Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver Review

It is important to know one thing: a receiver is an amplifier with a built-in FM tuner. And it is not at all necessary to have five and one more channels (or however many are required according to the latest trends?) to be called a receiver. A two-channel amplifier with a radio is a receiver. A twelve-channel amplifier with a radio is a receiver.

On the one hand, such a ranking sets the company’s product apart from ordinary amplifiers and can work as a way to stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, if you don’t explain the essence of the idea to the masses, then you can only hope for those who are already in the know, or for movie buffs who at the last moment decide that five speakers are too many, and stop at two.

Nevertheless, following traditional values ​​and markings, we present to you the Onkyo TX-8470 receiver with two channels, which in some senses became a new starting point for the company. And for us – an interesting reason to figure out what and how is arranged in the newly baked Onkyo.

One day, Onkyo decided that it was enough to gather their strength, and presented their new products, and at the same time formed a new concept, which now underlies every device of the company.

According to this ideology, the sound should not just be such that in the showroom you will not have any doubts about the choice. The fulcrum of this sound has become dynamics, which the company pursues and extols in every conceivable way. And this is nice: if we take into account the cinematic orientation of most components, then dynamics are extremely welcome here and play an important role in the advancement of air masses towards the listener.

Here we can also add about the years of development and engineering, which certainly did not go to waste: Onkyo mentions everywhere that to this day it uses class AB amplifiers in its receivers and does not accept anything else. Thus, an idyllic picture of a dynamic, lively sound with transistors that warm not only the radiators but also the soul is painted.

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With the release of the Onkyo TX-8470, the company should reconsider some of its slogans, because its power is provided by more modern amplifier modules in class G, and not the classic AB.

There are several theories about this. One of them borders on fantasy (saving electricity), and the second is more realistic, which comes from the widespread use of class AB amplification variations even in some High-End products. So why deny yourself the opportunity to charge even an inexpensive amplifier with power? We need efficiency and good sound: what difference does it make in how this is achieved? Especially since this method is as close as possible to the cherished one.

So this task was more for the company, and not for you and me: to take a step away from convictions, to refute some of their own arguments. We need to understand one thing: they knew what they were getting into.

Design and Build Quality Onkyo TX-8470

We divide it into two stages: in the first, Onkyo makes a design for the TX-8470, in the second we evaluate it from a consumer point of view. By and large, we all have a good idea of ​​what a modern receiver looks like, even if it is stereo. This receiver cannot be called outstanding either, but there are still some interesting points here.

For example, let’s look at the front panel: in addition to the usual volume control on the right, the matrix screen in the center, and several function buttons below, there are cute-looking buttons that you might not notice right away. They are located in the hollow between the display glass and the metal of the front panel, they give off either old school or minimalism, and if it weren’t for the signatures below, you could mistake them for a decorative element.

Under the display are the necessary tone control knobs, and other similar knob switches inputs. Next to the volume control, in the display glass, there is another cute tuner control button. And even if most of us will never have to press it, everyone who likes to interact with technology without the soulless remote control will want to have one.

The top of the case has the maximum possible ventilation, while its side parts remain closed. The rear panel, as befits a receiver, has almost no free space. To begin with, pay attention to the two pairs of gold-plated terminals, which make it possible to connect two pairs of acoustics and organize, for example, another listening area.

Further, according to the precepts of the multi-channel brothers, we have five HDMI ports with 8K support, one of which is equipped with ARC technology. Their total number is probably the only serious difference between a two-channel receiver and a stereo amplifier. At the same time, an integrated amplifier with one such port will not prohibit you from connecting all devices directly to the TV and then extracting the soundtrack from there. In general, if you level out audiophile concerns, the issue will remain in the plane of aesthetics and will be resolved in favor of the TX-8470, which will save you from a bunch of cables to the TV.

Then we have an almost typical amplification story: three analog inputs, a headphone output (on the front panel), and two preamplifier outputs, one of which is unregulated and can be used to feed a signal somewhere else, there can be many scenarios. Well, and a subwoofer output – the receiver can’t do without it. All this is organized on gold-plated RCA connectors because, in this class of audio equipment, there is nothing to do without gold plating.

Digital switching is represented by a pair of optical connectors, one coaxial, a pair of USB A (one on the front panel) for external storage devices, and an Ethernet connector. Separately, we can highlight the FM antenna jack and the phono preamplifier switching unit (with gold-plated connectors, of course), which can work with both MM and MC cartridges.

Here we will touch on the equipment of the Onkyo TX-8470 in more detail, not forgetting to mention once again that its design uses efficient amplification in class G with low negative feedback, which is provided by a non-toroidal, but still not small transformer. Thanks to this, each channel has 120 W at a load of 8 ohms. If the ohms become 4, the power increases to 140 W.

The amplifier stage also uses the company’s proprietary Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT), which, according to the idea, prevents phase shift and allows for the creation of what the developers call a clear, focused, and realistic sound image.

Let’s pay attention once again to the phono preamplifier, which received special attention here: in addition to the ability to work with both types of cartridges, it is equipped with a patented circuit on discrete operational amplifiers. It is placed on an isolated phono preamplifier board.

The digital path here is also not simple, but with a proprietary technology. It is based on the AKM AK4452 chip with support for all conceivable formats and resolutions. But in order for the digital signal to be authentic to the analog, the path uses a vector linear shaper Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC), which restores the original signal shape after its digital processing by eliminating impulse noise.

The streaming module is perhaps the most extensive technical side of the Onkyo TX-8470 to describe: it provides everything and even more. In addition to all conceivable platforms and Internet radio, there is Roon certification, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 are supported, and Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi are built in.

