The Bottom Line
After reading this short review, also check out my Full review, supplementary Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results Gallery.
Pros
- Lots of HDMI inputs!
- Short cabinet depth.
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz feature adds speaker placement flexibility.
- Analog to HDMI video conversion and scaling.
- Easy-to-use onscreen menu.
Cons
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz effect not always effective.
- Upscaling limited to 1080i - Average quality video upscaling.
- No analog multi-channel 5.1/7.1 channel inputs or outputs - No S-video connections.
- Speaker terminals too close together.
- Receiver runs hot - needs plenty of ventillation.
Description
- 7.2 channel home theater receiver delivering 80 Watts into each of 7 channels at .08% THD. Two Subwoofer line outputs.
- Audio Decoding: Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital 5.1/EX/Pro logic IIx/IIz, DTS 5.1/ES, 96/24, Neo:6.
- Audio inputs: 7 Stereo Analog, 2 Digital Optical, 2 Digital Coaxial.
- Bi-amp, Pro Logic IIz height, Surround Back, and Powered Zone 2 speaker connection options provided.
- One set of Zone 2 line audio outputs (requires additional amp/speakers for operation).
- Video Inputs: 5 HDMI, 2 Component, 5 Composite. One set of AV inputs mounted on front panel.
- Analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling from 480p to 1080i via HDMI. HDMI pass-through of native 1080p signals.
- Inclusion of Audyssey 2 EQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ automatic speaker setup, room correction, and audio equalization.
- 40 Preset AM/FM Tuner. HD Radio access via Optional Tuner. iPod connectivity and control available via optional dock.
- Wireless remote control and onscreen menu system.
Guide Review - Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIz
Using the 2nd Zone feature, I was able to access DVD/Blu-ray audio in the main room (using a standard 5.1 setup) and accessed FM radio and CDs in a two channel setup in another room using the HT-RC160 as the control for both sources.
In addition, 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. The only manual change I needed to make was to increase the center channel and Pro Logic IIz height channel levels by one or two decibels to accentuate the dialog and front effects level to my own preference.
With regards to video processing, the HT-RC160 is a mixed bag. Although this receiver has excellent pass through of native 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video signals via HDMI, it 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.
