If you are planning on searching for your first AV receiver, however you would just as soon not dip into the 401(k) until you find out what you definitely need, the Onkyo TX-SR308 Receiver might be a intelligent investment for you. If you own an earlier model Onkyo receiver and would like to explore a few of the newer formats without dipping into your retirement fund, this receiver will probably be just what you’re in the market for.

If you need a top of the line gadget with all the new technology, and you’re prepared to live with the expense, then Onkyo will probably offer the receiver for you, although this isn’t it.

When Onkyo conceived the TS-SR308, they imagined a very sturdy entry-level receiver priced to be economical and include ample features to keep it interesting, though not so many as to make the receiver cost-prohibitive. As we expected, Onkyo got the initial part spot on. The connectivity happens to be the reason for purchasing this unit; 3 HDMI inputs which deliver full 3D compatibility, and this receiver will decode pretty much anything.

The incorporated Universal port enables you to attach peripherals with just one cable, and you might appreciate a front-panel audio input which permits you to connect PMPs. The Onkyo TX-SR308 Receiver moreover strengthens Onkyo’s reputation for sound quality, as it quickly deals with high-definition lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS.

We must not, however, lose track of the fact that the TX-SR308 is still an entry level receiver. The alternate listening modes demonstrate almost no improvements compared to versions from several years ago. That remote was not upgraded recently, either, which may be good and bad. The simple form of the remote should make it very accessible, nevertheless it is not universal, therefore you’ll require additional remotes for your different pieces of equipment unless they are likewise Onkyo products. This unit does not provide video upscaling, which is just as well. Many models at this price point which come with that technology would be equally efffective without it, given that the picture improvements are undiscernable although the resulting price is not.

Even though a few of the aforementioned shortcomings could be enough to entice a committed technophile into fits, for the majority of us they basically work to justify the $250 price. The Onkyo TX-SR308 Receiver presents quality sound and good connectivity. Experiencing the 3D potential at this price is additionally very nice, and the disadvantages are pretty easy to live with, especially for a newcomer who doesn’t know the difference.

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