HT Staff

It's safe to say home theater fans have never gotten more for their money than what Onkyo offers with the upgraded TX-SR502. Priced at only $300, the TX-SR502 features 6.1-channel surround performance, respectable 75 watts per channel output power, surround processing that includes Dolby ProLogic IIx and DTS-96/24, and a choice of two finishes - black or silver.

Many home theater receivers have excellent audio capabilities, but not many boast state-of-the-art video features. Onkyo has changed that with its TX-DS696, a 5 x 100-watt home theater receiver with component video switching and the ability to mix and match composite and S-video components. This feature is the result of a proprietary YC separator/mixer that "reconciles the incompatibility of composite and S-Video signals," according to company publicity. "Without this circuit, the video source, receiver, and video monitor must all use the same type of video connection."

Durham, NH-based Outlaw Audio has slashed the price of its popular model 1050 home theater receiver by $100. Introduced last year, the 6 x 65-watt, multi-format unit originally sold for $599, and won plenty of critical praise as it gained market share. The 1050 is compatible with Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS surround sound formats, and features an adjustable subwoofer crossover with settings at 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, and 200Hz.

Home theater enthusiasts with relatively efficient speakers are unlikely to need more than 100 watts per channel, but affordable multichannel amps in this power range are strangely hard to find.