Onkyo TX-SR308 Home Cinema Receiver

Each year brings a new Onkyo amplifier, and each year they raise the bar in terms of the specification and features on their systems. The Onkyo TX-SR308 is no exception and whilst the design is almost the same as previous years, there are some definite next generation features on the the 2010 budget home cinema receiver.

Whereas the previous model to this was a very decent system, the lack of high definition audio capabilities made people look higher up the range. The TX-SR308 however comes with DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD decoding processors on board so you can reap the full benefit from your Blu-ray player. Perhaps more remarkable though is the inclusion of the new HDMI 1.4a standard, meaning the Onkyo TX-SR308 is fully ready for 3D video.

Onkyo TX-SR308 Home Cinema ReceiverDespite these next gen features though, the Onkyo TX-SR308 is a budget player, and this does show with the clean, but simple front fascia showing only the input selector buttons and some basic controls. Onkyo have obviously tried hard to keep the price of the TXSR308 down and this is also apparent on the rear of the receiver where they have used spring clips for the rear and centre speaker connections rather than the binding posts used for the front speaker connections. Other than that though the rest of the rear panel shows plenty of other inputs, with three HDMI, two component, two optical, four composite video and stereo phono inputs, as well as a single HDMI and composite output.

The system itself has four audio DSP modes for when using the TX-SR308 for gaming (Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG) and a Music Optimizer for to help improve the sound of compressed digital music files from your iPod or MP3 player.

There is a new version of this receiver available: Onkyo TX-SR309

What to consider before you buy the Onkyo TX-SR308

https://www.homecinemabuyer.co.uk/amplifiers-and-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr309/

What to consider before you buy the Onkyo TX-SR308

It is obvious that some corners have been cut to get the receiver into this price range, but the features you get in place are more than worth the trade off. If you can find the extra £70 or so, the Onkyo TX-SR508 is worth a look too.

Why you should buy the Onkyo TXSR308 Home Cinema Receiver

As an entry level receiver the TX-SR308 has it all the essentials – high definition audio decoding, a multitude of connection options and it’s ready for 3D Video. If you are an enthusiast and want more features then there are other costlier home cinema receivers that will suit, but for what you get for the money, this little baby is the business and tremendous value. Rating: 4.5/5

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Rear of Onkyo TX-SR308 Home Cinema Receiver

7 Comments

  1. jason recardo says:

    Hi there wot is the rms wattage of each channel?

    1. This amplifier has 100W per channel.

  2. Is it true that there is an overheating problem with Onkyo 308.

    1. This is something that is often mentioned with Onkyo amps, and whilst it’s true that some can run a little hot at times, as long as the recommended ventilation is given, then you should not have any problems.

  3. Corgi101 says:

    I have a samsung ht-tz225 home cinema system. The DVD receiver is faulty (and out of warranty!). Would this onkyo receiver be a suitable replacement baring in mind I use a samsung wireless transmitter saw-4000 for the rear speakers. Does the onkyo have a wireless transmitter card port?

    1. You won’t be able to use the SAW-4000 with the TX-SR308 I’m afraid.

  4. dale says:

    will this take composite and output over hdmi?

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