Feature Presentation

THE ARRIVAL of yet another A/V receiver doesn't usually engender much excitement here at S&V's currently sub-arctic regional headquarters in New England. But Onkyo's new TX-NR7100 is not just another" receiver.

- Daniel Kumin

First, the TX-NR7100 features a true nine-channel-power layout, which makes possible a full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos system without supplemental amplification within hollerin' distance of the magical ten-Benjamins line. Just as notably, it's among the first affordably priced AVRs to incorporate Dirac Live, the eponymous Swedish tech firm's widely praised room/speaker-correction software system, at no extra cost.

Otherwise, being a typical A/V receiver, the TX-NR7100 incorporates more features than Jimmy and Rosalynn have peanuts. Let's start with the most confusing one: HDMI connections. Onkyo states version 2.1 status for all. the receiver's six main HDMI inputs but only the first three inputs (and two outputs) provide 40Gbps bandwidth, while the others max out at 24Gbps. Otherwise, the TX-NR7100's list of HDMI features include: VRR (Variable Refresh Rate, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QFT (Quick Frame Transport), DSC(Display Stream Compression), QMS (Quick Media Switching), and eARC (on the main HDMI output). As for high dynamic range pass-through, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG are supported. One of the TX-NR7100's HDMI outputs stands ready to serve a second, remote zone output, but in that instance video support tops out at 4K/60Hz.

Chromecast built-in and AirPlay2 wireless streaming are onboard, as is two-way Bluetooth including Bluetooth aptX HD on the transmit side. With nine amp channels, there are multiple zone 2/3 options, including a clever one that sends the main-zone stereo audio to a pair of “Zone B” line-out jacks, typically used to drive a transmitter for wireless headphones or speakers. There's lots more, of course, but for most of the rest you'll need to geek out on Onkyo's website.

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