A stereo receiver is a must-have for those who value superior quality sound in their home audio setup. These devices are designed to be used as the central hub of an audio system in order to amplify the sound from multiple sources. They contain many inputs for connecting various audio sources such as turntables and CD players, and also several outputs for powering one or more sets of speakers. While stereo receivers are typically used in Hi-Fi audio setups to deliver high-quality sound for music listening, they may also be used in home theater setups to add high-quality sound to video sources like a TV. For a stereo receiver that has enhanced connectivity options as well as streaming capabilities, it doesn’t get much better than the Onkyo TX-8470 Network Stereo Receiver.
The Onkyo TX-8470 is a high-fidelity two-channel network stereo receiver powered by an AKM 2-channel stereo DAC chip that delivers high-resolution 32-bit/768kHz audio playback with 110W of Sound Output per channel, providing room-filling sound, while also featuring a high-current Class G amplifier with a low negative feedback (NFB) design that ensures an accurate reproduction of audio signals across the entire frequency range, plus a custom transformer and low-impedance capacitors that deliver lifelike sound reproduction. It also integrates a control panel with an LCD display, user-friendly controls, and multiple connectivity options, including a dedicated MM/MC phono board for connecting record players, 4 HDMI Inputs and an HDMI ARC Output with 8K or 4K UHD video support, a Coaxial and 2 Optical Inputs, 3 RCA and 4 speaker Inputs, a Pre-Out, Pre-Line Out and Subwoofer Out jacks, 2 USB-A ports, a 1 x 1/4″ TRS headphones jack, and an Ethernet port.
It also boasts an AM/FM radio tuner, Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless streaming with support for popular music streaming apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Deezer, and more, along with Google Chromecast and AirPlay built-in, and also compatibility with Apple and Google voice assistants for hands-free controls. It also comes with an included remote, and can also be operated via the Onkyo Controller App, through which you can conveniently control its settings and access all your streaming services in one place.
Built by and for audiophiles and designed specifically with record players in mind, this Hi-Fi network stereo receiver perfectly combines exceptional audio fidelity for music lovers with many connectivity options for hassle-free home entertainment.
Below is our comprehensive review of the Onkyo TX-8470, where we discuss all the features that make this high-fidelity two-channel network stereo receiver a top choice for any audio setup.
DESIGN & SPECS
Starting with the device’s size, this network stereo receiver has a compact form factor, measuring exactly 17.12 inches long by 12.95 inches wide by 5.9 inches tall (43.5 x 32.9 x 15 cm), so you can rest assured it won’t take up too much space within your countertop.
The Onkyo TX-8470 also sports an ultra-modern design that perfectly blends in with your living space. Its body comes in a solid Black color and also has a smooth finish that gives it a touch of elegance.
More importantly, the device also packs a premium, durable construction, as it is built of high-quality materials.
AUDIO SPECS & AUDIO QUALITY
Moving on to this stereo receiver’s audio specifications. For reproducing its high-fidelity sound, the Onkyo TX-8470 utilizes a premium AKM 2-channel stereo DAC chip (AK4452) that delivers high-resolution 32-bit/768kHz audio playback with 110W of Sound Output per channel, making it capable of of supporting wide range signals with no distortion, all at a low power consumption.
The receiver’s 2-channel stereo DAC is driven by a high-current Class G amplifier that allows for all audio signals present in your audio to be accurately reproduced across the entire sound frequency range thanks to its low negative feedback (NFB) design. This particular design enables the receiver’s amplifier to achieve greater audio transparency and musicality by minimizing sound distortion and interference for a more natural, dynamic listening experience.
It’s also worth noting that the receiver’s amplifier also supports a high current drive and is designed to maximize your loudspeaker’s performance, resulting in superior sound reproduction.
The combination of its high-end DAC with its Class G amplifier ultimately ensures that your audio is always reproduced with incredible clarity and detail.
The end result is a room-filling sound with ample headroom for dynamic playback, allowing for a truly immersive listening experience, no matter if you’re listening to your favorite vinyl records or streaming high-resolution audio.
The receiver’s 2-channel stereo DAC is rated to have a total 220 Watts of Output Power (110W Sound Output per channel) with a Sound Impedance of 8 ohms, a Sound Frequency Response between 20Hz to 20.000Hz, and a Total Harmonic Distortion of just 0.08% (which is quite impressive).
In addition to its 2-channel DAC and Class G amplifier, the Onkyo TX-8470 also comes equipped with a custom transformer and audio-grade, low-impedance capacitors that together deliver unparalleled dynamism and lifelike sound reproduction, making this network stereo receiver capable of hitting natural note transitions and providing perfectly clean sound.
