Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On January - 31 - 2010ADD COMMENTS
LAS VEGAS–We don’t see many home theater AV receivers at CES, with home audio manufacturers generally waiting for their own line shows to release new product lines. However, most AV receivers don’t have Blu-ray players built-in.
Denon has announced the S-5BD AV receiver/Blu-ray Disc player combo unit at CES 2010, melding the two components into a sleek, glossy package. Here’s the initial info from the news release.
Key features of the Denon S-5BD:
Blu-ray player and AV receiver combo unit
5.1 AV receiver
2-zone, 2 source capability
3 HDMI 1.4 inputs
Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding, along with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
SD card slot
$1,800 list price, available in March 2010
The S-5BD certainly has a slick design and it’s the first combo unit we’ve seen, but we can’t help but feel it will ultimately have limited appeal. The integrated Blu-ray player has a relatively bare-bones feature set since it lacks Wi-Fi and the streaming media services (like Netflix) available on competing models.
Finally, the integrated design really limits your upgrade options. With separate components, it’s easy to swap in a new Blu-ray player while you still try to squeeze some extra years out of your receiver. You could add a new Blu-ray player with the S-5BD (with its three HDMI inputs), but that’s defeating the point of the unit in the first place. The S-5BD might make sense in certain applications where there’s limited space or ease-of-use is a priority, but it’s probably not the best choice for buyers who value flexibility in their home theater setup.
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On December - 19 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Yamaha’s RX-V2065 is an altogether different type of AV receiver from the iconic brand. Yamaha has seen its fortunes ebb and flow in the AV market, and this new model effectively tries to draw a line in the sand and start over.
The most obvious point of difference over previous models is its new GUI, designed to make setting up a complex receiver like this simpler than ever. But despite spending more than a fair amount of time using it, I’m left somewhat puzzled.
For example, access to the set-up functions is buried at the bottom of three or four pages of (admittedly pretty) source selection icons. The only feature you would not go into the menus for is source selection – it’s achievable through direct keys on the remote and the fascia…so why have pages and pages of source select icons heading up the menu? When you are into the features and functions area, it’s laid out in a disjointed format with lots of unlinked individual pages rather than traditional left to right flowing menus. I had to refer to the manual on several occasions just to find various functions and that is not a good sign for the average user.
I’m not getting the new cosmetics either. It looks feels less solid that Yamaha’s previous receivers at this price. I also feel rather guilty about the years, decades even, I have spent denigrating Yamaha’s ‘orange’ front panel display – because the new look involves a me-too blue display showing precious little useful info and a few red legends.
Behind this irksomeness however there are some very slick features. The provision of 5-in, 2-out HDMIs is brilliant particularly as one input is front mounted. The RX-V2605 is very much geared up to be a Network receiver with both Ethernet and USB inputs, a port for Yamaha’s optional Bluetooth receiver or iPod dock, and plenty of dedicated Network audio features. There is very simple connection to a PC-based home network, a compressed music enhancer and tricks like pulling photos from your PC to display onto you TV. And despite what I said about the GUI the network side of the RX-V2065’s business plan is pretty damn straightforward to set up and use.
Interestingly, unlike its direct Onkyo TX-NR807 competitor, it is bereft of Dolby ProLogic IIz. Yamaha instead using its long established Presence (height) channels at the front with bespoke processing for these channels. Equally like the Onkyo you will lose rear-back channel amplification to drive the fronts – but in the RX-V2065’s case that really isn’t worth it.
Heart of gold
However, despite my grumbles, this is an amp with a heart of gold. It’s smooth yet detailed, fast yet subtle, and never once gets you wincing at an over acerbic HF effect. It feels mature and sophisticated with a fabulous balance between spacious soundstage and accurate positioning of individual sounds.
Overall, the Yamaha RX-V2065 7.1 AV Receiver offers a well balanced all-round sound performance, and is as happy with all action block busters as it is with a Pixar masterpiece.
