Onkyo TX-NR515

Performance

The Onkyo TX-NR515 looks and sounds great. Rather than relying on the traditional 5.1-channel setup, the 7.2-channel Onkyo TX-NR515 adds a subwoofer and two speakers for pinpoint audio accuracy. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision calls the audio quality a charming "combination of subtlety and brute force," while the receiver's Marvell Qdeo video processor delivers nearly flawless video processing and upscaling to 1080p and even 4K resolution. Even the various file streaming features work without a hitch.

Features

Filled to the brim with value-adding extras. If you're looking for a specific feature, there's a good chance the Onkyo TX-NR515 has it. The receiver sports DLNA streaming from devices such as personal computers, MHL support for streaming video from mobile devices and support for a bevy of streaming music services and Internet radio stations. You'll also find the aforementioned high-quality video upscaling, free iOS and Android remote control apps, powered Zone 2 audio capabilities, plenty of audio modes and formats, and automatic speaker calibration via Audyssey 2EQ. Pretty much the only things missing are Airplay support for Apple devices and built-in Wi-Fi, though an optional Wi-Fi dongle is available.

Design

Attractive and full of ports, but is it reliable? The Onkyo TX-NR515 earns high marks for its sturdy and attractive build. It is chock-full of numerous connectivity options, including a whopping eight HDMI inputs (one front-facing) and two HDMI outputs. Some reviewers say they wish the front-side connections were protected by a retractable flap.

However, several users report running into issues with the main HDMI output: After a few days or weeks of use, it has a tendency to stop displaying video, requiring users to unplug the receiver completely and hard reset it.

Ease of use

Plain yet functional. The interface and remote control aren't the most attractive, but experts say they are straightforward and easy to navigate. Optional iOS and Android remote control apps also earn high marks.

Value

Great value … if it works. The Onkyo TX-NR515 provides a lot of bang for your buck, assuming your unit doesn't fall prey to the HDMI video output woes.

The Bottom Line

The Onkyo TX-NR515 is as close to perfect as a mainstream receiver can be, assuming you don't need AirPlay or built-in Wi-Fi, but questions about its reliability make it fall behind the Sony STR-DN1030 (*Est. $500), which has a clunkier interface and no 4K video support, but delivers top-notch performance, offers built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and lacks the hit-and-miss video problems we see in user reviews of the TX-NR515.