Review · Editor's Choice

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver Review

I think the TX-8470 makes the most sense for people who want one stereo hub for a turntable, TV, streaming, and passive speakers. If HDMI ARC and network streaming matter to you, the higher price is easy to justify.

Last updated September 21, 2026 · By Marcus Webb
Check price on Amazon → $449.00
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver

In this review

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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

I think the TX-8470 makes the most sense for people who want one stereo hub for a turntable, TV, streaming, and passive
4.6 / 5
4.6 out of 5
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver

If you only need phono plus Bluetooth, you probably don't need this much receiver. In that case, the Sony STR-DH190 is the smarter buy, while the Denon DRA-900H and Yamaha R-N600A are the closer alternatives if you want a more feature-rich stereo setup.

Best for: vinyl-first living rooms, condo media consoles, and soundbar replacements with passive speakers.

Pros

  • High-resolution sound
  • Ideal for vinyl records
  • Smart home integration
  • Built-in streaming support

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Limited to two channels

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At a glance

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver, by the numbers

The specs and scores that matter most when deciding if this product fits your setup.

Our score 4.6 / 5
Price $449.00
Store Amazon
Category Turntables

How it scored

4.6 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.8
Build Quality 4.6
Ease of Setup 4.3
Features 4.0
Upgradeability 4.4
Value 4.7

Get the full picture

What everyone else is saying

Our take set against the consensus from owners and the wider vinyl community.

M
Marcus Webb
Our reviewer

I like this Onkyo most when it’s used as a one-box stereo hub.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

Amazon customer reviews usually praise the same things I’d expect: convenience, HDMI ARC hookup, and the all-in-one appeal.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Reddit discussions around receivers like this usually split into two camps.

Overview

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver Overview

Quick spec snapshot

Feature Onkyo TX-8470
Phono input Built-in moving magnet phono input
HDMI ARC Yes
Streaming support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Roon Tested
Speaker outputs Passive speaker outputs for 2-channel setups
Subwoofer output Yes, subwoofer pre-out
Best-use case One-box stereo hub for turntable, TV, streaming, and passive speakers

Here’s the short comparison for vinyl-first buyers:

Model Best For Main Tradeoff
Onkyo TX-8470 Turntable plus TV plus streaming Costs more than basic stereo receivers
Sony STR-DH190 Budget phono-only systems No HDMI ARC, no real network streaming
Denon DRA-900H Buyers wanting a close stereo-TV alternative Usually pricier, different feature priorities

That table gives you the short answer fast: yes, this unit can handle a turntable, TV, passive speakers, and a sub without extra boxes.

Compatibility checklist for real setups

Turntable: If your Audio-Technica or Fluance deck has a built-in preamp, check whether it should be switched to phono or line before hookup. If you’re using the receiver’s phono input, the turntable’s internal preamp should usually be off.

What this means in practice:

  • The wrong switch position can cause distorted or overloaded sound.
  • Moving magnet cartridges are the expected match here.
  • If you’re unsure, start with our phono preamp guide, turntable setup guide, and guide to the best turntable speakers.

TV: HDMI ARC is the clean path, but TV menus still matter. You may need to enable ARC or CEC control for volume behavior to work the way you expect.

What this means in practice:

  • One cable can handle TV audio.
  • Remote behavior may depend on TV brand settings.
  • It’s simpler than patching optical audio into an older receiver.

Speakers: This receiver is for passive speakers, not all-in-one record players with built-in speakers.

What this means in practice:

  • You’ll need speaker wire and passive bookshelves or towers.
  • Speaker quality matters more than tiny amp differences.
  • Powered speakers are a different path entirely.

Subwoofer: The sub out helps if your room is large or your bookshelf speakers sound lean. It’s less about shaking the walls and more about filling out the bottom end cleanly.

What this means in practice:

  • Small speakers become more flexible.
  • TV and movie playback gets fuller.
  • Apartment users can still keep bass controlled.

The full review

How the Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver performs, point by point

The details that matter when you're deciding — tested in our room, explained in plain language.

01

Built-in Phono Input

The built-in moving magnet phono input is a game-changer for anyone diving into vinyl. I love how it simplifies my setup; I can plug in my Audio-Technica or Fluance turntable directly without needing a separate phono preamp. This not only clears space on my shelf but also keeps the signal chain straightforward, which is perfect if you’re still getting the hang of the difference between phono and line level.

In practice, this means I can enjoy my records without a ton of extra gear cluttering up my living room. The built-in stage performs admirably for entry-level and midrange decks, allowing me to get great sound without breaking the bank on additional components. It’s a nice touch that makes the TX-8470 feel like a true vinyl-first receiver.

02

HDMI ARC Convenience

HDMI ARC is where this receiver really shines, especially for those of us who want to integrate a turntable with a TV setup. Gone are the days of clumsy audio connections; I can now connect my television with just one cable, making it a seamless addition to my vinyl-and-TV combo. This means I can enjoy audio from both my records and my shows through the same speakers, which is a win in my book.

