The Onkyo TX-8270 is a modestly priced network stereo receiver that is packed with a plethora of features and provides tons of value to its users. An ideal choice for listeners who just wants a 2.1 setup for their home theater system. You can still experience an exhilarating home cinematic experience as long you match the right speakers to this wonderfully talented Onkyo TX-8270.
We are planning to share with you a list of the best speakers which you can go for and partner them with your Onkyo TX-8270 stereo receiver. To find matching speakers for the TX-8270 will require a further understanding of its sonic prowess and characteristics. Once we have such information, we will then be able to find the right speakers, so without further ado, let’s start.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Onkyo TX-8270
The Onkyo TX-8270 may not look as minimalistic as other receivers but it still looks quite clean and sleek, with a large display for easier viewing which is convenient. It will look nice pairing with most speakers currently out on the market but is quite bulky in size which can be a bummer for listeners who are facing space constraints. For a network stereo receiver at this price point, it is rather powerful with rated power outputs of 100 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms and goes up to 170 Watts at 6 Ohms with 1 channel driven (JEITA). The typical frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz but if you activate Direct Mode, the range is widened to 10Hz-100kHz (+1dB, -3dB). This does allow us to pick potential floor-standing speakers and not just bookshelf speakers.
You can connect up to 2 active subwoofers to this Onkyo network stereo receiver which is great as having 2 subs will provide more headroom to handle peaks and also cover more areas in your listening room. As mentioned earlier, the Onkyo TX-8270 is packed with features such as a premium DAC AK4438 (384kHz/32-bit). It can also process 4K UHD video signals, supporting HDR 10 and Dolby Vision. Other notable features will be the wireless connection and music streaming like the Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify, Pandora, Bluetooth, etc. If you connect your Onkyo TX-8270 to your network via a wired Ethernet connection, you will be able to play networked PCM files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and also DSD files (up to 5.6 MHz).
More Details at Amazon – Onkyo TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver
When compare to Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD (7.1), and other equivalent surround sound formats, the 2.1 stereo setup of Onkyo TX-8270 does lack the immersion and scale of the sound field but there is still an advantage. You can focus most of your budget on a pair of high-quality stereo speakers instead of multiple decent HT speakers which in turn, helps you to save some money as well. The stereo imaging of the Onkyo TX-8270 is accurate and defined, building up a wide soundstage with plenty of details in them. When you are right in the middle of the sound field or sweet spot, you can still hear sound effects from behind you, such as zombies growling and shrieks or a metallic door ominously slams shut, etc. It may not be as direct and loud coming from the rear surround speakers though.
The bass performance of the Onkyo TX-8270 is tight and controlled, only when the very deep bass reproduction is called for, you will then feel the impact but we still find it a little polite. The bass delivery does make it nice to listen to music as it is agile and does not overshadow the high frequencies. It is quite a transparent stereo receiver, with insights and able to reproduce subtle details especially when the Direct Mode is activated. It does lack the pacing and certain levels of musical refinement but it is still enjoyable to listen to our favorite tunes with the Onkyo TX-8270.
To have more rumble and punch in the bass reproduction, we will suggest going for 2 powerful subwoofers and increase their gains with a higher crossover adjustment of 100Hz or 120Hz. The overall sound reproduction of the Onkyo TX-8270 is detailed, cleanly delivered, and does sound a little too bright at times but at this price point, it is really difficult to nitpick. We have the necessary details and information required to start sharing with you the best speakers to match with the Onkyo TX-8270 network stereo receiver. The speakers’ prices will also be quite close to the range of this Onkyo receiver.
Onkyo TX-8270 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 100 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms (2 ch driven), 170 Watts at 6 Ohms (1 ch driven)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, 10Hz–100 kHz (+1dB, -3dB, Direct Mode)
- DAC: AK4438
- Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2
- Inputs: 4 HDMI inputs, 1 Phono (MM) input, 3 Analog inputs, 2 Optical inputs, 1 Coaxial input, Ethernet, USB input
- Outputs: 1 HDMI (Arc), 1 Headphone output, 1 Analog output, 2 Subwoofer outputs, Zone 2
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435mm x 149mm x 329mm (17.1″ × 5.9″ × 12.9″)
- Weight: 8.7kg (19.2lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Onkyo TX-8270
If you want a pair of floor-standing speakers that looks stylish and modern while possessing exceptional sound quality, the KEF Q550 will be the ideal choice for your Onkyo TX-8270. Your TX-8270 stereo receiver has enough muscles to drive these beautiful floor-standers with ease. The KEF Q550 is terrific all-rounders able to produce subtle details with clarity and accurate soundstage with impeccable stereo imaging which is important as you are playing both your movies and music in stereo (2.1) format. These dynamic floor-standing speakers have taut bass performance as well but do lack a little when it comes to deep bass reproduction which can be easily overcome with a high-quality subwoofer.
