Onkyo
This story is part of CES, where our editors will present the latest news and the hottest gadgets from CES 2021 entirely virtual.
After taking a year off, Pioneer and Onkyo return to CES with new receivers for 2021, offering updated features, including 8K video and Dolby Atmos.
All AV receivers have HDMI 2.1 compatibility – with 8K video and gaming features like VRR – while offering Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Onkyo has four models, the most notable being NR6100, which replaces CNET’s Editor’s Choice, TX-NR696. Meanwhile, Pioneer has three.
Like the models that Onkyo and Pioneer launched in recent years, the products include a full suite of streaming protocols: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Works with Sonos and DTS Play-Fi. FireConnect does not appear to be available, but Play-Fi can perform the same function, so it cannot be overlooked. Receivers will also allow voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The receivers offer two-way Bluetooth communication for streaming phones or listening to headphones. A second powered zone is included with all models. They can also connect a “headset dock” to listen to two different sources in the same room, for example.
Here’s what we know about Onkyo’s 2021 receiver range:
Onkyo TX-NR5100
- 5.2.2 channels
- 80 watts per channel (stereo)
- Four HDMI inputs and two outputs (with eARC)
Onkyo TX-NR6100
- 5.2.2 channels
- 100 watts per channel (stereo)
- Six HDMI inputs and two outputs (with eARC)
Onkyo TX-NR7100
- 7.2.2 channels
- 100 watts per channel (stereo)
- Seven HDMI inputs (one front) and two outputs (with eARC)
- Dirac Live calibration
Onkyo TX-RZ50
- 7.2.2 channels
- 120 watts per stereo channel
- Seven HDMI inputs (one front), two outputs (with eARC)
- Dirac Live calibration
Pioneer models include the following receivers:
Pioneer VSX-LX105
- 5.2.2 channels
- Six HDMI inputs, two outputs
- 80 watts per channel
Pioneer VSX-LX305
- 7.2.2 channels
- Seven HDMI inputs (one at the front), two outputs
- 100 watts per channel
Pioneer VSX-LX505
- 7.2.2 channels
- Seven HDMI inputs (one at the front), two outputs
- 120 watts per channel
After two years, it is good to see Onkyo return to one of its main strengths – the AV receivers – and I have high expectations for the NR6100 in particular. Sony hasn’t updated its flagship STR-DN1080 since 2017, so the main competition for the NR100 line now comes from the excellent RX-V6A and the Denon AVR-960.
The price and availability of the line have not yet been announced.