Onkyo TX-NR6100
Pros
- Overall Good Sound
- Produces Deep Powerful Bass
- Good Treble & Midrange
- Lots of Features
Cons
- Presentation Could be More Spacious
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 AV Receiver has the typical look of most amps. It’s a bit boxy with a black metal finish and a big, LED display that’s easy on the eyes. The buttons and knobs on the front are smooth and solid, giving you a satisfying “click” when you use them. It’s also got a nice weight to it, so you know you’re getting a quality piece of equipment. All in all, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a pretty standard looking AV receiver.
The remote that comes packaged with the amp, is relatively clean and clutter-free. The remotes that Onkyo used to pack in with their receivers were notoriously cluttered with buttons. Thankfully, that’s a thing of the past.
Onkyo TX-NR6100 Connectivity
HDMI is the reigning champ of home theater connectivity, so we’ll start with that first. The Onkyo has a total of 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs. Curiously, inputs 1-3 on the Onkyo 6100 support both 4k & 8K video. Inputs 4-6 only support 4K. One could argue that it would be better if all the inputs supported 8K video, however, with such little 8K content out there this is probably a minor quibble.
The back of the unit has the typical array of inputs. With the Onkyo TX-NR6100 you get one digital optical and one digital coaxial input. Onkyo is also rather generous with the number of analog inputs that are built into the 6100 with a total of four. Vinyl lovers will appreciate the phono input that Onkyo included on the amp. Rounding out the inputs are (1) ethernet, (1) USB, (2) subwoofer pre-outs and a Zone 2/B Line out. Overall, the 6100 is pretty well equipped. WiFi and Bluetooth also come part and parcel with the amp. The 6100’s Bluetooth is bi-directional, which means it can send and receive audio via Bluetooth.
Onkyo 6100 Features
Let’s start with the fact that the 7.2 Channel Onkyo TX-NR6100 pumps out about 100 watts per channel with two channels driven. With that type of output, the 6100 can easily push speakers in a small or medium-sized room. In fact, it probably has enough headroom to use in some larger spaces as well.
The 6100 is one of the few amps on the market that’s THX Certified. Essentially, this means that the receiver has undergone rigorous testing to achieve THX’s qualifications. While an av receiver that’s THX certified isn’t guaranteed to be great sounding, it does give you some sense of confidence in its ability.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also available on the receiver. Both formats allow the receiver to produce overhead sounds via specialized speakers. The end result is that your home theater experience becomes engrossing.
As far as streaming services, the Onkyo 6100 has the normal accoutrements such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn and Pandora. Plus, the 6100 can be integrated with various smart home devices such as Alexa and Google apps which enables you to control many of the amps features with your voice.
Something else that some may appreciate is the powered zone 2 features of the Onkyo TX-NR6100. With this you can setup a 2nd room with a pair speakers and a TV via HDMI. The one caveat with this, is that you can only send a 4K signal to the 2nd room.
Check Out Our Review of the Onkyo TX-NR696
Performance
All of the above features are fine and dandy, however, the most important thing is how the receiver performs. When I hooked up my turntable to the Onkyo, I was impressed by how good my records sounded. I put on some classic rock, starting with “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and was immediately impressed by the clarity and depth of the sound. The guitar riffs were sharp and the drums had a punch that I’ve never heard before. The vocals were crystal clear, and I could hear every word Robert Plant was singing.
Next, I decided to try some jazz. I put on “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington and was again impressed by the quality of the sound. The horns were bold and vibrant, and the piano had a smooth, rich tone. The bass was deep and tight, and I could really feel the music in my chest. This receiver is definitely doing justice to my jazz collection.
The Onkyo 6100 is also equally adept with classical music. I started by putting on Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and was immediately impressed by the depth and richness of the sound. The strings were crystal clear, and the horns had a bold, powerful tone.
Next, I decided to try some opera. Opera isn’t the type of thing I normally listen to, but I figured, what the hell, why not? I put on Puccini’s “Turandot” and was again impressed by the sound quality. The vocals were clear and powerful, and I could hear every word the singers were singing. The orchestra was beautifully balanced, and the music was rich and full.
But the Onkyo TX-NR6100 isn’t just great for music. It’s also a fantastic choice for movies. I put on “The Matrix” and was completely absorbed by the sound. The action scenes were intense and the effects were incredibly realistic. The dialogue was clear and easy to understand. When comparing the 6100 to the Onkyo TX-RZ50 however, I have to say that the RZ50 had a more all encompassing sound. The sound stage of the 6100 seemed more narrow and not quite as full.
I also decided to try a more recent movie, “Avengers: Endgame.” and the 6100 didn’t disappoint. The explosions and battle scenes were loud and intense but never felt overwhelming. The dialogue was clear and the background music was beautifully blended with the action. I felt like I was in the middle of the battle.
Conclusion
Overall, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 is a sold amp. Whether you’re a music lover or a movie buff, this receiver will not disappoint. The receiver has tons of features and plenty of power. While it doesn’t sound quite as good as its big brother, the TX-RZ50, it’s still a very solid home theater receiver.
