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This Month's Featured Equipment Reviews |
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AV Receiver Forum Topics: |
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Classic AV Receiver Reviews |
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AV Receivers
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Thursday, 01 April 1999
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Written by
Kim Wilson
Introduction
Perhaps, the most compelling new concept in consumer electronics is the
idea of convergence; which is the integration of real-time audio, video
and data. Not surprisingly, Philips Electronics, is the first
manufacturer to provide a practical and cost-conscience answer to
convergence, the DVX 8000 Multimedia Home Theater. The DVX 8000 is the
world's only A/V preamp/tuner that also combines a DVD drive, a line
doubler, and a personal computer in the same chassis. Marantz developed
the audio portion, incorporating Dolby Digital and THX's ReEQ(TM)
circuit.
Computers have become so prevalent in our lives that the idea of
integrating them with our A/V gear doesn't sound as unnatural as it
might have a few years ago. The powerful on-board computer is equipped
with a 233MHz Pentium MMX(TM) processor, 32 MB RAM, a 3.1 GB hard
drive, and a 3.5" floppy drive plus a 33.6 KBPS modem. The DVD drive
can also access CD-ROM's and ultimately ...
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Monday, 01 February 1999
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Written by
Tony Kaklamanos
Introduction
In
a nutshell, Yamaha has created the RX-V2095; a seven channel - two rack
unit sleek black box - drenched with so many features that it once
would have taken a stack of processing gear to duplicate its
performance. Priced modestly at $1,599.00, the RX-V2095 is well worth a
closer look. Let's get crackn'.
First off, the 7-channels
include; left /right main, center, left/right rear effects (surround)
and left/right front effects. The addition of the front effect channel
adds depth to the sound image. These effect channels are controlled by
Yamaha's Digital Sound Field Processing, Cinema DSP, and Tri-Field
Processing. Did I forget to mention this unit also has stored away
built-in Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic? Chock-full.
Yamaha's proprietary Tri-Field Processing applies digital sound field
technology to Dolby Digital and DTS creating a realistic movie theater
experience. The DSP functions deliver live music performances right in
your home. There are a total of ...
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Saturday, 01 November 1997
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Written by
Kim Wilson
Introduction
The TX-SV636 is a $799 Dolby Pro Logic receiver from one of Japan's
leading high performance, low cost electronics manufacturers, Onkyo. It
competes in one of the most competitive and significant niches in all
of consumer electronics: the low cost receiver market. The average
consumer may find $799 a hefty, but not insurmountable investment for a
home theater control center, yet the performance of this receiver may
very well determine if a consumer is going invest additional funds to
develop their system into a world class, state of the art home theater
system with all of the latest bells and whistles.
The basic design of the TX-SV636's front panel is attractive and the
usual assortment of buttons and knobs you'd expect to find on an
all-in-one product are laid out in a logical manner. The LCD window is
large enough for comfortable viewing of adjustments and selections from
across the room. Also, most ...
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Monday, 01 September 1997
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Written by
Kim Wilson
Introduction
It's not all that uncommon for people to assume it would be an
expensive and frustrating project to design a high performance Dolby
Digital/DTS home theater. It wasn't all that long ago when their
assumptions would have been correct. Enter the comprehensive Sherwood
Newcastle R-945, which provides powerful amplification for five
channels, functions as a full-featured A/V preamplifier, has a built-in
phono section, includes an AM/FM tuner, as well as a useful universal
remote controller. Add to that the fact that the Sherwood Newcastle
R-945 is the first A/V Receiver to offer both Dolby Digital and DTS
decoding anywhere near $1299 and you have a serious A/V contender.
Installation and Operation
The R-945 is well endowed
with inputs. There is room for CD, DVD, Laserdisc, VCR, a couple of
audio tape decks and a turntable. If necessary, the tape inputs can be
used for other audio/video gear. There are also outputs for all five
channels ...
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