What an AV-receiver! Considering its 33 kilogrammes of weight and its excellent manufacturing, the term "safe" is more than suitable and literally confirms what this machine has to offer. Its endless power reserves in connection with its very detailed and uncompromising high-end playback as well as its complete set of features with all options for future formats lifts this Onkyo into the Olymp of AV-receivers. + Excellent manufacturing
+ Complete set of features
+ Future-proof due to its modular construction
+ Huge power reserves

HiFi units of the year 2006 Third position: ONKYO TX-NR5000E In the category “AV-receiver/amplifier of 1,500 Euro plus”

Just catching a glimpse of this AV receiver makes Hi-fi fans want more. Every button on the front panel blends in with the case perfectly, and even though the volume control knob is massive it is precise at the same time. Size, transmission frequency, volume and delay can be individually configured for all inputs of each loudspeaker group. All sound types can be adjusted to your personal preference and individually edited, which can be done independently for every source. This receiver offers endless opportunities to either adapt your output material or play back 1:1. Bass sounds that are too deep can be adjusted with the built-in notch filter. Onkyo is the only company that offers a room adjustment system, however, the company did not include an automatic measuring system and a full equaliser for all frequencies, which is not a problem considering how mediocre all the other stereo systems perform. Whilst beginners should consult the operating manual, experts will easily understand the system as it features clear controls that are also used as “enter” keys. We had a hard time getting away from this “configuration wonder” as none of our systems has ever got that close to perfection. Our computer freaks will be pleased to see that we have included a network input at the back, and with Onkyo´s own “Net-Tune Central” software the receiver is able to access all your music from either your hard drive or from radio stations on the internet. However, what’s much more important than all those features is the Onkyo’s sound, which is definitely not disappointing. When it comes to sound Onkyo has proved once again that sophisticated balance is much more important than unconditional boasting. It has never been so easy to distinguish and listen to the voices of the acting protagonists. The Onkyo’s power reserves are endless, its bass is relentless and sounds pitch black. But despite all this, it keeps its power games at bay and takes the listeners on a journey through all frequency levels. On the whole its sound character is suitable for any output material and almost every loudspeaker. Using the Onkyo as a switchboard gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing loudspeakers, and you can always be sure that it is able to deal with all picture and sound formats. Professional home cinema systems would also be impressed with this Onkyo as it is able to play in two completely independent rooms (however, not at the same time). So, having two separate rooms – on for watching movies and the other one for listening to concerts - is no longer utopia. Of course, this Onkyo also offers delay functions for picture and sound, and high-quality loudspeakers are normally better off with two separate outputs. There may be some single components that are better and cheaper, however, when put together as a complete system none of them would be able to keep up with the Onkyo. We are absolutely sure that this won’t change in the near future. In this way this receiver has earned our utmost recognition as it is a technical masterpiece.

...but his look is better that the compared Denon AVC-A1XV: his modular construction permit a continuous upgrade. Onkyo don’t know the obsolescence. In terms of performances his sounds are the best that you can listen with an integrated receiver: very high fidelity on 7.1 channel. The machine has a lot of power but it’s very well balanced. It gives you very high performances in both stereo and multichannel. The Asahi-Kasei AKM AK5384 DAC are one of the best DAC on the market. Their built-in delta-sigma integrated modulators (4 for each of the two chips) have the differential inputs insensible to the noises and for this they have an excellent S/N ratio of 107 dB! With the Onkyo TX-NR5000E you enter the audiophile world; it rebuild really splendid sounds that seems sculptured by a Canova. His control is more typical of a tube amplifier then a solid state one: this is the effect of the WRAT technology. The TX-NR5000E works perfectly with every genre. The listener have the impression to be aboard of a jet plane; power under control. It’s also simple to use; it’s an amplifier to the listener service, and not viceversa.”

"This ia an outstanding piece of AV receeiver design, and if music playback is secondary to the visceral thrills of home cinema, then the case in ist favour is very strong needed. It is well made, has a great remote control, is powerful and well equipped..." " ...what sets it truly apart are its network audio capabilities, for which it is better queipped than any of its rivals, and the promise of longevity thanks to its open architecture. Its a curious fact that while it seems a good buy today, this big Onkyo might seem like an even better porposition a could of years down the road..."

“The main characteristics of Onkyo’s TX-NR5000E are its endless functions, its modular construction, which is future-proof, and its network capability…and of course its amazing sound. Onkyo is certainly no novice when it comes to building high-class receivers - a tradition that has reached its height in the TX-NR5000E.”

“The TX-NR5000E weighs an impressive 33kg, is perfectly manufactured and has an elegant design. Its big controls and keys invite to immediate use and create a desire to hear the player live”. Those who want to buy a receiver with outstanding sound, which will still be up-to-date tomorrow, should have a closer look at Onkyo’s TX-NR5000E…”

"With a networking future already envisaged, Onkyo's TX-NR5000E is a forward-thing beast. It can play the music from your computer, connect to the mammoth amount of internet radio stations available, or even update itself from the Onkyo website. However, this award winner really earns its stripes through its stunning audio performance; the way it can fill a room and provide bold dynamics has to be heard to be believed. This ultimately means that you'll be reaching for the all-action spectaculars to really show the system off, but it's equally capable of creating perfect ambience..."