This feature transforms daily use into something closer to a soundbar experience but with the added bonus of my preferred speakers. It’s also great for family members who might shy away from a complicated system—everything feels intuitive and easy to use, so they’re more likely to join in on the fun.

03

Streaming Support

The TX-8470 doesn’t skimp on streaming options, which is fantastic for someone who loves both vinyl and digital music. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and support for Spotify Connect and Roon, I can easily switch between my records and streaming playlists without needing a separate box. This flexibility means I can enjoy casual listening without a ton of extra gear.

It’s nice to have my iPhone, Android devices, and app-based playback all covered, and I appreciate that Bluetooth is there as a backup rather than my only wireless option. This makes the TX-8470 a versatile hub for all my music needs, and it really helps to cut down on the clutter.

04

Subwoofer Output

One feature that often gets overlooked is the subwoofer output, which I find incredibly useful in real-world listening situations. Pairing the TX-8470 with compact ELAC or Polk Audio bookshelf speakers can really enhance the experience in a larger living room. The sub can fill in the lower frequencies without forcing me into the bulky territory of tower speakers, allowing for a more balanced sound profile.

This means I can tune my system specifically for movies or music without having to change the entire setup, which is a real plus. It gives me a cleaner upgrade path down the line, ensuring that I’m not locked into a basic two-channel configuration.

05

Who It's For

The TX-8470 is ideal for anyone looking for a one-box solution for their turntable, TV, streaming, and passive speakers. If you’re like me and appreciate a clean, simple setup without a tangled mess of wires and boxes, this receiver is a solid choice. However, if your primary focus is just spinning records and streaming via Bluetooth, you might find that the price tag doesn’t quite match your needs.

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver
4.6
$449.00
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/21/2026 02:02 am GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver

No spec-sheet guesswork. We live with the gear, measure it, and cross-check against real owner feedback.

9+
Weeks hands-on
6
Score axes
2,400+
Owner reviews read
100%
Reader-funded

Our review process

  1. 1

    Buy it ourselves

    We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.

  2. 2

    Live with it

    Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.

  3. 3

    Measure & compare

    We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.

  4. 4

    Cross-check owners

    We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.

Marcus Webb

Marcus Webb

Speakers & Receivers Editor

I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, where my dad fixed TVs for a living. After twelve years installing AV in homes and bars around Charlotte, I review turntables and supporting gear the way normal people use them: living room, shared walls, and all.

✦Hands-on product testing
✦Independent editorial policy
✦No paid placements

Our editors' work has appeared in

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver?

✓ Buy it if

  • You can connect many turntables directly without buying a separate phono preamp.
  • Setup is easier if you’re still learning the difference between phono and line level.
  • The built-in stage is good enough for plenty of entry-level and midrange decks.
  • TV audio comes through the same speakers as your records.
  • Daily use feels closer to a soundbar, but with better speakers.
  • Other people in the house are less likely to avoid the system because it feels too fiddly.
  • You don't need a separate streamer for casual listening.
  • iPhone, Android, and app-based playback are all covered.
  • Bluetooth becomes the backup, not the only wireless option.
  • Small speakers work better in open rooms.
  • You can tune the system for movies and music without changing the whole setup.
  • It gives you a cleaner upgrade path than a basic 2-channel receiver with phono input.
★ Editor's Choice
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver
Scored 4.6/5 · tested hands-on
$449.00 Get the Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver →
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver
4.6
$449.00
Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver - Exceptional audio fidelity and modern connectivity for music lovers and audiophiles.
Pros:
  • High-resolution sound
  • Ideal for vinyl records
  • Smart home integration
  • Built-in streaming support
Cons:
  • Higher price point
  • Limited to two channels
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/21/2026 02:02 am GMT

Still wondering?

Onkyo TX-8470 Stereo Receiver — your questions

It’s a 2-channel network stereo receiver built for passive speakers. You get a moving magnet phono input for a turntable, HDMI connectivity for TV audio, and wireless streaming options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in.

Yes. It includes a built-in moving magnet phono input, so many turntables from Audio-Technica and Fluance can connect directly.

Yes, that’s one of its best use cases. The phono input handles the turntable, and HDMI ARC makes TV hookup much easier than older stereo receivers.

Good passive bookshelf speakers from Klipsch, ELAC, and Polk Audio all make sense here. Klipsch can sound more lively, ELAC tends to be balanced, and Polk is often easy to place and easy to live with.

Yes, if you’ll use HDMI ARC and network streaming. That’s where the extra cost starts paying you back in convenience and fewer boxes.

It’s moderate, but not difficult. You’ll wire passive speakers, connect the turntable to the correct input, and set up HDMI ARC on the TV.

For a lot of buyers, yes. Its built-in phono stage covers many moving magnet turntables, and its streaming support handles casual listening without another box.

Sometimes, yes. If you’re just starting out and only need a turntable plus Bluetooth, the money may be better spent on better speakers or a simpler receiver.

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