onkyo tx-nr797

ONKYO TX-NR797 Review – Experience a More Colourful Audio-Visual Life

ByGordon Lyn

In today’s home theatre, the fastest-changing product is not your TV or projector, nor player or cable, but your AV receiver. Because the AV receiver has a vital role in controlling the overall situation, both audio and video signals are transmitted and processed. Simultaneously, all the latest audio and video technologies and formats are continually improving. So it has always been said that the AV receiver must buy the latest.

onkyo tx-NR797 front

There is nothing wrong with buying new ones. But nowadays, there are many choices for AV receivers, and the prices are different. Where are the cost-effective options? Today we take a look at this TX-NR797 receiver from Onkyo. The latest audio and video functions and high cost-effective are undoubtedly impressive.

First of all, the TX-NR797 receiver has the THX authoritative certification in home theatre equipment. It uses THX® certified select for standardized output. It has a 9.2-channel power output, powerful network connection, and playback performance. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound effects. It also has IMAX Enhanced certification, which corresponds to the future upgrade of surround sound formats.

The THX-Certified Dynamic Audio Amplification System

Onkyo receiver has always been the most impressive. It has a continuous power output performance. The giant toroidal transformer and high-capacity capacitor inside the AV receiver can make each channel have a constant and stable power output performance. TX- NR797 has a peak output power of 185W per channel. When watching movies, we can adjust the volume to the reference level recommended by THX Certified Select. The sound volume will be close to the quality of professional cinemas. The 9.2-channel power output allows us to set up different surround sound solutions at home. For example, you can achieve 7.1.2, 5.2.4, etc. Whether playing immersive sound effects of Dolby Atmos or DTS: X, signals are processed and optimized. So the output is reproduced in the highest quality.

onkyo TX-NR797 back panel

When it comes to optimization, Onkyo’s AccuEQ room calibration function must be mentioned. This function is familiar to many users of Onkyo AV products. This function can create a harmonious sound field for your listening space. As long as the microphone is configured and placed in the general listening position, this function can detect the position of the listener, size, and distance of the speaker and set a reasonable sound level. And the sound standard of THX is used for automatic settings.

After completing the above settings, we can select the appropriate subwoofer crossover point. In general, we will refer to the speaker parameters of the surround sound, such as 80Hz (THX standard), 100 or 120Hz. Anyway, the lower the low-frequency dive ability of the surround channel speakers, the higher the crossover point set. Generally, 150Hz is already the most top. After the setup is complete, we can then set up equalizers for all speakers. AccuReflex is optimized for the 3D sound reproduced by Dolby Atmos reflex speakers. It solves the phase difference caused by the difference between the direct sound and the reflected sound path. Thus it improves the positioning of the sound and creates a 3D sound field with a top sound effect and vertical movement. We can perform acoustic correction on the theatre system at up to 9 test points.

High-Quality Power Output Makes the Sound Powerful

TX-NR797 uses a customized high-current low-noise transformer, custom capacitors, and discrete broadband amplifiers, which is the exclusive DAA power drive technology that Onkyo is proud of. The unique circuit topology prevents phase shift. The excellent control of the loudspeaker with high current can get better detail resolution, faster dynamics, and more energy. All channels can drive 4Ω speakers, and DAA can bring a shocking effect that makes the movie more exciting.

onkyo tx-NR797 inside 2

TX-NR797 is also optimized for noise control, which improves driving force and signal-to-noise ratio. The newly designed HDMI board has a larger area, higher strength, and better process. And shorten the line path to reduce the interference on the A / V signal. The new SoC processor is located on a separate circuit board away from the audio signal, further reducing interference. At the same time, the front (L / R) and center channel amplifiers have independent dual transistors, effectively obtaining twice the current drive power. You can hear the speed and strength of the bass impact and the apparent separation and positioning of the instrument on the large and spacious sound field.

Probably the Most Robust Wireless Network Function in AV receiver Products

Another strong point of the TX-NR797 receiver is its upgraded wireless network. Its built-in Wi-Fi network transmission chip is packaged in a quad-core SoC and supports 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO) high-speed Wi-Fi specifications. Such a powerful network transmission configuration is very rare in AV or Hi-Fi products. Its most significant purpose is obviously to pave the way for streaming media transmission and low distortion performance of audiovisual data.

imax enhanced
THX Certified

TX-NR797 supports Works with Sonos, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, FlareConnect multi-room audio technology, and TuneIn network audio. All of the above audio and video streaming protocols require high bandwidth and stable transmission channels to achieve, especially the newly added “Works with Sonos” function. This function signifies Onkyo and SONOS, these two great brands working together. By opening the transmission channels of the products of the two brands, the AV receiver “shake hands” with the active speakers. SONOS, which already has a place in multi-room wireless transmission, quickly enters the home theatre field. At the same time, it also makes TX-NR797 a centre for home entertainment. It is a win-win decision for these two brands to work together to develop various skills such as high-quality entertainment and multi-room entertainment.

Next is AirPlay2. This new wireless streaming protocol from Apple is greatly enhanced in bandwidth compared to the first generation. The quality of the music that can be transmitted is also greatly improved. With DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect multi-room audio technology, TX-NR797 is a multi-functional music streaming media playback device. With these functions, people can completely ignore that this is a home theatre receiver, because the network hardware configuration and playback functions of TX-NR797 are too powerful.

