Onkyo’s New TX-SR383 Brings 7-Channel Performance to Entry Level Pricing

Onkyo’s New TX-SR383 Brings 7-Channel Performance to Entry Level Pricing​

(Onkyo)(March 15, 2018) Onkyo has announced its first new AV receiver of the 2018 model year. The TX-SR383 7.2 Channel AV Receiver is priced at a wallet friendly $399 ($499 CAD) and is scheduled to begin shipping later this month.

The TX-SR383 carries seven discrete amps for true 7.1 multichannel performance, including speaker arrangements utilizing rear surround or front height speakers. Owners can also direct the receiver to power a second zone of audio, allowing for a 5.2-channel home theater setup and a separate stereo configuration. Overall power output is rated at 80 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 2 channels driven). Onboard decoding includes support for both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, in addition to other common legacy codecs.

Sound quality is enhanced by Onkyo’s proprietary AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration suite, which tailors sound to compliment room specific factors. Overall calibration functionality includes calculation of individual speaker distances and output levels, in addition to managing crossover settings for integrated powered subwoofers and overall equalization of audio output.

Onkyo has loaded the TX-SR383 with 4K friendly tech, including HDMI inputs (four in, one out) that support 4K/60p, HDR10, HLG HDR, 4:4:4 color sampling, and the BT.2020 color space. Additionally, 4K streaming is supported with HDCP 2.2 compliance. The receiver also carries ARC (Audio Return Channel) allowing for television audio to be sent back to the TX-SR383 via HDMI. And for those quieter moments when amplified sound isn’t needed, the TX-SR383 can pass-through video and audio signals direct to a display.

Both Bluetooth with aptX and a front mounted USB port give owners easy access to their favorite music, while Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer helps to improve the listenability and quality of compressed audio files. A backside 5V/1A USB port is provided to accommodate external streaming devices.

The TX-SR383 is the first of many new Onkyo receivers slotted to hit the market this year. We expect more launch announcements to be made sometime next month.

 

[tripplej]

Thanks for the new product releases. Always good to know what is in the market.

 

[Jeff S]

Thank you for the review Todd. What do you think of this as compared to the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX102? I bought one for my family room for casual viewing and got it for a really good price ($255 O.B.). I wish it had a little more volume, but overall a good receiver for casual use. Not sure if you have experience with the Pioneer but I am still in my return period and might want something slightly "beefier". Your thoughts?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Thank you for the review Todd. What do you think of this as compared to the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX102? I bought one for my family room for casual viewing and got it for a really good price ($255 O.B.). I wish it had a little more volume, but overall a good receiver for casual use. Not sure if you have experience with the Pioneer but I am still in my return period and might want something slightly "beefier". Your thoughts?

Hey Jeff, you got a fantastic price on that receiver. Curious, how many speakers are you running off it? Are you concerned with 4K video (at all) on that TV?

 

[Tonto]

Agreed, I keep the Pioneer & get a 3 channel amp for the front!

 

[Tony V.]

Neither the Pioneer or the Onkyo have pre outs so adding an amp can't be done. Typical for entry level receives.

 

[Jeff S]

Hey Jeff, you got a fantastic price on that receiver. Curious, how many speakers are you running off it? Are you concerned with 4K video (at all) on that TV?

Todd,
I have a total of 8 speakers running on that receiver. I have 2 Klipsch bookshelf speakers as my main left and right; 5 Infinity satellites running as center, rear left and right, and two mounted above the Klipsch for height effect; and a Klipsch powered sub. The receiver is rated to handle 4k and HDR, however none of my sources that run through it are 4K. I do have a 4K Roku (that unfortunately just died) connected directly to the TV. I also have an optical audio cable connecting the TV out to the receiver.
So far it all sounds good if not a little anemic on the volume side. As previously noted by others, there are no pre-outs from the Pioneer to run another amp. Plus I am a little space constrained. Overall, I am happy with the sound for the room this is in. Now that I have had it a couple of weeks and had time to tweak it a bit, the sound is getting better. Hoping to have money soon to replace all of the speakers. Just hard to give up my 25 year old Klipsch speakers as they still sound great. Just hard to find something that carries the same tonal qualities to match to them.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Todd,
I have a total of 8 speakers running on that receiver. I have 2 Klipsch bookshelf speakers as my main left and right; 5 Infinity satellites running as center, rear left and right, and two mounted above the Klipsch for height effect; and a Klipsch powered sub. The receiver is rated to handle 4k and HDR, however none of my sources that run through it are 4K. I do have a 4K Roku (that unfortunately just died) connected directly to the TV. I also have an optical audio cable connecting the TV out to the receiver.
So far it all sounds good if not a little anemic on the volume side. As previously noted by others, there are no pre-outs from the Pioneer to run another amp. Plus I am a little space constrained. Overall, I am happy with the sound for the room this is in. Now that I have had it a couple of weeks and had time to tweak it a bit, the sound is getting better. Hoping to have money soon to replace all of the speakers. Just hard to give up my 25 year old Klipsch speakers as they still sound great. Just hard to find something that carries the same tonal qualities to match to them.

Here's my 2 cents and we'll see if others agree:

I don't think returning the Pioneer and buying this SR383 is going to net you any massive gains in output clarity/higher volume performance. There's absolutely nothing wrong with either receiver, but they spec very similarly.

If I were you, I'd stick to my budget but check out a reputable site called accessories4less.com.

Go check it out and see where their pricing falls on factory refurb gear. I think you might be able to find a receiver with a bit more output power very close (if not at) your budget. Poke around a bit and then post some of your findings in our AV Equipment Advice and Pricing section. I'm sure you'll get some feedback. Ultimately, I think you'll find more of what you want from a receiver with a slightly beefier amp section.

 

[AudiocRaver]

Looks like quite a bit of bang for thre buck!

 

[Jeff S]

Looks like quite a bit of bang for thre buck!

It really is. I was just used to an older (2003 model) Yamaha receiver that had a better output, albeit to only 5.1 channels vs. 7.2 now. I readjusted it this past weekend and it is sounding much better. My next improvement just needs to be speakers.