Onkyo TX-NR609

Pros: + Sound quality is great
+ Network connectivity and services are superb
+ Tons of inputs
+ iPhone/iPad control app
+ Superb Video up-conversion
+ THX certification
+ Powered Zone 2 audio out
+ DLNA

Cons: - No built-in HD Radio
- No video out for Zone 2
- No PC control

Summary: I spotted this receiver after reading some glowing reports for it's predecessor the TX-SR608. The fact it has the Network facility and streams Internet radio stations was the clincher for me. After years of using a squeezebox to listen to internet radio and play files from my PC, I can now dispense with it , as this receiver has it all. One disappointment is the lack of a favorites button on the remote - nothing should be simpler than being able to access your stations list with one press of the remote.

Setup is quite straight-forward using the wired microphone. But again controlling the receiver is quite a feat with the supplied remote control which has hardly any buttons compared to the one you get with Yamaha units - for example. Some of the commands are nested, meaning you have to switch modes before you can control some things. If you have an all in one remote like the Logitech Harmony, then comprehensively programming it to replace the Onkyo product requires some imagination to say the least.

This receiver replaces a five yr old Yamaha RX-V657 which had Component, S-Video and RCA connectors. The HDMI pass-thru is good in standby, but It's reported to gobble up around 45w/hr of power to do it.
The HDMI can be a bit touchy when it comes to connection with blu-ray or in my case with a satelite box. This may or may not be an Onkyo issue, as I've encountered this one before, but it does crop up in reviews for Onkyo receivers time and again. I've only had this handshake issue when starting from pass-thru and in view of my comments regarding the power burnt in pass-thru mode I don't use it anymore. Whats the point of using pass-thru if you can have your receiver powered up on with low volume and be using 5w more?

After first set-up my powered Yamaha sub-woofer wouldn't wake up from standby even with 5.1 DD movies played at mod high volume. After much angst, I read somewhere in the manual about a menu setting where you divert more bass frequency from your front speakers and divert that to your sub-woofer - that worked.

Sound quality is great, though to be honest, I did think the direct mode for two channel audio sounded a bit flat, that might be the way my KEF speakers interact with this particular receiver. I wonder why US Buyers are denied the pure direct mode that receivers destined for other markets have? Does Onkyo believe that N. America doesn't have hifi audiophiles?

Another thing missing compared to the Yamaha, is the lack of a speakers A&B switch, instead there is the powered zone 2 feature. Not bad but if you use zone 2, like I do for patio speakers then you can't bi-amp your front speakers. I wanted to bi-amp as KEF speakers recommend doing this.

All in all a great receiver, lots of features that you'd expect to only see on more expensive units.

Lastly, if you will buy the TX-NR609 I suggest for best deal at: www.amazon.com/exec/******/****/B004O0TRD8/cnet-offer-20

Updated on Oct 2, 2011

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If you will buy the TX-NR609 I suggest for best deal at amazon's store at --> http://beam.to/TX-NR609