Onkyo TX-SR494 Av Receiver Review
Our verdict
The Onkyo TX-SR494 is a capable mid-range AV receiver with 160W output, 4 HDMI inputs, Bluetooth and a 4.3-star rating from 637 buyers at $499.95. It occupies a well-defined position as a legitimate surround sound receiver from a trusted brand without requiring a four-figure investment.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Home theater builders who want a proven Onkyo multichannel receiver with solid power output and Bluetooth under $500, without jumping to high-end pricing.
Skip if
You need Wi-Fi, more than 4 HDMI inputs, or advanced Dolby Atmos height channel amplification from the receiver itself.
- Power 160 W
- HDMI ports 4
- Connectivity Bluetooth, Usb
- Color Black
- Dimensions 17.13 X 12.91 X 6.3 In
- Weight 21.27 lb
- Priced 67% above the category median ($298.99 across 72 tracked models)
- Power of 160 W - higher than 63% of the 79 models we track
- Weight of 21.27 lb - heavier than 68% of the 79 models we track
Pros
- 4.3-star average from 637 reviews is strong and trustworthy at this volume
- 160W output is substantial for a mid-range receiver
- 21.27 lb chassis indicates solid construction
- 4 HDMI inputs plus Bluetooth cover standard home theater setups
- Onkyo brand history supports long-term reliability expectations
Cons
- No Wi-Fi, limiting streaming to Bluetooth only
- 4 HDMI inputs may be insufficient for larger multi-source setups
- No mention of advanced Atmos height channel processing in the available specs
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 637 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.7/5
637 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The TX-SR494 measures 17.13 x 12.91 x 6.3 inches and weighs 21.27 lb, which is a proper full-size AV receiver chassis. The 160W rated output and 4 HDMI inputs place it solidly in the mid-range category. Bluetooth is included for wireless audio streaming. At $499.95 it falls between entry-level and premium pricing.', 'The 4.3-star average from 637 reviews is one of the stronger scores among AV receivers in this price tier. A 4.3 from that many buyers is a reliable indicator of a product that performs consistently for its intended use case. Onkyo has built its reputation on this type of reliable mid-range receiver, and the TX-SR494 reflects that positioning.', 'Notable omissions compared to pricier models include the absence of Wi-Fi, which limits built-in streaming options to Bluetooth only. The 4 HDMI inputs are adequate for most standard home theaters with a TV, Blu-ray player and a game console, but larger setups with more sources may find it limiting. For a primary home theater room of modest size the TX-SR494 represents good value.']
Specifications
| Power | 160 W |
|---|---|
| HDMI ports | 4 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Usb |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 17.13 X 12.91 X 6.3 In |
| Weight | 21.27 lb |
Performance notes
Rated 160W output. 4 HDMI inputs, Bluetooth connectivity. Dimensions are 17.13 x 12.91 x 6.3 inches and weight is 21.27 lb. Priced at $499.95.
What buyers say
A 4.3-star average from 637 reviews signals consistent buyer satisfaction. At this price and from this brand, buyers tend to be informed home theater enthusiasts rather than first-time budget shoppers, which makes the high rating meaningful. Critical feedback most commonly focuses on Wi-Fi absence rather than performance or reliability shortcomings.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Onkyo TX-SR494 support Dolby Atmos?
The available spec data does not confirm Dolby Atmos decoding for this unit. Onkyo receivers at this price tier vary by model year in their Atmos support. Buyers planning for a height-channel Atmos setup should confirm this detail in the full product documentation before purchasing.
Does the TX-SR494 have Wi-Fi built in?
No, Wi-Fi is not listed in the available specifications. The unit includes Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming and USB, but network streaming via Wi-Fi would require an external device such as a Chromecast or Apple TV connected to one of the HDMI inputs.
How many speakers can the TX-SR494 power?
The TX-SR494 is a multichannel AV receiver with rated output of 160W. The specific channel configuration and speaker terminal count should be confirmed in the product documentation, but Onkyo receivers at this level typically support 5.1 or 7.1 configurations depending on the model year.