Onkyo has just announced two new Dolby Atmos enabled and DTS:X ready A/V receivers: the TX-RZ900 and TX-RZ800 and a new feature-packed Network Stereo Receiver: the TX-8160.
TX-RZ900 & TX-RZ800 A/V Receivers
These two new receivers sit at the top of the Onkyo AVR mid-range lineup. Both are THX Select 2 Plus-certified. The RZ900 incorporates a hand-wound, high-current Toroidal transformer, while the TX-RZ800 utilizes a massive EI transformer to power three-stage inverted Darlington amplifier circuitry for high power delivery with extremely low distortion.
The TX-RZ900 also features parallel push-pull amp circuit topology on the front channels, boosting power and efficiency. Every electrical component is custom-designed to reference standards, from the extra-large capacitors to heavy-duty output transistors.
Both RZ products feature separate power amp and processing blocks, the latter featuring a Hi-Grade Asahi Kasei AK4458 384 kHz/32-bit DAC and Onkyo’s original VLSC technology. VLSC compares digital input and analog output signals and removes pulse-noise generated during D/A conversion, resulting in uncommonly clear and accurate sound.
Onkyo ensures that video performance is ready for the future of 4k Ultra HD entertainment with HDCP 2.2 compliance, the latest 4K/60 Hz- and 4:4:4 color-space-ready HDMI inputs and two 4K/60 Hz HDMI outputs for dual-zone video for streamed and broadcast Ultra HD content.
Users can enjoy the freedom of wireless audio with Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Bluetooth audio, and ships with internet radio and subscription services built in, including Spotify Connect and Pandora. FLAC 192 kHz/24-bit and DSD 5.6 MHz Hi-Res Audio decoding is available via DLNA, and selection and control of network audio is centralized in an intuitive smartphone app.
For convenience, the rear panel includes dedicated speaker outputs for Height (which add overhead effects contained in object-based soundtracks set to 5.1.2) and Rear Surround (for 7.1 speaker setups). And for the first time, Powered Zone 2 distributes digital audio sources to speakers in another room.
Both receivers feature Zone 2 Pre/Line Outs, Zone 3 Line Outs, 7.2 Multichannel Pre Outs, phono input, and USB for digital audio.
The Onkyo TX-RZ900 has a MSRP of: $1,599 U.S. while the TX-RZ800 has a MSRP of: $1,299 U.S.
TX-8160 Network Stereo Receiver
The new TX-8160 is a network stereo receiver that provides 80W + 80 W of high-current power from its discrete wide-range amplifiers. Sharing the same amplification approach as the TX-RZ900 & TX-RZ800, the TX-8160 has a custom, high-output transformer, two customized 8,200 µF capacitors, and non-phase-shift amp circuit design for an exceptionally well-focused audio image.
The receiver’s AKM AK4452 384 kHz/32-bit DAC is capable of decoding 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC files and DSD 5.6 MHz transmitted via onboard Wi-Fi with easy remote app control.
Users can stream any network audio from mobile, PC, and NAS, or enjoy streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora. AirPlay and Bluetooth audio are also included, while a handy BGM Pre-Set stores four FM/AM or internet radio stations for instant access.
Four digital inputs, seven analog inputs, USB, and phono input allow you to connect everything from TV displays and CD players to turntables and cassette decks. Gold-plated audio terminals, banana-plug-ready speaker posts, and substantial independent knobs for bass, treble, and balance give this product the solidity and feel of a classic ’70s Hi-Fi amp, but with every modern convenience included.
The receiver also features Zone 2 Pre Outs to distribute audio to another room with a dedicated DAC allowing digital sources to be enjoyed in both zones, with remote app control from anywhere within wireless range.
The TX-8160 will be available at a MSRP of $499 U.S.
All these products are expected to be available shortly. Look for more information to become available at: http://www.onkyo.com/
About the Author: George de Sa
