2nd-Gen Onn 4K Pro Does Not Support Lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X Audio Passthrough Like the Onn 4K Stick

Key Takeaways

• Onn 4K Pro cannot pass Dolby TrueHD or DTS:X lossless audio.
• Realtek‑based Onn 4K Stick passes lossless formats, but only in Kodi.
• Amlogic chip restricts Pro to lossy Dolby Digital Plus and Atmos.
• Plex fails to deliver lossless audio on both Onn devices.
• Onn’s “Pro” label does not guarantee audiophile‑grade features.

Pulse Analysis

The streaming‑stick segment has become a battleground for price‑sensitive consumers who still demand premium audio. While flagship devices like the Amazon Fire TV Cube and Nvidia Shield TV Pro offer full‑bitrate Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X passthrough, budget brands such as Onn aim to capture a wider audience with lower price points. However, as home‑theater setups grow more sophisticated, the ability to deliver lossless sound is increasingly a differentiator, pushing even entry‑level manufacturers to consider audio capabilities alongside video resolution.

Technical architecture explains the disparity between the two Onn models. The 2nd‑gen Onn 4K Pro relies on an Amlogic SoC, a chip historically limited to lossy codecs such as Dolby Digital Plus and DDP‑based Atmos. In contrast, the Onn 4K Stick adopts a Realtek processor, which natively supports lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X. This hardware advantage surfaces only in Kodi, where users can manually enable passthrough; Plex, which depends on the operating system’s audio routing, defaults to lossy streams on both devices. The result is a fragmented user experience that hinges on app selection and manual configuration.

For consumers, the takeaway is clear: the "Pro" moniker on the Onn 4K Pro does not guarantee high‑fidelity audio, making it unsuitable for audiophiles or anyone with a dedicated surround‑sound system. Manufacturers may need to address this gap through firmware updates or next‑gen hardware if they wish to remain competitive in the growing market for budget‑friendly, high‑quality home entertainment. Until then, shoppers seeking lossless sound should look to devices with Realtek or similar chipsets, or stick with premium platforms that explicitly support full‑bitrate audio across all major apps.