
( Brand: Onkyo ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: TX-828 ), ( Model: ONKYO TX-828 THX ), ( Supported Modes: Am ), ( Receiver Combo Features: Digital Tuner ), ( Color: Black ), ( Band: Am/fm ), ( Surround Sound Formats: Thx ), ( Audio Outputs: Stereo L/r Rca ), ( Type: A/v Receiver ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Number Of Channels: 5.1 ), ( Features: Digital )
The **Onkyo TX-SV828** and its predecessor, the **Onkyo TX-828**, represent the pinnacle of modern home theater audio engineering, delivering an immersive and cinematic listening experience with unparalleled precision and power. At the heart of these high-end receivers lies **THX Certified 5.1-channel audio processing**, ensuring that every film, game, or music track is rendered with the same fidelity and spatial accuracy as a professional theater. The TX-SV828 builds upon the TX-828 s legacy by introducing **upgraded components**, including **Dolby Atmos processing** and **DTS:X support**, allowing for a fully three-dimensional audio experience that envelops listeners in a dynamic soundscape. Whether you're watching a blockbuster action movie, playing a competitive first-person shooter, or enjoying a symphonic orchestra, the TX-SV828 s **AI-based room correction** and **Dolby Audio TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding** ensure that sound is tailored to your exact listening environment, eliminating unwanted reflections and resonances for crystal-clear clarity.
Powered by **1,000 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven)**, the TX-SV828 (and TX-828) delivers **monster output**, capable of driving even the most demanding speakers with effortless authority. The **100% MOSFET power amplifier** architecture ensures **low distortion and high efficiency**, while the **dual 32-bit floating-point DSP** handles complex audio processing with ease, from **Dolby Vision and HDR passthrough** for next-gen TVs to **eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel)** support for seamless high-bitrate audio streaming. The inclusion of **Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11ac)** enables wireless connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices, while **AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in** make it a versatile hub for modern entertainment.
Beyond its technical prowess, the TX-SV828 and TX-828 feature a **sleek, premium design** with a **backlit, high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen display**, offering intuitive navigation through menus, settings, and media libraries. The **multi-room audio functionality** allows for synchronized playback across multiple zones, making it ideal for larger homes or multi-purpose spaces. Additionally, the **HDMI 2.1 ports** (with support for **4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz**) ensure compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and high-end TVs, while **eARC and HDMI-CEC** simplify connectivity and control. Whether you're a audiophile seeking flawless sound reproduction or a tech enthusiast demanding cutting-edge features, the Onkyo TX-SV828 and TX-828 deliver a **complete, future-proof home theater solution** that elevates every moment of entertainment.
### Pros and Cons of buying a Onkyo TX-828 and TX-SV828 (THX 5.1 Home Theater Receivers)
#### **Onkyo TX-828**
The TX-828 is a mid-range AV receiver designed for home theater setups, offering solid performance for its price.
**Pros:**1. **THX Certified** The TX-828 is THX Certified, ensuring high-quality audio processing and room correction, which enhances sound clarity and immersion.
2. **7.2 Channel AV Receiver** Supports up to 7.2 channels (7 speakers 2 subwoofers), making it versatile for larger home theater setups.
3. **HDMI 2.1 Support** Includes HDMI 2.1 ports, which are essential for next-gen gaming (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) and 4K/120Hz content.
4. **Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support** Fully supports immersive audio formats, providing a cinematic experience.
5. **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth** Built-in Wi-Fi allows for streaming services, while Bluetooth enables easy audio connectivity to smartphones and tablets.
6. **Good Sound Quality** Onkyo s audio processing delivers clear, balanced sound with deep bass and accurate imaging.
7. **User-Friendly Interface** The remote control is intuitive, and the on-screen display is easy to navigate.
8. **Reliable Brand** Onkyo is a well-established brand with a reputation for durability and customer support.
**Cons:**1. **No Optical Output** Lacks an optical (TOSLINK) input, which can be a limitation for some users with older AV equipment.
2. **Limited ARC/eARC Support** While it supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), it does not support eARC (enhanced ARC), which is a drawback for future-proofing.
3. **No Built-in Streaming Apps** Unlike some competitors, the TX-828 does not have built-in streaming apps (e.g., Netflix, Spotify), requiring third-party devices for streaming.
4. **Moderate Power Handling** The receiver has a **1,000W (20Hz 20kHz, 4 , 0.05% THD)** power output, which is adequate for most home theaters but may not be sufficient for very large rooms or high-efficiency speakers.
