NEWS: Jamo reveals a choice of 5.1- or 2.1-channel systems

Jamo is launching a major onslaught on the home cinema package market, with a whole stack of systems based around new 2.1- and 5.1-channel receivers.

The new line-up, which starts from just £500 for a 2.1-channel system using the DMR 45 DVD receiver (pictured) and the A102 speakers, offers no fewer than six permutations, right up to a complete 5.1-channel set-up with floorstanding speakers.

The DMR 45 stands just 9cm tall and offers 2x75w output, plus DivX/MP3/WMA/MPEG-4 playback in addition to playing DVDs and CDs. It has both HDMI and component video outputs, and offers upscaling to 720p/1080i, along with Dolby Virtual Speaker to create surround sound from just two speakers and a subwoofer.

There's also a front-panel USB socket for the connection of portable players, a headphone socket complete with Dolby Headphone processing, and a 40-preset FM RDS/AM tuner. Low standby power consumption of less than one watt keeps the unit green, and it's available with a choice of two speaker packages.

Combined with a pair of Jamo's excellent A102 speakers and a SUB200 subwoofer as the A 102HCS22, the DMR 45 will sell for £500, while an extra £100 buys you an A 402HCS22 system using a pair of the newly-launched A402 speakers and the same subwoofer.

Those wanting a full 5.1-channel system are catered for by the slimline - just 6.5cm tall - DMR 70 DVD receiver, offering all the features of the DMR 45 plus 5x65w amplification. You can buy the DMR 70 alone for £450, or it's available with a choice of four speaker packages.

The £550 A 102HCS5 package combines the unit with the Award-winning A 102HCS speaker system, which took our 2007 Best Style Speaker System under £500 title. The speakers are now available in a choice of black, white or silver.

The £700 A 402HCS5 system (above) ups the ante with the use of Jamo's A402HCS speaker package, the £799 A405HCS5 uses the larger A405HCS speakers, and the flagship set-up is the A 407HCS5, which uses the largest A 407HCS speakers. It will sell for £900.

The Jamo systems are distributed in the UK by BBG.

Andrew has written about audio and video products for the past 20+ years, and been a consumer journalist for more than 30 years, starting his career on camera magazines. Andrew has contributed to titles including What Hi-Fi?, GramophoneJazzwise and Hi-Fi CriticHi-Fi News & Record Review and Hi-Fi Choice. I’ve also written for a number of non-specialist and overseas magazines.