Onkyo VS Cambridge Audio AV Receivers

Onkyo AV Receivers

 In the world of home entertainment, the pursuit of captivating audio experiences often leads enthusiasts to the world of audio-visual (AV) receivers. Among the many options available, Onkyo AV receivers have emerged as icons of innovation, performance, and dependability. This article will delve into the unique features, pros, cons, and reasons why Onkyo AV receivers deserve a spot in your home theater setup. Understanding Onkyo AV Receivers Onkyo AV receivers form the backbone of your home entertainment system. They are meticulously designed to decode, amplify, and distribute audio and video signals with precision and clarity. Armed with advanced technology and a dedication to audio excellence, Onkyo receivers offer an immersive audio-visual experience that takes you to the heart of the action. 

Feauturs you need to know about Onkyo AV Receivers

Number of Channels

Onkyo, a reputable brand in the AV receivers category, offers a diverse range of products with varying numbers of channels. The number of channels in an AV receiver essentially determines how many separate audio signals it can process and output, which directly impacts the surround sound experience. Onkyo models range from 5.1 channels, suitable for standard home theater setups, to 11.2 channels for a more immersive, cinema-like audio experience. For instance, the Onkyo TX-NR696 comes with 7.2 channels, while the high-end model Onkyo TX-RZ3100 offers 11.2 channels, equipped with the latest technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for three-dimensional sound. While the number of channels offered by Onkyo is a significant advantage, it's important to consider the practicality and cost. More channels typically mean a higher price, and not all users may fully utilize the additional channels, especially in smaller spaces. In comparison to other brands, Onkyo holds its ground well. Brands like Denon and Yamaha also offer receivers with similar channel ranges, but Onkyo often stands out for its affordability and consistent performance. However, some users have noted that Onkyo's user interface and setup process can be less intuitive than its competitors.

Connectivity Options

Onkyo, a well-known brand in the AV receivers category, offers a wide range of connectivity options that align with the latest technologies. Their AV receivers, such as the TX-NR696 and TX-NR595, support multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, digital audio inputs, and analog audio inputs. The receivers also have built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth for streaming audio from compatible devices. They also support AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, allowing users to stream music, internet radio, and podcasts from their mobile devices directly to the receiver. Compared to other brands, Onkyo stands out for its inclusion of both legacy and cutting-edge connectivity options. For instance, the TX-NR696 includes a phono input for turntables, which is a feature not commonly found in modern AV receivers. However, one potential downside is that Onkyo's AV receivers do not have HDMI 2.1 ports, which are necessary for passing through 8K video signals. Brands like Denon and Marantz have already started including HDMI 2.1 ports in their AV receivers. Despite this, Onkyo's comprehensive connectivity options and support for various streaming technologies make it a competitive choice in the AV receivers market.

Supported Audio Formats

Onkyo, a renowned brand in the AV receivers category, supports a wide array of audio formats, making it a versatile choice for audio enthusiasts. The brand is known for its compatibility with numerous high-resolution audio formats, including DSD 5.6 MHz/2.8 MHz, FLAC, WAV, AIFF 192 kHz/24-bit, and ALAC 96 kHz/24-bit. This broad range of supported formats ensures that users can enjoy their music collections in their original quality without any compromise. In comparison to other brands, Onkyo's support for such a wide spectrum of audio formats is commendable. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported challenges with certain formats, such as AAC. On the flip side, Onkyo AV receivers also support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the latest in audio formats, offering an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience that many competing brands are yet to incorporate. This cutting-edge technology sets Onkyo apart, making it a preferred choice for those seeking high-quality, immersive audio experiences.

Power Output

Onkyo, a renowned brand in the AV receivers category, is recognized for its power output capabilities. The brand's AV receivers, such as the Onkyo TX-NR696, come with high power output ratings, delivering up to 210 watts per channel. This high power output ensures that the audio is clear, loud, and distortion-free, even at high volumes. The receivers utilize Onkyo's WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) that offers a broader frequency range and improved signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a more precise and dynamic audio experience. However, while the high power output of Onkyo's AV receivers is a significant advantage, it could also be a potential downside for some users. High power output often means increased energy consumption, which could lead to higher electricity bills. Compared to other brands, such as Denon or Yamaha, Onkyo's power output is generally higher, but this also means that their AV receivers may consume more power. Therefore, users who prioritize energy efficiency might prefer other brands. Nevertheless, for those who value powerful, high-quality sound, Onkyo's AV receivers stand out in terms of power output.

