Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver

Introduction

Escape the everyday with spatial surround-sound. From easy Bluetooth wireless streaming to the heart-pounding thrills of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, the TX-SR494 deepens enjoyment of daily life with great sound and smart features. Seven channels of high-current power give you freedom to choose a speaker layout that suits. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer or DTS Virtual:X place sound overhead or behind if you don’t want height or surround speakers and both Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X are on board. Rear surrounds, bi-amped front speakers, or Powered Zone B audio are also an option. AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex for 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos-enabled systems clarify sound in any space. As the heart of your home theater, the TX-SR494 has HDMI terminals supporting HDR and 4K/60p video, while the GUI with OSD over HDMI, Zone B pre-/line-out, and Vocal Enhancer function make this receiver a joy to use as well as hear.

What's in the Box

• AV Receiver
• Indoor FM Antenna, AM loop antenna
• Setup Mic for AccuEQ
• Quick Start Guide
• Remote controller, AAA Batteries x 2

Key Features

• 160 watts per channel
• Supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020)
• 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X
• AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex

Product Overview

Front view of the Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver, showcasing its sleek design and main controls.

Angled view of the Onkyo TX-SR494 AV Receiver, highlighting its compact form factor.

Rear panel connections of the Onkyo TX-SR494, including HDMI, speaker terminals, and various audio inputs.

Setup Guide

1. Unpacking and Placement

Carefully remove the TX-SR494 receiver and all accessories from the packaging. Place the receiver on a stable, flat surface with adequate ventilation. Ensure there is enough space around the unit for proper airflow to prevent overheating.

2. Connecting Speakers

Connect your speakers to the appropriate terminals on the rear of the receiver. The TX-SR494 supports 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) for each speaker. For Dolby Atmos enabled systems, connect height speakers to the designated terminals.

Detailed view of speaker wire connections on the receiver's rear panel, showing proper terminal usage.

3. Connecting Audio/Video Devices

Connect your source devices (Blu-ray player, gaming console, streaming box) to the HDMI inputs. The receiver supports 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, BT.2020). Use the HDMI OUT (ARC) port to connect to your TV for audio return channel functionality.

An example home theater setup featuring the Onkyo receiver connected to multiple speakers and a television, illustrating a typical configuration.

4. Initial Setup and Calibration (AccuEQ)

Use the included AccuEQ setup microphone to automatically calibrate your speaker system for optimal sound in your room. Connect the microphone to the front panel jack and follow the on-screen instructions. AccuEQ with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex ensures balanced sound.

Diagram showing how Dolby Atmos sound is projected from ceiling speakers for an immersive experience, optimized by AccuEQ calibration.

Operating Instructions

Power On/Off

Press the ON/STANDBY button on the front panel or remote control to turn the receiver on or off.

Input Selection

Use the input selector buttons on the front panel (e.g., BD/DVD, GAME, CBL/SAT, STRM BOX) or the remote control to switch between connected devices.

Volume Control

Adjust the master volume using the large MASTER VOLUME knob on the front panel or the VOLUME +/- buttons on the remote control.

Sound Modes (Listening Modes)

Press the LISTENING MODE buttons on the remote to cycle through various sound modes such as Stereo, Movie/TV, and Music. For immersive audio, select Dolby Atmos or DTS:X modes when playing compatible content.

The receiver's display indicating Dolby Atmos playback, confirming the active audio format.

Bluetooth Streaming

To stream audio wirelessly, select the Bluetooth input. Pair your mobile device with the receiver by selecting