AVR
Latest
Sherwood's 700W R-904N NetBoxx AV receiver dabbles in online media
Not sure if you've noticed, but CEDIA has just kicked off down in the ATL. One of the first to introduce something genuinely fresh is Sherwood (of all companies), with its R-904N NetBoxx pulling double duty as a 7.1-channel AV receiver and an internet media portal. For starters, the compact set-top-box looks nothing like a typical AVR, but you'll still find 700 total watts of amplification, three HDMI 1.3 inputs, one Toslink input, a pair of coaxial audio inputs and support for Dolby Volume, Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master high-resolution audio formats. Once you're done hooking up your music makers, feel free to shove an Ethernet cable in there and witness its ability to pull down material from PlayOn (Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Amazon, etc.), CinemaNow, YouTube and SHOUTcast. There's also a USB socket for loading up media locally, and at just 17- x 10- x 2.5-inches, it shouldn't take up too much room underneath your current HDTV. It'll set you back $649.95 when it ships later this month, and you can feel free to dig even deeper in the full release just past the break.
Marantz rolls out SR6004, SR5004 receivers
The Marantz brand definitely has its fans, but positioning the marque against its sister brand Denon is a tough balancing act. Many were hoping for the old Marantz flagship SR8002 receiver to get the updates (cosmetic and otherwise) handed out to the SRx003 models; but those folks will have to hope the 8-series skips generations, because the rest of the lineup has quite expectedly been upped to SRx004 nomenclature. Convenience features take center stage on the SR6004 ($1,250) and SR5004 ($850), headed up by support for Marantz's RX101 Bluetooth receiver that lets you beam music, sans wires, to the receiver. These models also get Dolby Pro Logic IIz and the popular trio of Audyssey MultiEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ. After that, it looks like Marantz is getting served second at the D&M feature table -- 4-in/2-out HDMI ports, no Audyssey DSX, and no mention of Anchor Bay video processing. Still, true fans might still find the Marantz sound that they love in these new models.
Onkyo's top-end TX-NRx007 receivers land stateside
Onkyo gifted Europe with the release of its new top end receivers about a week ago, but now the news has come to the US. Up for grabs next month will be the TX-NR5007, TX-NR3007 and TX-NR1007 ($2,699, $2,099 and $1,599, respectively). As you can guess from the names, the networking theme has been carried across the lineup, so you'll have streaming support (DLNA, Pandora and Rhapsody) right into your receiver. These 9.2-channel models will also let you fill your room with speakers, and you can either choose to use the Dolby ProLogic IIz or Audyssey DSX for extra width or height. The 145-Watt TX-NR5007 and 140-Watt TX-NR3007 have eight (!) HDMI inputs and HQV Reon video processing, while the 135-Watt TX-NR1007 must make do with "only" six HDMI ins and Faroudja processing. As usual for Onkyo, all thee models are feature-packed additions, but if you ask us, the lineup is getting awfully crowded in both specs and price. Hit the link for details to help sort out the models.
Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones
Ready for loads of succulent new audio / video equipment that you can likely only afford in your wildest dreams? Fantastic. Today in NYC, Denon has decided to introduce a whole fleet of new kit, so we'll get right down to the nitty gritty. Oh, and we're on hand at the premiere, so expect some hands-on shots shortly. DBP-2010CI ($699; shipping in July) - Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, onboard Ethernet, BD-Live / BonusView support, DivX HD playback, support for AVCHD, Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing, upconversion and IP scaling to 1080p/24, RS-232c support, HDMI / component / composite video outputs DBP-1610CI ($499; shipping in July) - Same as above sans Anchor Bay chip and RS-232c Nine new AV receivers, priced from $379 at the low-end to $1,999 at the high; shipping between May and July 2009 ASD-51W ($299.99) and ASD-51N ($249.99) network-enabled iPod docks, both shipping in August. Both items also allow for Rhapsody streaming, Internet Radio streaming and Napster support. AH-NC600 ($199), AH-C710 ($149) and AH-C360 ($49) in-ear headphones, all of which will ship by July Full press releases and details for each are posted just past the break, and yes, it's overwhelming.
