It's too early to tell if gold-colored components really are making a comeback, but you better believe Onkyo's at the forefront of the gilded parade. Shortly after pumping out the TX-SA606X in Japan (and the TX-SA606 in America), the TX-SA706X has arrived to take things one step further. This 7.1-channel receiver delivers a potent 200-watts of juice to each channel and includes five HDMI 1.3 inputs (alongside one output), a frequency response of 5Hz to 100,000Hz, Audyssey Dynamic EQ processing and built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Granted, such a monster of an AVR won't become your very own with putting a nice size dent in your wallet, but those in Japan can treat themselves on July 19th when it lands for ¥189,000 ($1,781).

[Via HDTV Space]

Say hello to this year's warmed-over line of Sony's ES 7.1 channel audio/video receivers. Now-standard features in the line include a PS3/PSP-style xross media bar interface, 1080p Faroudja DCDi upconversion, a slew of audio codec support (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) plus Digital Media Port connectivity to hook up iPod or Bluetooth adapters or satellite radio. The higher end STR-DA4400ES (above) packs a 120-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs, HD video output to two zones and audio to three zones for $1,500 when it debuts this August. The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES both include a 100-watt amp, four HDMI jacks, the 3400 includes an IR repeater and support for a second video zone with its $1,000 price tag, while the 2400 drops those features and includes a basic interface for $800 next month. Take a peek at both after the break, then check your wallet to see where you fit in.

Sony's got a new trio of AV receivers to get your work week started, and we'll hit 'em up in order of least fancy to most. The entry-level STR-DG520 (5 x 100-watts) packs a two-in / one out HDMI switcher with 1080p24 pass-through, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Cinema Studio EX processing and the company's Digital Media Port. Moving on up, the STR-DG720 (7 x 100-watts) includes a three-in / one-out HDMI repeater, 1080p24 / x.v.Color support, the ability to accept multi-channel HD audio as well as eight-channel Linear PCM and BRAVIA Sync to boot. The flagship STR-DG820 steps things up even further with four HDMI 1.3 inputs and one output, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, Cinema Studio EX and Neural-THX Surround processing and a 7 x 100-watt amplifier. Check the read link for more details on each, but you'll be forced to take a stab of your own at pricing.

Update: These were a European announcement. USers already had 'em.

It seems like just yesterday that we were looking longingly at the DTR-5.8, and lo and behold, Integra has already dished out the DTR-5.9 to take its place. Apparently the unit is being aimed squarely at custom installers, but who's to say you can't snatch one up and do a little "installing" yourself? The mid-range unit packs the same HDMI 1.3a repeaters and high resolution audio processing as the DTR-5.8, but there's two more HDMI inputs, 1080i upscaling over HDMI and Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ loudness compensation technology added in on this bugger. If you're curious about power, you'll find seven-channels piping out 90-watts per into 8-ohms or 110-watts per into 6-ohms. Check it out right now for around $800.

[Via eCoustics]

If you were wondering yesterday how a peripheral could be bundled in with an unreleased item, we've got your answer today. The Bridge II, which was unveiled less than a day ago, will indeed be packaged with the AVR 354 receiver, which was introduced more recently alongside the AVR 254 and AVR 154. The 354 / 254 are both 7.1-channel units, with the former packing 75-watts per channel and the latter 50-watts per channel; the 154 is a 5.1 device with 30-watts per channel. You'll also find HDMI 1.3a capability, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding (top two only) and a new graphical on-screen menu. Price wise, the AVRs will set you back $899, $649 and $399, respectively, and while the first two are available now, the 154 won't arrive until July. Oh, and for you stereo lovers out there, the HK 3490 (2 x 120W) and HK 3390 (2 x 80W) are all new as well.

[Via Digital Trends]

You do know it's quite rude to stare, don't you? No worries -- we're pretty sure Pioneer fully expected its 2008 line of Elite AV receivers to catch a few eyes, much like its succulent Elite SC-09TX did last fall. The luxurious new crew consists of the Elite SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH, all of which were designed specifically to complement the second-gen KUROs and fresh new BD players. As expected, the whole lot handles internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, not to mention support for 12-bit Deep Color and a Faroudja video scaler. If you're curious about dollars and ship dates, you can look for the SC-05 / SC-07 to land in August for $1,800 / $2,200, while the VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will hit next month for $750 / $1,000. Then again, those obsessed with instant gratification could snag the VSX-94TXH right now for $1,600. Check the full release waiting after the break.

Onkyo has continued to roll "X06" updates across its receiver lineup. Last month we heard about the TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 models, and now we get the TX-SR606 (not to be confused with the TX-SA606X). Apparently Onkyo wasn't too eager to mess with the success of last year's TX-SR605 receiver, the new model adds 1080i upscaling, two more HDMI inputs (making a total of four), and trades off Neural Surround in favor of Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Onkyo's Music Optimizer processing. The amplifier section and pricing look to be the same, which isn't a bad thing on either count: $579 (MSRP) nets you 90-Watts across 7 channels, all backed by the heavy transformer cores Onkyo is known for. Available any day now, this might look good with your stimulus check; or consider picking up a TX-SR605 on the cheap.


