Introduction to the Onkyo TX-NR1009:

The TX-NR1009 is a THX Select2 Plus Certified 9.2 channel home theater receiver (9 channels plus 2 subwoofer outs) delivering 135 Watts per channel (tested at 2 channels driven) with .08% THD and features TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Audyssey DSX and DTS Neo:X processing.

On the video side, the TX-NR1009 has 8 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with analog to HDMI video conversion and Upscaling.

The TX-NR1009 employs two video processing chips. The IDT HQV Vida VHD1900 chip provides upscaling to 1080p, while the added built-in Marvell QDEO processing chip provides further upscaling up to 4K (3840x2160) resolution - provided you have a 4K display. An added video bonus is the inclusion of ISF Calibration settings.

Video Inputs and Outputs:

The TX-NR1009 offers a total of eight (7 rear/1 front) HDMI inputs and two outputs, as well as two component inputs and one output. On the rear panel, there are four composite video and four S-video inputs (which are paired with analog stereo audio inputs), plus a set of front panel A/V inputs. There are also 2 composite video outputs and two S-video outputs. The TX-NR1009 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop and a PC monitor input connection.

The TX-NR1009 upconverts all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI video outputs, with upscaling, to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

Audio Inputs and Outputs:

The receiver has five assignable digital audio inputs (Three coaxial and three (2 rear/1 front)optical audio inputs.

Two additional analog stereo audio connections are provided for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and there are two subwoofer preamplifier outputs.

In addition, the TX-NR1009 has a dedicated input for a turntable for the playing of vinyl records, as well as a set of 7.1 channel analog audio inputs and 9.2 channel analog preamp outputs (includes two subwoofer pre-outs).

Audio Decoding and Processing:

The TX-NR1009 features Audio Decoding for Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1/EX/Pro logic IIx, DTS 5.1/ES, 96/24, Neo:6. DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the TX-NR1009 to extract 7.1 channel audio from any stereo or multichannel source.

Dolby Prologic IIz and Audyssey DSX:

The TX-NR1009 also features Dolby Prologic IIz processing. Dolby Prologic IIz offers the option of adding two more front speakers that are placed above the left and right main speakers. This feature adds a "vertical" or overhead component to the surround sound field (great for rain, helicopter, plane flyover effects). Dolby Prologic IIz can be added to either a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel setup.

In addition, Audyssey DSX provides for the option of adding either height or an extra set of side placed wide channel speakers set between the front and surround sound speakers.

DTS NEO:X:

The Onkyo RX-NR1009 is the first home theater receiver that incorporates DTS Neo:X. DTS Neo:X is a new audio processing format incorporated into the TX-NR1009 that has the capability to extract an 11.1 channel surround field from 2.0/5.1/6.1 or 7.1 source material. However, although DTS Neo:X is designed as an 11.1 channel audio processing system, for the TX-NR1009, Onkyo has chosen to execute this format in a 9.1 or 9.2 channel configuration. As an example, using DTS Neo:X with an incoming 5.1 channel signal allow the following setup options.

A. Add surround back- and front-height speakers to bring out ambient, non-directional sounds.

B. Add surround back and front-wide speakers to provide a more expansive soundstage

C. Add front-height and front-width speakers to create an immersive space without needing to install rear speakers.

Loudspeaker Connections and Configuration Options:

Speaker connections consist of color-coded dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way binding posts for all main channels.

A useful speaker connection option is the ability for the TX-NR1009 to be used in a full 9.2 channel configuration, or in a 5.2 channel setup in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operations in up to two additional rooms. However, if you want to use the full 9.2 channels for your home theater environment, you can still run additional 2-channel systems in another room by using the Zone 2 or Zone 3 preamp outputs. In this setup you will have to add a second amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2 or Zone 3.

In addition, for the main zone, speaker connection options are provided for a front left and right channel Bi-amping setup or for height or wide channel speaker setup when using Dolby Pro Logic IIz or Audyssey DSX processing. If using DTS Neo:X processing a 9.1 or 9.2 channel speaker configuration is required. When making your connections, go into the TX-NR1009's settings menu to reassign the amplifiers for option that best fits your speaker setup.

Amplifier Characteristics:

The Onkyo TX-NR1009 delivers 135 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms (measured with 2-channels driven) via its nine internal high-current WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) power amplifiers. The TX-NR1009 is certified for 8 or 6 ohm speaker impedance - Note: Use caution if using 4 ohm speakers - Also, it is advisable not to mix speakers of different impedances.

Video Processing:

On the video side, the TX-NR1009 has eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with analog to HDMI video conversion and up upscaling. Two video processing chips are built-in. For 1080p upscaling there is the IDT HQV Vida VHD1900 chip. A second Marvell QDEO processing chip provides further upscaling up to 4K (3840x2160) resolution - if you have a 4K display.

