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Onkyo TX-SR444 7.1 Channel AV Receiver $474.05 (Was $999) @ JB HI-FI

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Onkyo TX-SR444 7.1 Channel AV Receiver $474.05 (Was $999) @ JB HI-FI
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shapers on 07/12/2016 - 12:27 jbhifi.com.au (2039 clicks)
Last edited 07/12/2016 - 23:20 by 1 other user
92509151172

$474.05 with the extra 5% off coupon, thanks deal junkie!

Key Features

  • Supports Dolby Atmos® up to 5.1.2 Channels
  • 100 W per Channel
  • HDMI® 4 In / 1 Out (4K UltraHD / HDCP 2.2 / 4:4:4)
  • True Driving Power from Discrete Amp Circuits
  • Bluetooth Wireless Audio Streaming
  • Easy Configuration Rear Panel
  • AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration

Connections

  • 4 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output
  • USB Port (Rear) for Powering Media Streaming Sticks (5 V, 1 A)
  • 2 Component Video Inputs (Rear)
  • 3 Composite Video Inputs (1 Front/2 Rear)
  • 3 Digital Audio Inputs (2 Optical and 1 Coaxial)
  • 7 Analog Audio Inputs (1 Front/6 Rear)
  • Subwoofer Pre-Out
  • Headphone Jack
Electrical & Electronics AV Receiver Onkyo

Related Stores

JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi

closed Comments

  • deal junkie on 07/12/2016 - 12:29
    +2

    92509151172 and you will get 5% off on top of the listed price for today.

    • shapers on 07/12/2016 - 12:32

      Thanks :)

  • combatant on 07/12/2016 - 12:44

    $469 with free delivery here, for anyone that doesn't have a JB they can collect from or wants to save a few bucks.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Onkyo-TX-SR444-7-1ch-Atmos-Capabl…

    • shapers on 07/12/2016 - 12:45
      +6

      Yeah thats refurbished though

      • combatant on 07/12/2016 - 12:47
        +4

        Good pickup, I should read properly before I post!

  • TextGoesHere on 07/12/2016 - 13:43
    +2

    Wow, those analogue inputs on the front panel should come in handy often. Who needs HDMI anyway?

    And spring clip speaker terminals… oh no.

    • promethbastard on 07/12/2016 - 13:55

      A light tinning on the speaker wire will take care of that - I mean why not?

  • homersyd on 07/12/2016 - 13:44
    +2

    for those that care about audio quality you may want to know that:
    1. It only support Bluetooth Version 2.1 not Aptx
    2. The speaker terminals are spring clips not the banana plug ones

    For me I will just stick with my trusty NR609 :)

    • relliksalta on 07/12/2016 - 16:56
      +6

      Surely those that care about quality arent using bluetooth to stream?

    • dazweeja on 07/12/2016 - 17:04
      +2

      Banana plugs are for convenience, not sound quality. Why would you expect to get better sound quality by introducing an additional connection?

      • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 21:15

        5-way speaker binding posts are far advantageous than spring clips.
        Apart from connecting it if 5 different ways, https://threeneurons.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/binding_pos…
        You can also have use higher gauge wire for longer runs (thicker speaker wires) e.g. AWG10 if your speaker is at a distance.
        Also you can daisy chain/back to back (binding posts that are angulated) so you can connect behind each L/R existing speaker banana plugs.

        For example, if you want to run a subwoofer at a higher level input (E.g. Speakon cable for a REL T9 sub), you can connect it behind the existing L/R stereo banana plugs.
        That way, there is a less chance of cross-circuit connections which are one of many reasons many users blow their amps.

        With spring clips, good luck if twisting many wires to fit.

        IMO, spring clip connectors looks really cheap and nasty. They are always on entry receivers. Sorry :-)

        However, suffice to say the spring clip is ok for a standard, single speaker no-frills connection.

        Cheers

        • dazweeja on 07/12/2016 - 22:13
          +1

          I agree that binding posts are better than spring clips. Who wouldn't want to maximise the contact area? That's not relevant though.

          The comparison is between the audio quality of banana plugs and spring clips. With banana plugs you have a connection to the plug and then a connection to the amp. In addition to an extra connection, the spring tip on the plug means the contact area is actually pretty small with most plugs. With spring clips, you have a bare-wire connection to the amp. If you have clean wire and apply a bit of pressure, you'll get a better connection than a banana plug. Banana plugs are to make it easier to plug and unplug, not improve the audio quality. I'd prefer banana plugs myself but not because they sound better.

    • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 19:41

      If you are really after AptX Bluetooth, you can always add a Yamaha YBA-11 to the Coax input

      http://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/accessories/wi…

      Although RRP is $149, I have seen these on eBay for as little is $70 delivered.

      But then you also need a AptX compatible device to take advantage of it. Not sure if the iPhone has it but the higher end Samsung does. :-)

      Cheers

  • downforce on 07/12/2016 - 14:27

    Anyone know how well this would drive 4ohm speakers?? My old Onkyo is starting to act up plus really want the ARC feature.