"This ia an outstanding piece of AV receeiver design, and if music playback is secondary to the visceral thrills of home cinema, then the case in ist favour is very strong needed. It is well made, has a great remote control, is powerful and well equipped..." " ...what sets it truly apart are its network audio capabilities, for which it is better queipped than any of its rivals, and the promise of longevity thanks to its open architecture. Its a curious fact that while it seems a good buy today, this big Onkyo might seem like an even better porposition a could of years down the road..."

“Wouldn’t it be nice if entertainment electronics devices were also equipped with such modular technology? Are these future visions? Well, not really as with its network capable AV receiver TX-NR5000E Onkyo has shown that the future has already started…”

“Technology at its best! But the Onkyo was still rather subtle and sensitive during the listening test even though the “Unplugged” CD by the Corrs was just what the player needed…” Surround Sound/CD: Top class. Overall: very good. Price/performance ratio: very good.

“Onkyo’s 5000er clearly outdid the Denon during the listening test: It has more fire, more drive and more charisma.” This is a real experience and it is like a firework display with a lot of drive and esprit. Excellent fine dynamics – very flexible, crisp but homogenous sound…”

"...completely equipped for now, and the future." "...you won't run out of (in/out-put) options in your home." "Superior Two and Multi Channel sound" "...great flexibility without getting complicated. "

"This test verifies that Onkyo is in this new era capable of producing a stunning  and top class component. The TX-NR5000 is surly one of the most sophisticated AV receiver one the market today. It features excellent facilities and built in decoders for all digital formats including the prestige THX Ultra 2 and possible multi zone capability for sound and picture. The new modular concept which allows the possibility for simple future  upgrades is more that welcome as this at last shows that a component of this calibre is really future proof. With all this the TX-NR5000  is at ease with the arrival of new formats and new interfaces as the upgrading process is simple and effective."

"A receiver for dreaming: the evolution stops here. Go ahead, maybe, it’s impossible. A proverb says “the best is an enemy of the good”; proverbs are sage but not always, not with this Onkyo that represents the technologies summary. Esthetic: 8/10 – “very big product; with his own 33 kgs is the king of the drawing-room”. Construction: 9/10 – “Difficult to find a receiver better constructed; the modular structure permits the constant upgrading; very very good the power supply section”. Versatility: 10/10 – “Onkyo says that the machine “decode every formats known my the man”, and we can confirm it. No similar versatility exist”. Performances: 9/10 – “The sound of the TX-NR5000E is comparable to the best high-end pure hi-fi amplifier: the high-fidelity in 7.1 channel..."

"It's biggest advantage is its unique and timeless construction. People in the know are stunned by the appearance of the rear panel. Its layout is thanks to the innovative modular design very well arranged and offers maximum variety of connection possibilities..." Exact reproduction is due to the brilliant unit construction. An important feature is definitely the possibility of bi-wiring connection...""This is the reference AV Receiver at this moment and with its modular design it has a clear future perspective..."     

“For us the TX-NR5000E is the best AV receiver of all times, which is mainly due to its superior performance in every discipline. “The Onkyo’s sound is balanced in a way no other device on the world market has even come close to. Even in stereo mode it is superior to all its competitors. All in all the best thing about the Onkyo is that it is able to do everything – it unites opposites that so far have not been able to be united and it sets standards that have not been achieved by other competitors. It even excels in the most difficult discipline – the stereo mode.”

"One of the main benefits of the TX-NR5000E a/v amplifier is the superior appearance and the firm construction. " "Its ability to adjust it in future needs through the modular design is one of its main characteristics which defines it throughout the competition." "The Ethernet module that gives the ability to connect to the net-tune software for music." "The different but easy to use menu that gives a lot of benefits to the end user as the crossing for the speakers ant the notch filter adjustment." "Unique performance that gives an exceptional atmosphere for home cinema reproduction as for music too..."

“Onkyo’s TX-NR5000E is the best AV receiver in the world and as a matter of fact it is not the first AV receiver that deserves this verdict. However, as opposed to many of its predecessors that had received that title, the TX-NR5000E has potential to keep it for a while as its manufacturing is a guarantee for the future….”

“The world has not seen such an AV receiver: - the TX-NR5000 is a true memorial for Onkyo’s corporate history.” Onkyo is certainly no novice when it comes to AV receivers, however, that does not mean that the TX-NR5000 and its hyper-modern equipment should not be a small sensation.”

"…for a truly outstanding AV receiver experience, Onkyos flagship TX-NR5000E is the modelto opt for. Ist designers have takena leaf out of the PC industry's book and have made the unit upgradeable - a real boon in a world in which technology is often bordering on the obsolete as soon as it hits the shelves. Replaceable modules, upgradeable software and even a build-to-order option makes the TX-NR5000E one of the most flexible receivers around, as well as significantly increasing its longevity..."

"Every now and then a product comes along with the potential to alter the course the industry is taking, it doesn't happen often but when it does it is sure to make everyone sit up and take some serious notice! Enter the new Onkyo TX-NR5000E AV receiver, a new generation machine with your perspective on what is really possible you'll have to audition this machine, it won't only change your day, it might change your life!"