Onkyo Announces Three New Home Theater Receivers For 2009

On the heels of Sony and Yamaha, Onkyo has just announced three new affordable Home Theater Receivers with advanced features, the TX-SR607, TX-SR507, and TX-SR307. First, the TX-SR607 is the first home theater receiver to feature Dolby Prologic IIz processing. Dolby Prologic IIz offers the option of adding two more front speakers that are placed above the left and right main speakers. This addition adds a "vertical" or overhead component to the surround sound field (great for rain, helicopter, plane flyover effects). Dolby Prologic IIz can be added to either a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel setup.

Other advanced features on the TX-SR607 include provisions for front channel bi-amping, powered or line out Zone 2 connectivity, 2 subwoofer outputs, Audyssey automatic speaker setup system, and analog to HDMI video conversion ultilizing Faroudja DCDi video processing.

In addition, the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507 both feature onboard Dolby Digital Plus. Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio Decoding, while all three receivers feature DTS Surround Sensation audio processing.

The remaining receiver in the new line is the TX-SR307, while not featuring all of the advanced features of the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507, does offer HDMI passive switching (3-in/1-out), DTS-Surround Sensation processing, and the Audyssey automatic speaker setup system.

The TX-SR607 (rated at 90 wpc) and is priced at $599, while the TX-SR507 (rated at 80 wpc) is priced at $399 and the TX-SR307 (rated at 65 wpc) is priced at $299. For additional details on the similarities and differences between these three receivers, check out the Official Onkyo Press Release. Stay tuned for more details as these receivers reach store shelves in March and April. Top Right Image: Onkyo TX-SR607, Middle Left Image: Onkyo TX-SR507, Bottom Right Image: TX-SR307. Click on images for alternate larger views. All photos (c) Onkyo USA