Last month’s state of the industry report saw a rise in demand for AV receivers, as clients continue to upgrade their home systems. Some of the latest features include 8K compatibility and all the current immersive formats. Here is a look at some of the newest models on the market.
Denon AVR-A110
Denon’s flagship AVR-A110 13.2-channel 8K AV receiver combines all popular 3D formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, and more. Providing 8K/60 Hz pass-through or upscaling, 4K/120 Hz pass-through for gaming and support for the latest HDMI specifications, the AVR-A110 enables enthusiasts to build the best 4K home theater systems while incorporating 8K compatibility to accommodate future upgrades more easily.
For cutting-edge gamers, the AVR-A110 offers Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), minimizing lag and latency while eliminating frame tearing for more fluid gameplay and enhanced gaming thrills.
The AVR-A110 creates a lifelike cinematic experience thanks to its monolithic amplifier design, hefty 18-pound high-current power transformer, and custom 22,000 uF/80V audio capacitors, delivering 150 watts per channel (8 ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive). It features HDMI connectivity (8-in/3-out), including a dedicated 8K input along with the latest dynamic HDR standard. The eARC HDMI feature (through the main HDMI output) enables uncompressed and object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to connect directly from a smart TV app to the AVR-A110 for lifelike audio performance.
Yamaha RX-V Line
The Yamaha RX-V line introduces two new models — the RX-V4A and RX-V6A — offering five and seven channels of support, respectively. Whether you’re 4K-ready today or preparing for 8K to come, both models are built to support and pass through the highest resolution content available. There are three 8K HDMI inputs on the RX-V6A (seven inputs total) and four on the RX-V4A.
Features include HDMI 2.1 compatibility, which provides uninterrupted entertainment and gameplay with auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rates (VRR), quick frame transport (QFT), and quick media switching (QMS). This is especially helpful for compatibility not only with Ultra HD TVs and emerging 8K setups, but also in preparation for the latest gaming platforms arriving this fall. In fact, to support the use of powered HDMI cables for longer wiring needs, Yamaha has boosted the power supply from HDMI outputs to 300mA.
NAD Electronics T 758 V3i
NAD Electronics’ T 758 V3i is a performance update to the T 758 AV surround sound receiver. The surround sound receiver will now come ready with Dolby Atmos, DTS Master Audio, BluOS high-res multi-room audio, Dirac Live, 4K UHD Video, and Apple AirPlay 2 all built-in.
Popular surround sound formats, including HD formats Dolby Atmos and DTS Master Audio, are decoded using the latest generation of high-speed multi-core DSP. Stereo source material can be converted to surround sound using NAD’s EARS surround mode. With full support for high-res audio formats like MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) included in the BluOS Player, the T 758 V3i also includes NAD’s PowerDrive amplifier, which features high current combined with high Dynamic Power to bring out the very best in any speaker.
The T 758 V3i offers high performance with the latest digital video technology, including Ultra video at resolutions up to 3840×2160 pixels at 60 frames per second with 4:4:4 color gamut and High Dynamic Range support. Analog video sources are also supported on HDMI for simple one wire connection to a flat screen or projector. NAD leaves the video processing where it belongs, in the display, avoiding multiple format conversions. It also includes popular HDMI features, Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Consumer Electronic Control (CEC).
Feeling nostalgic? Check out Tech Showcase — AV Receivers 2019
Marantz NR1711
The Marantz NR1711 is a slimline 8K Ultra HD AV receiver. A high-current discrete power amplifier section produces sound for movies and music. Identical power is provided on all channels (50 watts per channel: 8-ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2ch. drive) with low-impedance driver capability. Every Marantz product is extensively tuned and tested by Marantz sound masters to ensure the iconic warm, detailed sound is maintained.
The NR1711 enables users to transform and upgrade their home cinema experience with its support of multidimensional object-oriented audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X. The NR1711’s Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology and DTS:X Virtual give users a 3D listening experience without the need for dedicated height or surround speakers.
The NR1711 includes six HDMI inputs with one output to cover all users’ favorite sources. In addition to 8K upscaling, all six HDMI inputs support Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, and BT.2020 pass-through, as well as the latest HDMI features VRR, QFT, ALLM, QMS, and current HDCP 2.3 copy-protection standard.
One dedicated 8K HDMI input delivers the latest HDMI specifications. Enjoy movies in 8K with 8K/60 Hz pass-through or upscaling as well as the latest in HDMI technology like Dynamic HDR for best contrast and colors and Quick Media Switching (QMS), which is used to avoid blank screens while switching sources. The new Marantz NR1711 also provides a lag-free gaming experience with 4K/120 Hz pass-through, as well as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
McIntosh MX100 AV Processor
The McIntosh MX100 AV processor is designed for today’s home theaters that only need digital inputs and don’t require any legacy analog inputs. It has four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, with all being HDCP 2.2compliant. Each HDMI port also has 18 Gbps of bandwidth to support High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG; 4K Ultra HD at 50/60 Hz; 4:4:4 color spacing; Rec. 2020; and 3D video pass-through. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality is included on the HDMI output. eARC offers improved bandwidth so the MX100 can receive higher resolution audio from a TV. Two coax and two optical digital audio inputs are also included.
For outputting audio, the MX100 has 11.2 (or 7.2.4) discrete audio channels and 13 balanced (XLR) connectors. Seven premium 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) provide audiophile-grade processing.
The MX100 is compatible with leading home theater surround sound and object-based 3D audio formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It’s also fully compatible with 4K Ultra HD video sources. The MX100 can be fine-tuned to each home theater’s unique acoustical properties via the built-in Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration software that has more than 10,000 individual control points, allowing finer details of the room’s problems to be captured and corrected.
Related: The State of Surround Sound
Integra and Onkyo Work with Sonos
Integra and Onkyo have both announced firmware updates that allow select products to work with Sonos. The new firmware update enables select Integra, Onkyo, and Pioneer ELITE receivers to utilize Sonos Volume Pass Through capabilities. The update allows users to control the receiver’s volume through the Sonos app on their phone or other device. No more need to worry about presetting volume levels on the receiver or potential issues related to the presence of multiple volume controls, and owners can control the volume from anywhere in their house.
The new firmware update is supported by the following Integra models: DRX-3.3, DRX-4.3, and DRX-5.3.
The following models will be automatically upgraded with the new functionality:
- Onkyo Models: TX-NR696, TX-NR797, TX-RZ740, and TX-RZ840
- Pioneer ELITE Models: VSX-LX304, VSX-LX504, SC-LX704, and SC-LX904
The updated AV receivers that are Works With Sonos certified can manage and route up to three Sonos Ports or Connects without a control system.
AudioControl Director 2.0 Firmware
AudioControl Director 2.0 firmware is now available. Director 2.0 adds features and an easier-to-navigate graphical user interface (GUI) for the complete line of Director Series and RS Series DSP amplifiers.
Integrators will appreciate that the new user experience offers a clean look, providing easy accessibility to all features from a single page. The new GUI is also a responsive web page, making it easy to view on a variety of devices and screen sizes from phones and tablets to computers. The new interface is compatible with Apple and PC computer platforms as well as both iOS and Android mobile devices.
The SDS switching (Signal Detecting Switch) enables users to interact with the highly popular smart doorbell devices, command prompts from voice assistants, and other devices, muting entertainment content until the event has passed.
Along with creating a GUI that is easier and more efficient to navigate on any device, AudioControl has added six additional parametric EQs for enhanced system tuning capability, channel metering for visual confirmation of signal levels (at the amplifier’s output stage), and a touch-sensitive webpage, enabling full system configuration from a phone, tablet, or other touch-enabled devices.
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