Advantages and Disadvantages 

On the plus side, Onkyo AV receivers excel in audio quality, versatility, user-friendliness, and reliability. They offer advanced features, intuitive interfaces, and excellent performance, providing a superior home entertainment experience. On the downside,Complexity of Setup and Use: Onkyo AV receivers can be complex to set up and configure, especially for users who are not familiar with AV equipment. The user interface and menu system may be daunting for beginners, requiring time and effort to navigate effectively. Additionally, the extensive array of settings and customization options may overwhelm some users.
Onkyo AV receivers have been associated with reliability issues in the past, particularly related to HDMI board failures and other electronic components. While Onkyo has made efforts to improve product quality and customer support, reliability remains a potential concern for some users. It's important to research and consider warranty coverage and customer reviews when purchasing an Onkyo AV receiver.

Arcam AV Receivers

In the realm of home entertainment, the heart of a truly immersive experience lies within the audio-visual (AV) receiver. Among the myriad of options available, Arcam AV receivers stand out as beacons of innovation, performance, and reliability. In this article, we delve into the realm of Arcam AV receivers, uncovering what makes them exceptional, their unique features, advantages, disadvantages, and why they deserve a place in your home theater setup.

Feauturs you need to know about Arcam AV Receivers

Sound quality

Arcam, a renowned brand in the AV receivers category, is globally recognized for its exceptional sound quality. The brand utilizes the latest technologies such as Class G amplification, which ensures optimal sound performance by reducing distortion and enhancing audio clarity. Arcam's AV receivers, such as the AVR20 and AVR30, are equipped with the state-of-the-art ESS Sabre DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), which significantly contribute to the high-resolution audio output, providing a rich, detailed, and immersive sound experience. However, while the sound quality of Arcam's AV receivers is commendable, it's worth noting that they are generally more expensive than other brands offering similar features. This could be a potential drawback for budget-conscious consumers. Compared to other brands like Denon or Yamaha, Arcam stands out for its emphasis on sound performance over extensive features. While brands like Denon might offer a wider array of connectivity options or Yamaha might focus on versatility with music streaming services, Arcam's primary focus remains on delivering superior sound quality. Therefore, for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all, Arcam's AV receivers could be an excellent choice.

Number of channels

Arcam, a renowned name in the AV receivers category, offers a range of products with varying numbers of channels, catering to different user needs. Their latest models, such as the AVR30 and AVR20, offer 7.1.4 and 7.1.2 channels respectively. These models are equipped with the latest technologies including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. One of the key advantages of Arcam AV receivers is their ability to deliver high-quality sound across all channels, making them an excellent choice for home theaters. However, compared to some other brands, Arcam receivers might be limited in terms of the number of channels they offer. Brands like Denon or Marantz, for instance, offer AV receivers with up to 11 or 13 channels. This could be a potential drawback for users looking to set up more complex home theater systems. Nonetheless, Arcam's focus on sound quality over quantity sets them apart, and they continue to be a strong contender in the AV receiver market.

Power output

Arcam, a renowned brand in the AV receivers category, is well recognized for its power output. The brand's latest models, such as the AVR390, AVR550, and AVR850, are equipped with the latest technologies that ensure a high power output. The AVR850, for instance, boasts a class G amplification, delivering over 120 watts per channel, which is quite impressive. This high power output ensures that the audio is loud, clear, and distortion-free even at high volumes, providing an immersive audio experience for users. However, it's worth noting that while Arcam's power output is commendable, it may not always be the most energy-efficient, especially when compared to brands like Denon or Yamaha. These brands have incorporated Eco mode in their AV receivers, which helps in reducing power consumption. Despite this, Arcam's power output quality is still highly competitive. The brand's focus on delivering high power output without compromising on the audio quality sets it apart from many other brands in the AV receivers category.

Connectivity options

Arcam, a renowned brand in the AV receivers category, offers a variety of connectivity options in their models that cater to the needs of modern users. One of the key features is the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, ensuring compatibility with the latest high-definition video formats. Additionally, Arcam AV receivers also provide eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support, which allows for the transmission of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from TV apps with a single HDMI connection. In comparison to other brands, Arcam stands out with its inclusion of Dirac Live room correction technology, which can be connected to a computer for a higher level of customization. However, one potential downside is that some users may find the lack of built-in Wi-Fi a drawback, as many competitive models offer this feature. Nevertheless, Arcam compensates with Ethernet connectivity and Bluetooth, ensuring users can still stream music from devices or connect to home networks. Despite these minor cons, when it comes to connectivity options, Arcam AV receivers are on par, if not superior, to many other brands in the market.