Audio / Receivers
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Written by Michael Lankton
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Wednesday, 02 September 2009 |
 Onkyo has added three new AVRs to their lineup, the Onkyo TX-NR1007, the Onkyo TX-NR3007 and the TX-NR5007.
All three models are Windows 7 compatible and meet the DLNA 1.5 spec. All three provide support for streaming internet audio via the onboard ethernet connection. What really makes these three units stand out is that they are all 9.2 channel units. That's right, nine channels of amplification and support for two subwoofers. This allows the user to setup a nine channel home theater to take advantage of what Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz offer, or the power from the additional two channels can be used to beef up the power supplied to the mains in a 5.1 or 7.1 system. The TX-NR3007 and TX-NR5007 up the ante by offering 7 and 8 HDMI inputs respectively. Video processing in both units is handled by a Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX, which provides 1080p24 upscaling for all sources. Fill out the list with TI Aureus DSPs and Burr Brown DACs, and the TX-NR3007 and TX-NR5007 have impressive credentials indeed.
Available in September, from top to bottom the new units from Onkyo are slated to sell at $2699 for the 145 watt TX-NR5007, $2099 for the TX-NR3007, and $1599 for the TX-NR1007. The addition of the extra channels is interesting, but even without the extra iron Onkyo has packed these units with some pretty nice audio and video features at their price points. |
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Written by Michael Lankton
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Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
 Yamaha has rolled out some new AV receivers. Notable among the new group is the Yamaha RX-V663 AV Receiver, which boasts an impressive spec sheet for a price that won't break your bank account.
The Yamaha RX-V663 AV Receiver offers most of the functionality of it's $1000 big brother, the Yamaha RX-V863. Similar to the new Onkyo Av Receivers that launched last fall, the new Yamahas offer HDMI 1.3 compatibility with onboard handling of all advanced audio codecs. The Yamaha RX-V663 is a 7.2 channel AV receiver that sends 95 watts per channel. Some of the noteworthy features: analog bypass, Sirius and XM satellite radio ready, 2 HDMI in 1 HDMI out with upconversion, USB and ethernet jacks, RS-232c, YPAO room equalization, zone 2 output, and 12v triggers. The HDMI capability of the RX-V663 will handle 1080p24 and pass 120 Hz signals. This sound like any other sub $1k AV receiver to you. Ok, how about Burr-Brown DACs on all channels.
The Yamaha RX-V663 has an MSRP of $549.95, which makes it a very good value. Yamaha has never had a reputation of making AV receivers for audiophiles, but the specs on the RX-V663 position it to be considered if you're in the market for a $500 AV receiver. |
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Written by Michael Lankton
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Monday, 21 January 2008 |
 Sherwood Newcastle has announced that their brand spanking new flagship AV receiver, the Sherwood Newcastle R-972, will be out in March.
The Sherwood Newcastle R-972 is a seven channel 100 watt AV receiver. The R-972 is an HDMI 1.3b compliant device, and will upconvert all incoming video to 1080p over it's HDMI output. The heavy lifting is done by a Silicon Optix Reon processor, and judging from past devices that have used this chip we know that the Reon upconverts better than just about any consumer solution going. Onboard decoding of all advanced audio codecs is handled by a pair of Texas Instruments 32 bit DSPs. I believe the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 marks the first consumer device that implements the Trinnov Optimizer Digital Room Correction we saw at this year's CES. The Trinnov system is a room correction processor "that uses
state-of-the-art acoustic analysis and digital filtering techniques to
compensate for the acoustic defects of the room where the loudspeakers
are located. It is designed for stereo and multichannel professional
control rooms, as well as for high-end hi-fi and home theater
installations.". -quote from the Trinnov website. Other features the R-972 boasts are dual mode (IR + RF) remote control, four HDMI inputs, 7 analog video inputs, RS-232, three zone functionality, and a USB port which will allow users to download before and after room optimization graphs for some visual evidence of what the Trinnov system did for their system's performance. No word yet on the DACs used in the R-972.
The Sherwood Newcastle R-972 is scheduled for a March release, and will list for $1799.95. The R-972 has an impressive feature set and will definitely be slated for audition. Sherwood, if you're reading this, sign me up for a pre/pro with these features. |
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Written by Michael Lankton
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Monday, 07 January 2008 |
 Sunfire has unveiled their new Theater Grand AV receiver, the Sunfire TGR-401.
The Theater Grand 401 powers seven channels via it's class H amplifier, which will push 150 watts and remain cool to the touch thanks to it's efficient design. New additions to this revision of the Theater Grand receiver are Sirius connectivity, two Ole2XL touchpad ports and a VIA!migo port for your iPod. The Sunfire TGR-401 offers three HDMI 1.3a inputs and one output. Unfortunately, decoding of Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD are not present in the TGR-401.
The Sunfire TGR-401 will set you back a cool $4000 when it becomes available this April.
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Written by Michael Lankton
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Monday, 07 January 2008 |
 Pioneer unveiled four new AV receivers on the eve of CES 2008, only one of which has support for advanced audio codecs.
The 130 watt per channel Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K features Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration, three HDMI 1.3 inputs, video upscaling to 1080p over HDMI and auto-level control for equalizing volume between sources. The VSX-1018TXH-K decodes all currently available flavors of Dolby and DTS, so HD DVD and Blu Ray owners will be able to between letting their player or the VSX-1018TXH-K do the heavy lifting.
The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K is scheduled for a June 2008 release, and will retail for the wallet-friendly price of $599. |
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