Marantz Releases Flagship AV Receiver – Marantz SR7007

Marantz has always been a favorite amongst audioholics and this year, Marantz has released their flagship home theater receiver, the Marantz SR7007. For folks with deep pockets, this 7.2-channel AV receiver aims to please with its sophisticated design and rich audio and video features.

Packed with state of the art features and proprietary technologies, this home theater receiver is a worthy model to consider despite its 7.2-channel setup with up to 3 sources and limited network capabilities.

Read the full Marantz SR7007 review to find out more.

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Yamaha RX-A1070, RX-A2070 and RX-A3070 Launched With Dolby Vision™ and Hybrid Log-Gamma Compatibility with Future Firmware Update

Yamaha RX-A3070

Yamaha RX-A3070

Known to deliver a truly high-class sound studio experience, Yamaha’s AVENTAGE range of receivers are highly sought after, even by audiophiles. Early this year, Yamaha upgraded its entire RX 70 series of AVENTAGE AV receivers. Here, we have a look at just three of them, the RX-A1070, RX-A2070 and RX-A3070.

The new RX 70 series features Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ for surround sound realism, supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and will be compatible with Dolby Vision™ and Hybrid Log-Gamma for incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors with a firmware update. Other common features include a free MusicCast app, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and AirPlay® wireless connectivity, phono input for vinyl playback, advanced HDMI zone switching and Zone 2 control options.

Yamaha RX-A1070

Yamaha RX-A1070

The Yamaha RX-A1070, the only 7.2-channel network AV receiver of the three, features high-performance digital-to-analog conversion with the ESS SABRE Premier Audio DAC ES9006A and lets you add audio in up to 9 additional rooms with MusicCast.

The Yamaha RX-A2070 is a 140W 9.2-channel network AV receiver that features 11 speaker terminals with Intelligent Amp Assign for Zone 2 and dual SABRE Premier DACs.

The top of the range Yamaha RX-A3070 is a 9.2-channel with CINEMA DSP HD3, XLR terminals for low signal transmission and minimized sound distortion provided by its high-performance SABRE32 Ultra DAC and ESS ES9026PRO SABRE DAC.

Yamaha RX-A2070

Yamaha RX-A2070

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Yamaha Upgrades RX-A670, RX-A770 & RX-A870 AVENTAGE AV Receivers

Yamaha RX-A870

Yamaha RX-A870

Yamaha’s AVENTAGE line of high-performance AV receivers is known to reproduce the most subtle details of high-definition sound that most audiophiles would approve of. Early 2017 saw Yamaha upgrade its RX 70 series AVENTAGE receivers. The new RX 70 series is set to support HDR (High Dynamic Range) on the get go. And if you are looking for Dolby Vision™ and Hybrid Log-Gamma compatibility for incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors, you can expect to have it soon with Yamaha’s firmware updates scheduled for released in the fall.

Here, we have a quick look at just three of them, namely the Yamaha RX-A670, Yamaha RX-A770 and Yamaha RX-A870.

All three receivers are 7.2-channel AV receivers with Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X™ and the latest in HDMI® technologies, allowing users to enjoy their favourite movies in stunning 4K Ultra HD and high dynamic range (HDR). Built-in Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and AirPlay® also provide flexible wireless connectivity.

Yamaha RX-A670

Yamaha RX-A670

The Yamaha RX-A670 is the most basic model of the RX 70 series and presents an economical way to experience the multiple rewards of premium sound and visual performance.

The mid-range Yamaha RX-A770 is already the hot favourite amongst the RX 70 series. It sports an additional photo input for vinyl playback, Zone 2 Extra Bass and Zone 2 Volume Equalizer for added versatility.

Yamaha RX-A770

Yamaha RX-A770

The top of the range Yamaha RX-A870 features not only additional HDMI ports and Zone 2 control options, most importantly, it comes with YPAO™ – R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) with 3D sound field effectiveness optimisation and 64-bit precision EQ calculation for the most natural room acoustics possible.

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Yamaha’s Latest AV Receivers Support 4K Ultra HD and MHL

Despite declining AV receiver sales over the past few years, Yamaha is not letting up with new receiver development and has launched a series of budget models with ever improving features.

Over its 125 years history Yamaha has done a great job producing high quality AV receivers that offer performance and reliability at affordable price levels.

2013 Yamaha RX-V75 Receivers

2013 Yamaha RX-V75 Series Receivers

For 2013, Yamaha’s new RX-V series has five new models that offer support for 4K (or Ultra HD as it is sometimes referred to) and compatibility with Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) devices such as the latest Samsung Galaxy S3 & S4, the new Streaming Stick from Roku and many more devices on the way. They also support Apple’s Airplay and play music and video files from your local PC.

MHL

Handsomely designed, 4 of the new models (RX-V775WA, RX-V675 and RX-V575, and RX-V475) are network-enabled while the entry level the RX-V375 is non networked receiver. Yamaha also continue its fine tradition of good audio performance by including Burr-Brown 24/192 DACs.

Priced between $299.95 and $849.95, Yamaha has sensibly designed these receivers to cater to every budget.

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Denon Unveils AVR-X4000 – AV Receiver with 4K Upscaling

Denon AVR-X4000

Denon AVR-X4000

With 4K technology being all the hype these days, electronics manufacturers all over the world are ready to push the 4K technology horizons and Denon is just one of them.

The newly released Denon AVR-X4000 promises pass through 4K signals or 4K upscaling for your home theater system. Packed with 7.2 channel surround sound and support for all the latest audio codecs, this av receiver certainly looks to increase its value to you. On top of its amazing features, its connectivity options will wow you too. With 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs, including one for a second rooms, ARC, 2 optical and 2 coaxial digital inputs, this AV receiver is looking like it will be future-proof for a long time to come.

