Onkyo announces a pair of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled AV receivers-- the 5.2-channel TX-SR393 (155 W/Ch) and 7.2 TX-SR494 (160 W/Ch), both promising "extraordinary flexibility to simplify next-generation home entertainment."
According to Onkyo, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X bring 3D audio to any speaker configuration, with metadata transposing sound origin within a scene to a corresponding positioning within the listening space. The TX-SR393 offers a 3.2.2-channel solution to native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based playback, while the TX-SR494 offers 5.2.2 channels. Meanwhile Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X technologies upmix legacy soundtracks for playback through any speaker layout, including those with height channels, for more spatially realistic audio.
In case of traditional speaker layouts, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer creates a virtual surround and height effect without additional surround or height speakers. DS Virtual:X, on the other hand, creates a 3D sound-field through any speaker layout without surround or height speaker connection, with DSP-based algorithms wrapping the audience in sound from all direction.
The TX-SR393 offers real 5.2- or 3.2.2-channel surround audio, while the TX-SR494 creates real 7.2-, 5.2.2 or 5.2-channel surround sound, with either front L/R bi-amping or powered zone B audio distribution. In terms of connectivity, both AVRs feature x4 HDMI inputs and x1 ARC-enabled output with passthrough support for 4K/60p and HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG and BT.2020) along with the 4:4:4 colour sub-sampling. The GUI includes an overlaid OSD information window, allowing users to call up details such as HDR format, video resolution, frame rate and audio codec.
On the audio side, Onkyo employs a high-current analog amplification system backed by a high-current low-noise power transformer and large audio-grade capacitors. Power clocks at 4 ohm simultaneous speaker driving capability. AccuEQ room acoustic calibration creates a harmonious sound-field in the room, detecting speaker presence, size and distance from a measurement point, before setting sound pressure levels.
Also included in the AVRs are optical and coax digital and RCA analog audio inputs, together with Bluetooth wireless technology for streaming from smartphones, tablets and PCs. Advanced Music Optimizer restores compressed audio files close to original integrity for improved playback quality. A DSP-based Vocal Enhancer allows user to raise or lower vocal frequencies using the remote controller or front panel VOCAL buttons.
The TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 ship from March 2019 in a choice of either black or silver finishes.
Go Onkyo Launches Value-Packed AVRs with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for 3D Audio Through Any Speaker Layout
