Audio Video News

Onkyo USA continues to push the performance envelope for affordable home theater systems. On July 19, the Upper Saddle River, NJ-based company announced a 6.1-channel "Home Theater in a Box," the HT-S755DVC.

The system is the industry's first affordable six-channel system, according to the announcement. It includes a powerful Surround-EX A/V receiver, five-disc progressive scan DVD changer, and full seven-piece speaker package. The center rear speaker of the 6.1 format is said to provide improved realism over most 5.1 formats, which typically use only left-right rear/side ambience speakers.

The A/V receiver in the HT-S755DVC package is capable of 105 Watts per channel into the included 6-Ohm speakers, and offers Dolby Digital-EX, DTS-ES, and Dolby ProLogic II compatibility. It includes plenty of input and output connections for system expansion, with HDTV-capable component video switching. The receiver's amplifier section features Onkyo's WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) for an extended frequency response of 10Hz – 100 kHz; its power amplifier section uses all-discrete output devices for high-current capability.

The system's five-disc DVD changer can handle DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, VCDs, and even MP3-encoded discs, but not DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD. With progressive-scan component video output and 192 kHz/24-bit DACs, the player is said to provide superb video and audio reproduction. Thanks to its four-disc play exchange feature, you can reload the player without interrupting playback.

The HT-S755DVC speaker system includes six two-way satellite speakers and a 150-Watt down-firing powered subwoofer. The front left/right speakers have dual 5-1/4" woofers in a D'Appolito array; the magnetically shielded center channel uses a pair of 4" woofers. Left, right, and center surrounds all feature a single 4" woofer and are matched to produce an enveloping surround soundfield. All six speakers feature high efficiency 1" balanced dome tweeters, extensively braced MDF cabinets. Cabinet finish is Black Oak, chosen for its almost universal compatibility with most interior decorating schemes.

The HT-S755DVC will be available in September at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $999.