Onkyo’s TX-8555 A/V Stereo Receiver: Focusing on a Superior Audio Amplification Approach for Quality Stereo Sound
In the fast-paced world of home entertainment technology, change has become an understated word. Technologies now change so quickly that the new becomes yesterday’s product before you barely become accustomed to it. Perhaps it’s time to refocus on what’s really important for quality audio: first-rate sound with high power output. Forget about over-hyped processing technologies. If your receiver lacks the fundamental amplifier design from the power supply through to the output stage, everything else is superfluous. The TX-8555 is built with this in mind. Incorporating Onkyo’s proprietary Wide Range Amplifier Design (WRAT) with an isolated power transformer and discrete output stage, the TX-8555 is focused on maintaining the purity of music, radio and video sources. Also, with the option to take up XM? Satellite Radio or to connect your iPod? to the system, the TX-8555 gives you the versatility for a sweeping range of entertainment options.
Superb Design
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With its continued excellence in sound reproduction, Onkyo has once again created a powerful, very versatile stereo receiver for the home theater enthusiast. The TX-8555 Stereo Receiver offers superb functionality and dual-room capability that will be hard to match. Onkyo exclusives like Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), Discrete Output Stage Circuitry, Massive Power Transformer, and Heavy-Duty Extruded Heat Sink offer the cleanest signal on the market. Most of the receiver’s audio processing is handled automatically, with little intervention on your part. However, it is so advanced; its discrete output reproduces music with unmatched sonic clarity and dynamic power.
This receiver features a high-end design approach encompassing everything from its massive power transformer design and high-current, low-impedance drive to discrete output circuitry and minimal use of negative feedback. This enables the receiver to combine tighter bass, superb transient response and enhanced presence at any volume level. It’s the Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) that will fill your room with noise-free, impressively powerful, true-to-life sound. With a broader frequency range and lower harmonic noise entering the signal path, this receiver is perfectly suited for new high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD formats.
In a Nutshell
The TX-8555, with high-current, low-impedance drive capability, 2 x 100W amplification, 20Hz – 20KHz frequency response, and a vibration-resistant chassis, is a lot of what you need and none of what you don’t. This receiver is capable of delivering breathtaking stereo sound. It features XM/Sirius satellite radio capability, 4-sets of A/V inputs, 2-sets of audio inputs/outputs, Zone 2 output, individual treble, bass, and balance controls, Remote Interactive (RI) port, A/B speaker switching, banana plug speaker posts, and an AM/FM tuner. Because of the high efficiency of its design, this receiver produces exceptional sound quality, and clarity in every audible detail. With speaker A/B selectors and dedicated speaker terminals, this receiver offers the capability to send audio to a second room. In addition, the built-in IR port enables multi-room distribution with optional control systems.
Technical Specifications
- Stereo RMS Power: 100W per channel x 2, into 8 ohms
- Dynamic Range: 230W per channel x 2, into 4 ohms, 70W per channel x 2, into 6 ohms, 145W per
- channel x 2, into 8 ohms
- No. of Channels: 2
- Speaker Selector: Yes
- Multi Room/Source: Yes, Zone 2 Output
- AM/FM Tuner: Yes, with 40 presets
- Input Analog Audio: – x2 Sets (RCA)
- Input Composite A/V: – x4 Sets (RCA)
- Input Phono: – x1 Set (RCA)
- Input FM Antenna: – x1
- Input AM Antenna: – x1
- Output Analog Audio: – x2 Sets (RCA)
- Output Composite A/V: – x1 Set (RCA)
- Output Composite Video: – x1 (RCA)
- Output Headphone: – x1 (1/4″ Phone)
- Output Speakers: – x4 Sets (Binding Post)
- Output Zone 2: – x1 Set (RCA)
- Output Pre/Subwoofer: – x1
- IR Input/Output Port x1 (Mini)
- RI Port x1 (Mini)
Choosing an Onkyo A/V Receiver for Your Home
Onkyo offers a number of quality A/V receiver systems that are just right for your home. Which A/V receiver system you choose depends on how much you are willing to spend and which features you prioritize in a home theater environment. Here is a quick breakdown of these A/V receiver systems.
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Love my Onkyo
I LOVE this product. For 12 years, I had a top of the line Harmon Kardon, which I loved, but it died. I was skeptical about paying so little for the Onkyo, but there were so many good reviews. Well, they were right. Although there may not be quite the quantity of sound as the Harmon, the quality is fantastic. I listen to a lot of classical music, and the highs of violins as well as the bass factor are excellent. I live in a small condominium, so I don’t really need tons of sound. I have surround sound speakers for my movies, and it is FABULOUS.
4 Stars PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Like many reviewers, I was replacing an old tube receiver, a 30+ year old Realistic. I feared I would never be able to replace that warm, rich tube sound, but this reciever surprised me.
I consider myself a bit of an audiophile, I’m the tyoe who uses 10-12 gauge speaker wire, so I’m picky about my sound. I first set up just speaker A’s and then added speaker B’s and did not notice a drop in sound quality. I have found that having the voluume set around 35-40 is more than enough for my one bedroom condo. I did try it at 60 and did not notice any distortion in sound. I listen mostly to classical music, and there was no hum during soft passages.
I would have rated it at a five, but there are a few disappointments that have nothing to do with the sound quality. This model seems to cater to the user who is replacing their ancient receivers, so I would have expected some provision for compatibility with older connector tyoes.
One reason I selected this model was that it supported phonographs, but it doesn’t support turntables that get their power from the receiver, via 15 volt AC/DC using a pin connector. RadioShack doesn’t carry a 15 volt converter and I haven’t been able to find one online, so I’m going to have to buy a new turntable.
I have a perfectably good equalizer, but there is no way to connect it to the ONKYO. If ONKYO isn’t going to provide an equalizer, then they should provide a means to connect external ones. In order to reproduce the equalizer sound that I was used to, I had to turn the bass and treble knobs almost all the way up. As others have noted. there is no midrange adjustment.
If a tuner wasn’t included, I would have had a problem connecting my old tuner. It has a ribbon connector, and there are no provisions for that.
Although I measured carefully and the stated width was the same as my old receiver, this one was 1/8th of an inch too wide to fit into my stereo cabinet. I had to put it on a small table next to the cabinet. At least I won’t have to worry about heat buildup!
Overall, I am happy with this receiver. I have only had it a week, so can’t attest to it’s reliability. Set up was easy except for the above mentioneed limitations. If you have straight forward connections, you will not be disappointed with this model.
5 Stars This is a good one!
I’m very pleased with this receiver. I’m about as far from a “techy” as I can be, but it didn’t take me too long to get it all set up with the new HDTV, CD player, DVD and speakers. I’m still learning about all it can do but at this point I feel it was a good choice for the money. Looks nice, too!
5 Stars Great product; Great price
I bought this receiver to drive a multi-room speaker system, and allow me expansion for surround sound, CD player, DVD etc.
This fits the bill without breaking the bank.
This also will allow me to hook up Sirius or XM Satellite radio.
There are plenty of inputs for other audio/video gear, including a turntable.
- iPod integration is easy with an iPod dock (sold seperately)
- 100 watts x2 (stereo) into 8 ohms at 0.08% THD
- Direct access tuning
- 40 AM/FM presets
- oversized power transformer, filter capacitors, and heat sink
- Pure Audio/Direct mode for a cleaner sound
This product is worthy of all 5 stars.
5 Stars TX-8555
Great product at a great price. Works great with my HD TV for a home theater and not overly complicated. The subwoofer output makes for a great sound. It also has a phonograph input which includes a preamp to play all my old albums. I also like the remote control for the volume.









