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The Onkyo TX-SR875 is a high-end 7.1 channel audio/video receiver as part of Onkyo's latest lineup of products supporting HDMI 1.3a. Along with the flagship Onkyo TX-NR905, the TX-SR875 are the first receivers to include Silicon Optix's acclaimed Reon-VX HQV video processing chip that effectively up-rezzes all video sources to 1080p. The receiver features 4 HDMI inputs, and 1 HDMI output delivering 1080p signals with audio.

Where to buy

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Pros & Cons

Pros:
26 people have already voted. Do you agree?

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Reon-VX HQV video processing (1080p)
+18agreedisagree

•
Upscales all video sources to 1080p/HDMI
+17agreedisagree

•
Decent SD video source upscaling
+14agreedisagree

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Supports bi-amplification and bridged operation
+13agreedisagree

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High efficiency, high current, low distortion
+13agreedisagree

•
THX Ultra 2 certified
+12agreedisagree

•
HQV processing!
+10agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

•
No tweaking of the REON processor except to disable xvYCC
+2agreedisagree

•
Problems with HDMI handshaking with some video sources
+1agreedisagree

•
No network connection
-6agreedisagree

•
OSD is only 480p
-8agreedisagree

Competing products

Onkyo TX-SR875 is ranked 3rd.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers

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More information

From the audio and amplification standpoint, the TX-SR875 features a dual push-pull amplifier configuration, with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit. It also includes top-of-the-line Burr-Brown DACs for high efficiency and high current with low distortion. It also supports bi-amplification (with compatible speakers), and bridged operation for a high power setup. In normal operation, this receiver can deliver 140 W to each of its 7 channels.

Features

  • Full A/V Processing via HDMI 1.3a with Upconversion (4 in 1 out)
  • HDMI Deep Color Capable (36bit)
  • Component Video Upconversion and HDTV-Capable (100 MHZ) Video Switching (3 in 1 out)
  • WRAT/ Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry/ Non-Scaling Configuration/ A-Form Listening Mode Memory/ RI
  • HQV Reon-VX Video Processing and NSV Precision Video
  • Audyssey MultEQ XT Room Acoustics Correction
  • 7.1 Multichannel Inputs for PCM Delivery of Hi-Def Audio Sources
  • DOLBY Decoder - PLIIx, DD, DD-EX, DD+, TrueHD
  • DTS Decoder - DTS, ES, NEO:6, 96/24, HD Master Audio
  • THX Ultra2 Certified
  • S-Video (5 in 1 out)
  • Digital Audio IN (OPT/COAX) 3/2
  • Composite (5 in 2 out)
  • 7.1 Preouts
  • Burr-Brown 192/24-bit DAC on all Channels (TI Architecture (PCM1796))
  • Power 140W/Ch
  • Powered Zone 2 with Video Balance Volume and tone control
  • Powered Zone 3
  • Bi-Amp & BTL Capable
  • Dual Push-Pull Amp with 3 stage inverted
  • XM and Sirius ports
  • XM HD Surround Sound through Neural Surround
  • RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol
  • MSRP $1699
  • Release date: July 2007

Availability

The TX-SR875 offers a distinct advantage over its competitors as it is powered by a Reon HQV chipset instead of the inferior Faroudja DCDi chipset found in the competing models. The TX-SR875 is now available for a retail price of $1699.

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Articles

• Denon AVR-3808CI vs. Onkyo TX-SR875

written by Erik Aug 15, 07

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19 comments about Onkyo TX SR 875

1.  avatar Erik  Jul 27, 2007 12:20pm

From reading the early posts the owner's thread on AVS Forum, there seems to be some issues with this receiver. Namely, a) HDMI handshaking, b) no tweaking of the Reon chip, and c) 1080p doesn't seem to work with Xbox 360.
2.  avatar Erik  Jul 30, 2007 12:21pm

Some clarification on the Xbox 360 Elite 1080p issue.

