Onkyo TX-SR508 Receiver Review
The Onkyo TX-SR508 Receiver is a component of this corporation’s foray into the 3DTV marketplace, and it’s proven to be a suitable start. At $350, this unit features many of the incorporated capabilities and all of the power you might routinely expect from an Onkyo device, and happily the addition of 3DTV capability failed to send the selling price out of most people’s reach, nor did it make it necessary to drop other functions which have currently become the norm. Weirdly enough, Onkyo really produces receivers for about a similar price which even come with less capabilities and a lot less power, thus the TX-SR508 is a great purchase, even by Onkyo standards.
This receiver features four HDMI 1.4 connections which are engineered for moving the 3D signal between a Blu-ray player and a properly equipped television. As expected, there’s more to the gadget than 3D compatibility. If, for example, you wish to play Star Wars on your Ps3 utilizing the theater speakers, and don’t really require the 3D ability, this component features an HDMI pass-through setting when the receiver stays in standby mode and generally operates as a large, complicated connector.
Onkyo’s reasonably priced 3D receiver shows up out of the box with True HD decoding functionality and is additionally Sirius Radio ready. Onkyo’s universal port is able to connect to your HD radio dock which you will need to purchase separately. Audyssey’s sound optimization technology is even included, and it will be equipped to both calibrate and manage your sound quality so that you won’t be required to. The time these features save you during setup might easily be enjoyed while gaming, and game enthusiasts will be delighted to see that this receiver provides four gaming modes that are configured to display alternative skill sets for Rock, Sports, Action or Role Playing games.
This receiver supports 7.1 channels which have 80 watts in every channel, which can be robust enough for a average home theater assembly. If you are looking for nine channels or up to 100 watts in every channel, Onkyo sells that receiver too, but not within the $350 price range.
Speaking of that price range, however, Pioneer’s 2010 AV receivers offer some benefits regarding features including included iPod accommodation. Still, the competitiveness in the AV receiver product market appears more excessive than ever, with products in the $300 to $600 cost range filled with features that may have only been available in devices selling for $800 or more just a few years ago.
If you are particularly shopping for a 3DTV compatible home theater receiver, the Onkyo TX-SR508 is a very sensible choice for about $350.