Onkyo TX-NR414 5.1-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver

FEATURES:

• 5 channel amplifier
• 80 watts per channel
• Front panel USB input
• Multi-room audio
• 6 in/ 1 out HDMI ports
• InstaPrevue technology
• Wifi and Bluetooth ready (requires purchase of adapter)
• Music optimizer

REMOTE: RC-834M

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

Welcome to a review of the Onkyo TX-NR414 5.1-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver. The TX-NR414 is an entry level receiver and does not have all the bells and whistles of higher end receivers but it does have much to offer with the many features it does have. The set-up is easy and straightforward. With the many HDMI ports available, you can connect your blu-ray player, PC, gaming console, and cable/satellite box with ease. The front panel USB input can be used to connect an iPod/iPhone or a flash drive with multiple music file formats to listen to your favorite tunes with the receivers’ power, clarity, and little to no distortion. With the purchase of an adapter, WiFi and Bluetooth are available, enabling you to easily stream music from your favorite online music services including Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, internet radio and more.

The part number for the remote control is RC-834M. The remote has a vast number of buttons, many of them very small and hard to push, as noted by many users.

A very nice feature is the Onkyo smart phone app. Once downloaded to your phone, you can control the receiver with your phone instead of the remote control. One large drawback of this receiver is that it does not come equipped with automatic speaker calibration therefore leaving the task of calibrating the speakers to the user. For the novice, this may be a very difficult task.

Many users have noted the poor quality interface on the receiver, very simple with a black background and white lettering. A nicer, more graphic interface is preferred. When it comes to sound quality however, this receiver delivers sharp, clear sound with the power expected from a 5 channel amplifier.

PROS:
• Inexpensive
• Clean, clear sound quality
• Onkyo smart phone app
• Several HDMI inputs

CONS:
• Interface could be better
• Firmware quality issues
• Sometimes emits burning plastic smell
• No automatic calibration for the speakers

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