Sony brings STR-DA6400ES network AV receiver, three others to Europe
Sony's STR-DA6400ES, which casually streams high-def content over CAT5e, has finally nailed down a date to mingle with crowds in Europe. Just today, Sony has announced that the aforementioned model will be available this May along with three other new STR-DH receivers: the STR-DH500, STR-DH700 and the STR-DH800. The flagship model boasts 7.1-channel audio, DLNA compatibility, six HDMI inputs (alongside two outputs) and Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration. The rest of the crew ranges from 5.1- to 7.1-channel and are generally stripped down versions of the big papa. For more details on each (price notwithstanding), give that read link a look.
S-Video disappearing from AV receivers, few seem to notice
Not like it's any shock to see a legacy port slowly fade away as new technologies come along, but really, it's kind of amazing that S-Video has hung around as long as it has. So far as we can tell, the format has been in existence since at least 1987, and no matter the adoption rate, 22 years in the consumer electronics industry is a milestone to be proud of. CNET has a new piece up that points out just how many AV receivers are dropping S-Video connectors entirely, with Yamaha's new RX-V family among the latest to bid the port a fond farewell. Our question to you is this: do you mind? When's the last time you actually used an S-Video socket over component, HDMI, DVI, VGA or DisplayPort? We're guessing most of you won't even be able to recall.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mid-range AV receiver?
We're keeping it short and sweet this week, but you can feel free to test your dissertation writing skills in comments below should you feel compelled to answer. And you know you're eager to help Dave out here, right? "My old receiver is starting to crap out on me and I'm looking to replace it soon. I don't know a lot about receivers but I'm looking at something in the $500 to $700 range. Any suggestions?"Like we said, brief and beautiful, and tons of wiggle room. Show this guy what kind of knowledge you've got, and make sure you point him out a solid deal, too.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Arcam gets really official with beastly FMJ AVR600 AV receiver
We already knew of the FMJ AVR600 courtesy of a telling Dolby Volume release, but now Arcam has come forward with the full details on this monolithic creature. Wrapped in a sleek, subtle but altogether intimidating enclosure, the AVR600 houses a "huge toroidal power transformer and high efficiency class G amplifiers" that deliver 120-watts per channel. There's also internal decoding of DTS-HD Master, DTS High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus formats, and the 5 HDMI inputs / 2 outputs should keep you busy buying new components. For two-channel freaks (you're undercover, but we know who you are), the beast can be transformed into a stereo powerhouse with a single button press. Unfortunately, pricing is still listed as "TBD," but if you really have to wonder, chances are your budget can't handle the truth. One more look (in black) after the break.
Pioneer breaks out iPhone-friendly, multi-zone AV receivers
No question, the little iPhone / iPod compatible bit is included just to stir up a buzz, but it's hard to say that the inclusion doesn't make Pioneer's latest line of AV receivers a touch more desirable than models past. Here at CES, the firm is delivering four new AVRs, all with "high resolution audio" and HDMI 1.3 repeaters. The higher-end VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH models both feature Pioneer's proprietary Hybrid Amplifier Technology II (P.H.A.T.), Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD decoding, 120-watts x 7, KURO Link and multi-zone pre-outs, while the latter unit steps it up with a Faroudja 1080p video scaler. Those with smaller budgets / appetites can opt for the 5.1-channel VSX-519V or VSX-819H (pictured above), which include 110-watts x 5, fewer ports and less awesome extras. The foursome will hit shelves in April for $200 to $500 depending on model; full rundown is after the break.
