Boston Acoustics AVR7120 A/V Receiver and VR3 Speaker System At A Glance & Ratings AVR7120 A/V Receiver

At A Glance: Boston Acoustics AVR7120 A/V Receiver

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby: Digital 5.1, EX, Pro Logic IIx, Headphone, Virtual Speaker
DTS: DTS, ES, 96/24, Neo:6
THX Certification: No
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/192-kilohertz
Number of Amp Channels: 7
Power Rating (per channel): 120 watts, into 8 ohms
Frequency Response: 10 Hz–100 kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 7.75 x 17.3 x 17.75
Weight (pounds): 51.8
Price: $2,999

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Connections
Inputs:
Video: component video (3), S-video (7), composite video (7)
Audio: coaxial digital (2), optical digital (5), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (3), phono (1)
Outputs:
Video: component video (1), S-video (3), composite video (3)
Audio: coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), stereo analog (3), 7.1 preamp (1), sub woofer output (2)
Additional:
RS-232 (1), USB audio input (1), 12 volt trigger outputs (2), infrared jacks inputs/outputs (2/1)

Ratings: Boston Acoustics AVR7120 A/V Receiver

Build Quality: 94
• Lift it up, and you'll learn a lot about the AVR7120's build quality
• Looks and feels like a high-end component

Value: 90
• Yes, it's expensive, but it sounds really expensive
• Boston's AVR7100 receiver is a tempting, less pricey alternative

Features: 92
• Adjustable A/V synchronization maintains lip sync for all sources and displays
• Upgradeable flash memory

Performance: 94
• Gets awfully close to separates levels of sound quality
• Dolby Headphone processor is a big plus for headphone users

Ergonomics: 75
• Poorly written owner's manual frustrates setup chores
• Onscreen menu navigation could be better

Overall Rating: 91
Boston hit one out of the park with their first-ever receiver. The AVR7120 sounds stellar and is eminently capable of serving in even the most complex custom-installation systems.

General Information
AVR7120 A/V Receiver, $2,999
Boston Acoustics
(978) 538-5000,
www.bostonacoustics.com
Dealer Locator Code BST

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