Source: trendynetnews.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On December - 2 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Marantz has had a reputation for high-quality audio reproduction for over 50 years. Lately, their receivers have been a little short on features, but maintained the legendary sound. Times are changing and Marantz has adapted nicely to the new technologies available to the receiver maker. The release of the Marantz SR6004 receiver reviewed here is proving that. This new receiver has you covered on all the new codecs, Audyssey features, video scaling and even Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed to be the hub of a modern home theater and even an entire home, all for a retail price of $1,249.
The SR6004 comes with all the features you’d expect, like four-to-two HDMI 1.3 switching, three-to-one component and composite video input switching. A front panel input allows composite video and has the only S-Video jack on the receiver. Digital inputs abound, with four optical and two coaxial, as well as a USB input, and one optical digital output that can feed a digital recorder or another home theater elsewhere in the home. There are a 7.1 channel analog input, eight pairs of stereo analog inputs and a stereo analog output for one zone, as well as 7.1 channel preamp outputs. A two-prong IEC power socket with both a switched and un-switched power outlet for your other components round out the connectivity. Seven 110-watts-per-channel into eight ohms amplifiers can be set to run speakers in a host of different ways from a conventional 7.1 system, with or without front height channel connected for when you use Dolby Pro Logic IIz. If you only run five speakers, you can use the extra channel to bi-amplify your front speakers.
Control is handled by remote connections for syncing to other Marantz components, as well as a 12-volt trigger, an RS-232 port and IR inputs. Connectors for both Sirius and XM satellite radio are here, as well as AM and FM tuners with up to 60 presets and direct access via the remote. The coolest thing on this unit is Marantz’s new M-X Port terminal that plugs in the included RX101 Bluetooth and IR receiver. This allows remote IR detection should you hide your gear and will also sync to your iPhone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices and allow playback wirelessly on your home system. The RX101 has the capability of remembering up to eight Bluetooth devices, so the entire family can easily sync their iPhones and laptops on a single receiver.
The entire complement of Audyssey functions are here, including MultiEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which offers an added pair of front height channels to increase the surround experience. All analog video sources can be scaled up to 1080p or any other format and are converted to HDMI and each other, allowing only the highest-level connector to connect the receiver to your display. Nowadays, that will hopefully be HDMI. Two HDMI outputs are present and you can directly switch between the two of them with a button on the remote. I am very happy to see this addition, as switching between the two outputs on older Marantz receivers was deeply buried in the set-up menus. Now those with dual display systems can easily switch between them.
The front panel USB port is full 2.0 spec and allows direct connection to an iPod, iPhone, flash drive or hard disc drive with up to 700 folders and over 65,000 files. Clearly, this will handle even large libraries and massive storage devices. When connected via USB, iPods and iPhones transfer data digitally as LPCM and can reproduce true CD quality sound from uncompressed files. Should you not want to be tethered to your receiver, the Bluetooth adaptor will allow you to move about your house while listening. Full iPod control is available from the remote and, for larger storage devices, your display will allow you to easily navigate your music files.
Top all this off with Marantz’s new look for receivers and separates with the swooped-back side plates of the front fascia and the shallow depth cabinet, and this receiver not only looks great but can fit into places others can’t. The shallow depth also makes connections easier, thanks to the extra space. The only thing not present on this receiver is WiFi support for computer audio, but the included Bluetooth support is more useful, easier to set up and accomplishes the same goals.
Performance
The first thing I wanted to test was the Bluetooth connection, as I find this to be incredibly useful in today’s world. I started off with my Mac Book Air streaming 192 Kbps MP3 and AAC files and was very happy with the results. Whether I streaming The Cure’s cover of “Purple Haze” from Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (Reprice/WEA) to Cypress Hill’s self-titled album (Sony) and the track “How I Could Just Kill a Man,” the sound was good, with reasonable separation and solid bass. Connecting my iPhone was a snap and gave me in-hand control of everything on it, even from across the house. When I did step out of range, simply moving back a few feet resumed playback. The ability to stream from my or any of my friends’ iPhones or laptops made the experience far outweigh any limitations the compression took away from the music.
