Onkyo, the world's leading manufacturer of home theater and hi-fi equipment, has announced the release of three new models at the top of its A/V receiver line for 2012. The lineup includes 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.
This release includes a new lavishly outfitted nine-channel flagship, the stunning TX-NR5010 Network A/V Receiver; a more moderately priced nine-channel alternative, the TX-NR3010 Network A/V Receiver; and lastly, a high-power seven-channel solution, the value-packed TX-NR1010 Network A/V Receiver.
Because of the importance of superior usability in the connected home, Onkyo has been working with Cisco to incorporate SimpleTap that delivers better experiences to mutual broader set of customers. With the inclusion in these three high-end receivers, Onkyo becomes the first company to integrate SimpleTap technology into CE products. Firmware updates will be available to enable all 2012 Onkyo Network enabled receivers to take advantage of this new technology.
HDMI connectivity has also been enhanced by adding Zone2 HDMI connectivity that removes the need for a secondary analog connection in order to access audio in a second zone. Powered audio is available in up to three zones simultaneously—with multi-zone playback and setting controls managed by remote app.
The receiver's primary role, however, is always at the heart of the home theater system, as well as providing transcendent stereo playback for music. As audio and video processors, these three receivers are unrivalled in their respective categories.
To conjure up the signature Onkyo sound, audio signals are passed through a sophisticated digital-to-analog conversion stage, with PLL jitter-cleaning, VLSC™ noise-mitigation, and top-quality TI Burr-Brown DAC modules working to create a pristine analog waveform.
Signals are then amplified through discrete Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, with a triple transistor array that cuts distortion and boosts current flow to the speakers. This innovative amplifier design capitalizes on the unique benefits offered by a low negative feedback topology, preserving the life, vitality, and realism of the audio as it was originally recorded. Outputted through discrete transistors, the resulting sound further burnishes Onkyo's reputation as the masters of high fidelity audio.
For optimum video performance, all three models feature Onkyo's Dual Core Video Engine—hailed as the best video processing system currently available. This system pairs the mighty HQV Vida VHD1900 module with Marvell's Qdeo technology for seamless upscaling to 4K. ISF video calibration further enhances smooth and vivid picture quality.
The flagship TX-NR5010 is aimed squarely at the avid home theater enthusiast. As part of the THX certification promise, this receiver is designed to deliver the highest audio and video quality for an unsurpassed home cinema experience right out of the box. Housed in a rigid chassis with separate anti-resonant aluminum top and side panels, the unit has a massive toroidal transformer supported by two discrete transformers for audio and video processing. With gold-plated audio terminals and speaker posts, this unit is fastidiously outfitted to audiophile-grade specifications.
Like its slightly more powerful sibling, TX-NR3010 also boasts multiple transformers for A/V processing, but features a heavy-duty EI transformer in place of toroidal power. All models feature isolated power and preamp blocks to reduce interference with super-rigid chassis to prevent vibration.
A new Differential DAC Mode and Digital Crossover Processing Network are also included on all three models to optimize performance when bi-wiring and bi-amping the front channels—further demonstrating Onkyo's commitment to audiophile-level sound.
With everything from an analog video input for PC to a generous mix of optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, all three models boast an exhaustive the list of A/V connections. In addition to the capacity to link with an iPhone, iPod, or flash memory device, these models include two USB ports in the front and rear to accommodate the UWF-1 Wireless LAN Adapter and UBT-1 Bluetooth USB Adapter (sold separately).
Onkyo has made these heavyweights extremely easy to set up and use. The 1080p overlaid display with Quick Set-Up function enables fast mid-program adjustment, while remote control apps for Android-powered phones and iPhone offer access to system settings, as well as playback control from anywhere in the home.
The descendants of a long line of award-winning A/V products, these three unique receivers are a triumph of imagination and engineering, and demonstrate Onkyo's commitment to keeping pace with dynamic and evolving technology while faithfully maintaining its traditional insistence on build quality and complete audio integrity.
The Onkyo TX-NR5010, TX-NR3010 and TX-NR1010 receivers will be available in July with suggested retail prices of $2999, $2299 and $1799, respectively. In Canada, the prices are of C$3599.99, C$2699.99 and C$2099.99, respectively.
The amps in the higher end units are worth every penny unless Onkyo goes through their yearly cost cutting of reducing the power supply cababilities.
The TX-NR1007 was THX Ultra2, the 1008 and 1009 were only Select2 and the 1008 dropped 15lbs from the 1007.
If you have a small room then I agree you don't need these 50lb monsters, but if you like to push your system the high current Ultra2 models from Onkyo have been some of the best values of recent years.
DTS Neo:X = why?, THX certification = meaningless
Seriously, 11.4? Just how large is the 11.4 market? All the "4" means is that the ONE LFE channel gets FOUR outs. Awesome. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but last I heard almost all movies are mixed into 5 discreet channels, with a 7 here and there.
A small percentage of the world are A/V geeks and only a tiny percentage of those are interested in something that can matrix 5 into 11. Onkyo can make any product or feature set it wants, but I just don't understand what they're going after here. It just seems like the money could be spent elsewhere, especially since this puts the flagship at the price level of separates.
No multi channel input? That's awful, Onkyo! I own the Oppo BDP-95 and I love the sound through the analogue outs! Last year's TX-NR 5009 seems to be a much better, more refined machine...
THEMUSICH, I agree. I thought it was nice that the upper-tier Onkyo receivers still provided s-video support. Like Brain81 said, the loss of legacy inputs is a real bummer.
You can blame the DRM for that. I too have many products that use S-Video - including a Laserdisc player. Oh well, too pricey for me anyhow. And, even if I could afford one of these, the wife would kill me for sure!!
Onkyo, the world's leading manufacturer of home theater and hi-fi equipment, has announced the release of three new models at the top of its A/V receiver line for 2012. The lineup includes 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.
