The Onkyo TX-SR494 AV receiver is an analogue model of the TX-SR393 receiver, but the number of channels in it has been increased to seven. In addition to the updated design, which made the device more attractive in appearance, the Onkyo TX-SR494 has a slightly changed set of connectors – in particular, the USB port for connecting portable storage devices with music files has disappeared from its front panel.
Two key features present in the Onkyo TX-SR494 are Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual: X. The new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual: X virtual surround technologies allow you to create a three-dimensional sound field without using real height speakers. These revolutionary technologies simulate the output signal from “virtual” height speakers and surround speakers if they are physically absent in the room. This provides greater flexibility when installing Dolby Atmos and DTS: X speakers.
Despite its quite affordable price, the Onkyo TX-SR494 is perfect for creating a modern home theater in a small room of an average city apartment. The device is easy to set up and use and will provide high-quality sound in computer games, when watching movies or listening to music.
The AV receiver is equipped with four HDMI inputs and one output, with the ability to transmit a 4K UHD signal including Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. In this model, it was decided to abandon component video inputs and outputs, which simplified the placement of connectors on the rear panel. The device also has three analog and two digital inputs. Screw terminals are intended for connecting the front stereo acoustics, while spring terminals are used for the central, rear and side speakers. This is a completely acceptable solution in AV receivers of this price category.
At the same time, the Onkyo TX-SR494 is equipped with an automatic calibration system for ambient sound AccuEQ Room Calibration, which has not previously been found in models of this price. The device is equipped with decoders for HD surround sound formats and high-quality modern DACs from Burr Brown. There is a flexible crossover setting for the subwoofer, tone controls in the low and high frequency range, as well as Bluetooth for connecting mobile devices. You can monitor the Onkyo TX-SR494’s operation using the informative front-panel display or the user-friendly on-screen graphics. The new on-screen display shows you audio and video data, including HDR format, video resolution, frame rate, and audio codec, attached to the incoming signal.
The power amplifiers in the AV receiver are made on discrete components using the proprietary WRAT technology and are capable of handling even complex acoustic systems. The device has a completely universal sound character for listening to music of various genres, and when watching movies, it is capable of accurately conveying the most energetic special effects.
Onkyo TX-SR494 Specifications
Power Output 160 W per Channel (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, half power)
Input Sensitivity/Impedance 200 mV/47 kOhms
Frequency Response 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+ 1 dB, – 3 dB, Direct mode)
Tones ± 10 dB, 90 Hz (LF), ± 10 dB, 7.5 kHz (HF)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 109 dB (Line Input)
Speaker Impedance 4 – 16 Ohms
FM Tuner 87.5 MHz – 108 MHz
AM Tuner 522 kHz – 1611 kHz; 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
Number of memory presets 40
Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Express, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X
Auto-calibration system AccuEQ, EQ Subwoofer, AccuReflex
DAC AKM 4458 (32 bit/384 kHz)
DSP processor 32 bit
Enhancer for compressed music files Advanced Music Optimizer
Support for Bluetooth High Quality Audio
Direct Mode yes
Independent crossover frequency adjustment for each channel 40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz
Inputs 4 HDMI inputs HDMI (2.0) with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision, 3 linear (RCA), 1 coaxial, 1 optical, USB port (only supply voltage 5 V / 1 A)
Outputs HDMI (2.0), for 2 subwoofers, Pre-Out (for the second zone), 6.3 mm headphone jack
Other connections mini-jack for calibration microphone, jacks for AM and FM antennas
Output terminals for speakers 2 pairs of screw terminals, 5 pairs of spring terminals
Power supply HCPS, high-current transformer
Power consumption 480 W, in standby mode: 0.2 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x160x328 mm
Weight 8.2 kg