With the previous TXSR605, Onkyo were the world's first manufacturer to offer full HD switching and processing at an affordable price. Quite simply, it set standards that rivals are still struggling to match.
Not content with this, Onkyo have raised the bar yet again with the TXSR606. Like the TXSR605, the 606 sets new world standards, albeit a little more modest than before. The key appeal to the new TXSR606 AV receiver is the adoption of no fewer than four HDMI inputs (no rival currently has this many). As before, these are full 1.3a spec' meaning that you can input (and loop through) audio and 1080p video signals. Although this may seem like a minor improvement, the significance shouldn't be underestimated. With HD camcorders, HDTV boxes, DVD players, Bluray players, and computers all featuring HDMI outputs, the four inputs can easily be filled - leaving out a whole tangle of other cables that previously would have been used.
In most other areas the TXSR606 follows on from the award-winning TXSR605. Advanced features include DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus decoding. These HD processors are the future of AV and are still unusual in an AV receiver of this price.
Yet, even with standard audio and video signals, the TX-SR606 turns in an impressive performance. Bi-amping circuitry means that bi-wirable speakers can effectively be powered by 2 amplifiers - giving even greater control and dynamic reach. The powerful sound of this amplifier is helped still further by the oversized power transformer, WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and Double Bass Function - not to mention the 140 watts (Minimum into 6 ohms, 90 watts at 8 ohms) available to each speaker.
As before, video signals are enhanced by a Faroudja DCDi Edge Deinterlacer and HDMI and component video upconversion, which bring out the best in any video source.
If you're looking for a quality mid-range AV receiver or have been tempted by the TXSR605 but put off by the meager twin HDMI inputs, then now's the time to take a look at the TXSR606. We promise you that, at this price, you won't find a better AV receiver! |
