Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer Onkyo has just unveiled two new audio receivers to hopefully get the home cinema enthusiast all excited.
The new mid-range 7.2 channel network AV receivers offer all kinds of advanced features, with the daddy of the two being the TX-NR818. The receiver sports an impressive specification list, which includes features like full network capabilities, with Spotify and Simfy apps pre-installed. It also features Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room acoustic correction allowing the right set-up for different room styles and sizes. When it comes to sound processing, the TX-NR818 features Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Audyssesy DSX and also DTS Neo:X decoding.
When it comes to video processing, the TX-NR818 has two chips: the HGZ Vida VHD 1900 processor for 1080p upscaling along with Marvell’s 4K video processor which allows HD video to be up converted to work on a 4K or 2K screens.
Moving on to the TX-NR717, this receiver is a couple hundred pounds cheaper, and like the NR818 is a 7.2 channel receiver. On the audio processing side, you get Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding. Like the 818, it features THX Select 2 Plus certification and similarly comes with Burr-Brown 192 kHz / 24 bit DACS on all of the seven channels.
Both of the receivers feature eight HDMI ports – seven on the back, one on the front. There are also two alternative outputs allowing you to connect the AV unit to either a TV or Projector.
So, if this sounds like the AV receiver you’ve been waiting for, you should be able to get your hands on the TX-NR818 for around £999.99. Or if you’d be content with the features available on the NR717, you can get this one for £799.99. Both units should be hitting stores sometime in May.
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