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.

Focal-JMlab
Hang on to your socks; Focal-JMlab's new Sub Utopia Be subwoofer could quite possibly blow them right off your feet. This sub delivers a true 20 hertz with 120 decibels of sound pressure, the company reports. The 16-inch sandwich composite cone offers more than 10 times the rigidity of other materials, while the alloy basket supports a multi-ferrite magnet assembly that includes 18 magnets, measures 3 inches thick, and weighs more than 17.6 pounds. The Kapton voice coil is ventilated to limit the dynamic compression from the heat that the 1,000-watt BASH amplifier generates. For $6,000, this sub will rattle your bones.
Focal-JMlab
(800) 663-9352
www.audioplusservices.com

JBL
Getting 7.1-channel sound in your home theater is easy with JBL's new SCS300 7.1-channel loudspeaker package. The satellite and center-channel models offer dual 3.5-inch PolyPlas woofers and 0.75-inch titanium-laminate tweeters. The system's sub utilizes a high-excursion 10-inch woofer and 200-watt amp in a tuned-port enclosure. The sub's back panel features volume control, LFE and line-level inputs, and speaker-level ins and outs. An auto power-on/-off function automatically turns the sub on when an audio signal is present and switches the sub to standby when there's no signal. For $650, you'll get the sub, the center, six satellites (with mounting brackets), and the necessary cables.
JBL
(516) 496-3400
www.jbl.com

Intrigue
The newest addition to Intrigue's line of Harmony remote controls is designed with your basic TiVo needs in mind. The Harmony SST-688 provides extra navigation buttons specifically for use with digital video recorders. Like the rest of its Harmony brethren, the SST-688 is PC- and Mac-compatible, and it features designated activity buttons like "Play DVD" and "Watch TV," which make the remote a breeze to operate. You configure the SST-688 online; simply answer a series of questions about your A/V equipment and then download the necessary programming into the remote via the included USB cable. The $225 remote control can operate all infrared devices, such as A/V components, gaming consoles, MP3 music servers, and lighting control.
Intrigue Technologies
(866) 291-1505
www.harmony-remote.com