Onkyo TX-NR727 7.2-Ch Network A/V Receiver Preview
The Onkyo TX-NR727 Network A/V Receiver is ostensibly the spearhead of Onkyo's new for 2013 lineup, and sports a dizzying array of features including 110 watts of power per channel (into 8 ohms, 2 channels driven), 4K passthrough and upscaling, Audyssey MultEQ, 8 HDMI inputs plus two outputs, and THX Select 2 Plus certification. Retailing for $899, the incoming TX-NR727 undercuts its predecessor by $50, which is naturally a welcome change, at least so long as it isn't accompanied by corner cutting. So does Onkyo's latest offering have what it takes to make it in a highly competitive market, or is it just a mediocre player? Read on to see my take.
Versus The TX-NR717
With respect to its predecessor, the TX-NR727 packs a few new tricks up its sleeve which Onkyo is presumably hoping will improve the odds of it ending up at the heart of your A/V system. Probably the biggest bonus in the eyes of a diehard Audioholic is the jump from Audyssey 2EQ to MultEQ. For those unfamiliar with Audyssey's product line, MultEQ improves over base 2EQ by delivering correction for the subwoofer as well as higher resolution filters for the other channels. For the videophiles among us, the TX-NR727 offers 4K passthrough and upscaling; it is of course worth noting that 4K support isn't inordinately important today given that 4K displays are hardly commonplace, you'd need a fairly large display for there to be a useful difference between 1080p and 4K, and 4K content is practically nonexistant. However, it's nice to have the capability there for folks who don't change receivers like underwear, and lets face it, Onkyo can't just sit back while everyone else rolls out 4K support. So what other worthwhile feature could Onkyo cram into a mid-level receiver? New for the TX-NR727 is built in wireless connectivity, both Bluetooth and WiFi (a/b/g/n bands); considering that a physical network connection is another cable to fuss with at best, and a giant pain to get from your router to your receiver at worst, some might find this to be a very welcome addition.
Alright, I know what's on everyone's minds: what about the power? Given that the TX-NR727 is two pounds lighter and $50 cheaper than it's predecessor, it would stand to reason that corners were cut in the amplification department. To its credit, the TX-NR727's power ratings are identical to its predecessor's in all respects, i.e. 110 watts into 8 ohms with 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven, as well as ratings into 6 ohms and dynamic output. In addition, the new TX-NR727 retains the THX Select 2 Plus certification, which suggests the built in amplifiers should deliver competent performance in small to midsized rooms with typical 8 ohm nominal loudspeakers. The only specification that suggests something may be amiss is that the TX-NR727 does not have a check mark next to "certified 4 ohm performance", unlike it's older brother.
Unfortunately, one missing check mark isn't the only fly in the ointment: where the TX-NR717 offered a full set of preamplifier outputs to feed an external amplifier, the TX-NR727 offers none. This may not be a huge deal for the average user who doesn't like to push the envelope; however, for the audiophile that likes to push the volume to theater levels (and beyond!), or folks that have speakers which are relatively difficult to drive, the lack of preamp outputs is a pretty big deal. This could be a big double whammy when coupled with less potent amplification than its predecessor.
So How Does It Stack Up To The Competition?
Priced at $999, the recently previewed Denon AVR-X3000 seems like a natural competitor for the Onkyo TX-NR727. Both receivers are undoubtedly high tech pieces of equipment and boast a plethora of features. Built in amplification appears to be fairly comparable and like the TX-NR727, the AVR-X3000 lacks main zone preamp outputs. The Denon does offer a step up in terms of Audyssey (MultEQ XT), but doesn't have built in wireless connectivity or Zone 3 preamp outputs.
Retailing for $849, another player in the midrange receiver market worth considering is the Marantz SR5007. While the Marantz offers a reasonably up to date feature set including 4K passthrough and upscaling, it lacks in the connectivity department compared to the Onkyo, with a total of 6 HDMI inputs and a single output and no wireless capabilities built in. In the Marantz's corner however is the upgraded Audyssey MultEQ XT and a full set of preouts.
So where does this leave us?
Frankly the first time I read through the spec sheet of the TX-NR727 I was a bit put off by the lack of preouts. For those who like to push the limits of their systems and folks whose loudspeakers present less than benign loads to a partnering amplifier, this omission is undoubtedly a dealbreaker. For everyone else, Onkyo's latest receiver appears to offer an interesting value on the back of its feature set, particularly in terms of connectivity.
So what do you guys think? Would you buy this receiver?
Is this an item you'd like to see Gene put through the ringer?
Quick Specs and Features:
Power Watts/ch: 110W (8ohms 20-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC)
HDMI I/O: 8 (7 + 1)/ 2
HDMI Version: V1.4a (supports 3D video and Audio Return Channel)
Analog Pre-Outs: Subwoofer (x2)
192K/24 Bit DACs: ✓ (Burr-Brown)
DOLBY Decoder: True HD, DD Plus, PLIIz
DTS Decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio
Wireless Network: ✓ (Wi-Fi-Certified)
Bluetooth: ✓ (Built-in)
Auto Speaker Calibration W/Mic.: ✓ (Audyssey MultEQ)
THX Certified: Select2 Plus
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8" x 6 7/8" x 14 15/16" (435 x 175 x 380 mm)
Weight: 24.7 lbs (9.8 kg)