Onkyo Introduces the World's First THX Certified 3D-Ready A/V Receiver

[iceman]

http://www.us.onkyo.com/press_releases.cfm?id=181

Onkyo Introduces the World’s First THX Certified 3D-Ready A/V Receiver

03/10/10 - The Onkyo TX-SR608 THX-Certified A/V Receiver one of several HDMI v1.4, 3D-Ready A/V Receivers and Home Theater Systems that will ship in March and April.
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ, (3/9/10) -- Onkyo USA has announced March deliveries of its first 3D-Ready home theater receivers and home theater in a box (HTiB) systems. The new models consist of three A/V receivers and three HTiB systems ranging in price from $299 to $599, and all of them support the new HDMI 1.4 connectivity standard for new 3D video displays and Audio Return Channel capabilities. All are exceptionally well equipped to provide a superior music, home theater sound and video experience, with high build-quality and offering excellent value.

For Onkyo, a name that translates roughly to 'sound harmony' in Japanese, sound quality is preeminent. All these new receivers and HTiBs now decode lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstreams, and include new 192-kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1690 DAC's that are highly resistant to clock jitter and provide a remarkable 113-dB dynamic range. The lineup includes Onkyo's new easy-to-setup overlaid onscreen graphical display that lets the user watch the program in the background while using the function menus. Additionally, all 2010 HDMI v1.4 models include a new feature call HDMI Thru. HDMI Thru allows content to pass through to the TV when the receiver is in a standby state.

The new TX-SR608 7.2-channel THX-Select2 Plus certified receiver has new power amplifier section that uses three-stage inverted Darlington output topology, and a power boost from 90 to 100 watts. Audyssey DSX dimensional sound processing has been added to its predecessor's Dolby PLIIz capabilities. Additionally, all video sources, including those using the new PC input, and regardless of source resolution, can be upscaled to big and beautiful 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™. The TX-SR608 will also include a front HDMI input, a feature first introduced by Onkyo in 2009. The TX-SR608 will be available in April at an MSRP of $599.

The 5.1-channel TX-SR308 and 7.1-channel TX-SR508 round out this initial announcement of A/V Receivers from Onkyo. The TX-SR308 will be available in March with an MSRP of $299, a followed by the TX-SR508 in April for $399.

The HTiB package systems, which each consist of a receiver, speakers and a subwoofer, are the 5.1-channel HT-S3300 and 7.1-channel HT-S5300; the latter also includes an iPod dock. Thanks to the HDMI interface and the use of advanced Dolby and DTS codecs, all of these receivers and systems are also capable of decoding lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The HT-S3300 will ship in March with an MSRP of $379, followed by the HT-S5300 in April for $599.

A third packaged system departs from the traditional HTiB form factor and uses a combination subwoofer and 3D Ready A/V receiver plus two front speakers. It uses Onkyo’s own Theater-Dimensional processor to create an immersive and convincing surround effect through just 2.1 channels. The HTX-22HDX has three HDMI v1.4 inputs, handles HD audio formats from DTS and Dolby; offers four distinct audio modes for gaming; and outputs for additional speakers. The HTX-22HDX will ship in May with a $349 MSRP.

"Onkyo's 2010 entry-level product line represents a significant jump over last year's line," said Paul Wasek, Onkyo USA's marketing manager. "We are excited to deliver this first wave of 3D capable products. By upgrading to 1.4, even on the least expensive HTiB, we have eliminated all HDMI pass-through products and allowed HD audio formats to be used across the line. The fact that consumers can now buy a THX-Certified receiver with 1080p upscaling, Burr-Brown DACs, PC input and more for under $600 shows Onkyo's clear commitment to delivering performance and value to consumers."

