CES 2019: Onkyo Announces Two New Entry Level Receivers, TX-SR494 and TX-SR393
Much like Pioneer’s receivers previewed earlier today, Onkyo’s new AVRs both offer Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback, using 5.2.2 (TX-SR494) and 3.2.2 (TX-SR393) speaker arrangements. And for those owners choosing to employ a traditional multi-channel arrangement, the receivers’ onboard Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X technologies create surround and height channels effects for an enhanced 3D audio experience. This can be achieved with speaker systems as small as 2.1, but the receivers are natively capable of 7.2 (SR494) and 5.2 (SR393) performance. Powered Zone 2 audio is also an option.
Other sound enhancements include “Vocal Enhancer” which allows users to quickly raise or lower vocal frequencies in circumstances where dialog is difficult to understand. And onboard room correction in the form of AccuEQ measures and accounts for speaker distance, size, and loudness levels for a calibrated audio experience, while AccuReflex technology optimizes output from add-on Dolby Atmos module speakers.
Neither receiver ships with HDMI 2.1 functionality, but they do accommodate all HDMI 2.0 video requirements, allowing for pass-through support for 4K/60p and HDR (Dolby Vision®, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020) along with 4:4:4 color sub-sampling.
On the input front, the receivers carry optical and coaxial digital inputs, along with RCA analog inputs and Bluetooth streaming. They also offer Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer, which upconverts compressed audio files for an improved and sharpened music experience.
The TX-SR494 and the TX-SR393 are scheduled to sell for $479.99 and $349.99, respectively. Shipping should begin this coming February. AV NIRVANA will post photos in the coming days.
