Audio Section
Dynamic Audio Amplification: The TX-NR5100 AV receiver features Onkyo's Dynamic Audio Amplification with a 7-channel amplifier rated at 80 watts (into 8-ohms, at 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.08%, driving 2 channels). Onkyo's Dynamic Audio Amplification technology incorporates a Hi-Current, non-phase shift amplifier design with discrete output stage circuitry and a H.C.P.S (High Current Power Supply) capable of driving 4 to 16-ohm speakers with dynamic control, while producing clear, detailed sound.
- Hi-Current Amp Design w/ Discrete Output Stage: The unique elements of Onkyo's Dynamic Audio Amplification system comprise high-current, low-impedance architecture with discrete output stage circuitry & custom audio capacitors for instantaneous high-current power and precisely control of your loudspeakers for dynamic, accurate sound.
- Non-Phase-Shift Amplification Circuitry: Onkyo's Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image.
- H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply): The receiver's High Current Power Supply (H.C.P.S.) transformer features an isolated power supply design and high-capacity filter capacitors to deliver large amounts of power necessary for reproducing the wide dynamics of movie soundtracks and the detail and clarity of your music.
Amplifier Assignment: The 7-channel amplifier can be configured in a variety of ways to match your type of speaker setup.
- 5.1.2ch: In this configuration, you can connect a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X 5.1.2ch speaker system in the Main Zone with Front, Center, Surround, and Height speakers (Surround Back speaker are not available). A separate amplifier is required to power Zone B.
- 7.1ch: In this configuration, you can connect a Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD 7.1ch speaker system in the Main Zone with Front, Center, Surround, and Surround Back speakers. (Height speakers are not available). A separate amplifier is required to power Zone B.
- 5.1ch + Zone B: In this configuration, you can connect a Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1ch speaker system in the Main Zone with Front, Center and Surround speakers; while also powering a pair of of Zone B loudspeakers in another room. Height and Surround Back channels are not available.
- 5.1ch Front Bi-Amp: In this configuration, you can connect a Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1ch speaker system in the Main Zone with a pair of Bi-Amp front speakers, plus a center speaker and a pair of surround speakers. Height and Surround Back channels are not available. A separate amplifier is required to power Zone B.
AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration: AccuEQ streamlines the initial setup of your home theater setup and ensures the Onkyo AV receiver and speakers are properly calibrated for the best performance in your listening space. AccuEQ calculates speaker distance from the listening position, adjusts speaker sound pressure level, and sets the speaker crossover. The latter selects the correct point to roll off low-frequency sound to the subwoofer. The result is clear and balanced full-spectrum surround sound.
- Speaker Measurement: The first-round of AccuEQ measurements set the distance, sound pressure level, and crossover of your speakers. Distance and level calibration ensure all channels are treated equally. Crossover measurement selects the correct point to roll off low-frequency sound to the subwoofer for seamless speaker integration.
- Room Measurements: In the second round of AccuEQ measurements, your room's sonic characteristics are evaluated. Using this information, AccuEQ is able to prevent standing waves from forming by adjusting frequency response.
- AccuReflex Measurements: AccuEQ also incorporates AccuReflex technology to align the phase of up-firing "height" speakers with the sound coming directly from your other speakers. Any delay is resolved so that everything arrives at your ears at the same time. The result is cohesive reproduction of object-based soundtracks.
Note: You can choose to bypass the AccuEQ for your front speakers or all speakers, and manually set the distance, crossover, EQ, and level of each speaker.
Precision 24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Onkyo TX-NR5100 employs 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog conversion for playback of 2ch Hi-Res audio (such as FLAC & DSD), as well a multichannel 3D audio (such as Dolby Atmos & DTS:X).
- PLL (Phase Locked Loop): PLL (Phase Locked Loop) jitter-cleaning circuit technology reduces jitter by comparing the input and output phases of the digital signal and creating an accurate clock waveform. This enhances the precision of digital signal processing and noticeably improves audio quality. Jitter-cleaning technology works for S/PDIF audio signals only.
- Digital Filter: You can switch the type of digital filter in the audio DAC. You can choose "Slow" (gives the sound a soft and fluid feel), "Sharp" (gives the sound more structure and firmer feel) or "Auto" (auto). The setting can be separately set for each source input. The Digital Filter only can be set when the sampling frequency is 44.1kHz or more.
Compatible Digital Audio Formats: The AV receiver supports the following stereo & multichannel digital audio formats through its HDMI jacks and optical/coax digital inputs.
