New Onkyo receiver range announced
We've finally caught the first glance of the new multichannel receiver range from Onkyo.
The 2009 range kicks off with four budget to mid-price models. Subtly different in appearance to the previous generation, they measure slightly less in height, have larger volume controls and offer a clearer, simpler button layout.
The entry-level TX-SR307 will cost around £250, and features three HDMI inputs (and one output), as well as a 3.5mm iPod input on the front fascia. Next up is the TX-SR 507 (£350): it is the cheapest in the range to offer the full raft of HD audio decoding. It also has four HDMI inputs.
Those two both offer 5.1-channel amplification. But the next step up is to a 7-channel receiver, the TX-SR577. The '577 is basically a '507 with seven channels of amplification, and it also adds brand new surround format Dolby Pro Logic IIz. It will cost £400.
We announced Pro Logic IIz when it was launched at CES, in our Las Vegas video show report. It adds an extra two channels of 'front height', for two surround speakers to be mounted above your front left and right speakers.
The aim is to create a bigger, more spacious and room-filling soundfield, and for Onkyo it also provides the consumer with more options when deciding how to configure a 7- or even 9-channel system.
Last but certainly not least is the £500 TX-SR607 (pictured). This features 7.2-channel amplification, has a total of six HDMI inputs – including a handy one on the front fascia for a device such as a laptop, games console or HD camcorder – and video upconversion capability.
All four receivers also feature four new game surround modes, to enhance the audio experience of particular genres of games. They are: 'RPG' (Role Player Game), 'Action', 'Music' (for Guitar Hero, Rock Band etc) and 'Sports'.
All four receivers will become available in the UK in the next few weeks, and some high-end receivers from Onkyo will be announced in May.
For more about Onkyo's new hi-fi range, check out our blog.
Comments
Yuk. Why haven't they changed the styling? Prices not as competitive as the opposition, which coupled with sq was Onkyo's strong point. I don't really see the point in the IIz, particularly on a budgte amp. If you've got the room for more speakers in a proper home cinema setup, I can't see many opting for a bottom end receiver but I suppose a favourable demo might change my mind. 5.1 is enough for me in my shoebox sized modern living room!
Qwalme - the 607's wil be available either the last week of April or the first week of May :)
You know, I actually quite like their looks. In black it's really much of a muchness. In a darkened room, they just look big, but not especially ugly. And anyway, they do a great job for the money and with the discounts that have been available, an amazing job.
Seems the discounts are gone. Thanks to the pound, which is really thanks to Brown and the bankers.
So, in this era of higher prices and job insecurity, when do you think the new high end Onks will come out and what do you expect them to do, that the "06" generation didn't do?
Available as in 'in the shops', AFAIK...
Does it mean they will be available to buy in the next few weeks or thats when you will review them? Or will you be getting your hands on these a bit sooner?
Ohh whether to cancel the 763 order or not....
cant wait im buying a new amp in april was thinking sony2400 or denon 1909 but i will see this before i buy i like the idea of having 5.1 as normal and adding a couple of sats above floorstanders at front i think ive read it right
As well.
7.2 Hmmm. Now does that imply the the two .2 channels will be stereo or will they output the same signal.
Ah, but it's the sound quality that will count!
They still have the aesthetic qualities of a brick.