Onkyo TX-SR607 with Dolby PLIIz

Onkyo announced three new receivers in their lineup headed by the TX-SR607. The new '07 models include the TX-SR307 and TX-SR507. All of the models support 1080p resolution, Deep Color, and x.v.Color. Audyssey, an early partner with Onkyo, is again onboard with their 2EQ calibration, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ. The $299 5.1 TX-SR307 is the most basic in the line with 3 HDMI inputs with pass through only. The back of the unit sports a single coaxial audio input and two TOSLink. There are five way binding posts for the main channels but only spring-type for the surrounds and center. A single sub output is included along with 2 component video inputs and a couple of composite inputs. S-Video seems to have exited stage right. The TX-SR307 offers 65 watts per channel.

The $399 TX-SR507 offers an improvement of 15 watts per channel over the TX-SR307 but is still only 5.1. It does now have pre-outs for surround back speakers if you have the external amplification and the need. Also onboard is an extra HDMI input with repeating and Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. Five-way binding posts are included for all speakers with zone two sporting spring clips. The TX-SR507 has a new proprietary "universal" port that will be used on a soon to be released iPod dock and HD Radio add-on.

The $599 TX-SR607 bumps up the wattage to 90 per channel and adds a second subwoofer output. The universal port is there along with a fifth HDMI port, 5 way binding post for all 7 channels, and a few extra analogue and composite inputs. Digital audio inputs are still limited to two coaxial and TOSLink as are component video. Obviously Onkyo is counting on people mostly using HDMI. Dolby ProLogic IIz adds height channels above the mains. If you are running a 5.1 setup, you can use the 5-way binding posts for the surround back speakers or else you'll have to use the spring clips for Zone 2. Noticeably absent on the TX-SR607 are any analogue inputs or outputs. This makes expanding to external amplification or connecting a legacy non-HDMI universal player impossible. The TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 are due to be released this month with the TX-SR607 to follow next month.