Dolby Atmos & DTS:X: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X allow engineers to map sound anywhere in 3D space with effects moving from speaker to speaker all around the room and wrapping your audience in the latest films and games. You can also enjoy your 3D speaker layout with classic titles thanks to Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X which find overhead cues in legacy soundtracks and upmix for awesome spatial realism. In addition, when playing any Dolby or DTS audio soundtrack, engaging Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer or DTS Virtual:X enables a more immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers.
Onkyo Original DSP Modes: Onkyo's Original DSP Modes, combined with Dolby Digital & DTS processing, produce more realistic, powerful sound effects for your movie and music sound tracks based on the type of content and your home theater setup. You can choose from the following:
- Orchestra: Suitable for classical or operatic music. This mode emphasizes the surround channels in order to widen the sound image, and simulates the natural reverberation of a large hall.
- Studio-Mix: Suitable for rock or pop music. Listening to music in this mode creates a lively sound field with a powerful acoustic image, like being at a club or rock concert.
- TV Logic: Suitable for TV shows produced in a TV studio. This mode enhances the surround effects to the entire sound to give clarity to voices and create a realistic acoustic image.
- Unplugged: Suitable for acoustic instruments, vocals and jazz. This mode emphasizes the front stereo image, giving the impression of being right in front of the stage.
- Game: The receiver also offers four different Gaming modes - RPG, Action, Rock, and Sports.
- Stereo/All Channel Stereo (AllCh Stereo): In Stereo mode, sound is output from the front left and right speakers and subwoofer. In All Channel Stereo Mode, stereo sound is output from all speakers - ideal for background music.
- Mono/Mono Music: In Mono mode, when the input signal is analog or PCM, the center or the left and right front speakers output the sound in monaural. In Mono Music mode, all speakers output the same sound in mono, so the sound you hear is the same regardless of where you are within the listening room
- Theater-Dimensional (T-D): In this mode, you can enjoy a virtual playback of multichannel surround sound even with only two or three speakers. This works by controlling how sounds reach the listener's left and right ears
Direct & Pure Audio Mode: The Direct listening mode can be selected for all input signals. In this mode, processing that affects sound quality is shut down, and sound closer to the original is reproduced. The Pure Audio mode takes it one step further by also turning off the display to provide even purer sound. The sound is reproduced with the soundfield based on the number of channels in the input signal. For example, a 2ch signal is output only from the front speakers. Note that other sound adjustments are not available when this mode is selected.
Audio Enhancements: The Onkyo TX-NR5100 receiver provides various audio enhancements to deliver a high-quality listening experience every time.
- CinemaFilter: The CinemaFilter softens overly bright movie soundtracks. Movie soundtracks are typically mixed for a large theater (relative to your home theater) with lots of soft seats and thick curtains on the walls. Home theater settings often lack these high frequency absorbing wall treatments, making the soundtrack sound too bright. CinemaFilter accounts for this and for many movies sounds more natural at home.
- Music Optimizer: The Music Optimizer function enhances the sound quality of compressed music files. The Music Optimizer function only works with PCM digital audio input signals with a sampling rate below 48kHz, analog input signals, and Bluetooth audio.
- Late Night Feature: The Late Night feature limits the dynamic range of Dolby Digital recordings. Limiting the dynamic range makes it easier to find a volume that ensures the quiet sounds are not too quiet and the loud sounds are not too loud for night time listening. This allows you to comfortably listen to without the need to constantly adjust the volume to keep from waking family/neighbors. The choices are: Off, Low, and High. This feature only works with Dolby Digital Encoded software and the depth of the feature will vary based on the individual software package.
Dialog Improvements: The receiver offers a variety of dialog enhancements that make it easier to hear dialog and vocal when listening to movie and music soundtracks. The Vocal mode emphasizes movie dialog and music vocals, so you can hear them more easily amongst the movie effects and musical instruments. The Vocal mode can be set from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Dialog Control allows you to boost the dialog in a DTS:X soundtrack to make dialog more intelligible in noisy environments. Center Spread expands the center channel signal to left and right front speakers to create a wider frontal audio image for the listener, when in Dolby Surround mode.
Bass Management: The Onkyo AV receiver offers Double Bass and Tone Control to get the most bass impact out of your system. You can activate the Double Bass function in order to boost bass output even more by feeding bass sounds to the front left/right speakers, center-channel, and powered subwoofer. In addition, you can independently adjust the Bass (20Hz) and Treble (20kHz) of the receiver's Front L/R channels from -10 to +10 dB.
