The latest receivers are sporting a range of convenience and performance features that are designed to make integrators’ jobs easier and their clients happier. 8K pass-through, Dirac Live Room Correction, and fast speeds to work with gaming systems are a few of the notable plusses on this generation of AVR. Here is a look at some recent product introductions ahead of what is awaiting us at CEDIA Expo.
Onkyo TX-RZ70
The new Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2, 140-watt-per-channel network receiver breaks new ground to deliver the ultimate home entertainment experiences. HDMI 2.1, 8K/4K resolution, and 40 GPS speeds come standard with this model with full bandwidth functionality for fastest refresh to keep up with the newest gaming consoles. Premium 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs provide dynamic and ultra-low distortion, while Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth comes standard to develop the best sound for your individual room layout. Optional user upgrades are available for Dirac Live Bass Control, which uses machine learning and AI to quickly determine ideal settings for any layout.
The Onkyo TX-RZ70 AVR includes advanced music streaming and connectivity, and works with smart home assistants like Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri. Roon Ready certification puts users’ entire high-resolution music libraries at their fingertips (available with firmware update in September 2023). This model joins the lineup of Onkyo AVRs featuring THX Certification, Klipsch Optimized Mode for peak performance with compatible hi-fi speakers, IMAX Enhanced for clearer, brighter video and immersive audio, and much more.
Sony ES Series
Sony’s Elevated Standard (ES) series’ AV receivers feature four models that are intended to deliver an elevated experience, while also being designed for integrators with optimized configurability, flexible connectivity, and advanced IP control compatibility with leading control systems.
The frame-beam base chassis (FBB chassis) has been developed for the audio amplifiers by combining a conventional frame-beam chassis with a transformer base, providing high accuracy and stiffness, the frame is more stabilized, reproducing better sound with less distortion. Additionally, the overall thickness of the ES series has been improved. Now, the bottom is 200 percent thicker and side wall is 120 percent thicker than previous models.
Featuring support for the leading control systems from Control4, Crestron, Savant, and OvrC, custom integrators can be sure that Sony’s ES receiver lineup will integrate seamlessly with the control system of their choice. Additionally, the Works with Sonos feature makes it possible to integrate into a Sonos sound system.
The ES Series lineup will include the following models: STR-AZ7000ES, STR-AZ5000ES, STR-AZ3000ES, and STR-AZ1000ES.
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 11.4, 150-watt-per-channel network receiver features premium 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs that provide a wide dynamic range and ultra-low distortion while extruded anti-resonant aluminum heat sinks and hi-grade capacitors balance consumption and output requirements for optimal performance. It also includes HDMI 2.1, 8K/4K resolution, and 40 GPS speeds, as well as Dirac Live Room Calibration Full Bandwidth. An optional upgrade is available for Dirac Live Bass Control Single/Multi Subwoofer. Audiophile-quality music and movie processing features include Dolby Atmos Music to create an immersive object-based sense of space and depth, and Auro3D (available with firmware update June 2023) wraps listeners in a cocoon of lifelike sound.
The Elite VSX-LX805 AVR includes audiophile-quality stereo balanced connections, advanced music streaming and connectivity, and built-in smart home assistants like Josh, Alexa, and Google. Roon Ready certification puts entire high-resolution music libraries at your fingertips (available with a firmware update in September 2023).
JBL SA750
The JBL SA750 is inspired by the classic JBL SA600 amplifier from the 1960s, with retro styling and walnut veneer side panels to match JBL loudspeakers on the outside, and state-of-the-art streaming audio, wireless connectivity, Dirac Live room correction, and Class G amplifier technology on the inside.
The SA750 is a throwback to early JBL receivers. But with a modern amber LED display, exceptional dynamic range, and connectivity, the SA750 is a modern classic rooted in today’s best technologies. It is designed to complement JBL Classic and Studio Monitor loudspeakers. With the JBL SA750 users can play your favorite music over with Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay2, Roon, or the Harman MusicLife app. It includes Dirac Live to fine-tune the output of speakers in the listening room. A high-performance, high-resolution DAC ensures exceptional performance every time. Class G amplification utilizes multiple power supplies to deliver 20 watts per channel with no distortion. The amplifier can deliver continuous output of 120 watts per channel for sustained dynamic music. With eight digital and analog inputs, including MM/MC phono inputs, the SA750 is ready for any audio source.
