New Onkyo networked AV receivers pack 4K and vinyl compatibility

Onkyo has unleashed a new pair of AV Receivers named the TX-NR737 and TX-NR838, both of which feature 4K/60 Hz and HDCP 2.2-compliant video and wireless hi-res audio connectivity and have gained THX Select2 Plus certification.

The Onkyo TX-NR838 and TX-NR737 have Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) at their core, a system built around a custom high-output transformer, large customised capacitors, and low-impedance copper bus-plates.

Three-stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry is onboard to provide a low-impedance output stage with high-current transistors for instant power and low distortion.

The TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 home cinema amplifiers also feature dual Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engines and 24/192 Burr-Brown DACs (Digital Analogue Convertors).

The TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 both feature Onkyo’s proprietary AccuEQ room calibration that bypasses the front L/R channels so the main loudspeakers’ unique audio characteristics are preserved, which is good news for stereo music listening.

Turntable owners will be pleased to note that both the TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 will allow you to hook up a record player. What’s more, TX-NR838 owners can select Pure Direct Analogue Path (PDAP) mode to physically shut down all digital circuitry in the receiver, eliminating electrical interference. Signals pass directly from the phono or analogue audio inputs to the amplifiers and arrive at the front loudspeakers in analogue form.

Both receivers feature seven HDMI inputs (six rear, one front with MHL capability for smartphones/tablets) and two outputs, with inputs 1- 4 and the frontside input supporting Ultra HD video at 60 frames per second.

The TX-NR737 and TX-NR838 feature HDCP 2.2 compatibility on HDMI Input 3 and Main Out, allowing the receiver to play copy-protected Ultra HD media and other premium streamed, broadcast, or physical video content. Apparently, home cinema receivers without HDCP 2.2 compatibility can only pass this premium content through to the display in standard definition (480i/576i).

‘Low-definition’ video from legacy consoles, DVDs, and streamed video via media players is scaled to Full HD or 4K (depending on your display) with Qdeo technology.

As well as powering audio in another room equipped with a pair of speakers, the TX-NR838 transmits high-definition video to a Zone 2 display via the HDMI Sub Out. Users can route 1080p content from media players connected to the receiver and enjoy it on a second display with smartphone control.

The additional HDMI output on the TX-NR737 is designed for projector connection.

The TX-NR838 also features 7.2 multichannel pre-outs, five digital audio inputs, and a 12 V trigger-out for Zone 2 audio.

Built-in Wi-Fi and DLNA compatibility allows for streaming of high-resolution music libraries from PCs or media servers, with search, track selection, and playback controls all enabled via the remote app.

A large variety of file formats are supported including 5.6 MHz DSD, Dolby TrueHD, and gapless 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC and WAV.

Users can also stream music stored on mobile devices via Wi-Fi, or use the onboard Bluetooth 2.1 receiver.

Both receivers provide access to a wide assortment of Internet services, including Spotify Premium, Deezer, AUPEO!, Pandora and TuneIn Radio; all of which are searchable from within the Onkyo remote app.

The TX-NR737 is due late April 2014 at £800, whilst the TX-NR838 is set for May 2014 priced around £1000.

I’m hoping to get hands-on with one or both next month for a full review.