Volume & Level Setup: The Onkyo AV receiver provides the following volume & level settings.
- Maximum Volume: Use this feature to set the receiver's maximum volume level for the Main Zone and Zone B. This feature is useful to avoid turning the volume too loud by mistake. You can set the Max Volume from 50 to 99, or Off (disabled).
- Power On Volume: Use this feature to set the volume level when the power is turned on in the Main Zone and Zone B. You can choose between Last (same as the volume when the unit was turned off), Min, or 0.5 to 99.5, or Max.
- My Input Volume: You can set specific source inputs to turn on at a specific volume level when you switch to that particular source. Choose from Last, Min, 0.5 to 81.5, or Max.
- Mute Level: Set the volume lowered from the listening volume when "Mute" is selected. Choose from 0, -40dB, or -20 dB.
- Headphone Level: With this setting, you can specify the headphone volume (-12 to +12dB) relative to the main volume. This is useful if there's a volume difference between your speakers and your headphones.
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): This feature of the AV receiver's main HDMI monitor output allows audio to be sent from your compatible TV to the receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your TV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) will support uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, & DTS HD Master Audio - where as the previous ARC (Audio Return Channel) was limited to only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.
Note: Supported content will be dependent on whether your TV features a HDMI eARC or ARC jack.
Analog Audio Outputs: The Onkyo TX-NR5100 is outfitted with the following analog audio outputs.
- Binding-Post Speaker Terminals: There are binding-post terminals for the Front speaker connections and spring-clip terminals for Center, Surround, Surround Back/Height speaker connections. The binding post terminals will accept bare-wire (up to 10AWG), pin-connectors, and banana plugs (single only). The spring-clip terminals only support bare-wire (up to 12AWG) and pin-connectors. Use 4- to 16-ohm speakers (there is an impedance setting in the receiver's menu).
- Dual Subwoofer Outputs: The AV receiver offers two subwoofer outputs to connect dual powered subs for extra bass. The dual outputs are wired in parallel and share the same input signal (they are not discrete).
- Headphones: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted. The receiver supports headphones with impedances of 8 to 600-ohm.
AM/FM Tuner: With the built-in tuner you can enjoy AM and FM radio stations. You can store your favorite stations as presets for quick selection. You can store a combination of up to 40 of your favorite FM/AM radio stations as presets.
Video Features
HDMI 2.1: Featuring four HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, the Onkyo TX-NR5100 incorporates an advanced video section that features some of the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications; including support for 4K/120 and 8K/60Hz video pass-through (up to 24Gbps), HDCP 2.3 compatibility, BT.2020 Wide Color Gamut, and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling.
- 4K/120 Hz + 8K/60Hz Pass-Through: All of the Onkyo receiver's HDMI inputs and monitor outputs support up to 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video @ 120 frames per second, as well as 8K (7680 x 4320) video @ 60 frames per second (up to 24Gbps). The receiver will also pass 4K/60Hz, 1080p/i, 720p, and 480p/ video signals over HDMI.
- HDCP 2.3 Compliant: All of the AV receiver's HDMI inputs and outputs support HDCP 2.3, which fully complies with the latest copyright protection standard for 4K/HDR video transmission.
- 4:4:4 Color Subsampling: The HDMI inputs and monitor outputs support RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, and YCbCr 4:2:0 color subsampling (pixel depth and frame rate will vary). With 4:4:4 color subsampling, luminance (brightness) and chroma (color) are sampled at the same rate; resulting in an RGB color palette as big as the video sampling rate for a video image with more colors, plus greater color accuracy and detail.
- Wide Color Gamut (BT.2020): The BT.2020 color standard delivers a much wider color gamut and represents about 75% of the total visual color spectrum, while the current Rec. 709 color standard selected as the color space for HDTVs and early generation 4K Ultra HDTVs covers only 35% of the total visual color spectrum.
Notes:
- Use at least a premium High Speed 18Gbps HDMI cable for 4K/60Hz video. Use an Ultra High Speed 48Gbps HDMI cable for 4K/120Hz or 8K/60 video.
- Appropriate menu settings are required when 4K or 8K video is to be played back.
HDMI Video Upscaling (up to 4K): The Onkyo AV receiver's video processor provides upscaling of 1080p HDMI video sources to 4K/60Hz Ultra HD (3840x2160 pixels). HDMI video upscaling is only supported by the main HDMI output (not the sub HDMI out).
