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.
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.
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!
Denon Boasts User Friendliness With 2013 AV Receivers
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!
Onkyo AV Receivers Targets Gamers
Onkyo is best known for manufacturing high quality home theater receivers and while there are plenty of other options available by worthy competitors, Onkyo has been rapidly expanding over the years to cater to its wide range of customers with affordable models that come with attractive features.
Onkyo HT-RC430
The Onkyo HT-RC430 AV receiver is one of the most unique home theater receivers available in the market today and it caters to a fairly large demographic – gamers. Packed with 4 gaming modes and a range of audio enhancing features, this AV receiver is certainly one for gamers to look at for an enhanced home gaming experience.
Folks who would love to have a whole chunk of HDMI ports, can certainly consider the Onkyo HT-RC460. This AV receiver may have the looks and the jacks and ports of an entry level receiver but check out the 8 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs that it boasts, and you might change your mind about it. You will find that it is fantastic home theater receiver with plenty of ports, a simple user interface and useful networking features. Read the Onkyo HT-RC460 review to find out more.
Pioneer Continues To Wow With 2012 AV Receivers
Pioneer has always had a reputation for having some of the best AV receivers around. Some of its 2012 models are certainly worth looking at. One of them is the Pioneer VSX-522-K. While it is not network ready, folks who do not require this network connectivity will be attracted to its low price, especially with its pack of state of the art features such as Phase Control and Front Stage Surround Advance. Do check out the VSX-522-K review.
Folks looking for a network ready AV receiver and have a limited budget, can consider the Pioneer VSX-822-K. With 6 HDMI ports and some of the most up-to-date features that home theater enthusiasts would enjoy, this AV receiver makes for a great budget and energy efficient choice. Read the full VSX-822-K review now.
Onkyo Releases World’s First 11.4-Channel AV Receiver
Onkyo TX-NR1010
At the recent CES, Onkyo announced the release of the world’s first full 11.4-channel implementation of DTS Neo:X and the first use of Cisco Linksys’ SimpleTap technology in an audio/video component in the Onkyo TX-NR1010 Network AV Receiver.
Some features included in this all new receiver include THX Ultra2 Plus certification to recreate the cinematic experience with dynamic Reference Level sound to larger home theaters up to 85 cubic meters in size and a viewing distance of approximately 3.5 meters. It is also the first consumer electronics partner to incorporate Cisco Linksys’ SimpleTap technology and boasts a new Differential DAC Mode and Digital Crossover Processing Network to optimize performance when bi-wiring and bi-amping the front channels.
Cheapest Pioneer 7.1-Channel Support AV Receiver : Pioneer VSX-1022-K
Pioneer VSX-1022-K
Pioneer is one of the oldest AV receiver manufacturers in the market and they are known for manufacturing a wide range of manufacturers to suit the needs and budget of their customers. The Pioneer VSX-1022-K is one of the latest AV Receivers positioned as the cheapest Pioneer-branded home theater receiver with 7.1 channels support that is rich in wireless features. Together with the Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system, users will not be disappointed with the sound experience it provides. Read more about the Pioneer VSX-1022-K here.
Get 9.2 Channels with Onkyo’s TX-NR3010 AV Receiver
Folks these days look to have a fully functional home theater system at home and the main goal for speaker setups is to achieve full 360 sound quality. While most of us would not be able to tell the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1-channel speaker system, audiophiles will say different.
This year, electronics manufacturer, Onkyo, has a wide range of receivers to cater to the growing needs of consumers. Folks who are looking to buy a receiver for long term investment can consider the pricier yet is the most affordable 9.2-channel AV receiver, the Onkyo TX-NR3010 with its high-end options.
Armed with THX Ultra2 certification and a powerful Dual Core Video Engine, this AV receiver promises amazing visuals that look great on 1080p and even 4k displays. It is certainly one Onkyo AV receiver to check out.
Sony Releases First AV Receiver With Built-In WiFi
The latest AV receiver from Sony, the Sony STR-DN1030, is an update to the STR-DN1020 and it is the first AV receiver ever to feature built-in WiFi. This latest home cinema network AV receiver from Sony allows users to stream all their media content from their smartphones and tablet devices wirelessly or via AirPlay for Apple devices, providing access to over 15 million songs and Internet radio via the Sony Entertainment Network.
Armed with 7.2 channels of 120 watts each, five HDMI ports and other state of the art features such as HD Digital Cinema Sound Tech and Digital Cinema Auto Calibration technology, this AV receiver promises a true cinematic experience.
Yamaha Makes A Sound Statement With Its 2012 AV Receivers
Yamaha has over the years, garnered for itself, a loyal following in the home theater industry. This year, Yamaha continues to uphold its reputation for good quality home theater devices with its range of AV receivers.
Yamaha’s all new 2012 AV receivers include great features such as AirPlay, 4K video pass-through with upscaling, app upgrades, multi-zone control and even an energy-saving ECO mode.
Its flagship model, the Yamaha RX-A3020, is a 9.2-channel AV receiver that stands out from the rest of its counterparts for its expandability to 11.2 channels.
On the other hand, folks looking for something more affordable can check out the Yamaha RX-A1020 or the mid-range Yamaha RX-A2020.