1) TX-SR875 WILL upscale Xbox 360 video to 1080p (component and HDMI)
2) TX-SR875 WILL pass-through 1080p from the Xbox 360's HDMI output
3) TX-SR875 WILL NOT output 1080p from the Xbox 360's COMPONENT output

There is a Microsoft issue with 1080p component video that will be rectified with a firmware update later this year. HDMI works.
3.  avatar werewuf  Aug 01, 2007 10:14pm

What is is the issue with tweaking the REON chip?
4.  avatar Erik  Aug 01, 2007 10:23pm

I originally submitted the "tweaking" point to the review. The issue is that apparently no way to change the parameters on the REON HQV chip to your liking. This may not be a big deal to most, but some people like the ability to tinker around with their equipment to get the best possible picture. I don't own this receiver, I'm merely relaying what I found on the official TX-SR875 thread on AVS Forum.
5.  avatar iWantAV  Aug 26, 2007 5:22am

I have this paired up with the SKS HT-540 speaker system. I am using 14 guage wire.
I have it going in to an Epson Pro Cinema 1080P projector on to a 110 inch screen.
Overall pretty happy. upconverts DVD component beautifully. I don't think it even tries to upconvert or smooth out the HDMI in from my 1080i cable box. very blocky. I hate that. I plugged my PS3 in to the game port and it is very blurry. Movies are beautiful so I am not going to try and refocus my projector for it. I will be contacting Onkyo support on Monday.
What is Pure Audio and why does it kill the screen when I change to it? Why do I only get 2 THX settings when watching through DVD component? I get a lot more from CBL/SAT input.
The only thing that really sounds good is all speaker stereo for movies. I went through the Audyssey setup and it finishes.
Does anyone have any input on how to get REALLY good surround sound for movies through this thing?
6.  avatar BlackWarlock  Aug 29, 2007 6:33am

Hello,

After doing some research I have to specify one thing about HDMI to HDMI upscaling :

- Onkyo's 2007 AVR (as far as I know 875 & 905)will do HDMI to HDMI upscaling
- Actually this is a rare feature within the Denon 2007 lineup because only the 5308Ci will do the job
7.  avatar dominion  Aug 29, 2007 9:09am

Looking at some people's review, one ralizes they are not HiFi experts and that's OK. I mean they haven't even touched one, let alone buy it. And then tesing, well with what, their 720P TV or less? Was the TV a Pioneer Elite Plasma or similar Benchmark TV? Comparing Reon to Faroudja or better yet throwing down Faroudja altogether; I mean going from a 1 or 2 with other same level brands because they ahve Faroudja and then giving this product a 7 or 8. I mean come on. You with the cheap set up, you won't even see the difference visually. And by the way the Sony might cost more because it does have PIP processing and other fearures. Anfd thenI can add a few bonus features Yamaha has that Onkyo doesn't.
8.  avatar dominion  Aug 29, 2007 10:12am

In summary I think it "seems" like a fine machine and good value. And features above others in certain areas.
9.  avatar heapatrouble  Sep 01, 2007 1:05pm

In response to the issue with outputting 1080p via component from an xbox360, there are a couple of potential issues: the first is that many video devices will not accept 1080p over component, only 1080i at best. Second is the firmware upgrade for the 360 that allows 1080p output over component, and finally is the issue of transcoding. The user has to be certain that he/she has configured the receiver to transcode/upconvert 1080p if only hdmi outputs are being used.
10.  avatar Jellodyne  Oct 10, 2007 3:00pm

> What is Pure Audio and why does it kill the screen when I change to it?

Pure Audio is a mode that attempts to deliver the best possible sound by minimizing any 'unneccesary' elecrtical noise within the unit and also by reserving as much power as possible for the amplifiers and audio circuitry. It does this by disabling anything not directly involved in the audio path, which is to say the video switching, video processing, video output, etc.

Pure Audio = no video. Surely your manual mentions this?
11.  avatar JVi  Dec 05, 2007 12:23pm

In the Pros and Cons section, a note was made above with "Problems with HDMI handshaking with some video sources" with several agreeing.
Can anyone comment on these issues?
12.  avatar Erik  Dec 05, 2007 1:40pm

Owners in the AVS Forum thread talking about the handshaking problem [link]. It sounds as if there is a handshaking problem with the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR20-700) that apparently can be fixed by powering up a PS3. Weird.

13.  avatar JVi  Dec 14, 2007 10:06am

Full tweking of the Reon HQV is now available with the latest firmware v 1.04 which is now shipped as standard for the 875. For the 905, the same firmware is given version number 1.05 but they both addressed the same issues.

14.  avatar bryanmquinn  Dec 16, 2007 4:00pm

Tips: you can access the Reon menu by holding the DISPLAY button on the remote for 5 seconds. Display wion the receiver only.

