Onkyo Updates Its Most Affordable Digital A/V Receiver With DolbyÆ Pro Logic II And S-Video

23-Apr-01

Onkyo introduced the TX-DS494, an extremely affordable home theatre receiver with advanced DolbyÆ Pro Logic II surround decoding for use with older audio and video recordings, as well as Dolby Digital and DTSÆ Digital Surroundô for more modern sources and 5.1-channel inputs (and frequency response out to 100 kHz) to handle such advanced audio formats as SACD and DVD-Audio.Pro Logic II brings many of Dolby Digitalís advantages to analog playback. The new decoder enhances the spatial experience and better differentiates sound sources by changing the surround channels from mono to stereo, making images more stable, and increasing channel separation. It even brings realistic surround to music CDs, LPs, and other stereo sources.The rest of the circuitry shares many advanced refinements with Onkyoís higher-priced receivers. The 5 x 55-watt amplifier uses Onkyoís Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), employing an uncommonly small amount of negative feedback so as to extend frequency response to 100 kHz and virtually eliminate the influence of back EMF from speakers and noise picked up by speaker leads, while eliminating ground-potential fluctuations, and responding instantaneously to high current transients. Instead of the IC amplifiers common in this price range, the TX-DS494 uses discrete output devices fitted with extruded aluminum heat sinks. Even the speed-sensitive digital volume control is high-tech, with Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry to keep soft signals well above the noise floor.The high definition DSP sectionís seven soundfields, generated by advanced algorithms, can be customized by the user to manipulate room size, equalization, and ambience for various types of music. There is even a switchable late night mode to keep dialog clearly audible without letting explosions and other sound effects wake nearby family members. Maintaining compatibility with past as well as future media, the DS494 has a phono input, in addition to its 5.1-channel input and its three digital inputs (one fiber optic, two coaxial) that can be assigned to the DVD, CD, or other source selector buttons. All three video inputs have S-Video as well as composite connections; both composite and S-Video outputs are provided. Amplifier output is delivered via multi-way binding posts that can be used with banana plugs and heavy duty audiophile speaker cables; an extra, switch-selectable pair of front channel binding posts allows stereo listening in another room.The tuner section has 30 presets, usable for FM or AM, and automatic tuning. The elegant, black, brushed-aluminum front panel is made from thick, aircraft-grade stock. It features a large, bright fluorescent display that is easy to read both day and night. The display's system status indicators give the operator a clear indication of which operating modes are in use at any time.The Onkyo TX-DS494 is currently available, with a preprogrammed remote, at a suggested retail price of $320.For more information and dealer locations, visit www.onkyousa.com.

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