The AVR-X4000 is another great option for an AV receiver as pre-processor, and a new benchmark price-wise for Denon. Stay tuned for a full Denon AVR-X4000 review!

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Quick Preview : Denon’s IN-Command Receivers

Denon has released their new, budget IN-Command receivers and we are awed by them! While they are nowhere near as expensive as regular receivers, these are targeted at the consumer who wants to do more than just power their speakers and route video to their brand new display. The consumer who cares about sound and features and is willing to pay a bit more for the right solution.

Denon AVR-X3000

Denon AVR-X3000

Denon released the AVR-X1000, AVR-X2000 and the AVR-X3000. These are all priced below $1000 with the AVR-X3000 at just a dollar less than a $1000. These new IN-Command receivers are both feature packed and flexible and will do a great job of powering your home theater at a great price!

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New Yamaha RX Series A/V Receivers

Yamaha has come up with the goods again with 5 moderately priced receivers that come with features that we usually see in more expensive equipment. And it’s good to note that as with Yamaha’s tradition, sound quality has not been sacrificed for budget reasons.

What’s new in the 2013 lineup is MHL, or Mobile High-Definition Link. It is an HD video and digital audio interface for connecting mobile phones and portable devices to the receiver. The MHL standard supports up to 1080p/60 high-definition (HD) video and 7.1 surround.

Yamaha RX-V775wa

Except for the entry level RX-V 375, the four networked receivers includes one MHL-compatible HDMI input. The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 have their MHL port on the front which is convenient for connecting a compatible smartphone. The RX-V575 and RX-V475 have their MHL port on the back, which is better for connecting a Roku Streaming Stick out of sight. Another new feature is “high-speed HDMI switching”. This is indeed a welcome improvement given how slow AV receivers switch inputs sometimes.

Other than that, features wise are quite similar to last year’s models. You can check out their full features list on Yamaha’s site, but here is a quick feature guide and pricing:

  1. RX-V375 ($299.95): 5.1 channels, four HDMI inputs
  2. RX-V475 ($449.95): 5.1 channels, five HDMI inputs, MHL, Ethernet, AirPlay
  3. RX-V575 ($549.95): 7.2 channels, five HDMI inputs, MHL, Ethernet, AirPlay
  4. RX-V675 ($649.95): 7.2 channels, six HDMI inputs, GUI, powered second zone
  5. RX-V775WA ($849.95): 7.2 channels, Dual HDMI outputs, 7.1 pre-outs, included Wi-Fi dongle

We will be doing a full review of each of the receivers in due course.

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Pioneer’s 2013 Entry Level AV Receivers Look Set To Impress

Christmas is certainly over but it still feels festive in the audio-visual industry as electronics giants all over the world are releasing their new models for the year in stores. Pioneer’s 2013 lineup is pretty impressive too, even amongst its fiercest competitors.

This year, Pioneer has brought great features such as 4K Ultra-HD support, an ECO Mode to reduce power consumption, and (on the top dog, Pioneer VSX-1123) a Zone 2 HDMI output to their lineup and we are excited!

Pioneer’s entry level 5.1-channel AV receiver is is the Pioneer VSX-523, boasting 80 watts per channel. With 4 HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output, plus a single subwoofer pre-out, it might not seem like much. But throw in Pioneer’s proprietary auto-calibration routine, MCACC, ECO Mode and 4K Ultra-HD pass through and you will be gaping at this machine. For a bit more, the Pioneer VSX-823 offers a host of networking features including Apple Airplay, DLNA 1.5, Pandora, vTuner Internet Radio, and HTC Connect, which allows you to seamlessly stream music from your HTC smartphone.

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Onkyo’s Brand New Network AV Receivers For 2013

Onkyo recently released their new range of network AV receivers for 2013 and their specifications have wowed us thus far. Here’s a sneak peek at some of them.

The THX Select2 Plus-certified Onkyo TX-NR727 Network AV Receiver is, by far, the most powerful model released. This 7.2-channel AV receiver is equipped with Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry and is designed to fill larger rooms with surround sound. Paired with eight HDMI inputs that include MHL support for 1080p video and two HDMI outputs, this AV receiver is certainly every audio enthusiast’s dream machine.

The mid-range Onkyo TX-NR626 is built to play multi-channel movie soundtracks and two-channel music. Boasting 4K Ultra HD video passthrough and upscaling, plus built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, consumers will be drooling at the value offered by the TX-NR626.

At the entry level, we have the 5.2-channel Onkyo TX-NR525 Network AV Receiver that offers up Six HDMI inputs, Audyssey MultEQ, InstaPrevue technology, and Hybrid Standby (which maintains HDMI and network connectivity) amidst a useful amount of power, network connectivity and streaming service implementation.

Stay tuned for the full reviews!

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Denon Boasts User Friendliness With 2013 AV Receivers

Denon AVR-E400

Denon AVR-E400

Denon’s brand new line of receivers for 2013 has a huge theme about it – “simplicity”. The household brand is looking at new levels of user friendliness as it announced three brand new mainstream models with the higher-end models including ease-of-use-minded features like a guided setup assistant and new “push-in” type speaker jacks.

The three new Denon E-Series models are the AVR-E200, AVR-E300 and AVR-E400 and they are designed to offer a high level of specifications for the money and ease of set-up and use. Touted as an ‘Easy, Exciting Entertainment Experience’, the E-Series will boast features such as colour-coded speaker terminals and an on-screen Denon Setup Assistant on the mid-range to high end models, to walk users through the installation and calibration process.

Stay tuned for their full reviews here!

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