Onkyo has announced two more 3D-capable AV receivers, this time reaching for the higher end of the market.
The Onkyo TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 bring the Japanese company’s latest line-up of 3D-compatible receivers to nine, with the cheapest starting at £240. Both are THX Ultra2 Plus certified and come equipped with network audio streaming support, USB playback for iPhone or iPod, and each includes eight HDMI 1.4a inputs with 3D video compatibility and audio return channel.
Specs are very similar on both machines but the TX-NR5008 comes with an outside toroidal transformer and superior power stage to improve all-round audio performance. It can also power up to three zones while the TX-NR3008 can only power two, though it can be set up to switch between zones two and three.
There are also two HDMI outputs on both models so they can be connected to two HD TVs at the same time, plus there’s 1080p upscaling and an Ethernet socket for connection to the internet or a PC. They’re compatible with Windows 7 and have DLNA 1.5 networking certification.
Both offer 9.2 channel surround sound, with Audyssey DSX for extra height and width channels, and Dolby Pro-Logic IIz for extra height channels. There’s also full support for HD audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as a DSD Direct mode for SACD multichannel hi-fi.
The TX-NR3008 has a side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 has USB ports on both front and rear. Further options include the UP-DT1 DAB+ tuner module for £130 and the UP-A1 iPhone/iPod dock for £60.
The Onkyo TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 will be available in August for £2,400 and £1,700 respectively.