I remember the moment vividly. We had just settled in to watch the latest blockbuster, a film lauded for its groundbreaking sound design. The visuals were stunning on our new 4K TV, but the audio… it was flat, lifeless. Explosions sounded like popping popcorn, and crucial dialogue was a muddled whisper lost beneath the score. We kept reaching for the remote, nudging the volume up and down, trying to find a sweet spot that didn’t exist. That experience is the modern home theater paradox: we invest in incredible picture quality only to have it completely undermined by the abysmal speakers built into our wafer-thin displays. The solution isn’t just louder sound; it’s immersive, detailed, and dynamic sound that transports you into the story. This is the world of A/V receivers, the unsung heroes and central nervous system of any true home theater, and finding the right one can feel like navigating a minefield of technical jargon and intimidating price tags. This is precisely the problem the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver aims to solve.
- 155 watts per Channel
- Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020)
What to Consider Before Buying an A/V Receiver
An A/V receiver is more than just an item; it’s the key solution for consolidating and controlling your entire entertainment ecosystem. It takes video signals from all your sources—a cable box, a streaming device, a game console, a Blu-ray player—and passes the best possible picture to your TV. Simultaneously, it decodes the complex audio tracks, powerfully amplifies them, and sends them to the correct speakers to create an enveloping soundstage. The main benefits are simplified connections (just one HDMI cable to your TV), dramatically improved audio quality, and access to modern surround sound formats that television speakers simply cannot reproduce. It’s the difference between watching a movie and experiencing it.
The ideal customer for a product like the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver is someone ready to take their first serious step into home theater. They’ve likely invested in a good 4K TV and are frustrated by its audio limitations. They want to experience cinematic sound, including formats like Dolby Atmos, without spending a fortune or needing a degree in audio engineering. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized living rooms. Conversely, this type of receiver might not be suitable for the hardcore audiophile who demands network streaming features like Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or built-in music services, nor for someone with a very large room needing to power a 7.2.4 or larger speaker setup. Those users should consider more advanced, and significantly more expensive, models.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A/V receivers generate heat and require proper ventilation. The Onkyo TX-SR393 measures 20.6 x 15.8 x 9.4 inches. You must ensure your media cabinet or stand has adequate clearance on all sides, especially the top, to allow heat to dissipate. As one user happily noted, its manageable size allowed it to fit into a closed cabinet, a common goal for maintaining a clean family room aesthetic.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the number of channels and power output. A 5.2 receiver like this one can power five speakers (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) and two powered subwoofers. Its 155 Watts per channel is more than enough to drive most consumer-grade speakers to theatrical levels in a typical living room. Also, verify its video capabilities—this model’s support for 4K/60p and multiple HDR formats is essential for modern TVs and game consoles.
- Connectivity & Inputs: Count your sources. With four HDMI inputs that support the latest standards, this receiver can handle a typical setup (e.g., game console, streaming stick, cable box). The lack of older coaxial or component inputs, as one user pointed out, means it’s designed for a modern, HDMI-centric system. Bluetooth connectivity is a great bonus for easy music streaming from a phone.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good receiver shouldn’t be intimidating. Look for features like an on-screen setup guide and automatic speaker calibration (like Onkyo’s AccuEQ). We found, and users confirm, that the setup process is straightforward. Long-term care is minimal; just keep the ventilation clear of dust to ensure its longevity.
While the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver is an excellent choice for home theater, it’s important to understand the full landscape of options, especially if your interests include high-fidelity music playback from sources like a turntable. For a broader look at all the top models and the specific features to look for, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 5.1-Channel powerful surround sound.Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms). Extensive Connection - HDMI CEC :...
- Amplify and enjoy your home audio experience in the comfort of your home.Frequency band : 2,400 MHz...
- Advanced circuitry design.Speaker selector for 2 systems. Input Sensitivity (CD): 500 MV/47k...
First Impressions: A Solid Foundation for Cinematic Sound
Unboxing the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver, the first thing we noticed was its reassuring heft and classic, no-nonsense design. At just over 18 pounds, it feels substantial, hinting at the large custom transformer and high-current analog amplifiers within. The front panel is clean and minimalist, with a large volume knob, a clear (though some users wish it were brighter) display, and a selection of essential input buttons. It eschews flashiness for functionality, which we appreciate in a component that’s meant to be the workhorse of a system.