To compare the RX101 Bluetooth receiver to the USB, I used my iPhone. The USB input allows a true digital feed from the attached USB device to the receiver. I made two play lists of the same songs, one as AIFF files and one as MP3 and AAC files for easy comparison. I had to use my iPhone, as my iPod is an older model and only fourth-generation or newer models support the direct digital output. With my iPhone directly connected, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” from Annie Lennox’s Medusa (Arista) in AIFF offered the best sonics, and for critical listening was more open with better separation than the 192 kbps MP3 track. When I switched to the Bluetooth receiver, the differences between the two file formats was less, with both sounding closer to the MP3 track, though the AIFF still had a bit more open sound.
Turning to TV, I found the time for the SR6004 to switch between different HD resolutions acceptably. It took a second or two, but everything does these days, and the Marantz was certainly no slower than others I’ve used, and on par with anything else I have. Dolby Digital from my HD DVR was clear and open. When I watched Entourage (HBO), vocals were easily discernable and surround effects matched the screen image. Sons of Anarchy (FX) demonstrated solid bass from explosions, while keeping subtleties clear. Scaling from the component input was good and, with higher-resolution sources, seemingly identical to HDMI on my slightly dated Panasonic plasma. I tried the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and volume and went through the various levels. While they did improve the ability to perceive voices at lower volumes, they pushed the mid bass too much for my liking, so I defeated them.
spun up Robin Trower’s Bridge of Sighs (Chrysalis/Capitol) on vinyl and was pleased with the rich and open way it portrayed the title track, giving a spacious soundstage with well-positioned bells. The deep and driving guitar riffs of “Too Rolling Stoned” came across with power and energy that made the song a joy to hear. I loved this album as a young man and this set-up showed me why, in more detail than I remembered. The AM/FM tuner of the Marantz SR6004 worked well, tuning in even difficult stations and had more presets available than any terrestrial radio market will offer.
I loaded up X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) on Blu-ray and got all the life and energy I have come to expect from the new codecs. Every minute detail was crisply portrayed from the DTS HD MA track, while powerful explosions shook the room. The sound of sliding metal on metal when Wolverine’s new claws come out for the first time was perfect and sounded as though I was using my own kitchen knives. The smacking of flesh in the fight with Blob had great detail and Blob’s fall to the floor was palpable.
Low Points
The remote is well laid-out and functions perfectly, and even has great backlighting, but it feels kind of cheap. I know, I’m nitpicking, but it doesn’t seem quite up to the quality of the receiver. Four HDMI inputs is a good number, but those with multiple gaming platforms, players and possibly TV sources may need more. I love the addition of the remote button to switch HDMI outputs, but can also see the downside to this, as a child accidentally hitting this button could cause technical operating problems, but I don’t see how to overcome this, as those with dual display systems need immediate access to this feature. It is just something to be careful of if you don’t use it.
Conclusion
Marantz has hit one out of the park with the new SR6004 AV receiver. Not only does it have/support all the new uncompressed codecs, multi-zone control and Audyssey EQ features, it even has Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds front height channels to enhance the surround experience. It has compatibility for both satellite radio providers, a USB audio input that can access music stored on any type of USB capable storage and allows a true digital feed from fourth-generation or later iPods or iPhones for critical listening. What I like the best is the inclusion of the RX101 Bluetooth receiver that allows me, or any of my friends, to stream music from our iPhones or other Bluetooth devices to the system wirelessly while maintaining in-hand control. The included RX101 Bluetooth receiver allows total convenience with only a slight loss of sonic quality when compared to the USB input and can remember up to eight devices, so an entire family or group could easily connect to it.
Marantz has a long history of delivering great sound, often with a lack of features, but this new receiver breaks that mold. Sure, it sounds great. In fact, it sounds better than most of the competitors’ higher-priced models, but now Marantz is really baring its teeth and adding the coolest, most useful features. The SR6004 doesn’t offer WiFi for computer audio – it goes one better and adds a Bluetooth receiver, which allows more ease of use and flexibility than WiFi. To top it off, the RX101 Bluetooth receiver also doubles as a remote IR receiver, allowing the SR6004 to be hidden from view, yet still be easily accessed via the included remote.
