Onkyo Release TX-SR3100 8K AVR – First Look

All Image Credit: Onkyo

Onkyo has just announced the launch of a new 5.2-channel AV receiver that brings a solid range of future-ready features to system builders with a limited budget. The TX-SR3100 is the least expensive AVR in Onkyo’s lineup, supporting; HDMI 2.1a/HDCP 2.3 connectivity, a wide range of video resolutions and refresh rates, including support for 4K/120 and 8K/60Hz video pass-through (up to 40Gbps), HDCP 2.3 compatibility, BT.2020 Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling. Gamers get optimized video processing technologies for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience to include; Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduce or eliminate lag and frame tearing.

Audio processing includes; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X delivering a 5.2 or 3.2.2-channel surround-sound experience. You also have the option of engaging Dolby’s Height Virtualizer technology to create virtual surround and height effects without the need for additional channels and speakers. Other virtual surround modes include; DTS Virtual: X and Neural:X processing, both of which are produce spacious effects with standard stereo.

The AVR features Onkyo’s Dynamic Audio Amplification with a 5-channel amplifier rated at 80 watts (into 8-ohms, at 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.08%, driving 2 channels). Onkyo’s Dynamic Audio Amplification technology incorporates a Hi-Current, non-phase shift amplifier design with discrete output stage circuitry and a H.C.P.S (High Current Power Supply) capable of driving 4 to 16-ohm speakers.

Audio conversion is provided by a 24-bit/192kHz DAC supporting multichannel surround formats such as Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD, DTS:X, and more. The DAC’s filters may be selected from; Slow, Sharp and Auto and set for each input, but only when the sampling frequency is 44.1kHz or higher. Audio format support includes;

• HDMI:
  • Bitsream: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS Express, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS
  • PCM: 2ch to 8ch (32-192kHz, 16/20/24-bit)
• Optica/Coaxial:
  • Bitsream: Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS ES, DTS 96/24
  • PCM: 2ch to 6ch, (32-96kHz, 16/20/24-bit)

The receiver is equipped with AccuEQ Room Calibration that streamlines the initial setup of your home theater by ensuring your receiver and speakers are properly calibrated to the room they’re in, creating a more uniform acoustic performance. This technology calculates speaker distance from the listening position, adjusts speaker sound pressure levels and sets the speakers sub crossover frequency. Other audio processing enhancements include; a Vocal Enhancer to accentuate dialogue in movie soundtracks and a Music Optimizer DSP listening mode that is claimed to improve the sound quality of compressed audio files like; WMA, AAC and MP3 formats.

Like some more expensive models the TX-SR3100 also has a unique Klipsch Optimize Mode for use with speakers from Klipsch’s Reference and Reference Premiere speaker series. The AVR also supports Bluetooth, once the receiver has paired with and remembered your phone, tablet or PC app, it will start playback automatically whenever it detects an incoming Bluetooth audio stream.