    • xenoic on 07/12/2016 - 15:22

      4 ohm is quite demanding to drive. I'd suggest a dedicated seperate amp :)

      • downforce on 07/12/2016 - 16:51

        I already have an older Onkyo driving them, it's just really tempremental and the WAF switching between Amp & TV (no ARC) is starting to get frustrating.

      • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 19:57

        I wouldn't recommend running speakers of 4 Ohms as this amp is only an entry level.

        Btw, it will be important to know if all of the HDMI ports supports HDCP2.2 as I cannot see that it states if for all of them.

        Some cheaper receivers have only some HDMI ports that support it.

        But it's good for the price.

        Cheers

      • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 20:17

        You cannot run a separate amp on this Receiver as it doesn't have any RCA Pre-outs.

        Cheers

  • justtoreply on 07/12/2016 - 15:04
    +3

    Say no to onkyo. Google onkyo hdmi failure.

    • xenoic on 07/12/2016 - 15:21
      -1

      Yeah I concur. Mine died twice and luckily it was repaired under warranty.

      Onkyo = Integra = Denon ( all from the same company)

      • BaronX on 07/12/2016 - 15:31

        I agree.. HDMI failure here too

      • Blackrose on 07/12/2016 - 15:34
        +3

        Onkyo make/own Intregra and also own Pioneer AV
        Denon is owned by D&M holdings who also own Marantz

        I do agree would avoid Onkyo for now

        • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 19:47

          Not sure if they have ironed out those issues, but they were prominent around the 2009 - 2012 models.

          Many different models also had there fair share of problems.

          Pioneer VSX521/921/1021/2021…. HDMI dies. ….. Pioneer UE22 error … red light on error.

          IMO it was the era of the dodgy BGA solder(ing) that was going around … even the laptops at that time HP DV6000 etc … with there VGA Geforce GPU issues … etc

          But then I think that Onkyo had a special extended warranty noting these issues till 2018.

          Obviously, you may need to present the original purchasing receipt to claim.

      • mxlegend99 on 07/12/2016 - 20:00

        Ive got a dead Onkyo amp here. Hdmi board failed. Its one thats eligible for extended warranty. But I couldn't find any information for where to contact for repair under the extended warranty in Australia.

    • carlscott1982 on 07/12/2016 - 15:38

      I get some twinkly white spots on black areas of the picture gpassing through my Onkyo SR646. I've ruled out the cables, but does that sound like a TV fault or the receiver? Sorry to use you as tech support! Google doesn't seem to attribute this problem to the usual Onkyo thing.

      • Uncharted1 on 07/12/2016 - 16:15
        +1

        I would be investigating your YCBCR setting on the devices, specifically the player - test from 4.4.4 to 4.2.2 and see if it solves the issue. Also disable any true black or blacker than black settings on all devices to see if it changes anything.

    • sjobeck on 07/12/2016 - 15:56

      444 is 2015 model and apparently does not have the failed HDMI chip

      • justtoreply on 07/12/2016 - 17:33
        +1

        Even if true, I'm not going back. Its the same as with LG and phones.

    • soupratt on 07/12/2016 - 16:58

      I wouldn't touch an Onkyo with a ten foot pole after the issues I had with 2 previous models. HMDI and overheating (spontaneously turning off). Had a Sony for 2 years now and couldn't be happier.

  • pumpkins on 07/12/2016 - 18:00

    Anyone know how these newer receivers stand up against the old school non-HDMI generation? I'm only really wanting to upgrade my ~15yo Denon to get more HDMI ports (only got 2 on my projector) and ditch the optical cables. But is the gain from Atmos support backed up by a quality DAC and other such components? My old Denon 5. channel runs a pair of 4 ohm Krix floorstanders without a problem.

    • xenoic on 07/12/2016 - 18:55

      If you needed more ports, you can just buy a HDMI switcher in eBay.

      What I really like about the newer receivers are:
      - newer master DTS, DTS HD decoding
      - HDMI ARC
      - Audessey XT 32 (huge diff in room correction)
      - airplay (great for weekend tunes)
      - DAB

      • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 19:50

        The Audessey XT32 are no longer available on the new Onkyo/Integra models…

        Now they use "AccuEQ" chip due to limitations for the Atmos going by some threads

        Only the higher end Marantz takes advantage of the XT32 room acoustic correction and Dolby Atmos; DTX

        But then get ready to spend $3K+ for one

        Cheers

  • NeggerOfDeals on 07/12/2016 - 20:02
    +1

    I've owned one for about 6 months now. Been using Dolby Atmos with the 5.1.2. Sound is absolutely amazing and will never regret this purchase.

    • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 20:09

      Do you mind me asking what brand of ceiling speakers are you using?

      Or are you using the Floor stander Atmos speaker after market covers that you add on top?