Marantz's SR6003 AV receiver gets reviewed, deemed fantastic
With a name like Marantz, it has to be good, right? Evidently so, as the outfit's SR6003 AV receiver received high marks by the critics over at TrustedReviews. Setup was found to be a breeze, the build quality was phenomenal and the functionality was top-shelf. During testing, reviewers were blown away by how dynamic the audio was, with it packing the ability to both "rip your head off" and emit the subtle details that we all enjoy. Furthermore, performance was found to be just as excellent with music as it was with movies, and quite simply, they figured that you'd be hard pressed to "find anything better" in the price range.
Ask Engadget HD: Best stereo receiver / amplifier?
This week's Ask Engadget HD inquiry caught us completely off guard -- we mean, how often do you hear of someone these days looking for the best of the best in pure stereo sound quality? Rather than buy a janky 5.1 system via a HTIB bundle, Thaddius is looking to make the best of a stereo situation. Help him out, won't you? "I have some nice speakers left over from a recording facility, and I'm looking to find a great receiver / amplifier that does stereo right. I'll be relying on two towers and possibly a subwoofer in the future, and I'm hoping for something known for excellent sound quality and a nice feature set. Any 2.1 aficionados out there care to chime in?" Surely this fellow isn't the only one looking to make their 2.0 / 2.1 system shine due to a lack of space for a full blown multi-channel setup, so why not provide a bit of assistance if you're in the same boat? Santa will love you forever, you know.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Sunfire's TGR-401 AV receiver nets a thumbs-up review
If you're on the fence about Sunfire's recently released $4,000 Theater Grand Receiver (TGR-401), we suggest you have your dealer arrange an in-home demo; but if you still need some swaying, the the review at Home Entertainment magazine might get you to pull the trigger. The naysayers will tell you that no $4k AVR should be without onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding and ship with a 3-in, 1-out HDMI setup. Good points, we say, but the review found plenty to like in the sonics this beast delivered. Combined with a good UI and a usable combo of Auto EQ with manual tweaking to bring things right in line, the proverbial "straight wire with gain" came up when describing the audio performance -- and with 7x200-Watts of power, that's a lot of gain, indeed.
Onkyo intros high-end 7.1-channel PR-SC886 preamplifier-processor
Only the affluent or those willing to blow some serious pounds on their home theater setup need apply here, as Onkyo's top-notch PR-SC886 isn't for the average amateur. The new flagship device is a THX Ultra2 Plus-certified AV preamplifier-processor which decodes every single HD audio format and includes an ISF video calibration function, HDMI upscaling to 1080p via the HQV Reon-VX processor and Burr-Brown 192kHz / 24-bit audio DACs for all channels. Furthermore, you'll find a trio of TI Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, iPod compatibility, 2-channel balanced XLR inputs, 7.1-channel line-level XLR pre-outs, network support and a pre-programmed learning remote. After digesting all of that, surely you won't be shocked and appalled by the £1,500 ($2,246) price tag. Surely.[Via iGizmo]
Sunfire's delightful $4,000 TGR-401 AV receiver now shipping
Just saying the word "Sunfire" sends chills down the spines of wallets everywhere, and sure enough, the outfit's latest bad boy receiver ain't no bargain. The Theater Grand 401 Receiver (TGR-401) -- which includes 200-watts x 7-channels of amplification, SIRIUS satellite radio support, dual Olé touchpad ports, a VIA!migo socket for iPod connectivity and a configurable front panel input -- is now shipping to those who are willing to cough up the requisite $4,000 (MSRP). Aside from a sleek, sexy exterior, you'll also be buying three HDMI v1.3a inputs / one HDMI output, a microphone input, eight-channel input for DVD-Audio or SACD, eight balanced XLR outputs and a sophisticated video upconversion system for squeezing the most out of every source. Anyone buying in?[Via CNET]
Yamaha brings the style with A-S700 / CD-S700 audio components
About this time last year, Yamaha treated us to its CD-S2000 SACD player and A-S2000 amplifier, both of which sported that timeless look that was just too dazzling to hide away in some AV cabinet. This year, the outfit is keeping with the trend by introducing the equally stunning (and even more silver) A-S700 amplifier and CD-S700 CD player (pictured after the break). The former features 90-watts x 2 of RMS power and gold-plated RCA inputs, while the latter includes a Burr Brown 192kHz/24bit DAC and a USB port for playing back MP3 / WMA files. Both units are destined to hit Japanese audio shops next month for ¥73,500 ($730) and ¥60,900 ($605), respectively.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Onkyo brings TX-SR876 / TX-NR906 THX Ultra2 Plus receivers to the States
Onkyo has already introduced the top-end TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 receivers over in the UK, but for USers awaiting word of their stateside release, let us do the honors. Both of the 7.1-channel THX Ultra2 Plus AVRs are now shipping in America, and as for specifications, you're looking at 140- / 145-watts per channel (respectively), audio decoding courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, internal decoding for "every major sound format in use today," and HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p. The pain? $1,799 and $2,299 in order of mention.