All of Onkyo's receivers offer exceptional connectivity options with as many as six HDMI inputs, plus component and composite video, numerous stereo input jacks, optical/coaxial digital inputs, and the popular front-panel connections on many models. Two models include Sirius Radio connections, and all these receivers incorporate Onkyo's proprietary Universal Port (U-Port) connector which simplifies connections to optional HD Radio tuners and iPod Docks (included with the HT-S5300).

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit http://www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

[Fors*]

Thanks for the info Iceman!

Does anyone know if all of these models have pre-outs?

[troyus]

the amps dont. I dunno about the all in 1 things.
Only the 6 series and below has been released so far. Im sure the higher end stuff will have preouts.

[ChadFL]

Anyone know if Onkyo is supposed to announce more new models soon? I want to upgrade from my 605S model but was looking for something a little higher-end than the models they just announced. I might just go with the 876 if nothing newer is announced.

[troyus]

Im sure they will and I really hope its soon. Ive help off for months on buying a new reciever as mine dosent have the lossless codecs.
Not because Ill really need 1.4hdmi, but it'd be silly not to buy a unit that supports it when its only months away.

[McGarnigal]

MSRP on the 608 is $50 less than 607 msrp, hopefully the real discounted price will reflect that somewhat too..

[Freekman]

At this price, I will surely upgrade to a better receiver. I'll finally be able to afford HD audio while also being more prepared for 3D when the time comes.

[Jamie218]

Nice Find Iceman

[quetzalcoatl]

Looks like some nice entry level receivers.

[Silo5]

I love my 805 because it's one of the few AV receivers that has a decent amp built in. Hopefully the newer 800 series will follow the 805 trend as far as the amps are concerned.

[serenity]

Originally Posted by Silo5

I love my 805 because it's one of the few AV receivers that has a decent amp built in. Hopefully the newer 800 series will follow the 805 trend as far as the amps are concerned.

The old 805 is now the 1007.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by serenity

The old 805 is now the 1007.

It's the same thing? Because I always hear gushing praise about the 805 but never the 1007.

[RocShemp]

I'd go for it if Onkyo allowed me to trade in my 705 for a similar receiver with 1.4 hdmi. But not for the models they just announced.

[DAK4]

Originally Posted by silo5

i love my 805 because it's one of the few av receivers that has a decent amp built in. Hopefully the newer 800 series will follow the 805 trend as far as the amps are concerned.

+1

[serenity]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

It's the same thing? Because I always hear gushing praise about the 805 but never the 1007.

It's the 805 with a slightly better amp and more features. Check it out at the Onkyo website.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by serenity

It's the 805 with a slightly better amp and more features. Check it out at the Onkyo website.

I 'm just wondering why the 805 gets so much more love than the 1007 then. Does the 1007 just have more technical problems than the 805 that I'm not aware of?

[troyus]

price?
the 1007 gotta cost a bomb more?

[RocShemp]

Here's the 608: http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

Originally Posted by troyus

price?
the 1007 gotta cost a bomb more?

It has a $1,599.00 SRP. So, yeah. That's a pretty big hole in the ol' wallet.

[serenity]

Price is the main reason it does not get the attention the 805 does. However Onkyo street prices are much lower. So it could probably be found for 1100 or 1200 from authorzied sellers. When the models change it will probably go below 1000.

The 07 series 007 receivers have had a great track record with few problems.

The 08 series is looking real nice as well. Especially the 608. Which is what I will probably be upgrading to.

[ReverendSlim]

Originally Posted by serenity

Price is the main reason it does not get the attention the 805 does. However Onkyo street prices are much lower. So it could probably be found for 1100 or 1200 from authorzied sellers. When the models change it will probably go below 1000.

I snagged a 1007 from Newegg's $999.99 sale they used to run on the weekends (and it's still regularly under $1,100 there). Had it for a few months now. It really is the closest receiver power-wise that they've released since the 805 for the price, and was definitely a significant step up from my 705.

Plus, though I didn't buy it for this purpose, I ended up running a 9.2 setup with DPL-IIz Height channels. Sounds FANTASTIC.