McIntosh MHT300
McIntosh’s MHT300 receiver is a 7.2-channel home theater powerhouse that offers 120–150 watts of McIntosh power to every speaker with all seven channels being driven. It also supports 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video on all four of its HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.
With consumer experience at the forefront of the brand’s values, the MHT300 was created to not only provide high-quality sound, but to be customizable and expandable. Its individual amplifier modules can be configured in a multitude of ways to suit any specific speaker configuration and additional external amplifiers can be connected to power the included Height 1 and Height 2 audio outputs, effectively turning the MHT300 into a 7.2.4 home theater receiver. Dirac Live Room Correction enables users to optimize their sound systems and adjust their audio output to the unique acoustics of the space.
The MHT300 includes traditional McIntosh design cues such as their signature black glass front panel, an illuminated McIntosh logo, rotary control knobs, and a familiar form factor highlighted by silver trim all in a robustly built and durable chassis.
Integra DRX-8.4
The Integra DRX-8.4 11.4, 150 watts-per-channel, network AV receiver is compatible with remote monitoring platforms to help manage, configure, and troubleshoot devices on the network. The AVR includes wireless Dirac Live room calibration Full Version and an optional upgrade for Dirac Live Bass Control Multi Subwoofer. The Intergra DRX-8.4 AVR includes advanced music streaming and connectivity, as well as built-in smart home assistants like Josh, Alexa, and Google. Roon Ready certification puts entire high resolution music libraries at your fingertips.
It includes a 32-bit audio DAC to provide a wide dynamic range with ultra-low distortion. Extruded anti-resonant aluminum heat sinks and high-grade capacitors balance consumption and output requirements for optimal amplifier performance while IP control, web setup from your preferred browser, and onboard HDMI diagnostics make installing and managing the Integra DRX-8.4 AVR easy.
ARCAM AVR11, AVR21, and AVR31
ARCAM AVR11, AVR21, and AVR31 receivers embrace HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3 for support of resolutions up to 8K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps, along with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Audio specifications include the latest Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D immersive audio formats. The units also support Apple Airplay2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth with aptX HD, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon, and MQA. When it comes to digital-to-analog conversion, the ARCAM design team engineered each model with dual ESS9026PRO audiophile DACs, together with ESS reference voltage regulators.
The AVR11 and AVR21 each include seven channels of Class AB power amplification, rated at 7 x 85 watts (all channels driven) and 7 x 110 watts (all channels driven), respectively. The duo’s AV decrypting capabilities are extensive, with the AVR11 featuring native 12-channel decoding and the AVR21 adding a further four channels. The AVR21 also adds an HDMI output to the AVR11’s pair, opening the option for a Zone 2 setup.
The ARCAM design team equips the AVR31 receiver with seven channels of Class G amplification. Class G implements multiple power supplies like a hybrid car engine rather than just a single supply. When a dynamic signal is received that goes beyond the capability of the first power supply, the secondary supply is gradually introduced, bringing it up to full-rated power output as required.
Marantz AV 10
The Marantz AV 10 is a reference quality 15.4-channel, 8K AV preamp/processor. Elite-level performance can be achieved when paired with the companion Marantz AMP 10, a 16-channel, 200-watt reference-quality power amplifier.
Discrete HDAM and current feedback amplification and other technologies found in AV 10 elevate performance of your theater well beyond expectations. It includes 15.4 channels of output and processing that create an immersive listening experience, and popular 3D formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D produce a more stunning soundscape.
Loudspeakers can be tuned with the included Audyssey MultEQ XT32, making even challenging acoustic spaces ideal listening environments. More advanced users can take full advantage of Dirac Live upgradability for more professional and remote calibration through PC or smart devices. It can stream music wirelessly from a variety of free and premium streaming services or share content to HEOS-enabled devices in other rooms.
Seven HDMI inputs (all 8K), plus digital, analog and phono inputs, as well as loudspeaker and preamp outputs ensure connectivity to virtually any other components you may have. Included aluminum remote, accessible front-panel controls, voice commandability, and an intuitive HD onscreen setup process make users feel like an expert user right away.
