Onkyo TX-SR805 Receivers

 

 

The Onkyo TX-SR805 is an excellent AV receiver with cutting edge features with a price of $890. Like it’s step-down model, the TX-SR605, it offers onboard decoding for Dolby True HD, three HDMI 1.3 ports capable of handling 1080p video, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding.

Some of the additional features for the extra money you’ll pay for are THX Neural surround processing (XM- and Sirius-ready), and its automatic speaker calibration allows you to switch up to six high-definition video sources. It also has multiroom functionality for second and third zones.

For the real audiophiles, Onkyo has made internal audio enhancements, including Burr Brown digital-to-analog converters (DACs). If you’re interested in the best audio quality, the TX-SR805 is for you.

 

However, if you're mainly concerned with the extra HDMI functionality, consider the step-down models like the TX-SR705 or SR605 and get an HDMI switcher.

The TX-SR805 is not small. Leave space in your AV rack for the silver or black device which is 7.625 inches high, 17.125 inches wide, and 18.25 inches deep. You should leave some extra ventilation space, too, as it runs hot. A large flip-down panel has many extra front-panel buttons.

The TX-SR805 uses Audyssey Labratories' MultEQ XT eight-point automatic speaker calibration program. You can run it using the microphone included with your purchase. The result is excellent, but be forewarned that the calibration process can take a while.

Onkyo rates the power output of the TX-SR805, a 7.1. channel AV receiver, at 130 watts, which is up from the 100 watts per channel of the TX-SR705. Like most other receivers you’ll find, it offers the full selection of Dolby and DTS surround-processing modes.

The TX-SR805 also has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.