Onkyo TX-SR3100 5.2-Channel AV Receiver Review

Specifications

The Onkyo TX-SR3100 represents a significant offering in the budget AV receiver market, featuring a 5.2 channel setup that delivers 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with 2 channels driven. The TX-SR3100 supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, allowing for a setup of up to 3.1.2. That said, there's a catch for those wanting a full-blown Atmos experience; the TX-SR3100 caps out at 3.1.2 and won't be able to produce a 5.1.2 setup, which some might be aiming for.

In terms of video capabilities, the TX-SR3100 supports a broad array of resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120. This makes it compatible with the latest video sources and gaming consoles, offering users a degree of future-proofing. The receiver also supports various Dynamic HDR formats, such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and includes features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR Variable Refresh Rate), QFT (Quick Frame Transport), and SBTM (Source-Based Tone Mapping).

The inclusion of AccuEQ Room Calibration in the TX-SR3100 is another nice feature that is aimed at optimizing the sound output for the specific acoustics of the room. Though it may not be as advanced as DIRAC systems found in more expensive models, AccuEQ provides essential adjustments for speaker size, distance, and room acoustics, which can help in achieving a better-balanced sound.

Design

The Onkyo TX-SR3100 AV receiver boasts a sleek and user-friendly front panel that's both modern and practical. The front panel displays all the information you would need without overwhelming the user. Dimension-wise, the TX-SR3100 measures 7.13 inches wide, 6.31 inches tall, and has a depth of 13.62 inches, and weighs approximately 18 pounds.

On the top left corner, the power button is easily accessible, alongside the music optimizer button, which controls the music optimizer function. Below, there's a headphone jack, accompanied by a series of buttons for selecting listening modes such as Stereo, Movie/TV, and Music.

Beneath the display, input selector buttons are available for quick switching between sources, and just below these, the tone control buttons for treble, vocal, and bass adjustments are conveniently placed for easy manual adjustments. On the right, you’ll find the volume knob, with the setup mic jack situated nearby for connecting the microphone used in room calibration processes.

On the rear of the Onkyo TX-SR3100 are four HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI output supporting eARC. For digital audio, the unit provides one Toslink optical input and one coaxial input. Analog audio connections include three stereo RCA inputs. There's also a USB-A port designed to supply power to a streaming media player.

Speaker outputs cater to a standard 5-speaker configuration, which includes Front Left/Right, Center, and Surround or Height Left/Right channels. There's a Zone B stereo preamp output for connecting an external amplifier to power speakers in another room. The receiver is also equipped with dual subwoofer pre-outs. It's worth noting that the subwoofer pre-outs on this unit are parallel and do not offer independent delay or level control. However, this is quite common, as there are only a handful of receivers that provide independent controls and come with a significantly higher price tag.

Setup

Setting up the AVR is pretty straightforward. For this review, I used two distinct configurations. The first is a 3.1.2 Klipsch setup, incorporating Klipsch RP-8000F II as the front speakers, a Klipsch RP-504C II for the center, and Klipsch RP-500 SA II as Dolby Atmos up-firing speakers. The subwoofers used are the Klipsch RP-1400SW. I also took advantage of the Klipsch Optimize Mode which is a feature on Onkyo receivers that automatically adjusts the crossover settings based on the specific speakers identified during setup.

Performance

Watching "Oppenheimer" with the Onkyo TX-SR3100 showcased the system's solid performance. The combination of Klipsch speakers in a 3.1.2 setup delivered a clear and engaging sound. The dialogue, effects, and score were well-balanced, providing a good sense of the film's dramatic moments and quieter scenes. The subwoofer added the necessary depth without overwhelming the other elements. The Martin Logan setup, configured as a 5.2 system, also handled the movie's audio mix effectively, though it required a bit more effort from the receiver to reach its potential.

The Onkyo TX-SR3100 includes a new feature called Vocal Enhancer, designed to improve dialogue clarity by mixing center channel information into the Front Left and Right speakers. This was particularly useful for "Oppenheimer," a movie where following dialogue can sometimes be a challenge due to its complex sound mix.

Christopher Nolan's movies, including "Oppenheimer," often feature sound mixes where dialogue can be challenging to discern amidst the intense background score. Activating the Vocal Enhancer made a noticeable difference, allowing for a clearer understanding of the actors' lines without overpowering the rest of the soundstage.

Moving on to "The Greatest Showman," the Onkyo TX-SR3100 was put to the test with a musical's dynamic range and demanding audio. With the 5.2 setup using Martin Logan speakers, the receiver captured the essence of the film's soundtrack, from the high energy of the ensemble pieces to the subtle nuances of solo performances. The audio delivered was full of life, with each note and lyric coming through with clarity. The punch of the bass in upbeat numbers and the crispness of the vocals in quieter moments particularly caught my attention. While listening at 85db still offered a rich, clear sound, as soon as I hit over 95db, the receiver did run out of some steam, which is expected at this price point. I did not have this issue with the Klipsch setup at all.

I also tested the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer feature which is designed to simulate surround and height effects using a traditional speaker layout, eliminating the need for additional surround or height speakers. To test this, I disconnected the RP-500SA II speakers from my Klipsch setup and activated the Height Virtualizer.

Moving on to the first "Iron Man," specifically the opening scene where Tony Stark hides behind a rock as a missile flies overhead. In a dedicated Atmos setup, you'd hear the missile's sound move from right to left above you. With the Height Virtualizer activated, the effect was impressively close, though it felt more like the sound was coming from in front and above, rather than directly overhead. Nonetheless, it sounded a lot better on than off.

The Onkyo TX-SR3100 may not match the performance of a high-end receiver, but it doesn't have to. At $399.99, it's priced for the budget-conscious buyer, yet it offers a range of features that are usually found in more expensive models. With capabilities like the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and Vocal Enhancer, it provides a quality audio experience that exceeds expectations for its price point. Its ease of setup and thoughtful design further enhance its appeal. Considering what it brings to the table, the Onkyo TX-SR3100 is a sensible choice for those looking to get a good balance of features and performance without spending a lot.