ONKYOTXNR3009Black AV Receiver

Coming complete with the much coveted THX Ultra2 Plus certification, the Onkyo TXNR3009 is a devastatingly effective device.

STUNNING SOUND QUALITY

When it comes to the quality of the amplification and processing, the Onkyo TXNR3009 has several features over and above the lower models that take it to the next level. First off is Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry. VLSC uses a unique Digital to Analogue Convertor to reduce levels of noise in the analogue domain for a more detailed sound quality. The TXNR3009 also features a massive power transformer with two separate transformers for audio and video processing. With a huge 160 watts (at 8 ohms) of power, it's little wonder that the TXNR3009 has been certified with THX's top rating - Ultra2 Plus. Essentially, this means that even in large rooms the TXNR3009 will play at reference volume levels with minimum distortion. If you want even more control from your front speakers, then the option of bi-amping, using two integral amplifiers, is available (this voids the Zone 2 powered output). If you were wondering what the "9.2" channel output meant, that's explained by the TXNR3009's twin subwoofer outputs. When used in this way you get a better spread of bass and can use two smaller, but "faster" sounding subwoofers for a tighter, better controlled bass.

CLASS-LEADING PROCESSING POWER

By increasing the speaker count from 7.2 to 9.2, the TXNR3009 adds front height speakers. This makes the sound even more like a true cinema and is especially effective with larger screens - as the sound is just as strong at the top of the image as it is at the base. In short, for a true 'wall of sound', 9.2 channels are extremely impressive and make you 'feel' part of the action more than ever before. To make the most of its 9.2 channels, the TXNR3009 also comes with DTS Neo:X processing. Neo:X is the world's first processor to offer 2.0/5.1/6.1/7.1 to 9.1 conversion, meaning that the TXNR3009 can make the most of all 10 or 11 (if you use twin subwoofers) speakers, whatever the source input. From stereo to advanced 7.1 signals, the TXNR3009 uses DTS Neo:X to provide an expansive upmix and a thrilling 3-D, 9.2 channel sound to match 3D vision. Yet it's not just the 9.2 DTS Neo:10 that impresses. Another impressive feature is the inclusion of an HQA Vida VHD1900 video processor. Whatever the definition, HQA Vida ensures the highest video processing quality possible at this price. You can also adjust ISF calibration for individual sources, giving you total control over system integration. As you'd expect, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Pro Logic IIz are all standard. In addition to this, like other new Onkyo AV receivers, the TXNR3009 comes with Marvell Qdeo 4K video upscaling. Going one stage further than conventional 1080p upscaling, the processor has the power to upscale to twice that level! Known as 4K because of the horizontal pixel count of 1080p video increasing from 1920 to around 4000 (there are several formats all offering slight variations). Currently, 4k TVs and monitors are specialist items but, watch this space; prices are coming down all the time. At the moment there are already 4K videos available over the internet but, with the TX-NR3009, the upscaling ensures, whatever the format, you're all set for the future of 4K.

EVERY SOCKET YOU COULD EVER NEED!

In terms of sockets, the TX-NR3009 has a system-busting 8 HDMI inputs - 1 front and 7 rear - and twin HDMI outputs. The twin outputs are especially useful if you run both a flat screen TV and projector or have a screen in another room. Either way, you'd certainly struggle to use every one of them! The TXNR3009 also comes with twin USB sockets. It might not look much, but one of these little sockets will transform the sound quality from your iPod or iPhone. By connecting to the USB, you'll benefit from a digital connection. This gives a direct signal and, hence, purer sound quality than using a conventional dock or analogue input. If you don't have an iPod or iPhone, the USB socket will also accept music signals from other MP3 players or multi-media devices. The other, rear-mounted, USB socket is there to add a wi-fi dongle. By having this at the back, it's tucked neatly out of site and still leaves the front socket available for your iPod/iPhone. The TXNR3009 also makes an ideal basis for a 3 zone, multi-room system. Zone 2 and Zone 3 (passive) give the TXNR3009 genuine multi-room ability, especially as the remote control features bi-directional commands. Other sockets include both 9.2 output and 7.1 input via RCA phono. These are extremely useful for adding more powerful/better quality amplification and/or for connecting an older source with RCA multi-channel output only. The TXNR3009 also gives you S-Video connectivity, comprehensive component connections and a useful RS232 port for home automation compatibility. A highly unusual feature but welcomed by many is the VGA PC input. This means that you can easily route your PC's video signal through your home cinema system. You'll also find three coaxial and optical digital inputs and the full complement of composite and RCA phono sockets that you'd expect. The TXNR3009 also features a universal port at the back for Onkyo iPod dock connection or DAB+ tuner upgrade module. Finally, this Onkyo AV receiver also comes with binding posts for all speakers, allowing every speaker to be easily connected with the thickest of cables.

FULLY NETWORK CONNECTED AND EASY TO CONTROL VIA APPLE OR ANDROID APPS

Simply connect to your home network using an Ethernet connection or optional wi-fi dongle and you can access Internet radio sites and digital music streaming services such as the popular Spotify (premium account required). Alternatively, stream music via DLNA from other sources such as your laptop or NAS drive. The TXNR3009 can also be controlled using your iPod Touch/iPhone or Android smart phone by downloading the free control apps.

For the ultimate in AV, you're in good hands with the TXNR3009.