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Onkyo TX-SR494 Review (2025): The Budget Dolby Atmos King Making a Comeback

ByRonald

If you’ve been hunting for a new AV receiver lately, you’ve probably seen the Onkyo TX-SR494 popping up again in 2025 clearance sales, open-box deals, and YouTube discussions. This once-overlooked receiver has suddenly become a hot topic, and for good reason: it promises a full, earth-shaking Dolby Atmos home theater experience for the price of a mid-range soundbar.

So, is it too good to be true?

I’ve dug into the specs, the user feedback, and the competition. The short answer: yes, it’s absolutely worth the hype, but it comes with one big catch that might matter to you. Let’s break it down.

Why It’s Suddenly Getting Attention Again

You might have noticed the TX-SR494 showing up more often lately. That’s because retailers are clearing out their final stock of this discontinued model, and home theater fans are jumping at the chance to grab a true 7.2-channel Atmos receiver for under $400.

Check Out: Onkyo TX-8270 Review

Even though it’s been on the market for a few years, its powerful amplification and Dolby Atmos/DTS X capabilities make it one of the best-value AVRs you can still buy new in 2025. It’s a classic case of “old but gold.”

This model has developed a kind of cult following online — especially among budget-conscious movie lovers who want a cinematic soundstage that no soundbar can replicate.

The Main Event: A True Dolby Atmos Powerhouse

Let’s get straight to the point: you’re looking at this receiver because you want Dolby Atmos and DTS: :X And this is where the TX-SR494 truly shines.

It’s a 7.2-channel receiver, which means you can run a full 5.2.2 setup:

  • 5 traditional surround speakers (front, center, surround)
  • 2 subwoofers for deep, punchy bass
  • 2 height channels for overhead sound

In movies like Dune or Blade Runner 2049, the effect is breathtaking. Helicopters genuinely sound like they’re flying over your head, and environmental details wrap around you in a way no soundbar could ever reproduce.

And if you can’t install ceiling speakers? No problem — Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization lets you simulate overhead sound using your existing setup. It’s surprisingly convincing, especially in smaller rooms or apartments.

The Big Catch: A “Dumb” Receiver in a Smart World

Here’s the one major limitation — the Onkyo TX-SR494 has no Wi-Fi or Ethernet port.

Let that sink in.

You can’t connect it to your home network. There’s no Spotify Connect, no AirPlay, and no built-in apps. Firmware updates can’t be done online, either. Its only wireless feature is Bluetooth, which is fine for casual listening but not ideal for high-fidelity or lossless streaming.

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Onkyo made a deliberate choice here. To give you this much amplification power and Dolby Atmos processing at such a low price, they had to cut something — and they chose connectivity.

So, the TX-SR494 is a powerful but “dumb” amplifier. It does one thing — movie sound — incredibly well, but it won’t replace your smart hub.

Onkyo TX-SR494 vs. Denon AVR-X1800H

This limitation becomes clearer when compared with its modern rival, the Denon AVR-X1800H. Both are often mentioned in the same searches, but they serve different audiences.

Choose the Onkyo TX-SR494 if:

  • You want raw, cinematic power for movies.
  • You already use a streaming device like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or a console (for apps only).
  • You prefer to spend less on the receiver and more on quality speakers.

Choose the Denon AVR-X1800H if:

  • You want a “smart” all-in-one hub with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and HEOS.
  • You stream music daily and want the convenience of built-in apps.
  • You are a serious gamer who needs 8K and 4K/120Hz passthrough with VRR.

The Onkyo is a muscular, straightforward movie amp. The Denon is a feature-rich modern media center.

Speaker Pairing: Get the Most Out of It

A receiver is only as good as the speakers you connect to it. The TX-SR494’s strong, slightly warm Onkyo sound pairs wonderfully with two particular speaker styles that people often search for:

  • KEF Speakers (Q150, Q350): If you crave clarity and precision, KEF’s neutral sound balances perfectly with the Onkyo’s power.
  • Klipsch Speakers (Reference Series): For fans of bold, dynamic, room-filling sound, Klipsch is the ultimate movie-night pairing.

(If you see the TX-SR494DAB version, that’s just the European model with a digital radio tuner — everything else is identical.)

Real-World Performance

In practice, the TX-SR494 delivers a clean, dynamic soundstage that feels cinematic even in mid-sized rooms. Explosions have impact, dialogue stays clear, and the receiver never feels underpowered.

Volume headroom is generous, and the built-in AccuEQ calibration mic does a decent job of balancing your channels for optimal surround effect.

One minor annoyance for setup: it uses spring-clip terminals for the surround and height speakers, not full-sized binding posts (which are only for the front and center channels). This can make it tricky to use with thicker-gauge speaker wire.

For movies and TV, it’s spectacular. For streaming high-fidelity music, less so.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

The Onkyo TX-SR494 is a phenomenal product for a specific type of listener.

You Should Buy This If:

  • You love movies and TV and want real Dolby Atmos immersion.
  • You’re on a budget but still value performance over features.
  • You already own a streaming box or console for all your apps.
  • You want a simple, powerful receiver that works.

You Should Skip It If:

  • You stream music often and expect built-in Wi-Fi or AirPlay.
  • You want your receiver to be the “brain” of your entertainment system.
  • You’re a competitive gamer who needs 4K/120Hz and VRR support.

For the price, you won’t find a more capable cinematic engine for your living room. The TX-SR494 knows exactly what it is — a budget-friendly beast built for one thing: making movie night sound epic — and it absolutely delivers.

Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver Specifications

Amplifier Section

  • Channels: 7.2
  • Power Output: 80 W per channel (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 ch driven)
  • Dynamic Power: 160 W per channel (6 Ω, 1 ch driven, 10% THD)
  • Impedance: 4 – 16 Ω
  • Amplification Type: Discrete high-current analog design
  • DAC: 32-bit / 384 kHz premium DACs

Audio & Surround

  • Formats: Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X®, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
  • Virtualization: Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
  • Room Tuning: AccuEQ with AccuReflex phase correction
  • Speaker Layouts: Up to 5.2.2 Atmos or 7.2 traditional

Video & HDMI

  • HDMI Inputs: 4  Outputs: 1 (ARC compatible)
  • Video Support: 4K/60 Hz, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
  • Color: 4:4:4 chroma, BT.2020
  • HDCP: 2.2 compliant  CEC: Yes

Connectivity

  • Digital Inputs: 1 Optical, 1 Coaxial
  • Analog Inputs: 3 Stereo RCA
  • Subwoofer Pre-Outs: 2
  • Headphone Output: 6.3 mm (front)
  • Bluetooth: Built-in v4.2
  • Network: None (no Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Processing & Features

  • DSP: 32-bit multi-channel engine
  • Tone Controls: Bass, Treble, Balance
  • Listening Modes: Direct, Stereo, Movie, Music, Game
  • Auto Calibration: AccuEQ mic included

General

  • Dimensions: 17 ⅛″ × 6 ⅝″ × 12 15⁄16″ (435 × 160 × 328 mm)
  • Weight: 18.1 lb (8.2 kg)
  • Power Use: 490 W max, 0.1 W standby
  • Finish: Black (brushed metal look)

Market Status (2025)

  • Availability: Discontinued – limited stock & refurb units
  • Typical Price Range: $299 – $379
  • Popularity: Surging again in 2025 as a budget Dolby Atmos favorite

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