Onkyo TX-NR7100 AVR Review

[CapMan]

One of the typical examples why I won't buy an AVR any time soon.

You're missing out - my Denon 4800 is awesome. Can't hear a difference between that and the esoteric expensive brand it replaced.

 

[welwynnick]

This Topping doesn't even have HDMI and miniDSP Flex HT/HTx are not able to decode digital audio (only PCM is supported), don't have multiple HDMI inputs and cheapest version with room correction and calibration mic will be ~$1000 for the DSP alone (add cost of the amplifiers). So, no, not cheaper and can't replace AVR, not even close.

You can use the Topping DM7 with a USB connection from an HTPC.

If you want to use HDMI out of any source, use an HDMI audio extractor like the AES/EBU version of the Audiopraise VanityPRO and drive an Octo DAC8.

These solutions work very well for 7.1 systems - much better SQ than any AVP. If you want Atmos, it's more complicated and more expensive

 

[Oso Polar]

You can use the Topping DM7 with an HTPC, and it works very well.

Except HTPC itself doesn't work very well - because of Atmos and because of multiple proprietary streaming platforms.

If you want to use HDMI out of any source, use an HDMI audio extractor like the Audiopraise VanityPRO and drive an Octo DAC8.

These solutions work very well for 7.1 systems - much better SQ than any AVP. If you want Atmos, it's more complicated and more expensive.

Great, I can see something like this used in addition to AVR, not as AVR replacement. Dolby Digital/Atmos/DTS/whatever decoding, room calibration, loudness compensation, bass management - these and many other things AVR does - for audio. Now, it also has a video part and multiple sources support - something which is also not supported in any of multichannel DAC + amp configurations. I have four different devices connected to HDMI inputs of my AVR.

 

[Gorgonzola]

Why is it so hard? All I want is a really good replacement for my 13 y/o Onkyo AVR. All I want is 5.1 channel; pre-outs for the LR channels would be great too. BTW, an AM/FM receiver is very optional for me.

I don't really see why a good pre-proc can't be make for under USD2K.

 

[antcollinet]

that will do the job very well at much less cost.

If you have something to decode the multi channel audio before sending it to the multi channel dacs.

 

[Oso Polar]

Why is it so hard? All I want is a really good replacement for my 13 y/o Onkyo AVR. All I want is 5.1 channel; pre-outs for the LR channels would be great too. BTW, an AM/FM receiver is very optional for me.

I don't really see why a good pre-proc can't be make for under USD2K.

Denon - AVR-X4800H was recommended by Amir and is $2350 in Best Buy right now, so probably can be found cheaper on sale.

 

[kyuu]

Denon - AVR-X4800H was recommended by Amir and is $2350 in Best Buy right now, so probably can be found cheaper on sale.

Why go above the X3800H for a 5.1 setup? Even going that high is only to get Audyssey XT32 and Dirac ready.

Why is it so hard? All I want is a really good replacement for my 13 y/o Onkyo AVR. All I want is 5.1 channel; pre-outs for the LR channels would be great too. BTW, an AM/FM receiver is very optional for me.

I don't really see why a good pre-proc can't be make for under USD2K.

As above, what's wrong with the X3800H? Are you looking for something cheaper, or...?

I'd also recommend looking at the new JBL line, such as the MA7100HP. Granted, it has no pre-outs, but if you really need more power just go up to the 9100. Also granted, we have no measurements yet, but that should be resolved within the next couple of months.

 

[AlexanderM]

Why is it so hard? All I want is a really good replacement for my 13 y/o Onkyo AVR. All I want is 5.1 channel; pre-outs for the LR channels would be great too. BTW, an AM/FM receiver is very optional for me.

I don't really see why a good pre-proc can't be make for under USD2K.

How much power are you looking for?? Right now I can buy a Denon 760 7.2 AVR (75 watts) for $599.00 & a Pioneer 935 (80 watts) for about the same price, that's in Canada.

Do a search at Amazon or Best Buy, there are some good prices right now, Denon passes the Amir test, so go with Denon.

 

[welwynnick]

Except HTPC itself doesn't work very well - because of Atmos and because of multiple proprietary streaming platforms.


Great, I can see something like this used in addition to AVR, not as AVR replacement. Dolby Digital/Atmos/DTS/whatever decoding, room calibration, loudness compensation, bass management - these and many other things AVR does - for audio. Now, it also has a video part and multiple sources support - something which is also not supported in any of multichannel DAC + amp configurations. I have four different devices connected to HDMI inputs of my AVR.

HTPC works well for 7.1, but is not viable for Atmos, at the moment.
Dolby and DTS decoding can be done in the source, but you need a processor for Atmos.
If you want Atmos, you could use the Arvus H1-D and connect it to a Dante DAC or directly to an amplifier or speakers.
If you want Atmos and room correction, there are six multi channel audio interfaces that support both Dante and bass management and room correction.
If you want the processor to do Atmos, there are 12 that can output 16 or 32 channels of digital audio to feed off-board converters.
It's true that the Audiopraise only has one HDMI input (I don't really understand why) but HDMI switchers aren't expensive.

 

[kyuu]

It's true that the Audiopraise only has one HDMI input (I don't really understand why) but HDMI switchers aren't expensive.

While I just defended AVRs, I will also point out that HDMI ARC/eARC allows you to just connect all your sources directly to the TV. Assuming your TV and preamp/processor/whatever support it of course.

 

[welwynnick]

While I just defended AVRs, I will also point out that HDMI ARC/eARC allows you to just connect all your sources directly to the TV. Assuming your TV and preamp/processor/whatever support it of course.

Unfortunately the Audiopraise VanityPRO and the Arvus HDMI-2A don't support eARC, which makes it all the more frustrating that they only have one input. Users are inevitably going to want to use multiple sources.