Front Panel Display and LFE:

The fluorescent front panel display makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast; wireless remote control provided. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channels.

AM/FM/HD Radio:

The TX-NR1009 has the standard AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM stations. The TX-NR1009 is also HD Radio-Ready (accessory module required).

Internet Radio and Network Connectivity via Ethernet:

The TX-NR1009 has internet radio access (including vTuner, Pandora, and Rhapsody). Sirius Internet Radio, vTuner). The TX-NR1009 is also Windows 7 Compatible and DLNA Certified for access to digital media files stored on PCs, Media Servers, and other compatible network-connected devices.

Audio Return Channel:

This is a very practical feature that has been introduced in HDMI ver1.4. What this function allows, if the TV is also HDMI 1.4-enabled. is that you can transfer audio from the TV back to the TX-NR1009 and listen to your TV's audio through your home theater audio system instead of the TV's speakers without having to connect a second cable between the TV and home theater system.

For example, if you receive your TV signals over the air, the audio from those signals goes directly to your TV. Ordinarily to get the audio from those signals to your Home Theater receiver, you would have to connect an extra cable from the TV to the home theater receiver for this purpose. However, with audio return channel, you can simply take advantage of the cable you already have connected between the TV and the home theater receiver to transfer audio in both directions.

Audyssey MultEQ XT:

The TX-NR1009 also features an automated speaker setup function called MultEQ XT. By connecting the provided microphone to the TX-NR1009 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. MultEQ XT uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume:

The Onkyo TX-NR1009 also incorporates the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume features. Dynamic EQ allows for real-time frequency response compensation when the user changes volume settings, For more specifics on how Dynamic EQ works in relation to volume settings and room characteristics, and how this can benefit the user, check out the official Audyssey Dynamic EQ page.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume stabilizes the sound listening labels so that the softer parts of a soundtrack, such as dialog, is not overwhelmed by the impact of loud portions of the soundtrack. For more details, check out the Audyssey Dynamic Volume page.

Final Take:

With the TX-NR1009, Onkyo continues its tradition of packing in the features, including 3D passthrough, eight HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and separate processing chips for 1080p and 4K upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, as well as Internet Radio, HD Radio, and iPod compatibility.

Another bonus is the inclusion of ISF calibration settings, which can be applied differently to each source, if needed. This provides a lot more flexibility in setting up and using the TX-NR1009 as a true centerpiece for both the video and audio processing needs of your home theater system.

Also, on the connecton front, the TX-NR1009 has a "Universal Connection Port" on the rear panel that accepts an accessory Onkyo HD-Radio Tuner or iPod Dock. Another included connection feature is a front-mounted HDMI input, which is great for Game Systems, such as the Sony Playstation 3 or high definition Camcorders. For more added flexibility, the TX-NR1009 also has two subwoofer line outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 9.2 channel description).

There are also front and rear-mounted USB ports for connection of flash drives and other compatible devices containing media files. The USB ports are also compatible with Onkyo's UWF-1 Wireless LAN Adapter, which allows the TX-NR1009 to be wirelessly connected to your home network and the internet.

Four things that I am very glad to see on the TX-NR1009 are the 7.1 channel analog audio inputs, 9.2 channel analog preamp outputs, inclusion of S-Video connections, and a dedicated phono turntable input.

If you have a 3D Blu-ray Disc player has only has one HDMI output, but does have a set of 5.1 or 7.1 channel analog audio outputs, you can still access Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Blu-ray soundtracks. Also, if you have an SACD player or DVD-Audio compatible DVD player that does not have an HDMI output, you can access multi-channel SACD or DVD-Audio content from those devices using analog audio connections.

In addition, the big bonus included in Onkyo's TX-NR1009 is the inclusion of the DTX Neo:X audio processing. The intent of the feature is to not only provide more flexibility in terms of speaker setup and placement, but as a way to create a more immersive "3D" surround sound environment to complement the viewing of 3D video content.

If you are looking for a high-end home theater receiver also offers a lot for price, the THX Select2 Plus Certified TX-NR1009 may be just right for you. The TX-NR1009 definitely takes advantage of the new generation of source devices, such as 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players and Televisions, iPods, the internet, and your network-connected devices, while still offering extensive audio capabilities, such as the inclusion of DTS Neo:X. The TX-NR1009 is even ready for 4K resolution TVs or video projectors, should that be a need in the future.

The TX-NR1009 has a suggested retail price of $1,399 and is expected to be available beginning in June 2011 (). For additional details, also check out the Official TC-NR1009 Product Page.