      Cheers

      • NeggerOfDeals on 07/12/2016 - 20:23

        I am using the Pioneer SP-T22A-LR Add-on Speakers. I was hesitant at first about buying them but after wiring them and watching Game of Thrones (the Atmos mastered versions), I could not go back. They regularly go down to USD$100 which is what I picked them up for. They come in a pack of 2 which is all you need and doesn't require any special wires.

        :EDIT: I found that standard 5.1 shows/movies also benefit from the modules. Watching The Walking Dead recently and heard Walkers behind me. Definitely worth the investment if you can't install ceiling speakers (I'm in a rental).

        • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 20:35

          Thanks. Well that is a way cheaper direction then spend for ceiling speakers.

          I have read on some threads the add on speakers are touch and go, but then your room acoustics must support them well.

          The problem with research is that in many cases users are subjective and you don't know who to believe. But then for US$100 it's really worth the risk.

          I am using my main dining room as TV/HT and it is at least 5m w x 10m long. I use a projector and take advantage of a 120" screen 9m away when I have dinner.

          However due to the distance, I have to really crank up the receiver as the sound has to project from far away as I have front floor standers/center for now.

          Therefore as for my future project, I will install 6 ceiling speakers (collectively with the 3.2 for the front) and then get a 9.2 receiver, config 3.2 front + 4 Atmos and then 2 at the rear (surround)

          That way, to reduce power and lower the volume, I will have EXT-STEREO (extended) running concurrently to all speakers so I can hear above my head.

          The best of both worlds, Atmos on tap and extended for TV listening.

          Looking for a Pioneer LX89 - LX701 but will wait until someone wants to flog it off second hand for less than half the price:-)

          Then get a 4K projector when they drop to less than $4K

          The cost of going deaf due to loud music :-)

          Cheers

    • Kangal on 07/12/2016 - 20:22

      I've just upgraded to a Yamaha RX 481.
      I really can't care less about Dolby Atmos at this moment, and I think this "entrance" unit will serve 99% of people's needs.

      I just know the Yamaha will hold up good for a decade or so.
      Just scared playing the "chip lottery" with Onkyo units.
      Not sure why they still haven't sorted out their HDMI problems… especially since HDMI is the present and the future.

      (…at least until they announce a new standard sound in the future with UltraHD-R, and USB-C the one port to rule them all)

      • joele on 08/12/2016 - 15:05

        I have the V471, just replaced it with a Pioneer RX531, as my Yamaha is already stuffed, has habit of not picking up HDMI signals and just have to leave channel and return (so no big deal) but now also crackles at even medium volume levels (on both hdmi and toslink input)..

        Just over 2 years old, might try my luck pushing for repair as just out of warranty and keep as spare, otherwise great unit..

        • Kangal on 08/12/2016 - 17:21

          AV Head Units should be running without a fault for a good 4 years minimum.
          Seems like you got a model which wasn't best put together, or slipped QC.
          I would try contacting Yamaha directly.
          I've heard their customer service is "alright".

          Mines a Refurbished model… runs without a hitch.
          It's the centre hub of the entertainment centre, and just does Video out to the TV.

        • joele on 10/01/2017 - 11:18

          @Kangal:

          Hint for others, or if you see this problem with yours in the future - I used an air compressor to clean all the dust out of the unit and the crackling has stopped ;-)

        • Kangal on 10/01/2017 - 14:36

          @joele:

          Yeah, the darnedest things… sometimes can give you problems.
          Glad its all working great now!

  • cyrax83 on 07/12/2016 - 20:26

    Is this an upgrade from the 609?

    • vinni9284 on 07/12/2016 - 20:47

      At a glance

      609 Pros:

      7.2 out (2 subwoofers)
      Network capable.
      More power.
      Less spring clips (only for Zone 2)

      609 Cons:

      No HDCP2.2 so not future proof compared to this.
      No USB rear (if you want to add wireless receiver - if it supports it) The Yamaha YWA-10 can be added to generic receivers and it becomes wireless capable. (But then you can use the front but it will look ugly) :-)

      Cheers

  • LYRICALRAVER on 08/12/2016 - 06:54

    how does this compare to the Betta Electrical, "Yamaha package"/??

    http://www.betta.com.au/yamaha-home-theatre-system-5-1ch-bla…

    • vinni9284 on 08/12/2016 - 08:00
      +1

      Looks like the Yamaha package is older spec'ed than the Onkyo.

      The yamaha has 5.1 / Onkyo 7.1

      Yamaha is 4K but it doesn't specify HDCP2.2 hence I think it is one of the earlier entry 4K passthrough systems.

      If you are not fussed with future proofing and would like to have speakers thrown in and run in a small area, then the Yamaha is suffice.

      However, I would pick Onkyo hands down overall.

      Cheers

  • Maz78 on 08/12/2016 - 10:32

    Not aw bad price. I'm still rocking a SR-575 Onkyo that's about 8 years old. Never had an issue and has proper plugs! Also 7.1
    Not really worth the upgrade, but would love to have proper HDMI rather than the pass through and optical sources I have to use.

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