Product Description

Onkyo 100 Watt Stereo Receiver TX8522

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23751 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Onkyo
• Model: TX8522
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• 100 Watts per channel to 2-channels Stereo Power Output through 8 ohm, 20 Hz-20,000Hz, FTC
• XM Ready - add an optional antenna/receiver for XM Satellite Radio playback
• Oversized isolated transformer with heavy-duty extruded heat sink for maximum heat dissipation
• A/B speaker selector and outputs to hook up an additional pair of speakers
• 3 audio and 2 A/V inputs / 2 Audio and 1 A/V outputs

From the Manufacturer
In the fast-paced world of home entertainment technology, change has become an understated word. Technologies now change so quickly that the new becomes yesterday’s product before you barely become accustomed to it. Perhaps it’s time to refocus on what’s really important for quality audio: first-rate sound with high power output. Forget about over-hyped processing technologies. If your receiver lacks the fundamental amplifier design from the power supply through to the output stage, everything else is superfluous. The TX-8522 is built with this in mind. Incorporating Onkyo’s proprietary Wide Range Amplifier Design (WRAT) with an isolated power transformer and discrete output stage, the TX-8522 is focused on maintaining the purity of music, radio and video sources. Also, with the option to take up XM® Satellite Radio or to connect your iPod® to the system, the TX-8522 gives you the versatility for a sweeping range of entertainment options.

Key Technology Features:
RI (Remote Interactive): With Onkyo’s exclusive RI (Remote Interactive) system capability, you can integrate and operate all compatible components through a single remote control. What’s more, RI capability enables you to simply connect the iPod® to your receiver through Onkyo’s RI Dock for the iPod (DS-A1). Your iPod effectively becomes another Onkyo component from which you can relish a fuller sound that just can’t be experienced through headphones. RI capability will also give you remote operability of your iPod for hands-off control over your digital music.

WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Imagine turning up the volume and filling your entertainment room with noise-free, impressively powerful, true-to-life sound. That's the benefit of Wide Range Amplifier Technology. Originally developed for our most expensive high-end amplifiers to handle the sonic demands of today's digital age, you'll now find WRAT even in our lowest-priced A/V receivers. The WRAT family of technologies includes a broader frequency range with lower noise entering the signal path – perfectly suited for new high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD formats.

XM Ready: The XM "Connect-and-Play," is a revolutionary technology platform designed to integrate XM into virtually any home or portable consumer electronics entertainment device. By matching XM Ready® audio systems with a simple, elegant antenna/receiver, getting XM becomes even easier for home audio listeners.

Customer Reviews

The TX-8522 - Quality in Every Way
I've been an audio/video enthusiast from the days when "transistor" meant cheap and "tubes" meant quality. Indeed, I've worked in motion pictures and as a musician. I share the above because almost every review one reads rates every product as either great or terrible. Few reviewers, it seems, have much background to aid in making useful comparisons.

My own view - developed over the years - is that the best amps have 'a sound,' but most amps remain (and should remain) free of the any sound of their own. This, I thought, was especially true for mid-priced mass audio, and arena where Onkyo is close to the top because of its superior build quality.

The TX-8522 has somewhat changed that long held point of view. Here is why:

I bought the TX-8522 to replace a less powerful, but very high quality, receiver used in a secondary system made up of on-hand componants in a very large, catherdral-ceilinged, room. That older receiver was a Nakamicci and its sound was always, to my experienced ears, quite excellent.

But used in this setting, driving small and inefficient speakers, it didn't have the power output needed, and the temptation was often to turn it up too high and risk clipping.

I chose the TX-8522 for Onkyo's reputation for excellent build quality, its 100 watt RMS output with good momentary peak power, simple, straight-forward faceplate, and reasonale price. Soundwise I expected nothing beyond what I had before with the Nakamicci except with adaquate volume without strain. In this expectation I was mistaken.

The sound of the Onkyo, at similar (unmeasured) volume, was richer and fuller. The sound stage is wider. How can explain this? Simple: I can't.
But the difference is not subtle.

Feature-wise the receiver is basic. Treble and bass tone controls (both kept at the neutral setting as they were on the Nakamicci), balance, input selectors, typical FM receiver tuner controls, speaker selectors, and several 'optional' settings said to insure purity (turning off video and display) and neutrality (bipassing the tone controls). The later two had no noticable sonic effect with my system.

This receiver could be said to be everything I hoped for. Its physical quality is excellent, the controls simple and effective, the appearance unobtrusive but fine. But the sound is much more. It is excellent.

The entire system: Onkyo TX-8522 receiver, Nakamicci OMS 1 Series 2 CD player, Roku Soundbridge M1000 (for accessing my computer's 'mp3' libray), Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble 2 sub-sat system, and a Carver/Sunfire Dominator D10 (1000 watt) subwoofer.

This system - origanlly planned for just background music - is now, with the substitution os the Onkyo TX-8522, worthy of serious listening.

Highly recommended.

THE best stereo receiver available for under $400.00 today.
I am an avid music lover who has no interest in home theater. As a result, I bought this receiver and am extremely well-pleased with it. Not only does it provide a very realistic and wide soundstage with most well-recorded, well-masterd CDs...its ability to reveal subtle musical detail is nothing short of remarkable. The Onkyo TX-8522 is a rare brand of receiver in that it boasts enormous and very impressive power-handling capability while being able to reproduce the entire audible spectrum realistically. Very highly recommended.

Very good, high-powered stereo receiver
The fad today is for multi-channel audio/video receivers. But most people stiill listen to music with just two speakers and, consequently, only need a good stereo receiver. In fact, a sound stereo system featuring a good stereo receiver, such as this Onkyo, and an excellent pair of speakers will sound better than a typical multi-channel system which usually features several mediocre speakers. Unless you can afford a good multi-channel receiver and several good speakers you will get better sound by sticking with good stereo equipment. The Onkyo TX-8522 is a very good stereo receiver with a wide range of inputs and controls, including a remote control. With 100 watts per channel power it is capable of driving virtually any speakers to deafening levels (which is NOT good for your ears) even if you are inclined to apply significant bass boost. Although the TX-8522 is very reasonably priced, if you would prefer a less expensive receiver, consider the 50 watts per channel Onkyo TX-8211.