Sherwood RD-6506 Receiver Preview

Sherwood America Inc. announced today the introduction of two new audio-video receivers at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Scheduled for April shipment, the RD-606i Network receiver is 3D ready with HDMI 1.4 and Audio Return Channel, at an MSRP of $349.95, and the RD-6506 receiver, which shares the same features without networking, has an MSRP of $249.95. These 5.1 channel audio-video receivers bring HDMI 1.4a capability to a new, lower price point, enabling 3D video and higher sound quality through Audio Return Channel's ability to receive high-resolution audio from Blu-ray disc. The products share identical performance specifications and most features, with the step-up RD-606i adding networking capability and Internet Radio access.

"With the inclusion of HDMI 1.4a with repeater and Audio Return Channel in the introduction of the RG-6506 and RD-606i, we've brought the price point on these advanced functions down to a new level. In addition to providing 3D video capability, we are making it easy for users to seamlessly connect their Blu-ray player to the receiver to ensure they can enjoy lossless high-resolution DTS or Dolby audio."

- Gary Graning, Sherwood's Vice President, Sales

Featuring three HDMI 1.4a inputs and a single output, with repeater and Audio Return Channel, both receivers deliver 100 watts/channel to each of five channels. DTS HD-Master and Dolby True HD high-resolution lossless audio decoding is provided for Blu-ray disc playback, as well as DTS, DTS High Resolution, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Pro Logic II. Five additional synthesized surround modes are available for playback of non-DTS and Dolby sources, and audio quality is maximized through 192 KHz/24 bit DACs for all five channels.

Additional inputs include two composite video inputs and two outputs, along with six analog audio ins and two analog audio outs, plus one optical and two coaxial digital audio inputs. The AM/FM tuner offers 30 station presets, and a dynamic range control can be used for less obtrusive nighttime listening.

Adding networking capability, the RD-606i connects to the Reciva and Shoutcast Internet radio services to stream thousands of radio stations, on top of its ability to stream music and video from a networked PC through its Ethernet connection. With UPnP and DLNA 1.5 certification, the receiver also provides support for the Windows 7 'Plays To' feature. In comparison to the RD-6506, the RD-606i also adds a USB host input on its front panel for MP3 and WMA playback.

About Sherwood America
Sherwood Electronic Labs was founded in Chicago in 1953 to manufacture an amplifier designed by legendary audio engineer Ed Miller. Determined to design high performance audio gear and to manufacture it themselves, Miller and his partner John Snow created a company that established the standard for audio excellence and efficient manufacturing. As advanced audio electronics have evolved, Sherwood's contributions have been invaluable. The world's first commercial FM stereo broadcast employed Sherwood technology. Sherwood was the first to introduce tuners with digital readouts and computer-control. And, most significantly, Sherwood made the industry's first 100% all-silicon solid-state audio receiver. The company's leadership continues today. Not only is the Sherwood brand synonymous with high performance audio worldwide, but Sherwood is also the actual manufacturer of nearly one-third of the world's high performance receivers. While many of these products carry brand names that may be better known than our own, none are built with the same sense of pride as those that bear the Sherwood name, and none are better built or better engineered than those that bear our Newcastle badge -- the best we build for anyone. In the fiercely competitive and rapidly changing field of consumer electronics, where companies shift production sites from one low-cost country to another, Sherwood is a leading light, an international symbol of unsurpassed quality, and one of the few companies to manufacture all the products bearing its name. Fittingly, the company continues to be guided by Ed Miller's enduring philosophy: Design audio gear that offers only the highest levels of performance and make it yourself. For more information, go to www.sherwoodusa.com

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.