Onkyo TX-NR626 AV-receiver
Layout-wise, it is business as usual. The TX-NR626's nondescript silver carton (also accessible black) is nigh-on identical to the TX-NR616 of last year. Its securely, although it lacks the backbreaking heft of the TX-NR818 - bolted aluminium panels make bodywork strong.
The front panel is dominated by a big LED display, imparting advice certainly (where essential and scrolling). There is a bevy of dials and buttons you can just see up close, alongside a USB port along with AV inputs, which allows you to play with music but not Apple apparatus.
The healthy choice of outlets on the rear should keep you going for a long time in the future. You'll find six 3D-prepared HDMI input signals, among which additionally supports Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), plus two ARC-compatible output signals.
The attribute list of the TX-NR626 is exceptional for the money (particularly as it's been reduced to GBP400) from its initial GBP500 ticket. Bluetooth and built in WiFi are the two key improvements to the spec sheet, both appearing for the very first time . Bluetooth make it simpler more than ever before to stream music without needing to fork out for dongles that are elective. There is an Ethernet interface in case you would rather the firmness of a wired connection.
Up to now so great, however you will find differences the most important being AirPlay. Coupled with all the dearth of iPod support Apple devotees may be enticed to look at Denon and Yamaha's AirPlay-able versions. THX certification is the other high profile omission, which can be earmarked for the step up TX-NR727.
Your home display sets five coloured icons over a black backdrop, providing rapid use of set up menu and the key functions. Here, the clear layout makes sense of the in-depth AV tweaks, including adjustments and loudspeaker setup programs for Audyssey, DTS and Dolby modes. I assessed the results after running it. The readings were astonishingly precise and I was happy with how it seemed, even though some TLC was needed by the subwoofer.
Network set up proved equally clear-cut. WiFi access points linked without bustle and scanned immediately, even within my garden theater room where coverage is usually patchy. I really had no problem locating files on notebooks that are networked, as well as the Onkyo streamed music via WiFi and Bluetooth with just the occasional dropout.
The supplied remote is just like a year ago but you will not hear me whining. The layout is considerate and tidy, with clearly-tagged input keys in the very best as well as a perfectly-set direction pad. But where is the Bluetooth button that is committed? You must choose it in the front- the onscreen menu or panel. Grr.
More adventuresome users can control the TX-NR626 using Onkyo's Remote 2 program on iOS apparatus or their Android.
Getting down to the nitty gritty of film-screening, the TX-NR626 is an impressive performer that revels - in this instance the train crash in the beginning of Super 8.
It is a good-organised, cohesive and dynamic operation, the kind I have begun to anticipate from Onkyo's power-pushers. Fine sounds are handled by it and may cut from noisy to quiet without overhang that is major - as evidenced by the abrupt silence as the door throws though the atmosphere. That is an actual plus in the event that you adore shocks and stress.
But the TX-NR626 may be a savage listen. Seeing this scene with all the volume is similar to going ten rounds with your hands with Karl Froch. A part of the reason behind this is a little harshness to high and mid frequencies that sometimes took the edge.