Harman International CEDIA 2008 booth tour
Harman International is comprised of a great many companies, so it's no surprise that it took two CEDIA booths to hold 'em all. We took our trusty camera through the both of 'em to check out the latest from the likes of Infinity, JBL, H/K and Mark Levinson, and we spotted JBL's fresh LS Series, Infinity's wireless subwoofers / Prelude Forty and a $15,000 SACD player from Levinson that made Sony's new $1,500 SCD-XA5400ES look dirt cheap. Have a walk around, the gallery's right down there.%Gallery-31302%
Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers hands-on
Sony's ES line of AV receivers has been growing for months now, but it was the CEDIA-announced STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES that we were most interested in. As predicted, these buggers were pretty beefy, but it's hard to gripe with all those ports around back. We thought the no-frills styling looked pretty sophisticated in person, and when we got real close, we could almost feel those seven channels of amplification just emanating. You know the drill -- peep the gallery below when you're good and ready. %Gallery-31209%
Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers do HD streaming over CAT5e
Sony's got a smorgasbord of new kit comin' atcha from the heart of Denver, so we'll get things started with two new ES-series receivers. Just when you thought you'd seen the last of Sony's 2008 ES lineup, along comes two more making their US debut. Both the STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES offer up second room high-def video / audio distribution via CAT5e wiring, meaning that you can zip along HD content over your existing home network. Additionally, the former unit packs two CAT5e inputs and is DLNA-compliant. Wondering what that means for you? It means that Sony now has an AVR that can stream music, photos and video from a DLNA-compliant PC while accessing online music content from Rhapsody and Shoutcast sans a PC. Beyond that, there's the Faroudja DCDi Cinema chips, support for x.v.Color / Deep Color, Direct Stream Digital decoding, BRAVIA Sync and a 120-watt x 7 internal amplifier in each device. Catch the full release after the jump, and catch whichever unit suits your fancy within the next month for $2,500 / $2,000.
Integra unveils DTR-7.9 AV receiver, upgrades DTR-6.9
Integra's doing more than just adding ISF calibration into its receivers this year, it's also dishing out an all new unit and upgrading one of its more popular choices. The DTR-7.9 is a 7.1-channel AVR boasting 130-watts per channel, THX Ultra2 Plus certification, a Faroudja DCDi chip for 1080p upscaling over HDMI (or 1080i over component) and five HDMI 1.3a ports. On a related note, the DTR-6.9 has been upgraded to carry THX Select2 Plus certification along with 1080p Faroudja DCDi upscaling, "on board decoding for lossless and HD audio formats, multizone / multisource capabilities, and Integra's signature systems integration and control features." Hit up the read link for the laundry list of specifications (trust us, we've only brushed over the surface here), and expect to find the DTR-7.9 at local resellers soon for $1,300.Read - Integra DTR-7.9Read - Upgraded Integra DTR-6.9
