Onkyo TX-NR414 - successor to the TX-NR509 ..... an assessment

The Onkyo TX-NR414 5.1 AV receiver network is the brand new successor of the (rightly) very successful TX-NR509. The technical data are almost identical and visually the two are indistinguishable except for the lack front connection for room analysis microphone. Thus, more of a "rolling update" and not to go out of a revolution .... which is not necessarily a bad thing indeed, because already plays in a league with 509 yes, where the air for an improvement in sound is thin. Some (few) nice features has the 414 yet to offer .... but always in order.

Where technically both devices are identical:

- Per channel are whopping 130W at at 6ohm / 1kHz
- Total harmonic distortion less than 0.08%
- TI Burr-Brown 192 kHz / 24-bit D / A converters for all channels
- 32-bit DSP surround Chip
- Dolby Digtal (HD) / DTS (HD) and his associates are also on board
- FM and AM tuner with 40 presets
- Standby consumption only 0.8W
- Networking for Internet radio and access to shared drives from z.Bsp. PC, in most case, the MP3 collection
- Firmware update via network and USB
- Front USB for USB flash drive's or I-pod / i-phone for playback of MP3 / WMA / WAV / OGG / AAC / LPCM files
- OnScreen display for control / adjustment of the instrument via the TV
- 1 HDMI output and 5 analog RCA inputs
- 4 digital inputs (2 optical, 2 electric)
- 2 Component Video In - 1 Component Video Out
- Zone 2 (analog line-out for a 2nd room)
- Pre-out for an active subwoofer
- Overlay onscreen (= overlay OSD) for HDMI (setup menu appears while playing the video source)
- The dimensions are 43.5 cm wide, 17,4cm height and 32,8cm also identical
- Remote control (only the label has changed to 2-3 Buttons)
- Oh yes .... Speaking of remote control ... mitteils an app both units can also be remotely controlled with an iPhone or Android device.

The new features / changes:
The 414 now has 6 instead of 4 HDMI inputs and the analog VCR input with 3 RCA jacks (video / left / right) is fully repealed. It still remaining 4 analog video sources (Video In), should normally be sufficient. The change here to go digital, I think basically for total sense, but many a Videofreak will possibly miss the analog video out of the TX-509 painful. The two pre-out for surround disappeared. Furthermore, the Universal Port is off, the it was there in the first Line to connect an iPod / iPhone docking station, is now available to connect only the front-USB. While it is acc. To instructions the iPhone RI Dock be connected, how to do it but I can not judge for lack of iPhone. The max. Performance of the power supply has been increased from 370W to 400W and the receiver now weighs 9 instead of 9,2kg. Optional can be produced by a wireless adapter a network connection.

But that was not all:
Where Onkyo, I find very painful, has set the red pencil is in the setup of the speakers. Provides here the TX-509 still Einmessmikrophon for convenient initial set of boxes collection actually has the TX-414 again (via on-screen) almost antiquated manual the size, the distance and the volume of the speakers to be entered, a test tone will help set up here at the. That there was already at 10-year-old receiver and is definitely a step backwards as far ....... the visible differences.

More changes are visible only on the 2nd or 3rd View - 2 essential I would like to:
1. With the WRAT technology in conjunction with the discrete output stage circuitry Onkyo technology now comes out of the top segment for use. Herewith the signal to noise ratio over the entire frequency range is to be improved in 1st line and a clean channel separation can be guaranteed. The discrete structure is a special quality feature for the music enthusiast and thus also for me in any case, but is admittedly rather under clinical testing procedures than in practice (film look on BluRay) audible.

2. Last but not least, the on-screen menu, a very nice innovation called "InstaPrevue". This is a kind of picture-in-picture preview of all HDMI sources. So you can easily select the desired source ... nice to have but not really decisive for the war!

Conclusion:
The solid Onkyo TX-414 provides as the TX-509 is simply a stunning surround performance to the video experience complements tonal perfectly normal in large living rooms. The strengths of the 414 are its excellent dynamics and a surprising level of resistance. The sound spectrum (high / mid / treble) is in my opinion very balanced, no frequency range seems to present, which also benefits the music fans, in stereo or surround mode can be jazz, classical or techno CD's enjoy equally. Here possibly fall to one or other of the audiophiles' Wrat' advantage for long, quiet passages at high volume.

Differences in sound are usually barely noticeable for me compared to the 'old' 509 but also to the next higher / lower devices. Purchase decisive for the particular model is thus only the equipment and the power of the channels. If you need more than 130W per channel should either have a good relationship with its neighbors or a home with sufficient distance to the neighboring house. :)

All in all the new features that the TX-509 brought Audyssey2 and especially Dynamic Volume with them (dynamically adjusts voices and effects, so depending on the one or the other not to loud / quiet is) groundbreaking and inspire tender than that of the TX -414. The technical changes is the "normal" buyers hardly notice the TX-509 is currently much cheaper than the 414 and the novelty are not convincing enough in relation to the extra charge. Even the loss of Einmessmikrophon's is too strong incision in the hitherto comfortable and precise establishment of the domestic surround system. The 414 is definitely not a bad buy, but costs currently 50% more than the 509 and replaces a (very) difficult legacy. Everyone should have the desire to take account of the latest model flame.

Update 07:05. about price difference: It came as it had come. The 509'er with Audyssey2 is now hardly available on the market and does not cost more 299, - but with 360, - to 380, - a lot more. Almost simultaneously, the price has the 414 here from initial 449, - till 399 - - reduced to 370. This FYI only!

I hope I have helped you.