To check firmware version, on the receiver (not remote) hold DISPLAY button then press STANDBY.
15.  avatar heapatrouble  Jan 09, 2008 5:05pm

I recently upgraded my system as a whole, to include the 875. Presently, the system as it is being used is a 360 w/ HD DVD as a source, the 875, a Westinghouse 42" 1080p LCD flat panel, and a Polk Lsi speakr package with LSi-25's up front, and LCi-C center channel and LSi-15's as rear channels. Initially I had been running the 360 directly to the TV while I was sitting on the fence about what kind of receiver/speaker package to buy. I can tell you that running the 360 through the receiver then on to the TV actually IMPROVED the picture, for both HD-DVD and DVD. In the next day or so, I will be getting an Onkyo DV-S504 universal DVD player for playing standard DVD, SACD, and DVD-audio, as playing standard DVD over the 360 is a generally disappointing experience due to its poor upconversion of DVD's 480i/p resolution to 1080P.

I will also add that, although in the $1600 price range, there's certainly a fairly level playing field if you are looking at a Denon, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES or Yamaha, vs the Onkyo, there are a number of factors which decided me in favor of the Onkyo.
1. Better remote control than Pioneer, Sony or Yamaha
2. Better video processing than Denon, Pioneer, or Sony
3. Sound quality that I preferred to all of the above, but especially the Yamaha.
4. Simpler onscreen display controls than all of the above

Overall, I am exceedingly pleased with the package I have set up and I can tell you that the sound of the Onkyo/Polk system is absolutely awesome. Even playing MP3's (disclosure: I only have high-bitrate MP3's) sounds great assuming you let the Onkyo do the DA conversion.
16.  avatar postulio  Apr 11, 2008 3:40pm

I have a quick question about this AVR:

How will it upscale old composite signals of video games (like the Nintendo NES) and component signal of lets say the Playstation 2.

Will there be a delay between me pushing a button and seeing action on the screen? how well will it work -- if anyone knows please let us all know.

My primary reason for looking into upscaling AVRs is to have my older video game consoles run and look well on my 37" 1080p JVC LT-37X688. Which video Processor will do the best job at this? Reon-HQV or Faroujda? (or a third party)

Thank You.
17.  avatar heapatrouble  May 16, 2008 1:56am

In response to Post 16: It will do the upscaling, and the Standard-def sources will look somewhat better, but you won't be able to gild a turd with this thing. It doesn't work that way - especially with something like the NES, which was never really even a quality 480i source to begin with. PS2 will look substantially better because the source material is better than NES.

As for which processor will do better, Home Theater Magazine just did a review of the video processing of a bunch of AVR's. The only receiver whose video processing came close to that of the Denon AVR-5308 ($5200 list) was the Onkyo TX-SR875 (the TX-NR905 uses the same processing and should perform the same while adding a bunch of convenience features). The reason for this is that both use processors from Silicon Optix. Presently, no other video processor available in a mainstream receiver come close to the performance of the Realta and Reon processors.
18.  avatar heapatrouble  May 16, 2008 2:04am

Also, in response to Post 5 ('I don't think it even tries to upconvert or smooth out the HDMI in from my 1080i cable box. very blocky. I hate that.')

The reason you are getting pixelation from your cable box is most likely because of the level of compression being used by your cable company. Remember that not all HD is the same regardless of how it is labeled. The level of compression will vary from one provider to the next and even from one channel to the next even though both are from the same provider. This is almost absolutely not the fault of the receiver. It will, if properly configured, transcode any video source from analog to digital and upconvert up to 1080p. But if the source in question is basically garbage (i.e. Nintendo NES, over-compressed HD cable, VHS) then you are getting upconverted garbage that probably looks better than it would have without the processing, but still not to the level of a 360, PS3, or a quality Blu-ray or HD-DVD transfer being played from a quality source.
19.  avatar heapatrouble  May 16, 2008 2:07am

Also, in fairness, the HDMI handshaking problems mentioned above can occur with many brands and are hard to predict, hard to troubleshoot, frequently difficult to reproduce and sometimes seem to have something of an alchemic quality to them. It's very hard to logically lay the blame at the feet one component when it could be the source or display or the particular combination of all three.
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    Key Features:

    Audio Inputs Digital Optical, RCA, Phono, Digital Coaxial, HDMI
    Manufacturer Onkyo
    MSRP $1,699.00
    Number of Channels 7.1
    Product Line Onkyo TX
    Release Date Jul. 15, 2007
    Video Inputs Composite, S-Video, Component, HDMI
    Watts per Channel 140 W

    Sponsors

    Product page stats

    39914 views and 267 edits (see all)
    Created: 05/18/2007 - 11:00
    Modified: 08/15/2008 - 16:35
    Model # variations:

    TX, SR, 875, TXSR, SR875, TXSR875