09
Sep
2011
Techwatch: The IFA show took place over the last week in Berlin, as you’ve probably noticed from the flurry of TechWatch news stories relating to the event.
But for those of you who’ve missed some (or all) of our coverage, or indeed the articles splashed liberally around other tech sites, here’s a quick round-up of the hot topics at this year’s IFA. (more…)
09
Sep
2011
Techradar: Pioneer’s VSX-2021 is a receiver for the Apple generation. It’s all but intrinsically linked to the company’s wares with iPhone/iPad control Apps, dedicated music sharing for multiple iPods, remote control of the latest OS devices and full AirPlay integration. Even the user manual and set-up navigator are fully interactive iPad Apps. (more…)
25
Jul
2011
What Hi-fi: Onkyo is the latest AV manufacturer to release an Android app for its 2011 range of AV products.
Its Remote App for Android allows owners to stream audio wirelessly from an Android device to their Onkyo hi-fi or home cinema system, as well as providing a range of remote control functions. (more…)
20
Jul
2011
What Hi-fi: We’ve just spotted Pioneer‘s iControlAV2 app on the Android Market app store.
Already available for Apple iDevices, the iControlAV2 app can control a variety of Pioneer home cinema devices, allowing adjustment of volume, bass, balance and room settings.
The Android version is compatible with Pioneer’s VSX-921, VSX-1021, VSX-2021, VSX-LX55, SC-LX75 and SC-LX85 multichannel receivers.
It also works with the company’s BDP-330, BDP-333, BDP-LX53, BDP-430 and BDP-LX54 Blu-ray players.
15
Jul
2011
What Hi-fi: Today Yamaha unveils its new (and newly-named) Aventage range of home cinema receivers, joining the rest of its 2011 line-up.
They replace the existing higher-end models from 2010 and as they use all-new designs and components, rather than just being a range refresh, they are being rebranded under the Aventage name.
There are four models: the RXA3010 (above, £1999), RXA2010 (£1499), RXA1010 (below, £999) and RXA810 (£849). They’ll go on sale in the UK this September.
23
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: Following our news story and blog from the D&M product launch earlier this month, Marantz has confirmed more details of the SR5006 and SR6006 (above) receivers, which will be in the shops from the middle of July.
The two receivers both have 3D compatibility, network connectivity via an Ethernet port for internet radio, streaming of content stored on a home network and subscription web-based services, and AirPlay functionality for streaming from iOS devices. (more…)
22
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: Chances are you may have bought a slimline TV, so you want a slimline home cinema system to go with it.
Enter these two new systems from Pioneer, the £700 HTP-SLH500 (above) and £750 HTP-SLH600 (below), both of which come with a slimline VSX-S300 multichannel receiver.
A set of equally compact ‘Sound Wing’ speakers are supplied as part of the package. (more…)
21
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: TEAC has announced the latest incarnation of its Reference series of hi-fi products.
First out of the blocks are the CR-H700 CD receiver, complete with support for AirPlay, DLNA and USB playback, and the UD-H01 DAC with USB interface.
The UD-H01 will be joined by a family of products with the same, diminuitive dimensions, and each specialising in CD playback, PC audio, streaming and more. (more…)
09
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: D&M, the parent company of Denon and Marantz – and now, Boston Acoustics – has unveiled its product ranges for 2011, at a grand location on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy.
Both Marantz and Denon have focused plenty of attention on their receiver ranges, developing sonic performance while extending network capabilities and improving usability through new GUI interfaces. (more…)
06
Jun
2011
What Hi-fi: Onkyo‘s £1300 TX-NR1009 multichannel receiver is the first in the world equipped with DTS Neo: X, a new surround sound system engineered to enhance standard 5.1 soundtracks with additional front-height, front-wide and surround-back channels. (more…)
16
May
2011
What Hi-fi: Denon has announced its AV receiver line-up for 2011. The five-strong model range includes the first three machines to feature integrated Apple Airplay.
The receivers are due out from this month and all five support 3D pass-through, as is now standard across Denon’s range.
The entry-level AVR-1312 (£250) features 5 x 110w channels, four HDMI inputs and one output and support for HD audio.
Step up to the AVR-1612 (£380) for a front USB port for connecting an iPod/iPhone, increased power to 120w per channe and Dynamic Volume audio processing.
Debuting on the the AVR-1612 is Denon’s new Setup Wizard, alongside advanced Audyssey MultEQ calibration.
The AVR-1912 (£500), AVR-2312 (£800) and AVR-3312 (TBC) all feature integrated Apple Airplay and 3D support, and promise to major on network capabilities and ease of use.
Airplay allows you to stream music directly from an iPhone or iPod Touch as well as directly from your iTunes library on a Mac or PC. There’s a USB for direct playback, too.
The receivers also support DLNA, allowing streaming of MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and FLAC-HD audio, plus photos, from a PC or NAS device.
Over 12,000 internet radio stations can also be accessed, as well as subscription-based music services such as Napster and Last.fm.
The AVR-1912 offers six HDMI (1.4 with 3D and ARC) inputs and one output, seven channels of 125w, Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and 2-zone capability.
Pay the extra for the AVR-2312 for a 7.2-channel receiver, 135w per channel, an extra HDMI input and Audyssey MultEQ Pro.
Meanwhile the top-of-the-range AVR-3312 bolsters its specification with 165w per channel, a second HDMI output and front height and front wide connections.
You’ll also find Audyssey DSX Processing, Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit. AL24 Processing, Clock Jitter Reducer and 3 source/3 zone capability.
The entry-level AVR-1312 and AVR-1612 are due out this month, to be followed in June by the AVR-1912 and AVR-2312. The AVR-3312 will follow later in the year.
13
May
2011
What Hi-fi: First came the £500 TX-NR609, soon followed by the £800 TX-NR709, and now the £1000 TX-NR809 has landed on these shores – the third ofOnkyo‘s Spotify-enabled home cinema receivers. (more…)