[Via WidescreenReview]

Let's face it, not everyone has a cool grand to drop on a new AV receiver, but Onkyo's looking out for the low- to mid-rangers out there with a nicely equipped duo each sporting a price tag under five bills. Both the $379 TX-SR506 and $479 TX-SR576 feature 32-bit DSP processing, 192 kHz / 24-bit digital-to-analog converters on all channels, 7.1-channel processing for Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6, support for the firm's Remote Interactive iPod dock / charger models, the Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system and Onkyo's dual-source Powered Zone 2 capability, which allows the receiver's rear surround amplifier channels to power stereo speakers in a second room while still listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone. Each unit also touts a trio of HDMI inputs, optical / coaxial digital audio ports and at least 75-watts per channel. For more details on the pair, hit up the read link below.

[Via AVGuide]

Yamaha's not satisfied with kicking out a new set of HTIBs -- oh no, the outfit also has five new receivers on tap, so let's not waste a moment getting to 'em. Holding down the high-end is the RX-V863 and RX-V663, which both support Dolby Digital Plus / DTS-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats and offer up 105-watts x 7 and 95-watts x 7, respectively. Furthermore, the V863 adds in 1080p upconverting along with a trio of HDMI 1.3 inputs and one output. Each of the newcomers support Apple's iPod with an optional dock, and every one save for the low-end RX-V363 can handle satellite radio and feature the firm's proprietary Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) technology. Eager for more? Hit up the links below to inspect each one individually.

Read - RX-V863 ($999.95)
Read - RX-V663 ($549.95)
Read - RX-V563 ($449.95)
Read - RX-V463 ($349.95)
Read - RX-V363 ($229.95)

Pioneer is expanding its CES lineup with four new audio-video receivers, one of which supports the new high-definition audio codecs found in Blu-ray and HD DVD. The VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K, VSX-918V-K, and VSX-1018TXH-K A/V receivers all feature Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration with an included microphone for tweaking acoustics in the room, three 1080p-capable component inputs, and Auto Level Control for equalizing volume between sources. The VSX-518-K, 818V, and 918V all feature P.H.A.T (Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology) power sources and support for WMA9 Pro over 5.1 channels, with the 518 dropping support for XM and Sirius satellite, iPod, and HDMI inputs. The big news is the VSX-1018TXH-K, with its support for 130 watts over 7.1 channels using a Direct Energy power supply, HDMI upscaling to 1080p, six digital inputs, and support for the lossy Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution, and lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The VSX-518-K is priced at $199, the VSX-818V-K at $249, the VSX-918V-K at $349, all releasing in April, and the VSX-1018TXH-K will come to market in June for $599.

Got a whole lot of rooms? Does each one need its fill of audio? If so, you should give Audio Design Associates Suite 8200 multi-room receiver a gander. Upping the ante on its own Suite 8100, this device is an 8-source, 8-zone (16-channel) single chassis pre-amp / amplifier that utilizes a class A/B amp outputting some 25-watts per channel. Additionally, you can get it customized with two tuners of your choice, including XM, Sirius or HD Radio. The 2U design should make those with racks quite happy, and you'll also find line-level audio outputs for each zone alongside line-level subwoofer outs for zones 1 and 2. Sure, the Suite 8200 will run you a cool $4,999, but if you're really looking to pipe music to eight separate zones, coming up with five large shouldn't be a problem.

[Via Widescreen Review]

We're obsessive about keeping everything in our HD data streams, well, HD. Usually that means keeping things in the digital realm for as long as possible. But at some point before the audio signal gets to your speaker cones, it has to return to its analog roots. Two new op amp (operational amplifier) chips from National Semiconductor have achieved record low distortion figures of 0.00003% total harmonic distortion, which should help make the transition from digital bits to analog voltage really, really transparent. Op amps are used in the preamplifier stage, so don't throw out your receiver in disgust because its power amplifier section falls short of this distortion figure! But once these chips start making it into receivers, you'll be able to sleep easier knowing that at least the preamp stage isn't what's standing between you and sonic nirvana.

Samsung's delivering the perfect receiver coming to add some wattage to your volume-deprived home entertainment system: the AV-R720. Clocking in at a massive 850-watts, the home-theatre-ready box should add a little kick the next time you're watching Bad Boys II or Animal Planet. The receiver can rock 1080p video, features 7.1 surround sound, and has two HDMI ins and outs, plus component, composite, digital coaxial, and optical jacks. As of right now, the AV-R720 is only available in Germany (for around €659), but hopefully it will make its way Stateside.

[Thanks, Tony C]

Normally home theater receivers aren't considered anything special, content to switch inputs and power speakers, letting the plasma flat-panel take all the glory. But Yamaha has thrown all the goodies and features into the RX-Z11 receiver, with THX Ultra2 Plus certification for quality assurance, five HDMI 1.3a inputs and two outputs, four component inputs and two outs, and support for five audio and two video zones. It also supports the newest audio codecs, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio. To finish off the features, the receiver also supports terrestrial HD and XM satellite radio, network capabilities and internet radio, and includes an iPod dock for external media. The RX-Z11 comes out in November, for an undisclosed (but surely expensive) price.

If you've been scouting a leading-edge AV receiver with just about every amenity out there (including HDMI 1.3a), Integra's latest offering is likely to fit the bill. The DTR-5.8 sports a standard black enclosure, twin HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), built-in decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus lossless, and a Faroudja DCDi chip for de-interlacing 480i signals. Home automaters will adore the range of control options, including a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. This two-zone, 7.1-channel unit even boasts a 90-watt-per-channel amplifier and XM / Sirius compatibility, but you're looking at a stiff $800 if these luxuries just can't be done without. Click on for a shot of the rear.