In the box, you’ll find the receiver itself, a well-laid-out remote control (complete with welcome, old-school tone controls), the AccuEQ calibration microphone, and an indoor FM antenna. The setup process was remarkably simple, a sentiment echoed by numerous users. The rear panel is logically arranged, and while the spring-clip connectors for the surround channels are a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket, the main front and center channels get robust, banana-plug-compatible binding posts. Firing it up, the on-screen display guides you through the initial configuration, making what could be an intimidating process feel accessible even for beginners. It’s clear that Onkyo’s goal with this powerful entry-level receiver was to get you from the box to immersive sound as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Key Benefits
- Excellent support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, including virtual height effects
- Full 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG) pass-through
- Simple setup process with AccuEQ room calibration
- Great value, packing premium audio features into an affordable package
- Vocal Enhancer feature significantly improves dialogue clarity
Potential Drawbacks
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and network streaming features
- Uses spring-clip terminals for surround speakers, which are less robust than binding posts
- On-screen user interface is basic and text-based
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Onkyo TX-SR393 to the Test
A receiver’s spec sheet only tells half the story. The real test is how it performs in a real-world living room, juggling explosive movie soundtracks, nuanced musical scores, and intense gaming sessions. We spent weeks with the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver, pairing it with a variety of speaker packages, and came away deeply impressed with its capabilities, especially considering its price point.
Immersive Audio on a Budget: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Realized
The headline feature of the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver is undoubtedly its native support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This is a game-changer in the entry-level market. Traditionally, these object-based audio formats, which place sounds in a three-dimensional space around you, were the preserve of more expensive 7-channel receivers. Onkyo’s clever implementation here allows for a 3.2.2 channel setup. This means you can have your standard front three speakers (left, center, right) and two subwoofers, plus two dedicated upward-firing or in-ceiling height speakers for true overhead Atmos effects. The result is transformative. During our testing with an Atmos-encoded action sequence, the sound of a helicopter wasn’t just coming from the front; it was genuinely flying *over* our heads. Rain felt like it was falling all around the room, creating a bubble of sound that was utterly convincing.
But what if you don’t have height speakers? This is where Onkyo’s Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X technology comes into play, and it’s nothing short of magic. We tested this with a standard 5.1 speaker configuration, and the receiver uses advanced processing to create a phantom overhead soundscape. While it’s not quite as precise as dedicated height speakers, the effect is surprisingly effective and far superior to standard surround sound. It adds a palpable sense of verticality to the audio, which users described as “beast mode” immersive sound. This single feature makes a feature that really sets it apart and a fantastic upgrade for anyone wanting a taste of next-generation audio without a complex installation.
The Command Center: 4K Video Passthrough and Connectivity
A modern receiver must be as adept with video as it is with audio, and the Onkyo TX-SR393 excels here. It acts as a true central hub, featuring four HDMI inputs and one ARC-enabled output. This means you can connect all your high-definition sources and run a single, clean HDMI cable to your TV, simplifying your setup immensely. Crucially, all ports support 4K/60p video and the full suite of HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. We tested this with a 4K Blu-ray player and a PlayStation 5, and the receiver passed through the pristine video signals flawlessly, with no degradation in color, brightness, or detail. The image on our screen was identical to plugging the source directly into the TV.
For gamers, there’s a critical, undocumented feature that one savvy user discovered. To ensure you’re getting the full-bandwidth signal for 4K HDR at high frame rates, you may need to enable “Enhanced” mode on the HDMI inputs. By holding down the “BD/DVD” button on the unit and tapping the power button, you can toggle the inputs from “Standard” to “Enhanced,” unlocking their full potential. This is a vital tip that makes a world of difference for next-gen gaming. Beyond HDMI, the inclusion of Bluetooth is a welcome convenience for casually streaming music from a phone or tablet, and the Advanced Music Optimizer does a commendable job of restoring some life to compressed audio files. The Zone B line-out is another standout feature, allowing you to send the audio to a secondary location, like a wireless headphone dock for late-night listening or another stereo system in an adjacent room.
From Box to Breathtaking Sound: Setup and Calibration
Onkyo has clearly prioritized a user-friendly experience. As many users attest, the initial setup is remarkably simple. The on-screen display, while visually dated and text-based, is clear and easy to navigate. It walks you through connecting your speakers and sources step-by-step. Once everything is wired up, the included AccuEQ automatic system calibration takes over. You place the small microphone at your main listening position, and the receiver sends a series of test tones through each speaker.