Dual HDMI Outputs: The two HDMI outputs are parallel, so the same HDMI input audio/video signal is output through both and can be used simultaneously. The second HDMI output does not offer HDMI upscaling. Both HDMI outputs support up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz (up to 24Gbps).
HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR (High Dynamic Range) video provides enhanced picture quality by simultaneously enabling greater detail for both the dark and bright parts of an image. HDR reproduces a greater dynamic range of luminosity or brightness levels, creating greater contrast. This increased contrast reveals the subtle nuances of the image, from detailed blacks and shadows to the brightest whites and colors, plus greater depth. This receiver supports two HDR formats - HDR10, HDR10+ Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), & Dolby Vision.
- HDR10: HDR10 is an open standard and currently the most popular HDR format on the market. It uses static metadata at the start of a movie to tell the receiver and your TV that the video content is encoded using HDR.
- HDR10+: HDR10+ is a new open standard that leverages dynamic metadata to produce enhanced contrast and colors on an expanded range of televisions. HDR10+ incorporates dynamic metadata that allows the adjustment of brightness levels on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. By applying individualized tone mapping to each scene, HDR10+ delivers an incredible viewing experience. The picture quality offers an enhanced visual experience with more detailed expressions, brighter shadow areas and more accurate color renderings that stay true to the creator's original intent.
- Hybrid-Log Gamma: HLG (Hybrid-Log Gamma) is primarily designed for live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It uses no pre-encoded metadata and is backwards compatible with SDR. HLG's native compatibility allows much of today's existing SDR infrastructure to be re-used for HDR in the future.
- Dolby Vision: Unlike HDR 10 which contains static metadata and HLG which uses no metadata, Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata technology which sets individual color and brightness levels for each and every scene. Dolby works directly with filmmakers at major Hollywood studios to create superior HDR video masters of blockbuster movies.
Enhanced Gaming: HDMI 2.1 enhancements for gamers include 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through that enables ultra-fast motion; VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) which eliminates lag, stutter, and frame-tearing for fluid gameplay; ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) to optimize latency from source to screen; plus QFT (Quick Frame Transport) which limits lag for a smoother video gaming experience.
- 4K/120Hz Pass-Through: 4K/120Hz pass-through enables ultra-fast motion UHD images to be crisp and razor-sharp; and sports, action movies, and high-performance gaming benefit significantly.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) allows the TV to adapt to certain Game console's frame rate. This helps to reduce or eliminate lag, stutter and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): The receiver will enter ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) when it detects a gaming signal from a compatible device (such as a Xbox One) and allows for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Quick Frame Transport (QFT) transmits each frame at a higher rate to decrease "display latency", which is the amount of time between a frame being ready for transmission in the GPU and that frame being completely displayed. Enjoy reduced latency for smoother, tear-free entertainment experience.
Other HDMI Features: The TX-NR5100 AV receiver's HDMI connectivity also offers 3D video pass-through, Deep Color & x.v. Color support, as well as an auto LipSync function.
- Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The AV receiver supports Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture
- 3D-Ready: All HDMI jacks will accept 3D video from your 3D-ready Blu-ray player and output the video signal in 3D to your 3D-ready flat-panel television.
- AV Sync: The AV Sync feature can automatically synchronize HDMI audio and video (for any HDMI jack) that has gotten out of sync due to the complex digital video processing being performed by your HDMI-compatible TV. With AV Sync, the audio delay required to synchronize the audio and video is calculated and applied automatically by the AV receiver. You can also manaually correct the audio delay using AV Sync.
HDMI Through: When enabling the HDMI Through function, regardless of whether the AV receiver is "On" or in "Standby", both audio/video streams from an HDMI input will be output to your television, via the receiver HDMI monitor output. You can select between three HDMI Through modes.
- Auto: Detects the signal and automatically selects the input sources.
- Source: Selects the HDMI input source for which the HDMI Through function in enabled.
- Last: The HDMI Through function is activated on the input source selected at the time of setting the AV receiver to the "standby" mode.
Video Select: It is possible to play audio and video from different sources simultaneously. For example, you can play audio via Bluetooth and video from your Blu-ray player. This function is only effective when an input with audio only (Network, Bluetooth, or Tuner) has been selected initially.
Network & Internet Functions
Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The Onkyo TX-NR5100 AV receiver supports a wired Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN) or wireless dual-band (2.4/5GHZ) WiFi 802.11ac (2x2 MIMO) network connection. It features a powerful quad-core SoC (System on a Chip) to perform multiple processing tasks at once. Via the AV receiver's network connection, you can enjoy music files stored on your computer and listen to internet radio through a variety of online music services.
