TEST BENCH FOR WEB Ken C. Pohlmann

DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE All data were obtained from test DVDs using 16-bit test signals containing dither, which sets limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS, and reference output is 1 watt into 8 ohms. Volume setting for reference level was 56. All level trims at 0 except for subwoofer-related tests, all speakers set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable.

Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms) 1 channel driven: 116/188 W (20.6/22.7 dBW) 7 channels driven (8 ohms): 71 W (18.4 dBW) Distortion at 1 watt (THD+N, 1 kHz) 8/4 ohms: 0.04/0.04% Noise level (A-wtd): -74.2 dB Excess noise (with sine tone) 16-bit (EN16): +2.3 dB Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.20 dB

MULTICHANNEL PERFORMANCE, ANALOG INPUT Reference input and output level is 200 mV; volume setting for reference output level was 34. Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz, 8 ohms): 0.02% Noise level (A-wtd): -74.9 dB Frequency response: <10 Hz to 24 kHz +0, -3.0 dB

STEREO PERFORMANCE, DIGITAL INPUT All signals were PCM and 16-bit except where noted otherwise. Reference input level is -20 dBFS; all level trims at 0. Volume setting for reference level was 37. Output at clipping (1 kHz, 8/4 ohms) both channels driven: 83/106 W (19.2/20.3 dBW) Distortion at reference level: 0.04% Noise level (A-wtd): -74.3 dB Excess noise (with/without sine tone) 16-bit (EN16): 2.2/2.2 dB quasi-20-bit (EN20): 17.8/17.8 dB Noise modulation: 3.1 dB Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.22 dB

BASS-MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE Measured results obtained with Dolby Digital test signals. Subwoofer-output frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 24 dB/octave above -6-dB rolloff at 85 Hz High-pass-filter frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 12 dB/octave below -3-dB rolloff at 80 Hz Unclipped subwoofer output (trim at 0): 6.9 volts Subwoofer distortion (from 6-channel, 50-Hz, 0-dBFS signal; subwoofer trim set to 0): 0.07% Crossover consistency: bass crossover frequency and slope are the same for all signal formats that receive bass management Signal-format consistency: consistent for all applicable formats; bass management not available for multichannel analog input signals Speaker size selection: "none," "small," "large" for center and surround speakers; "small," "large" for front; "yes," "no" for subwoofer; limitations for some speaker configurations Speaker-distance compensation: available for all seven main channels and subwoofer

The Onkyo TX-SR503 did not present any surprise numbers on the test bench. It uses tried-and-true design elements that do a very competent job. Power output was perhaps the highest I have seen at this price, and it was accomplished with low distortion. The background noise level was a couple of decibels short of theoretical perfection, but it shouldn't be audible during normal playback. While bass management is not available for the multichannel analog input, it was consistent for all other inputs and formats.

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