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Posts with tag AVR

Denon keeps high-end covered with AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010CI universal Blu-ray player and ASD-51 iPod docks

Denon AVR-4810CI receiver and DBP-4010UDCI universal Blu-ray player
Denon loyalists may have been stinging from the company's no-show at last week's CEDIA Expo, but the latest round of releases should help ease the pain. Here we go with the AVR-4810CI receiver, DBP-4010DCI universal disc player and ASD-51 iPod docks. The 9.3-channel AVR-4810CI ($2,999) looks to be the successor to Denon's popular 4308CI -- feature packed and definitely on the high end of the spectrum. Six HDMI 1.3a inputs, a pair of outputs, 140-Watts to nine channels, and the familiar set of features being rolled out across Denon's lineup: Anchor Bay video processing, Audyssey DSX and Dolby ProLogic IIz. Denon wants you to know it will pair up just fine with the DBP-4010UDCI universal disc spinner, which you should think of as a cheaper -- but at $1,999, not a "poor man's" -- DVD-A1UDCI. It'll play back just about every disc you've got (okay, maybe not laserdisc), and the build quality ensures it'll do so until after your physical media has turned to dust. Finally, Denon has also brought out the ASD-51W and ASD-51N iPod docks that also let you pull in internet radio, Napster and Rhapsody -- grab up the ASD-51W if you want to do that sans wires. As you'd expect from "CI" (custom integrator) designation on these bits of fun, everything is getting in on the network control and connectivity game, but we'll leave it for you to suss out those finer details after the break.

Yamaha shows off its RX-V2065 network AV receiver

Yamaha RX-V2065 receiver
Yamaha has introduced a new top-end RX-V2065 model to its RX-V65 receiver line. Connecting the receiver to both the home network and the internet at-large is coming on strong, and the RX-V2065 definitely got the memo. Starting with the basics, the RX-V2065 is a 7x130-Watt receiver featuring Yamaha's ToP-ART amp design with a 5/2 HDMI in/out complement. Yammy then adds its home-cooked assortment of DSP modes, packing 17 flavors of sonic manipulation into the new receiver. Networking is where this model really sets itself apart from the similar RX-V1900 model, though, with the ability to pluck streams from Rhapsody, internet radio, DLNA, and files around your home network. Heck, even sneakernet is supported courtesy a USB port up front. To be sure, there's a lot more acronyms and add-on accessories for this unit that the custom installer crowd at CEDIA can use to round out their sales pitches (and to help bring up the margins on this $1,400 AVR), but we'll leave that for you to decipher by hitting the link.

Harman Kardon resets its AV receiver line with AVR 1600, 2600 and 3600 models

Harman Kardon AVR 3600
The namesake brand at Harman International has introduced its new 2009 AVR lineup, making 3 out of the 4 AVRs on the company website shiny and new -- the AVR 1600, AVR 2600 and AVR 3600 (pictured, but trust us, they look almost identical). All three models are armed with lossless Blu-ray audio codec support which are now -- thankfully -- de rigeur, but the real emphasis is on connectivity and features. The living room is the new battleground, and even receivers have to fight for a place amongst the videogame consoles and set-top boxes. Taking top billing, the AVR 3600 includes second zone support and a pcked-in The Bridge III iPod/iPhone dock -- with a capital "T" and Roman numerals -- that can pull HD video right off the ubiquitous devices and put them up on the big screen. H/K put out the first receiver with Dolby Volume, and the company is standing by the feature by putting it into the 2600 and 3600 models, which also get a graphical UI in keeping with the convenience theme. Sorry, 1600 owners will have to make like everything's a foreign film and read the text. Full details and pricing after the break.

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

Marantz SR6004 receiver
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 TX-NR5007 receiver
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

Sunfire TGR-401 AV receiver
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.




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