- Ethernet (LAN) Jack: The Onkyo AV receiver is equipped with an Ethernet (RJ-45) jack for connecting the player to your home network and computer. Connecting the A/V receiver's Ethernet port to a 100Base-TX switched Ethernet network is recommended for best results. Use a shielded CAT-5 Ethernet cable to connect the receiver to your home network.
- Built-in Wireless LAN: The AV receiver also features built-in WiFi that allows you to wirelessly connect to your home network, so you can enjoy the benefits of a cable-free network environment. A wireless connection requires a home network with a WiFi-enabled access point (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 2.4/5GHz). Supports WPS, WEP, and WPA security.
Notes:- Network setup requires that the receiver be connected to your TV via HDMI for display of the on-screen menu. The receiver's network setup cannot be accessed through its front-panel display.
- You can "Accept" or "Not Accept" for Onkyo to collect information about product usage when connected to the network and internet. However, if you do not accept the agreement you will get a "Onkyo Group Privacy Statement" each time the receiver is turned on.
Built-in Online Music Services: The Onkyo TX-NR5100 offers several built-in internet radio & online music services through its wired or wireless network that can be accessed and controlled from the free Onkyo Controller app (for Apple iOS 12.0+ & Android OS 5.0+).
- Amazon:Amazon Music can now be accessed through the Onkyo receiver. Enjoy Amazon Prime or Amazon Unlimited. Amazon Prime gives you access to 2 million songs with an Amazon Prime prime membership, while Amazon Unlimited gives you access to 50 million songs with with a $9.99 per month subscription.
- Pandora:Pandora is a personalized Internet radio service that plays the music you know and helps you discover music you'll love. You can select Internet radio stations by Artist, Song, or Genre.
- Tidal: Tidal is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. Tidal has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access Tidal's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality.
- TuneIn: With more than 100,000 radio stations and 2 million on-demand programs registered, TuneIn is a service where you can enjoy music, sports and news from all over the world.
- Deezer:Deezer is an online music service offering over 43 million tracks starting at $9.99 a month. Discover the perfect playlist or make your own, as well as browse curated collections by genre.
Note: Available online services are not available in all regions. Online content can change without notice.
Spotify Connect: The integration of Spotify Connect will enable Spotify Premium users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the Onkyo AV receiver from within the Spotify app on your Apple iOS or Android OS device, as well as your Windows PC or Mac computer. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
Amazon Alexa Compatible: With an Amazon Echo device or other Alexa-enabled devices (sold separately), you can ask to play compatible music apps (like Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, and others; subscription fees may apply), hear the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, and more. You'll need to download the Alexa App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 6.0+) onto your compatible smartphone or tablet device. The Onkyo receiver and your Alexa-enable device must be connected to the same network.
Note: To use Amazon Alexa, you must agree to Amazon's Privacy Statement.
Chromecast Built-In: Chromecast built-in lets you cast many of your favorite music apps from your compatible Android or Apple iOS device, Mac computer, Windows PC, or Chromebook to the Onkyo AV receiver. Chromecast built-in works over WiFi and allows you to connect more than one device at a time to the receiver, as well as control what's playing from anywhere in the house with your compatible mobile device. Chromecast built-In streams audio directly from the cloud, so you get the highest sound quality (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and the ability to enjoy crystal clear sound exactly the way the artist intended. You'll need to download the Google Home app (for Apple iOS 12.0+ and Android OS 6.0+) in order to setup Chromecast built-in.
- Simple-to-Use: Simply tap the Cast button from a Chromecast Built-in compatible music app to start streaming to the AV receiver. You can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume directly from the music apps you know and love on your compatible phone, tablet or laptop. While you cast your music, you can still use your phone to answer a phone call, play a game, send a text, and even leave the room, all without interrupting what's playing on the receiver's speaker system.
- Supported Content: Chromecast built-in offers Internet Radio apps like TuneIn & iHeart Radio; plus online music service apps like Pandora, Spotify (requires Premium subscription), Tidal, Google Play Music, and more. Click here for a complete list of compatible apps. You can even wirelessly stream exactly what's playing on your Android phone or tablet through the sound system. Or, if you're on your laptop or computer, you can also cast any music streaming website through the Chrome browser to the receiver. Chromecast built-in supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music files.
- Google Assistant: With a Google Assistant voice-activated speaker (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) and the Google Home App (for Apple iOS 12.0+ and Android OS 6.0+), you can use your voice to control Chromecast built-in apps. With a simp