 

[sealman]

1K for crap. You could buy a few separates for 1/2 to 2/3 the price and blow this thing away.

Yes you could IF you only want stereo output.

 

[JDS]

Further proof that, while reviews of the parade of incredibly high-value Chinese DACs, digital power amplifiers and IEMs keep proving that superb 2-channel performance can now be had for peanuts, even moderately performant home theater equipment is still both rare and, with few exceptions, very expensive.

Having discovered the joys of multichannel music, I am increasingly annoyed that it remains prohibitive to build a system of even roughly comparable quality to a decent 2-channel setup.

I know these must take a long time to test, Amir. But I think the greatest service you could provide would be to find reasonably priced, competently designed AVRs to share with us -- or, if none are to be found, to agitate for manufacturers to up their game.

 

[dlaloum]

As I have explained in previous videos, this is NOT protection mode. Protection shuts the unit down. This limp mode silently limits power but the machine keeps going.

When the unit shuts down to protect itself, the web interface is not accessible...

The Status screen, on the web interface has a field which Onkyo/Integra calls "Protect" - and it has two possible statuses protected/not protected.

Protected, is the mode where the amp output is constrained, unprotected is the standard operating mode

So yes, their terminology is confusing! if there is a short on a speaker wire, the AVR will go into shutdown to protect itself... but this isn't what they call their "protect" mode.

To bring up that status screen, log into the web interface as UID=ciuser PWD=ciuser, and click on the "clipboard" icon on the top right hand side of the screen... scroll down to the "Amplifier" section.

The three items monitored here are:

• Protect
• Temperature
• Fan Speed

With my Gallo Nucleus Ref 3.2 speakers - I have never managed to trigger the "protect" mode where it power limits, however, you observed distortion rise at 10W.... and I observed subjective poor performance.... which was not present when I used external power amps (given mine is the Integra twin with pre-outs)... so I am not surprised to see (hear) that there is an early rise in distortion when driving 4ohm.
Given how "unhappy" these amp circuits get with 4 ohm loads, I do wonder whether the poor THD we are seeing would be present on an 8ohm load test.

It would be nice to see results/measurements of the Integra member of that family, as I have found it to be an excellent AVP, and its internal amps have been perfectly up to the task of running surround/height, once relieved of the primary load of L / R.

 

[dlaloum]

I do not own nor have an opinion about this product, but I do have a Denon avr-x2600 which is not a power house. But it never runs out of steam and stays nice and cool, while being plenty loud. In a typical home cinema setup (like mine) there is always one or more subwoofers to do the heavy lifting. So I wonder about the real power requirements for most people. If you have a large room and you don't want to use subwoofers the story changes, but that does not seem like an obvious approach. In my experience, the power handling is the first thing people look at when evaluating AVRs, but as long as you use capable subs, almost any power rating will do.

Still it seems an odd approach to design an AVR with a very decent output and then defeat that with a protection circuit.

As always, YMMV.

In actual use, and with speakers of nominal impedances of 6ohm and up... it does just fine.

Even with 4 ohm speakers, I have not seen any reports of the AVR going into the reduced power protect mode. (which can be monitored via the web interface).

 

[dlaloum]

Don't hold your breath
This is what I use, actually Pioneer LX305.

It isn't the 5W SINAD which is audible... but something isn't right when driving 4 ohm nominal speakers (with dips down to 1.6 ohm) - which is definitely audible ... on my Integra DRX 3.4 sibling.

The audibility issues are absent when using it as an AVP driving external amps - but obviously that is only an option with the Integra and not the Onkyo (or Pioneer?) version.

 

[jayapple]

This Topping doesn't even have HDMI and miniDSP Flex HT/HTx are not able to decode digital audio (only PCM is supported), don't have multiple HDMI inputs and cheapest version with room correction and calibration mic will be ~$1000 for the DSP alone (add cost of the amplifiers). So, no, not cheaper and can't replace AVR, not even close.

My AVR is mainly used for gaming and watching movies, which is now the main function of AVR. AVR is now mainly focused on image processing, and the latest models generally support 8K, but there are hardly any 8K devices and resources available to use now.

When it comes to listening to music, the AVR is not even as effective as the $100 FOSI.

 

[JSmith]

Onkyo have for many years had issues as well with faulty HDMI boards and their customer service in addressing problems is known to be sub-par.


JSmith

 

[CoryGillmore]

What really upsets me about this test is it gives surround sound multi channel a bad name. When you sell junk like this and try to pawn it off as good equipment, you destroy the entire concept. As another poster mentioned, if you pay $800 you can get a real low end AVR. It most likely does not have the idiotic rip off of massive power limiting and false claims of power that turns off and never comes back on for the average user. Amir did an amazing job. Junk like this should be hounded out of existence. It is appalling the junk supposedly reputable companies put out for the general public. A pox on their house!

I think that's a bit dramatic. I think the average meathead user would buy this thing and be perfectly happy with it. I bought the 2015 7.2 model and used it with full Klipsch big box store speakers (dual 8" towers, X4 R15M surrounds, R250M center and 2 12SW subs) and was very pleased with it and anyone who watched a movie with me raved about it. 99% of people are completely dumb about sound. So the idea that a purchase like this could ruin someone is just ridiculous. Hell, I would say that ****** Onkyo from 2015 ignited my passion for audio and led me to the Cornwall IV, REL T9/x system I have today.

 

[3125b]

Anyone else still waiting for evidence that 75dB SINAD and only 40W/ch is an audible issue in a typical living room/bedroom use case? I know I am.

It‘s not so much about performance (although that‘s objectively pretty bad), it‘s more that their specifications are blatantly false, it‘s not even close.