Introduction:
With plenty of power, extensive surround processing options, built-in HDMI switching, XM Satellite Radio Tuner, and iPOD dock compatibility, Onkyo's new TX-SR604 brings performance and flexibility down to a reasonable price. For additional details, read more about the Onkyo TX-SR604 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
Video Inputs and Outputs:
The TX-SR604 has 2
HDMI inputs and one output, 3 HD-compatible
Component video inputs and one output, 4
Composite and
S-Video inputs, plus a front panel input for connection of another source, such as a camcorder. The TX-SR604 also has composite and S-video to Component video conversion. This allows simplified connection between the receiver's monitor output options and an HDTV.
VCR and DVD Recorder Connectivity:
The TX-SR604 has two VCR audio/video connection in/out loops. If you have a VCR and DVD recorder, you can use one of the connection loops for the VCR and second for the DVD Recorder. This allows the
video dubbing of non-copy-protected video content between the VCR and DVD Recorder.
Audio Inputs and Outputs :
The TX-SR604 has five assignable Digital Audio inputs (two
Coaxial and three
Optical ), RCA audio connections for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output. The TX-SR604 also has a set of 5.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1 channel analog audio connection options. In addition, the TX-SR604 can also access the audio portion of the HDMI connection.
Audio Features - Sound Processing:
The TX-SR604 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. In addiiton, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the TX-SR604 to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. The receiver features linear PCM 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters and 32-bit DSP modes. In addition, the TX-SR604 also offers XM Neural Surround, which allows access to surround sound programing available via XM satellite radio.
Amplifier Characteristics:
The Onkyo TX-SR604 delivers 90 Watts per channel into 8-Ohms via its seven internal high-current WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) power amplifiers. With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz and a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rating of .08%, the TX-SR604 is up to the challenge from any source, including SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.
Loudspeaker Connections:
Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring.
Additional Features - Front Panel Display and LFE Features
The fluorescent front panel display of the TX-SR604 makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the subwoofer pre-out channel. LFE channel signals can be cutoff at 80, 100, 120, 150, or 200 Hz.
Additional Features - AM/FM /XM RadioTuner:
The receiver's AM/FM tuner section has 40 random presets, and FM automatic scan tuning.
In addition, the TX-SR604 has a built-in XM Satellite Radio Tuner and has the capability of decoding 5.1 channel broadcasts with its Neural Surround decoder. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving XM Satellite Radio Service.
Additional Features - iPOD Connectivity and Lip Synch Adjustment:
With the optional iPOD dock, in conjunction with the TX-SR604, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system.
In addition, the incorporation of a Lip-Synch adjustment on the TX-SR604 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various audio/video sources.
Additional Features - Audyssey 2EQ:
The TX-SR604 features an automated speaker setup function called Audyssey 2EQ. The Audyssey 2EQ uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room.
However, keep in mind that you may still have to make some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.
Final Take
With the TX-SR604, Onkyo has added useful features to the traditional home theater receiver, such as HDMI video and audio Switching, XM Radio with Neural Surround Processing, and iPOD compatibility; all at a very reasonable price.
If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, with lots of flexibility, and good performance, then TX-SR604 may deserve your attention, especially if you own an HDTV, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, or upscaling DVD player.
The TX-SR604 is currently available at a suggested manufacturer's retail price of $499.
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