receivers
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Cambridge Audio readying Azur 640R V2 receiver for spring
Here's the perfect receiver to pair up with that Cambridge Audio 640BR Blu-ray player you're eyeing -- the company's own Azur 640R V2 receiver, set for release this spring. Sure, it's only packing three HDMI 1.3b inputs, but what catches our eye is the attention paid to quiet and cool operation thanks to the forced convection heat tunnel -- even when the 7x100-Watt amplifier section is cranking -- and an emphasis on sound quality. Befitting a top-end receiver, support for the lossless Blu-ray audio formats is onboard, and RS232 made it, too. No word on what sort of video processing and setup niceties made it into the mix, but based on the V1 model, we're not expecting much on those fronts. Pricing has not been announced for Cambridge Audio's home market, so maybe it's expecting us Yanks to do initial testing of the $1800 price point. [Via Cybertheater]
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.
Poll: What HD-related technology stole the show at CES 2009?
As we talked about on the podcast, a lot went down at CES in the high-def arena. The world's first portable Blu-ray player, even skinnier sets, the global emergence of the connected HDTV, a deliberate focus on eco-friendliness -- and we're just getting started. In case you've missed anything over the past few days, have a look back and then drop your comment / vote in below. What was your favorite HD-related product or technology at this year's show? And yes, you can have two. %Poll-24890%
Panasonic intros a pair of new DVD theater in a box solutions
Even though Panasonic likes to rave about HD, it knows that DVD home theater in a box (HTIB) systems are very popular still, and has introduced the SC-PT770 and SC-PT670 to address the market desire. Sticking true to the company's goals of integration and ease of use, iPod integration is baked in, and the SC-PT770 ups the ante by bundling in the SH-FX70 Wireless Kit for Rear Speakers. On the eco-friendly front, the front and center channel drivers are fashioned out of bamboo, which will offset the 1,000-Watt amplification at least a little bit on your karmic scale.
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.%Gallery-40563%
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.
NAD introduces 7.1-channel T 737 / T 747 AV receivers
The goods keep flowing from the doors at NAD, and now we've got two new multi-channel AV receivers to swoon over. The lower-end T 737 checks in with 40-watts of power per channel, a trio of surround modes, AM / FM tuner, XM / DAB compatibility and iPod support. The T 747 steps it up with a 60-watt per channel amp, internal decoding of the latest lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS and an auto-calibration function to ensure your setup is, um, set up correctly. Expect 'em to hit retail outlets in February / January (respectively) for $799 and $1,299 (also respectively).
Ten predictions for the HD realm in 2009
It's always fun to look back and see which predictions were spot on and which were utter failures, so it's with that same fervor and excitement that we present our top ten predictions for the HD arena in 2009. We'll go ahead and warn you that some of these aren't entirely -- how do you say? -- serious, but surely your deductive reasoning skills aren't that badly hampered after last night's romp. 1) Blu-ray player prices will reach $79 before the year's end. 2) First medium-to-large OLED TV will ship to consumers. 3) SED will still be spinning its wheels. 4) HTPCs will become all but forgotten as media streamers and BD decks gain functionality. 5) Wireless HD will still remain insignificant to the general populace. 6) A consumer-level 2K flat-panel will see development. 7) Mayhem will ensue on or around February 17, 2009. 8) 3D HDTVs will reach critical mass at the consumer level, material will still be tough to acquire. 9) 720p video recording will appear on several cellphones. 10) Blu-ray players will be able to effectively replace HD streamers / HTPCs by having access to networked media, Hulu, Netflix Watch Instantly and the entire world of internet-based content.We can't possibly explain how difficult it was to narrow this down to ten, so do us a favor and mention the predictions we couldn't in comments below. Here's hoping '09 is a banner year for high-def.
NAD coming to CES bearing gifts for AV enthusiasts
New two-channel gear aside, you just know NAD wouldn't turn its back on components for this fad of moving pictures with audio. Sure enough, New Audio Dimensions is bringing out updates to its T-series of AV receivers (T 785, T 775, T 765), T 175 AV Tuner-Pre-Pro and Master Series M15HD Pre-Pro. The most notable new tech here is the use of Modular Design Construction (MDC) -- a design that allows NAD to build new functionality into products module-by-module for tasks like audio decoding and image processing. The $4,000 T 785 receiver packs in the top of the line AM 200 and VM 200 modules for audio and video, respectively, and things step downward to the AM 100 and VM 100 modules by the time you get to the $3,000 T 765 receiver. Follow the link for full model line pricing info.
Sunfire ships high-end Theater Grand processor and amplifiers
If this recession isn't even close to fazing you, Sunfire's got a few components to sell you. The outfit has just started shipping its Theater Grand line of processors and amplifiers, and even the least expensive of the bunch would shock the average home cinema shopper. The TGP-401 processor ($3,500), TGA-7401 Theater Grand Amplifier ($4,450) and TGA-7201 Grand Amplifier ($3,250) are all leaving the docks as we speak, and those with the means to finance one can certainly venture down to the read link for all the nitty-gritty specs. As for the rest of us, at least we've something to aspire to, right?
