Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel AV Receiver Review: HDMI 2.1 (4K 120Hz/8K 60Hz) with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from Costco
Summary:
The Onkyo TX-NR6050 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver sold at Costco for $499, offering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Key features include:
- HDMI 2.1 Connectivity: It boasts three HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz signals, plus two HDMI outputs, a rare feature at this price.
- Power Output: Rated at 90 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, delivering robust sound.
- Sound Quality: During movie playback, it provided clear vocals, distinct channels, and immersive audio, outperforming expectations for a budget receiver.
- Gaming Performance: Tested successfully with a PS5, it achieved 4K 120Hz at YCbCr 4:2:2, supporting 32 Gigabit link speeds, and claims 40 Gigabit compatibility. It also supports VRR, ALLM, and QFT.
- User Interface: Features a modern, user-friendly graphical setup menu and multi-band EQ, superior to many competitors.
- Internal Design: Includes an internal fan and heatsinks on the HDMI board, a notable improvement for thermal management and reliability.
- Value Proposition: Compared to the Denon AVR-S760H, the Onkyo offers a slight edge in sound, more HDMI 2.1 outputs, and a better UI, justifying its slightly higher price.
Onkyo TX-NR6050 AV Receiver with remote [ 00:00:25 ]
Introduction and Pricing [00:00:00]
- The video introduces the Onkyo TX-NR6050, a new 7.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X AV receiver available at Costco.
- It is presented as a budget-friendly option for 2021-2022, priced at $499.
- This price point is slightly above the Denon AVR-S760H, which was previously reviewed and recommended at $449.
- The review aims to determine if the TX-NR6050's features and sound quality justify the $50 price difference.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions [00:01:23]
- The unboxing reveals standard accessories: a quick start guide, remote control, AM/FM antennas, and a calibration microphone for AccuEQ room correction.
- The receiver itself has a "premium" look with a plastic faceplate and Onkyo's signature green LED display, which the reviewer personally likes.
Onkyo TX-NR6050 AV Receiver with remote [ 00:00:25 ] - Front Panel Controls:
- Includes numerous buttons for switching between different inputs on the receiver, making it very easy to use, especially for testing.
- Features a volume knob, navigation buttons for the built-in setup menu, and tone control buttons.
- Everything on the front panel looks premium and is designed to fit well in various setups.
Connectivity and Specifications [00:02:22]
- The TX-NR6050 is one of Onkyo's new HDMI 2.1 receivers, meaning it supports:
- Up to 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz signals over HDMI.
- Rear Panel Features:
- 9 sets of binding posts, supporting a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup.
- An extra pair of Zone 2 speakers can be utilized, but this will disable two surround or height channels.
- 6 HDMI inputs: 3 of these are HDMI 2.0b, while the other 3 are HDMI 2.1 compatible.
- Two HDMI outputs, which is a rare and valuable feature at this price range.
- Other expected connections include subwoofer and Zone 2 pre-outs, AM and FM tuners, digital audio inputs, a phono preamp, and analog stereo inputs.
Back panel of the Onkyo TX-NR6050 showing various ports [ 00:02:45 ]
- Comparison with Onkyo TX-NR6100:
- The TX-NR6050 is noted as a cost-reduced version of Onkyo's higher-end TX-NR6100.
- Key Differences:
- The 6100 is rated to push out 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, while the 6050 is rated for 90 watts per channel. This is considered a small difference, likely unnoticeable in regular use.
- The 6050 lacks THX certification, which the reviewer views as an additional cost for the consumer without significant practical benefit for a budget AV receiver.
Comparison of Onkyo TX-NR6050 and TX-NR6100 specifications [ 00:03:55 ]
Internal Design and Cooling [00:04:56]
- The receiver features a fan located above the HDMI board, presumably to aid with cooling.
- Upon opening the receiver, a decently sized transformer, a fan, and aluminum heatsinks on the HDMI board were observed, alongside a generally decent internal layout.
Internal view of the Onkyo TX-NR6050 showing the fan and heatsinks [ 00:05:24 ] - This design suggests that Onkyo is implementing measures to address past issues related to HDMI board failures experienced by some of their previous receivers.
- While the longevity of this solution cannot be definitively assessed in a short review, the reviewer appreciates manufacturers improving their products.
Setup Experience and Room Correction [00:07:25]
- Setting up the receiver was surprisingly straightforward due to a well-designed user interface.
- The TX-NR6050 boasts a significantly better UI than other recently reviewed receivers, including the Denon S760H.
- Onkyo includes its own AccuEQ room correction, while Denon uses Audyssey. The reviewer notes that auto room EQ programs, especially at lower price points, often yield inconsistent results and are not typically focused on during their reviews, preferring to assess the receiver's out-of-the-box performance.
Audio Performance (Movie & Music Listening) [00:08:44]
- The receiver was tested in a living room home theater setup with a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration.
- Speakers used included Aperion Audio Novus 6T towers for front left/right, a 5C center channel, and A5 height modules for Dolby Atmos (in a bounce configuration). Vandersteen VSM1 surrounds completed the 5-channel setup.
- Driving seven channels with mostly 4-ohm and 6-ohm impedance speakers placed a heavy workload on the receiver.
- Results:
- The sound quality was impressive for the price tag.
- Every movie tested sounded great, with the Atmos channels adding extra immersion and a sense of space.
- Vocals were very clear through the center channel, and each channel was distinct, never sounding bloated or confused.
- The enhanced effect in sound quality was more pronounced on the 6050 compared to the older TX-NR595.
- The reviewer believes the TX-NR6050 slightly edged out the Denon S760H in sound quality, consistent with its higher price point.
Gaming Performance (HDMI 2.1 Testing) [00:09:38]
- The HDMI 2.1 capability was tested by hooking up a PS5 to one of the 8K inputs on the receiver, enabling "8K enhanced mode" for that port.
- Results:
- With HDR 10 enabled on the PS5 and running at 3840x2160 (4K), the receiver successfully outputted 120Hz at YCbCr 4:2:2.
- The total link speed achieved was 32 Gigabit, confirmed by both the PS5 and the AVR.
PS5 video output settings showing 4K resolution at 120Hz [ 00:10:03 ]
- The PS5 is internally limited to a 32 Gigabit signal, but Onkyo rates the 6050 for supporting up to 40 Gigabit link speed, which would accommodate the Xbox Series X's full capability.
- The TX-NR6050 also claims support for other HDMI 2.1 gaming features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). This makes it a solid option for integrating next-gen consoles with modern TVs for surround sound.
Comparison with Denon AVR-S760H and Conclusion [00:11:10]
- Both the Onkyo TX-NR6050 and the Denon AVR-S760H are considered amazing AV receivers for their respective Costco price points.
- Reasons to consider the Onkyo TX-NR6050:
- Slightly higher power rating.
- Features a second 8K HDMI output.
- Dedicated Zone 2 outputs that can be used with just a few button clicks.
- Offers a much better user interface.
- The reviewer concludes that while you cannot go wrong with either receiver, the Onkyo TX-NR6050 is worth the extra $50 due to these added features and slightly superior sound quality, assuming potential buyers are not deterred by Onkyo's past reliability issues (which appear to be addressed by the new cooling solutions).