In addition, there is a proprietary application that can fully manage both content and active inputs – all at the most modern level of implementation. An obvious emphasis on melomania with notes of audiophilia, which will obediently wait until you finish watching the film.

Setup For Testing Onkyo TX-8470

To evaluate the sound of this receiver, we will need only a pair of speakers. But not only in cinema but also in audiophilia, it is encouraged when there are more than two speakers in such moments. Therefore, we use the Klipsch RP-5000F II and Q-Acoustics Q 5050 floor standers.

The task is clear: have you tamed it, have you been able to cope with a new type of amplification? So we launched the track “Today is OK” by Tricky and some other people. And it’s right on target: this track seems to erase the word “receiver” in the name of the Onkyo TX-8470 because the sound is clearly aiming for other areas.

With Klipsch it turned out lively and tight, the midrange/high frequencies are literally tangible bit by bit thanks to the horn, and the bass is dense and percussive. The soundstage is precise, accurate, a little more – and you can feel like a sound engineer looking for mixing flaws.

With Q Acoustics, the step towards audiophilia is immediately clear, and the signature style characteristic of these speakers also fits well into the concept of the track. Interestingly, there are two rather large bass speakers, which this receiver easily controls, dosing both rhythm, duration, and depth. The soundstage is again exemplary, truly open and precise – there is confidence that it definitely could not do without proprietary technologies, since the sound is spectacular, and the amplifier works very effectively.

We’ll have to approach the task with a little more diligence: “Lady With An Ermine” by Caroline Shaw. A classically inspired soundtrack with a lead violin and a promising background of backing violins, percussion, and cello. A great idea and professional execution, which is left to the receiver to bring to life.

It is impossible to say that it touched me to the core, and I did not want to wipe away a tear either due to its absence. But if someone else was in the KDP, then the efficiency of this amplifier would certainly impress him. Here you can hear that the path does not have excessive harshness, is completely devoid of synthetics and obtrusiveness, and allows the acoustics to both inhale and exhale, not forgetting about the ubiquitous control.

The result is a pleasant audiophile picture of rosin, the strokes of which have flown away with the bows in all directions. There is a share of fusion in the sound, the music remains indivisible and integral while possessing the necessary detail. There, in budgets with a large number of zeros, this feature is usually fundamental. But here, when there are rather strict limits, getting such a balance in the sound is a fairly significant bonus, which solves many more problems than just watching a movie with good sound.

Conclusion

And yet, a receiver. While sorting out the nuances of the Onkyo TX-8470 while writing the review, at the end of it I have to refute my philological discontents. But this fits in quite well with the refuted statements of the Onkyo company about preserving the traditional values ​​of class AB, etc. And this is not at all shameful, but even on the contrary – it demonstrates that time goes by, and some views need to be revised with its flow.

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver Specifications

• 2-channel Class G amplifier
• 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD
• premium 32-bit/768kHz AKM DAC (AK4452)

Digital and streaming music options:

• built-in Wi-Fi for listening to music from a networked PC, free internet radio, and music services
• includes support for Amazon Music, TIDAL, and Spotify® (subscription required for some services)
• compatible with Sonos Port — receiver turns on automatically and sets the right input when selected in the app
• works with Amazon Alexa
• Apple AirPlay 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music
  • supports multi-room audio with compatible wireless speakers
• built-in Bluetooth for wireless music listening with smartphones, tablets, and compatible computers
• Bluetooth transmission for sending audio from the receiver to Bluetooth-enabled headphones
  • play audio through Bluetooth headphones only, or through Bluetooth headphones and connected speakers simultaneously
• plays high-resolution digital music files via USB storage device or a networked computer (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution; DSD up to 11.2 MHz)
• works as a Roon player (requires a subscription and Roon Core running on your network)
  • Roon Core is media server software that runs on your computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware

HDMI features:

• HDMI 2.1 audio/video switching: 4 in, 1 out
  • all connections support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video
  • all connections support 4K/60Hz video
  • HDCP 2.3 technology ensures compatibility with 4K Ultra HD sources and TVs
  • supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG
  • supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) for passing audio signals to the receiver from your TV
  • Dolby Digital and DTS surround are not supported; the TV must be set to output 2-channel PCM
• gaming-optimized video processing technologies for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduce or eliminate lag and frame tearing

Other connections:

• digital audio inputs: 2 optical and 1 coaxial
• 3 analog stereo RCA line-level audio inputs
• MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil) switchable phono input for connecting a turntable
• main zone stereo RCA preamp output for connecting to an external stereo power amp
• Zone 2 stereo RCA preamp output
• front-panel and rear-panel USB-A ports for audio playback from USB flash drives or for charging USB-connected devices
• A and B speaker output pairs
• mono RCA output for connecting a powered subwoofer
• Ethernet port for wired network connection
• front-panel 1/4″ headphone output
• detachable power cord

General features:

• free Onkyo remote app lets you use your Apple® or Android™ device as a Wi-Fi remote
• setup assistant guides you through the initial connection process and settings
• intuitive on-screen guide
• listen to music while watching video from a different source
• HDMI standby pass-through allows HDMI switching without powering up the receiver
• sleep timer
• AM/FM tuner
• remote control

Dimensions & other info:

• 17-3/16″W x 5-7/8″H x 14-7/16″D (8-5/16″H with Wi-Fi antennas raised)
• weight: 19.8 lbs.
• warranty: 2 years

What’s in the box:

• Network stereo receiver
• 6′ AC power cord
• Remote control (RC-903S)
• 2 “AAA” batteries
• FM wire antenna
• AM loop antenna
• Initial Setup Guide
• Safety Information