This is a great receiver. It’s so easy to use and so practical, while sounding incredible. It offers relevant usable features not found elsewhere with great sound, all at a mid-fi price. This is the receiver I am recommending to anyone who asks me. The Marantz SR6004 is the most useable, feature-packed receiver, offering incredible sonics at a real-world price point. This is the one to check out if you are in the market for a new receiver, but get your own: I’m keeping this one.
Source: us.marantz.com & hometheaterreview.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On October - 25 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
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The SC-09TX from Pioneer is the flagship A/V receiver in the Pioneer Elite line. It sports a unique look and is the only Pioneer receiver that currently features a front LCD display. Pioneer’s SC-09TX “Susano” receiver offers a robust feature set for both video and audio enthusiasts.
Pushed as the top of the Pioneer Elite receivers, the SC-09TX includes Qdeo video processing for all six of its HDMI inputs. The receiver also has five component inputs, four for S-video, and eight for composite. Video processing features include HDMI x.v. Color, a component video converter, and support for videos straight from an iPod. Curiously, HDMI signals receive no video processing, and pass through unaltered.
The Pioneer SC-09TX is a 10 channel receiver and is able to be set in a variety of configurations, including standard 5.1 and 7.1 setups. Each channel boasts a 200 watt output at 8 ohms. Among the audio inputs are 4 coaxial digital ins, 4 optical digital ins, a 7.1 channel analog in, 12 stereo analog ins as well as support for iPods, Sirius radio and XM radio.
The SC-09TX supports all current high definition audio formats including THX Ultra 2 Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and features sound tuning by Air Studios sound engineers. The built in Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) system allows for a quick and simple way to adjust the receiver to fit a room, and is able to be used in a basic mode, or an advanced mode for more experienced users.
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The addition of a LCD screen to the Pioneer Susano receiver makes navigating set up menus more pleasant, but a standard LED display is much less distracting and simple to read from across a room. The LCD screen is also able to display the programming that the receiver is set to send to a television, but unfortunately will not display any of the HDMI inputs.
The Pioneer SC-09TX “Susano” A/V receiver is available now and can be found for prices ranging from $4,000 and $5,000.
Source: avrev.com
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Posted by Home Theater Audio Video On October - 25 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
The TX-NR5007 is the flagship model in Onkyo’s current receiver line, also known as the “Double-0” series.
The features 9.2 channel output allows for customizability in home theater setups. While a 9.2 speaker setup is possible, it’s more likely than not that user will have a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, in which case the extra channels can be assigned to double up on existing channels, giving more power to the main speakers.
The Onkyo NR5007 handles every high definition audio format currently in use, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution audio. The NR5007 features a great deal of options for audio optimization, among them being THX Loudness Plus, MultEQXT and Dynamic Volume from Audyssey and is the first Onkyo receiver to offer Dolby Volume.
Three TI Aureus DSP chips are employed to handle audio processing in the THX Ultra2plus certified NR5007, and 32-bit Burr Brown PCM1975 DACs handle analog conversion.
Video processing for signals coming in through the eight HDMI inputs – and upscaling to 1080p/24 of signals that come in through the glut of other available connection options – is handled by the HQV Reon-VX chipset. Video can be tweaked further through ISF Certified Calibration Controls, which allow day, night, and custom modes for each input.
The NR5007 is of course focused on sound and picture quality, but the addition of network and internet streaming options can’t be overlooked.
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The Onkyo TX-NR5007 receiver has a strong lineup for streaming media. Hooking the receiver in to a home network via an Ethernet cord allows users to stream music from providers like Pandora and Rhapsody, as well as directly from their PC in a variety of formats including MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC.
Adding to the utility of the TX-NR5007, Onkyo’s flagship receiver is Sirius radio ready, and features a universal port for iPods and iPhones, which not only streams audio and upscales video to 1080p, but grants an on screen display and allows the device to be controlled remotely.
Decoders: DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, THX Cinema, DTS Express, DTS decoder, THX Ultra 2, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS-HD High Resolution, THX Surround EX decoder
LAS VEGAS–We don’t see many home theater AV receivers at CES, with home audio manufacturers generally waiting for their own line shows to release new product lines. However, most AV receivers don’t have Blu-ray players built-in.
