Onkyo HT-RC160 Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz

Using both analog and digital audio sources, the HT-RC160, in 5.1, 7.1, and 7.2 channel setups, delivered an excellent surround image.

The HT-RC160 provides a clean signal via both the HDMI and Digital Optical/Coaxial connection options. I fed both uncompressed two and multi-channel PCM signals via HDMI from the OPPO Digital BDP-83, as well as undecoded bitstream output from the above player to get a comparison between externally processed audio signals and the internal audio processing of the HT-RC160.

I also checked the HT-RC160's 2nd Zone capability by using the 5.1 channel mode for the main room and using two spare channels (normally devoted to the surround back or height speakers).

I was able to access DVD and Blu-ray audio in the main 5.1 channel setup and easily access FM radio and CDs (via analog connection) in the two channel setup in another room using the HT-RC160 as the control for both sources. Also, I could run the same music source in both rooms simultaneously, one using the 5.1 channel configuration and second using the 2 channel configuration.

With regards to Dolby Pro Logic IIz, I found the results to be mixed. I played several movie and music sources. What I found is that go get the optimum effect (at least for me), three things needed to be in play: The speakers needed to placed according to the instructions provided, the speakers levels should be upped by one or two db over the left and right main channels, and the source material needs to contain active front effects information (ie: action movies).

When it is present and effective, Pro Logic IIz results in a somewhat fuller sound field in front and above the listener. In my case, the effect filled in gaps in the soundfield in-between and above the front left, center, and right speakers moving towards the listening position.

Two scenes that illustrated this were the initial battle scene from Master and Commander which contains a segment of sailors scurrying about on the deck above, and U571 which contains a good rain scene near the beginning of the film as well as several underwater battle scenes.

I also found that the Dolby Pro Logic IIz is compatible with both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks found on Blu-ray Discs. On the other hand, I found that the Dolby Pro Logic IIz effect was minimal or non-existent with music-only CD material.

Video Performance

The HT-RC160 has an abundance of both HDMI and analog video inputs, but continues the new trend of eliminating S-video, inputs and outputs from the mix.

In addition to video upscaling via HDMI to resolutions up to 1080i, the HT-RC160 can also pass a native 720p or 1080p source signals through to a 720p or 1080p television or monitor.

The image on the HDTVs used showed no visible difference, whether the HDMI signal came directly from one of the 1080p source players or was routed through the HT-RC160 before reaching the monitor.

What this means is that irrespective of the video upscaling of standard definition sources, the HT-RC160 provides excellent pass through and switching of HDMI source signals.

On the other hand, I found that although the internal scaler of the HT-RC160 does an average job, in relation to other receivers in this price range with built-in scalers, it falls short of what I would have hoped.

The HT-RC160 passed a majority of the tests on the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD, which provides an indication of the video performance with regards to video processing and upscaling.

The results revealed that the HT-RC160 does a very good with progressive scan (3:2 pulldown), jaggie elimination, motion adaptive processing, and video title overlays.

However, the HT-RC160 did not do as well with video noise reduction, detail, moire pattern elimination, and some video/film field/frame cadences, such as some that are used in video production and animation such as 2:2:2:4, 2:3:3:2, 3:2:3:2:2, 5:5, 6:4, and 8:7 (refer to the Scoring Document for futher explanation).

For a look at some video performance test results, check out my HT-RC160 Video Performance Test Gallery.

What I Liked

1. Lots of HDMI inputs (5)!

2. Short cabinet depth which allows more room for the connection cables.

3. Dolby Pro Logic IIz adds speaker placement flexibility.

4. Analog to HDMI video conversion and scaling.

5. Easy-to-use onscreen menu.

What I Didn't Like

1. Dolby Pro Logic IIz effect not always effective.

2. Upscaling limited to 1080i - average quality video upscaling.

3. No analog multi-channel 5.1/7.1 channel inputs or outputs - No S-video connections.

4. Speaker terminals too close together.

5. Receiver runs hot; needs plenty of ventilation.

The HT-RC160 delivers enough power for a medium size room and sounds great with both music and movies, even with modest speaker systems. This receiver offers extensive surround sound decoding options, including TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, Zone 2 capability, and a new audio feature, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which allows the addition of two front left and right height channels. In my opinion, Dolby Pro Logic IIz isn't so much of a must-have feature, as its effect is not noticeable on a lot of material, but does provide an additonal surround sound setup option.

The Audyssey 2 EQ automatic speaker setup system does a very good job. Audyssey 2EQ takes the different type of speakers, their characteristics, and distance into account. You still have the ability, if you desire, to make manual tweaks after Audyssey 2EQ performs its task.

With regards to video processing, the HT-RC160 is a mixed bag. Although having excellent pass through of native 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video signals via HDMI, the HT-RC160 provides just average analog to HDMI video conversion and video upscaling (see test result examples). If you have a good upscaling DVD player, or use a Blu-ray Disc player to watch DVDs, compare 1080i/1080p upscaling function of the player via HDMI with the HT-RC160 and see which you prefer.

Another important point is that the unit does run hot. Install the HT-RC160 on a rack or in a home entertainment center with room for good air circulation.

For a further look at the Onkyo HT-RC160, also check out my supplementary Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results Gallery.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.