room or facilitates the connection of wireless headphones without disturbing others. What’s truly impressive is that the Height/Surround Back outputs can be used as a Bi-Amp/Zone B speaker output. This flexibility allows you to drive stereo speakers in another room while maintaining a 5.2-channel setup in your main room. Sharing the same source in both zones or exclusively in Zone B is effortless.
Design :
The Onkyo TX-SR494 places a strong emphasis on user-friendliness. The back panel is thoughtfully illustrated and labeled, making setup a straightforward task. The front panel is home to a clean and easy-to-read display, complete with a 3-mode front-panel display dimmer, accommodating your preferences with options like Normal, Dim, and Dimmer.
Music Optimizer and Dolby Atmos :
The Advanced Music Optimizer technology comes into play when dealing with lossy audio files, such as MP3s. It diligently works to restore lost information, resulting in a noticeable enhancement of audio fidelity. Even compressed audio files sound noticeably better, thanks to this technology.
The Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer is yet another remarkable feature. It enhances the listening experience when playing any Dolby format by creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts. This feature has the potential to truly transform your home theater into a dynamic and immersive soundstage.
What’s Missing :
Of course, no product is without its imperfections, and the Onkyo TX-SR494 does have a few areas where it could see improvement. Firstly, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, which means you’ll need either a wired connection or a separate Wi-Fi adapter to access network features. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a minor inconvenience in an era where wireless connectivity is increasingly expected.
Additionally, the receiver doesn’t come with built-in streaming apps. Many modern AV receivers offer apps like Spotify or Pandora pre-installed, making it convenient to access streaming content. With the Onkyo TX-SR494, you’ll need to rely on external devices or apps for your streaming needs.
Lastly, while the AccuEQ Sound Calibration is excellent for optimizing your audio setup, it’s worth noting that the receiver has somewhat limited EQ options for manual fine-tuning. Audiophiles who are particular about audio customization might find this limitation somewhat restrictive.
Final Thoughts :
In conclusion, the Onkyo TX-SR494 AV receiver has firmly established itself as a stellar addition to my home theater setup. It strikes an impressive balance between affordability and high-end audio performance. With its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound technologies, it immerses you in a three-dimensional audio experience that’s truly remarkable. The AccuEQ Sound Calibration, video enhancements, and extensive connectivity options make it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts.
The flexibility offered by the Onkyo TX-SR494, with features like Zone B line-out and Bi-Amp/Zone B, introduces a level of convenience that distinguishes it from the competition. It’s clear that Onkyo has designed this receiver with the user’s experience in mind.
While it’s not without its minor drawbacks, such as the absence of built-in Wi-Fi and streaming apps, and somewhat limited manual EQ options, the overall value it offers at its affordable price point cannot be denied. If you’re in the market for an AV receiver that delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience without breaking the bank, the Onkyo TX-SR494 should sit right at the top of your list. It has the power and technology to transform your home theater into a cinematic wonderland, and for its price, it’s an absolute steal.
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