NAD rolls out two-channel components for CES
Swinging to an opposite extreme from its $1,600 T587 Blu-ray deck, NAD is aiming for the budget-conscious stereophiles with the Classic Series set to appear at CES 2009. In the lineup are three amps, a pair of CD players, a stereo preamp and even an old-style stereo receiver. Trickle down tech from the top-of-the-line Masters Series components in the form of Class A gain modules, beefy chassis construction and other goodies is promising, but you know these pieces can't carry rock bottom prices with that kind of circuitry. Still, NAD has always been about "audiophile approved" sound at a fair price, and the spec-obsessed would be wise to consider the power ratings as conservative. If you've still got a foot in the redbook two-channel world, hit the link for details.
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.
Sony intros BRAVIA HTP-BD3iS / BDV-FS350 Blu-ray HTIB systems in UK
Just in case you needed some new kit to throw on and around your BRAVIA RHT-G500 home theater stand, Sony's got two new bundles that ought to fit the bill -- so long as you're in the UK, that is. The BRAVIA BDV-FS350 (pictured) gets things going with a compact 2.1-channel sound system paired with an undisclosed Blu-ray deck (likely the BDP-S350) and an active subwoofer. The package also promises DVD upscaling over HDMI, BRAVIA Sync, a DIGITAL MEDIA PORT for hooking up your portable music device and S-Force PRO Front Surround technology. Moving on, we've got the HTP-BD3IS, hailed as Sony's "most advanced home theater setup yet." This one includes 450-watts spread over 5.1-channels, three HDMI inputs (one output) and inbuilt Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD decoding. You can add either to your basket right now for £489.00 ($751) / £678.99 ($1,043), respectively.
How-to guide breaks down 7.1-channel audio setup procedure
Blu-ray player? Check. An AV receiver? Check. Loads of cables? Check. Knowledge of how to hook everything up for maximum impact? Uh, not so much. BigPictureBigSound has hosted up a nice how-to guide for making the most of the multi-channel audio that's just waiting to ooze out of your Blu-ray player. The writeup covers both HDMI and analog approaches, and it breaks it down in five easy-to-digest steps so that you don't get all overwhelmed. Go 'head, give it a look -- it's not that difficult, we promise.
Rotel's flagship 15 Series of home theater components ships this month
You know those 15 Series components you forced yourself to overlook at CEDIA? Yeah, those ones begging for your kids' college savings? The whole Rotel crew is just about ready to ship, and just in time for Santa, no less. Receivers, speakers, pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers -- everything should be shipping in December, with the prices ranging from £350 for a simple RB-1510 two-channel installation amp to £1895 for the RSX-1560 AVR. Check the read link for all the juicy details (if your wallet can stand it).
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]
PMP docks keep things afloat as other audio gear sinks
Sure, it's impossible to find anything electric that hasn't been graced with an iPod dock anymore, but according to NPD Group, unit sales of MP3-docking speaker systems -- a catch-all that includes iPod-dockified clock radios and tabletop radios -- actually rose while other audio gear suffered. From our HT-centric viewpoint, sales of HTIB systems came up 16-percent short while AV receivers slid 8-percent. But the loss-leader by a long way was the compact stereo segment -- the 36-percent setback on sales goes to show that when people are concerned about hanging on to their jobs, outfitting the cubicle or office with new gear moves way down the priority list.[Image courtesy PodcastingNews]
Black Friday 2008 roundup: HD deals
Let's face it -- it's easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to Black Friday. For starters, it's the day after Thanksgiving, a day in which you're likely already stressed out about what to cook, where to clean, who to invite and how to get off work early. The last thing you need is more stress when thinking about what HD gear you'll be adding to your collection a few days from now. Thus, we've scoured the intarwebz and scrubbed the deal sheets in order to present a slimmed down, easy-to-digest guide of where the best buys on high-def-related kit will be on November 28th. Hop on past the break to start making your list.[Image courtesy of SmackShopping]
Onkyo Japan regains its senses, offers TX-SA706X receiver in basic black
The summer heat will make you do crazy things, as we saw when Onkyo issued its TX-SA706X 7.1-channel receiver in champagne (a kinder word for "gold") in June. We know the Japanese market (and certain segments of the high end audiophile crowd) have had gold-toned gear since before the transistor, but just because something is tradition doesn't mean we have to go along with it. Cooler temperatures and heads have come around, and the Japanese market will get a black version of the receiver on November 21st, aptly named the TX-SA706X (B). We assume that one little "B" will make all the difference when it comes to matching your other components; unless, of course, you've fallen in for the whole spiel about something else becoming the "new black."