INTERFACE / CONNECTION PANEL
For controlling its operation, this Hi-Fi network stereo receiver features a built-in control panel with a user-friendly interface.
At the front side, it integrates an LCD display, along with an assortment of control knobs and button controls for respectively adjusting different settings and selecting different audio inputs.
At the top-left side of its control panel, there’s its Power On/Off knob. Then, at the bottom left of its LCD display, there’s also a Menu button (doubles as a Memory button), a Play/Pause button (doubles as a Tunning Mode button), a Zone 2 button (controls the multi-zone function) and an Off button (switches the multi-zone function off), while at the bottom right of its LCD display, there’s also a Setup button, a multi-functional Cursor button (works like directional keys) and an Enter button below it (for navigating different menus), and a Return button.
Integrated directly below its LCD display, and going from left to right, there’s also a 1 x 1/4″ TRS headphones jack, followed by a Pure Audio button with an LED indicator, a Dimmer button (switches the brightness level of the display between 3 levels), a Speaker A/B button (used to select the output audio terminals between Speakers A/B), an Input dial, a Bass dial, a Treble dial, a Balance dial, 4 Input buttons (used to register specific inputs with different particular setting configurations for each), and a front-panel USB-A port.
At the back side of the device, we have its connectivity panel, consisting of a gold-plated terminal that integrates a wide array of connection ports, which offer superior conductivity and corrosion resistance thanks to their gold coating.
Starting at the left, there’s a dedicated MM/MC phono board to which users can connect record players, and directly to its right, a set of Digital Input ports, including a Coaxial Input (for CD players) and 2 Optical Inputs (for Game and TV audio).
Further to the right, there’s a set of 3 Analog Inputs that comprise Dual RCA Stereo Inputs for CD, TV/Tape, and PC, which provide optimal signal transfer with minimal signal degradation for cleaner and more stable audio connections, along with 3 Analog Outputs, including a Pre-Out (for zone 2), a Pre-Line Out (for main zone), and a Subwoofer Output jack.
Directly above, there’s an HDMI ARC Output featuring HDMI ARC technology that can process 8K visual content with high-res audio output, plus 4 HDMI Inputs which offer support for 8K or 4K Ultra-HD video resolution, as well as support for HDR and HDCP 2.3.
Below those HDMI ports, there’s also an AM/FM radio tuner with separate dedicated connection ports.
Close to the top, there’s a pair of wireless antennas that are used for its Wi-Fi connection.
At the bottom right, there are 4 gold-plated speaker input ports for connecting different sets of speakers for sound reproduction.
Finally, above its speaker inputs, there’s also an Ethernet port and a rear-panel USB-A port.
REMOTE CONTROL
The Onkyo TX-8470 also comes with an included IR (infrared) remote controller that can be used for configuring and adjusting its settings without having to get up and walk to the unit’s control panel.
Its remote has a Light Grey background, which makes it very easy to see the lettering of the different buttons.
Just like the receiver’s dedicated control panel, its remote also has a user-friendly interface, and includes all of its supported controls.
CONNECTIVITY
Furthermore, the Onkyo TX-8470 also boasts Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity (supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks) for multi-room broadcasting, for which it also supports wireless streaming for popular music streaming apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn radio, and Pandora.
Additionally, this network stereo receiver also comes with Google Chromecast and AirPlay built-in, allowing users to connect it wirelessly with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast speakers in order to play audio content from Google Play or Apple Music.
Best of all, it also features compatibility with Apple and Google voice assistants, allowing users to control it for hands-free controls.
THE SMARTPHONE COMPANION APP – The Onkyo Controller App
Users can also install the Onkyo Controller App on their smartphones (available for iOS and Android) for controlling the receiver wirelessly from anywhere in their home.
Via the Onkyo Controller App, users can conveniently configure and adjust all of the receiver’s different sound and input settings.
The app also lets users access all of their paired streaming services in one place.
On a side note, we’d also like to mention that the TX-8470 also works with Sonos, meaning if you’re using the Sonos home audio ecosystem, you can control the device right from the Sonos app.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Inside their package, users will find: their Onkyo TX-8470 Network Stereo Receiver, a remote controller, an indoor FM antenna, a loop AM antenna, the device’s power cable, and a user manual.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When accounting for all of its features, it’s safe to say that the Onkyo TX-8470 is one of the most complete network stereo receivers that are currently available on the market. Whether you’re a vinyl purist or a streaming aficionado, the TX-8470 can cater to all your audio needs. In short, this Hi-Fi network stereo receiver is as good as it gets for any audiophile.
If you’re interested in purchasing it, know that each unit is priced at $799. You can order yours online, either directly from Onkyo’s official shopping page, or alternatively, you can get it from Amazon.