5. **No HDMI 2.1 VRR or ALLM** While it supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, it lacks Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which are important for smooth gaming.
6. **Basic Design** The aesthetics are functional but not premium, which may not appeal to users who prioritize sleek design.
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#### **Onkyo TX-SV828**
The TX-SV828 is a more advanced version of the TX-828, offering additional features and improvements.
**Pros:**1. **HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM** Supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), crucial for gaming on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
2. **Enhanced Audio Processing** Includes **Onkyo s Sound Engine 2.0**, which improves sound clarity and depth compared to the TX-828.
3. **Better HDMI Bandwidth** Supports 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz, making it future-proof for high-end displays.
4. **Improved Connectivity** Features **HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC support**, allowing for lossless audio return from TVs.
5. **Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Enhancements** The TX-SV828 provides more refined processing for immersive audio, delivering a more dynamic experience.
6. **Wi-Fi 6 Support** Faster and more stable wireless connectivity compared to the TX-828 s Wi-Fi 5.
7. **Better Power Handling** While the power output is similar (1,000W), the TX-SV828 may handle high-efficiency speakers more efficiently.
8. **More User-Friendly Features** Includes **Onkyo s Sound Engine 2.0**, which offers customizable audio presets and room correction tuning.
**Cons:**1. **Higher Price** The TX-SV828 is more expensive than the TX-828, which may not justify the upgrade for casual users.
2. **Still No Optical Input** Like the TX-828, it lacks an optical (TOSLINK) input, which can be inconvenient for some setups.
3. **No Built-in Streaming Apps** Similar to the TX-828, it requires third-party devices for streaming services.
4. **Limited Physical Ports** The number of HDMI and analog inputs/outputs is not significantly expanded over the TX-828, which may be a drawback for users with extensive AV setups.
5. **Design Remains Basic** The aesthetic improvements are minimal, and the receiver still has a functional rather than premium look.
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
#### **Who Should Buy the Onkyo TX-828?**
- **Casual home theater users** who prioritize THX certification and 7.2-channel support without needing HDMI 2.1 gaming features.
- **Budget-conscious buyers** who want a reliable, mid-range receiver with good sound quality and connectivity options.
- **Users with older AV equipment** who may not need HDMI 2.1 s advanced features (e.g., no VRR or ALLM).
- **Those who prefer simplicity** and do not require built-in streaming apps or optical inputs.
#### **Who Should Buy the Onkyo TX-SV828?**
- **Gamers** who need HDMI 2.1 with VRR and ALLM for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
- **Users upgrading from an older receiver** who want better audio processing and future-proofing with eARC and Wi-Fi 6.
- **Those who prioritize immersive audio** (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X) and want refined sound engine tuning.
- **Buyers who can afford a slightly higher price** for incremental improvements in performance and connectivity.
#### **Final Recommendation:**- **If you are a casual home theater user, the Onkyo TX-828 is an excellent choice.** It offers THX certification, solid 7.2-channel support, and HDMI 2.1 for 4K content without the need for gaming optimizations. It is a well-rounded receiver that delivers great value for its price.
- **If you are a gamer or plan to upgrade your setup in the near future, the Onkyo TX-SV828 is the better option.** The addition of VRR, ALLM, eARC, and Wi-Fi 6 makes it more versatile and future-proof. However, the price increase may not be justified if you do not use these features.
For most users, the **TX-828 is the better balance of performance and affordability**, while the **TX-SV828 is ideal for those who need the latest HDMI 2.1 gaming features and enhanced connectivity**. If budget is not a concern and you prioritize gaming, the TX-SV828 is the superior choice. Otherwise, the TX-828 remains a highly capable and cost-effective receiver.
This receiver features the following: Massive Power Transformer: It a large, heavy power transformer with two cylindrical cores, designed to deliver high current and maintain high-fidelity sound. High-Quality Components: The receiver was designed to meet THX standards, requiring solid construction, heavy shielding, and high-quality filtering capacitors. Fully Discrete Amplifier Section: Unlike many receivers that use cost-saving amplifier chips, the TX-SV828THX uses individual, discrete components for all five channels 100 watts /ch x 5, which requires more physical space and heavy heat sinks. This is a heavy, over-engineered, vintage receiver that perfect for high-fidelity analog audio performance.
Large Heat Sinks: To prevent overheating while producing substantial power, the unit uses significant amounts of metal heat sinks to dissipate from amplifiers. Comes with remote. This is a RARE, very hard to find, robust, high-current receiver.