The system then analyzes the room’s acoustics—its size, shape, and any reflective surfaces—and automatically adjusts key parameters like speaker distance, crossover points, and volume levels for each channel. This process takes the guesswork out of achieving a balanced and cohesive soundfield. In our tests, the AccuEQ did an excellent job of integrating our subwoofer and ensuring that sound panned smoothly between speakers. The companion AccuReflex technology specifically optimizes Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers to phase-align the direct and indirect sounds for a clearer 3D audio image. While enthusiasts can still dive into the manual settings to fine-tune things to their liking (we particularly love the simple tone controls on the remote), this automated system provides a fantastic baseline and makes the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver incredibly approachable for beginners.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback confirms our own positive experience, highlighting the receiver’s exceptional value. One user summed it up perfectly, stating, “Simple to set up. Sounds fantastic. And after you fine tune it to your ears, it’s amazing. Separation is great, sound is clear and crisp.” This sentiment is common, with many praising how easily it integrates into a modern entertainment center, simplifying cable management down to a single HDMI to the TV.
Another common point of praise is its ability to drive a wide range of speakers. One owner was delighted that it “drives a pair of Pioneer HPM-100’s up front… just fine,” demonstrating its robust amplification. Another paired it with Klipsch speakers and found the result truly cinematic, saying, “It literally feels like we’re at the movie theater.”
However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which align with our own observations. Several users noted that the unit “gets warm enough to cause concern,” reinforcing the need for proper ventilation in your media cabinet. Others disliked the small spring-clip connectors for the surround sound speakers, finding them less secure than the binding posts used for the front channels. These criticisms are fair and represent the typical trade-offs made to deliver such advanced features at an accessible price point, which you can see for yourself in its full feature set and user reviews.
How Does the Onkyo TX-SR393 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver sits in a competitive space. While it offers a phenomenal feature set for its price, certain users might find their needs better met by a different model. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel AV Receiver
- SMOOTH, CLEAR HDMI 2.1 WITH 8K: With HDMI 2.1 with 8K and eARC your system is ready for the clearest...
- BUILT-IN STREAMING SERVICES: Access to Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, and Pandora are built into...
For those who want to stay within the Onkyo family but need more channels and features, the TX-NR6050 is the logical next step up. It expands the system to 7.2 channels, allowing for a full 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos setup without virtualizers. The biggest upgrade, however, is its robust networking suite, including Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and DTS Play-Fi, making it a comprehensive hub for streaming music. It also steps up to 8K video support and includes features like THX certification. Choose the TX-NR6050 if you have a larger room, want more speakers, and heavily rely on network streaming for your music.
2. Denon AVR-X2700H 8K AV Receiver
- UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Dolby...
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4K TV – Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video knowing that the...
The Denon AVR-X2700H is a direct and powerful competitor, often appealing to those who prioritize both movie and music performance. It’s a 7.2 channel receiver with more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction, which many audiophiles prefer. It also boasts a full suite of networking features via its HEOS platform and offers more HDMI inputs, several of which support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, making it a more future-proof option for serious gamers. If your budget is more flexible and you want top-tier room correction and cutting-edge gaming features, the Denon AVR-X2700H is a formidable choice.
3. Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel 8K AV Receiver
- WATCH YOUR MOVIES IN 8K - At 70W x 5, Denon AVR-S570BT home theater receiver features (4) HDMI 2.1...
- TRUE-TO-LIFE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE - The AVR-S570BT supports HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic...
The Denon AVR-S570BT is arguably the most direct competitor to the Onkyo TX-SR393. It’s also a 5.2 channel receiver focused on delivering core performance at a great price. Its key advantage is the inclusion of 8K video pass-through on its four HDMI inputs, making it a slightly more forward-looking choice for those planning to upgrade to an 8K TV soon. However, it lacks the native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding of the Onkyo, relying instead on Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. If future-proofing your video connection for 8K is your absolute top priority over having object-based 3D audio, the Denon AVR-S570BT is the way to go.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver Worth It?
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Onkyo TX-SR393 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver represents a spectacular value and one of the best entry points into the world of immersive home theater audio. It smartly prioritizes the features that matter most for a cinematic experience—Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and flawless 4K HDR video pass-through—while trimming extras like network streaming that can be easily added with an external device. It delivers powerful, dynamic, and clear sound that will transform your movie nights and gaming sessions from a passive viewing activity into an active, enveloping experience.
We recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone building their first serious home theater system on a budget, or to those upgrading an older receiver that lacks modern audio and video formats. It’s for the person who wants the “wow” factor of overhead sound without the complexity or cost of high-end systems. While it has its compromises, like the spring-clip terminals and basic UI, they are minor trade-offs for the incredible core performance it delivers. If you’re ready to finally unlock the sound your 4K TV deserves, the Onkyo TX-SR393 is an outstanding choice that punches well above its weight class. You can check the latest price and secure yours here.