More Details at Amazon – KEF Q550 Floorstanding Speaker
The multi-award-winning Q Acoustics Concept 40 is one of the best floor-standing speakers to match with your Onkyo TX-8270 especially when it comes to music playbacks. It is elegant and possesses an excellent sound quality that can unravel and dig out an impressive amount of details but without sounding clinical. The well-balanced and refined sound reproduction of Concept 40 is fantastic for most music genres, furthermore, you can play them at high volumes without worrying they will sound overly harsh. Allowing you to listen to their pleasing music presentation for hours on end. The laid-back music delivery will be good for vinyl as well.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 40 Floorstanding Speakers
When it comes to warm and natural-sounding floor-standing speakers, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 is one of the top choices and is modestly priced. The Diamond 12.3 delivers a balanced music presentation with a hint of warmth and just the right amount of bass, producing smooth sound quality that is pleasing to the ears. Enable you to listen to your favorite tunes for hours without feeling the listener’s fatigue. It also provides a fuller sound reproduction that complements the Onkyo TX-8270 when it comes to home theater performances, not to mention, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 can be a punchy performer when it needs to. These floor-standing speakers will also help ease the edges a little.
More Information at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 (Walnut)
For a more lively performance, the Tannoy Revolution XT6F will be one of the best speakers to match with the Onkyo TX-8270 stereo receiver. The amazing sense of timing and dynamics of the Tannoy XT6F floor-standing speakers will deliver an engaging presentation for both music and movie listens. The soundstage is wide and spacious with precise stereo imaging. The dynamic performance of Tannoy Revolution XT6F also makes this speaker a suitable match with your Onkyo TX-8270, providing you with an engaging and entertaining overall sound reproduction. This pair of Tannoy floor-standers are definitely worth your time to check them out.
More Information at Amazon – TANNOY Revolution XT 6F
If your budget is tight and you do not want to compromise the sound quality then you might want to take a look at Q Acoustics Concept 20. This is a pair of stand-mounters that have won many awards due to their sonic performance at an affordable price. The Concept 20 is definitely a worthy match for your Onkyo TX-8270 network stereo receiver. They may be bookshelf speakers but they can still provide a large-scale sound with taut bass reproduction. At high volumes, the Q Acoustics Concept 20 still sounds pleasing and when the going gets tough, it still remains composed. Furthermore, the stereo imaging is precise as well, these stand-mounters are really a worthy match with the Onkyo TX-8270.
More Information at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20
Other bookshelf speakers you can check out and match with Onkyo TX-8270, even if you have a tight budget, will be the Wharfedale Diamond 220, KEF Q150, and Klipsch R-51M. The Klipsch R-51M stand-mounters have high levels of clarity and can be bright-sounding which is why we will suggest hearing them out first before making a decision. Adding an active subwoofer into the mix will be highly recommended too as subs are more efficient when reproducing deep bass frequencies. You can take a look at SVS subwoofers such as SVS PB-1000 Pro which is a high-performance and powerful ported cabinet 12″ subwoofer. If music is your main entertainment, you might want to take a look Rythmik Audio L12 sealed cabinet subwoofer.
More Info at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 Compact Bookshelf Speakers
More Info at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Pro (Black Ash)
To Conclude
These are some of the best speakers that you can choose to pair up with your Onkyo TX-8270, and the stereo receiver has the muscles to drive them. We will recommend that you audition them first before making any decision as you will need to see if you like what you are hearing. You should audition these speakers for a few rounds or better yet, listen to them in your own home theater room for a more accurate result. Do also include the subwoofer you already have or going to get during the speakers’ auditions.