Experience the Highest Quality Movie Programs, TX-NR797 is Fully Competent

In terms of video transmission, TX-NR797’s HDMI supports 4K / 60p, 4K HDR, BT.2020, HDCP 2.2, and the latest IMAX Enhanced function. It can restore IMAX theatre-level significant dynamic range mixing effects. The preset IMAX mode in the camera will faithfully reproduce the original sound with a high level of performance. Various film and television programs produced by IMAX Enhanced, from Hollywood to documentaries, will be released in 4K HDR streaming media and ultra-high-definition Blu-ray format.

To test the TX-NR797, in addition to using the Pioneer UDP-LX500 Blu-ray player, we also paired with a high-quality Procella Audio P5 speaker set, Fibbr HDMI 8K cable, and Dolby and DTS’ latest UHD demo discs. This test also specifically added UHD ultra-high-definition hard disk player, as well as multiple 4K demo clips.

In the Dolby Atmos demo clip of “John Wick 2”, you can feel the very magnificent sound field effect. The sound of gunshots in the tunnels and caves creates a massive sense of space. In a room of more than 20 square meters, the ears You can feel the depth of the space of more than 100 square meters. This is the best surround sound and the best experience with the speaker.

In the next “Ready Player One” racing section, the rich sound is very delicate, with high frequency, low frequency, and dense energy output. It can thoroughly test the performance of NR797’s various power outputs, frequency response balance, and explosiveness. In fact, with Procella Audio P5 speakers, the sound quality can be done quite well in the space of more than 20 square meters. And the 3D surround sound configuration of 5.2.2 can improve the fullness of the sound of the entire theatre. In some other presentation clips, the explosiveness of the sound is quite excellent, and experience the highest quality movie program currently, TX-NR797 is fully competent.

In Addition to Watching Movies, Music Enjoyment is Also Worth Mentioning

Another essential function of TX-NR797 is to have good music and streaming media transmissions functions, such as AirPlay 2 and DTS Play-Fi. We know that after AirPlay 2 appeared on the iPhone and iPad, it introduced some new features, such as controlling multiple speakers. Previously, this feature could only be used on MacBook. The most fundamental difference between AirPlay 2 and AirPlay is the multi-room audio function. And as the core and most basic function of AirPlay 2, Apple is fortunate to open its protocol and support the access of third-party speakers. Therefore, Onkyo TX-NR797 can become a multi-room control device under the Mac or iOS system, achieving high-bandwidth transmission support, and using wireless network transmission to play Hi-Res quality music.

works with sonus

Next is DTS Play-Fi. Through the PC or MAC, and the mobile phone application APP, we can push high-quality music resources for TX-NR797. The essential point of Play-Fi technology is its high sound quality transmission. It adopts uncompressed and non-encoded transmission, and the data transmission accuracy is as high as 192kHz / 24bit, by the way. On iOS systems, native AirPlay is still the most convenient for wireless music transmission. On Android, the compatibility of DLNA and DTS Play-Fi is comparable. However, the only Windows computer that can achieve wireless lossless transmission is DTS Play-Fi.

Conclusions

There is no doubt that Onkyo NR797 has the most attractive surround sound performance and the latest processing, control, and playback functions. It is also one of the most cost-effective 9.2-channel AV receivers. Onkyo NR797 will make you refreshed with the rich core of home audio and video entertainment! Don’t forget. This Onkyo TX-NR797 is still a very cost-effective AV product. If you want to build a set of the most advanced, practical, and economical home theatre system, TX-NR797 is recommended!

Onkyo Tx-NR797 Specs

Amplifier

  • All Channels:100 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC) 220 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 Channel Driven)
  • Dynamic Power:250 W (3 Ohms, Front) 220 W (4 Ohms, Front) 130 W (8 Ohms, Front)
  • THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise):0.08% (20 Hz–20 kHz, Half Power)
  • Input Sensitivity and Impedance:200 mV/47 k-ohms (Line/Unbalanced) 3.5 mV/47 k-ohms (Phono/MM)
  • Rated RCA Output Level and Impedance:200 mV/470 ohms (Zone B / 2 Line Out) 1 V/470 ohms (Subwoofer Pre Out)
  • Phono Overload:70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%)
  • Frequency Response:10 Hz–100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct Mode)
  • Tone Control:±10 dB, 20 Hz (Bass) ±10 dB, 20 kHz (Treble)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio:106 dB (Line, IHF-A) 80 dB (Phono, IHF-A)
  • Speaker Impedance:4 ohms–16 ohms

Video

  • Video:1.0 Vp–p/75 Ohms (Component Y) 0.7 Vp–p/75 Ohms (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1.0 Vp–p/75 Ohms (Composite)
  • Component Video Frequency Response:+0 dB, -3 dB

Tuner

  • FM:87.5 MHz–1070.9 MHz
  • AM:530 kHz–1,710 kHz
  • FM/AM Preset Memory:40 stations

General

  • Power Supply:AC 120 V~, 60 Hz
  • Power Consumption:750 W
  • No-Sound Power Consumption:75 W
  • Standby Power Consumption:0.15 W
  • Dimensions (W x H x D):17 1/8″ x 6 13/16″ x 14 15/16″ (435 x 173.5 x 379.5 mm)
  • Weight:23.8 lbs (10.8 kg)
  • Dimensions (W x H x D):21″ x 10 7/16″ x 18 7/16″ (534 x 265 x 468 mm)
  • Weight:29.8 lbs (13.5 kg)