Collaboration between a newly established Onkyo and Pioneer Corporation has resulted in two new audio-video products with features and pe...
Collaboration between a newly established Onkyo and Pioneer Corporation has resulted in two new audio-video products with features and performance at an affordable entry-level price.
The Onkyo 5.1-channel TX-SR343 and 7.2-channel TX-NR545 A/V receivers deliver seamless and captivating surround-sound for movies and games while having power, sensitivity, and control to play physical or streamed stereo music with dynamic precision.
The TX-NR545’s discrete 120 W/Ch high-current amplification system extracts ultimate performance from the new Dolby Atmos audio format, which places sound-objects in multidimensional space around the audience for an astonishingly realistic movie or gaming experience.
As well as being the most affordable Onkyo receiver to support Dolby Atmos, the TX-NR545 boasts Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Bluetooth technology. Users can stream direct to the receiver using the Spotify Connect application, or stream audio stored on mobile handset and online music services using the Onkyo Remote 3 control app.
Native support for DSD 5.6MHz and 192/24 Hi-Res Audio via DLNA with smartphone control is also included, with an upgraded 384 kHz/32-bit AK4458 DAC from Asahi-Kasei using unique digital filtering technology to reduce noise and jitter for transparent and lifelike sound.
On the video side, both receivers feature 4K/60 Hz-compatible HDMI 2.0a terminals with dedicated HDCP 2.2-ready HDMI inputs for streamed or optical-disc-based UltraHD video.
[caption id="attachment_8939" align="alignleft" width="400"]
Onkyo's TX-NR545[/caption]
The TX-NR545 also features a USB port supporting multiple audio formats via flash-memory device, AccuEQ room acoustic correction to calibrate and equalize the speaker system, and HDMI-overlaid OSD with Quick Setup for adjustment of settings without having to pause the program.
Onkyo took a clean sheet of paper when designing the TX-SR343—the company’s latest base-model A/V receiver. The rear panel has been completely revamped with input and output terminals clearly labeled and illustrated for easy setup. Because the receiver upconverts analog video, all media players (including VCRs and legacy gaming consoles) can plug directly into the receiver, with all video routed to the display via a single HDMI cable. As well as reducing connection complexity, users no longer have to put up with unsightly, dusty cables running to a wall- or stand-mounted flat-panel display.
Users can also add full wireless audio and video streaming capabilities simply by purchasing an aftermarket dongle (such as the Google Chromecast) with a dedicated rear-panel USB port supplying 5V power to the device.
Adding to this capability is inbuilt Bluetooth with DSP Music Optimizer to enhance lower-quality compressed audio streamed from smartphone applications or PC.
As well offering DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD decoding with 100 W/Ch of discrete high-current amplification, the TX-SR343 comes with all the features expected of a modern A/V component, including a high-quality TI Burr-Brown DAC, multiple DSP listening modes, Virtual Surround mode for 2.1-channel setups, and ample connections for media players.
Matched with a compact 5.1-channel speaker system, owners of the TX-SR343 can enjoy thrilling surround-sound entertainment that’s more affordable and easier to use than most mid-range soundbars—with the added benefit of on-demand video streaming for less than the price of a couple of movie tickets.
Both these receivers are engineered from the ground up to deliver an emotionally moving entertainment experience every time they’re powered up, with versatility to handle next-generation media and well as well-loved legacy formats.
www.onkyo.co.uk