AV receivers and amps continue to add features and capabilities. Here is a look at some recent additions to the market, ahead of what is awaiting us at CEDIA Expo.
AV Receivers
Pioneer Immersive AV Receivers
Pioneer has introduced the all-new VSX-835 and VSX-535 Immersive Sound AV receivers. The 7.2-channel VSX-835 is designed with the latest technology for home theater and gaming enthusiasts, with IMAX Enhanced Certification, Dolby Atmos capabilities and Dolby Surround, DTS Virtual:X, HDMI 2.1, 8K/4K Ultra HD capabilities, and Bluetooth streaming calibrated to the space and speaker setup with Pioneer’s proprietary MCACC Auto Room Tuning software. The 5.2-channel SX-535 supports Dolby Atmos capabilities and Dolby Surround, HDMI 2.1, and Bluetooth streaming. The VSX-835 and VSX-535 now support both up to 8K Ultra HD and 8K resolution.
Russound AVA-Series Mini Audio Receivers
Russound’s AVA-Series Mini Audio Receivers [see review] provide custom installation pros with compact, plug-and-play amplification for 2.1 and 3.1 audio systems with Audio Return Channel (ARC) HDMI. Both models include a fully integrated, highly efficient Class-D amplifier with digital inputs, 100-240V 50/6 0Hz universal power supply for installation nearly anywhere, built-in Bluetooth 5.0, dedicated subwoofer output with gain control, and an IR remote control and external receiver.
Onkyo TX-SR3100 AV Receiver
The Onkyo TX-SR3100 5.2-channel AV receiver features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats and HDMI 2.1a with 8K. With HDMI 2.1a support, the Onkyo TX-SR3100 provides a wide range of video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, along with support for Dynamic HDR formats, ALLM, VRR, QFT, and SBTM (Source-Based Tone Mapping). The combination of a 60 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and sharp viewing of high-speed action, while HDMI 2.1a with 8K readiness guarantees that the system is equipped for the clearest and most pristine picture quality available, both now and in the future. It also incorporates Dolby Vision and HDR10+ technology, which enhances the quality of your favorite content, delivering crisp, clear visuals and dynamic colors.
StormAudio ISR Fusion 20 AV Receiver
Built upon the ISP Elite MK3 platform, the StormAudio Immersive Sound Receiver Fusion 20 is a 20-channel processor that incorporates 16 channels of the latest Edge amplification technology developed by Danish-based ICE Power. The receiver showcases low levels of noise and distortion, delivering 150 watts (8-ohm) per channel and 500 watts (8-ohm) when bridged. This receiver has the DSP power to decode all the latest immersive formats up to 11.1.8 (Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced), and enable post-processing to optimize any speaker to any room straight out of the box. It boasts an advanced implementation of Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, ensuring easy and accurate room calibration. It also offers support for up to 20 PEQs per channel and can accommodate an unlimited number of subwoofers.
Integrated Amplifiers
ARCAM Radia Series SA35 and SA45 Integrated Amplifiers
The ARCAM Radia SA35 and SA45 feature ARCAM’s fifth-generation G Class amplification. To integrate turntables, both models are equipped with a switchable MC/MM (moving coil/moving magnet) phono stage, while HDMI ARC support simplifies cable connections and device control when connecting compatible TVs. For wireless devices such as Bluetooth headphones, a two-way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth module ensures exceptional sound quality. The SA35 is equipped with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display and offers 120W per channel into 8 ohms and 220W into 4 ohms, while the SA45 features an 8.8-inch high-resolution display and delivers a commanding 180W per channel into 8 ohms and 300W into 4 ohms. Both units boast fully balanced digital and analog audio paths, redesigned power supplies, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, subwoofer outputs, and Dirac Live Room Correction. The SA35 and SA45 each come with a measurement microphone and remote control to assist with room calibration.
OSD Audio DAC-X-200 Amplifier
The OSD Audio DAC-X-200 features a built-in digital-to-analog converter and a 200-watt-per-channel amplifier. It offers multiple input options, including USB, optical digital, and analog, allowing users to connect various audio sources such as computers, TVs, streaming devices, and music players. The DAC-X-200 can also be integrated into whole-house distributed audio systems and commercial setups, providing flexible audio solutions for homes and businesses. OSD Audio’s DAC-X-200 amplifier has a Class 2 compliant USB Audio Input, transmitting digital audio from your computer to the built-in ES9018K2M SABRE32 Reference digital-to-analog converter. The converter supports 32-bit, 384 kHz PCM data via I2S, DSD-11.2 MHz data, and mono mode for high-performance applications.
Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Chord Electronics’ Ultima Integrated Stereo Amplifier is a 125-watt device designed by the company’s founder, owner, and chief engineer, John Franks. It features the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, plus the company’s industrial aesthetic. The amplifier takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies, offering low noise and outstanding operation. The British-designed, engineered, and manufactured amplifier has four inputs, one fully balanced and three unbalanced, each enjoying individual buffering and selective filtering against potential ingress from radio frequency interference. Further features include an AV bypass input, plus a balanced preamp output for connection to additional power amplifiers.
Naim CI-UNITI 102
The Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a streamer/amplifier that is designed to seamlessly integrate into any indoor or outdoor space, providing amplification for CI Focal speakers and enhancing audio from all media sources (TV, Spotify, gaming consoles, etc.). The new Focal & Naim Manager software and Speaker Profiles, compatible with CI Focal speakers, enable users to customize the DSP fully for an optimal installation, whether in a commercial environment, at home, or outdoors.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Amplifier
Cambridge Audio’s CXA81 Mk II integrated stereo amplifier, upgrades the company’s CXA81. Cambridge’s engineers have re-tuned and greatly refined the sound for the CXA81 Mk II — in the process introducing ten new premium components to the circuitry and improving the signal path. The classic combination of Class AB amplification and a chunky toroidal transformer offers superb musical detail with power to drive even demanding speakers. A mighty 80 watts per channel gives it complete authority over the music. The new ESS ES9018K2M SABRE32 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) imbues the amplifier with reference-level capabilities and outstanding sonic resolution, whichever digital source you choose.
