Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Onkyo TX-SR494 AV receiver offers an impressive range of features, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 4K Ultra HD support, designed to deliver a high-quality home theater experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or simply looking to enhance your movie nights, this receiver has much to offer. In this review, we’ll dive deep into Onkyo TX-SR494 AV receiver’s features, performance, usability, and more, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your home theater setup.

Key Features and Specifications

The Onkyo TX-SR494 is packed with impressive specifications, making it a standout choice for many home entertainment enthusiasts. Here’s a quick look at its essential features:

Feature	Description
Power Output	160 watts per channel
Audio Formats	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, Dolby Surround
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
Surround Sound	5.2.2 Channel with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
4K/HD Video Support	Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
Audio Calibration	AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex
High-Resolution Audio	Yes, supports Hi-Res Audio playback
Other Features	Bluetooth streaming, HDMI inputs (4), eARC, Vocal Enhancer

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Onkyo TX-SR494 delivers a powerful and immersive experience. The receiver is equipped with seven high-current amplifier channels, providing enough power to support various speaker configurations. Whether you’re using a traditional 5.1 setup, or opting for a more advanced 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, the receiver can handle it with ease.

Dolby Atmos & DTS:X

One of the standout features of the Onkyo TX-SR494 is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats. These technologies bring an entirely new level of immersion to your audio experience by enabling sound to move freely around you in 3D space. This makes for a much more dynamic and realistic soundscape, especially when watching movies or playing immersive video games.

Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer is particularly impressive, as it can simulate height effects in the audio without the need for additional height speakers. This can be incredibly beneficial for those who are looking to enjoy immersive sound without committing to a full-height speaker setup.

Sound Performance

Users have praised the Onkyo TX-SR494 for its ability to deliver crisp, clear dialogue and punchy bass. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, the receiver’s dynamic range is outstanding. The AccuEQ system automatically calibrates your speakers and subwoofer to ensure optimal sound performance for any room layout, while AccuReflex ensures phase coherence for more accurate sound localization in a Dolby Atmos setup.

4K Ultra HD Support and Video Performance

The Onkyo TX-SR494 supports 4K Ultra HD video, including HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020, which ensures that you get the best possible video quality when paired with a compatible TV or projector. It also supports 4:4:4 color space, which is essential for high-quality video performance, especially when watching HDR content.

The receiver features six HDMI inputs, all of which are HDCP 2.2 compliant, allowing it to pass 4K and HDR signals from your media devices to your TV or projector without issue. eARC support ensures high-quality audio return from your TV back to the receiver, especially for new formats like Dolby Atmos.

Gaming Experience

The Onkyo TX-SR494 is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. The low latency and high-definition video support ensure a seamless and immersive gaming experience. Coupled with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the receiver makes it easy to track in-game sounds, such as footsteps or distant gunfire, bringing the game to life.

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Onkyo TX-SR494 is relatively straightforward, and the AccuEQ auto-calibration system makes it easy to get optimal sound in any room. Users have praised how easy it is to connect the receiver to their devices using the Bluetooth wireless technology and HDMI ports. The GUI is clean, and navigating the receiver’s various settings through the On-Screen Display (OSD) is intuitive.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Bluetooth functionality allows you to stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or PC. After pairing your device with the receiver, the Bluetooth feature automatically connects and begins playback when an audio signal is detected. This feature is particularly useful for music streaming or connecting your phone to the receiver without the need for cables.

However, while most users have found Bluetooth connectivity to be reliable, a few have reported occasional disconnects. This inconsistency is worth considering if you’re planning to rely heavily on wireless streaming.

Usability and Features

HDMI Support and Multi-Zone Capabilities

With four HDMI outputs (including an ARC-ready main out), the Onkyo TX-SR494 provides flexibility for connecting multiple devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming devices. The Zone B pre-/line-out feature is particularly useful if you want to set up a second audio zone in another room.

The Vocal Enhancer feature is another useful addition. It enhances dialogue clarity, making it easier to hear speech in movies or TV shows, especially when the audio includes a lot of action or background noise.

Design and Build Quality

The Onkyo TX-SR494 features a sleek, modern design that will fit seamlessly into any home theater setup. It has a matte black finish and a compact build, making it easy to place in most entertainment centers. The receiver is built with high-quality components, and the buttons and dials on the front panel feel solid and responsive.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer feedback on the Onkyo TX-SR494 has been largely positive. Many users have praised the sound quality, noting that it rivals that of professional home theaters. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities are particularly appreciated, with users noting the significant improvement in sound immersion.

The ease of setup has also received a lot of praise. Most users report that it takes just a few minutes to get the system up and running, thanks to the auto-calibration system and the clear instructions provided in the manual.

However, a few customers have experienced issues with the Bluetooth functionality, citing occasional dropouts or the receiver failing to automatically reconnect to previously paired devices. Some users have also mentioned that the remote control could be a bit more responsive, but this is a relatively minor complaint.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful sound quality with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• 4K Ultra HD and HDR support for top-tier video performance
• Easy Bluetooth streaming for music and audio
• AccuEQ and AccuReflex for optimized sound calibration
• Vocal Enhancer feature for clear dialogue
• Multiple HDMI inputs and HDMI ARC support for flexible connectivity

Cons:

• Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues reported by some users
• Remote control could be more responsive
• Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end receivers

Conclusion

The Onkyo TX-SR494 is an excellent mid-range AV receiver that offers a comprehensive feature set at a reasonable price. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K Ultra HD, and HDR, this receiver provides an outstanding audio and video experience for home theater enthusiasts. The AccuEQ and AccuReflex systems ensure optimal sound performance, while the Bluetooth streaming and HDMI inputs make it versatile and easy to use.

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