Onkyo TX-NR5010 9.4 Channel Receiver

 Onkyo flagship, a company known for shoving features into their receivers at price points we never thought possible, assume that we are extra interested.

The Onkyo TX-NR5010 is the new flagship of the Onkyo receiver line. At $3000, it certainly has a price tag to match. But the real question is what you get for your money. As you might expect, the TX-NR5010 has THX Ultra2+ Certification.While specifics of the power handling have not been released, the previous model sported 145 watts per channel. Expect no less from this newer model. The chassis has separate anti-resonant aluminum top and side panels and a massive toroidal transformer supported by two discrete transformers for audio and video processing.

Partly because of the layout of the gold-plated speaker terminals (11 pairs), the back of the TX-NR5010 is uncluttered. The receiver has nine internal amps which can be routed and re-routed into whatever configuration you want. It has pre-outs for 11.4 channels (stereo subwoofer channels with two outputs a piece). These pre-outs can be used in conjunction with the internal amps for a true 11 channel experience via DTS Neo:X. This gives you the normal five channels (mains, center, surrounds) plus surround backs, front height, and front wide speakers. If you don't have need for all these amps/channels, you can route them to power either of the other audio zones or to bi-amp your mains. HDMI or composite video can be sent to Zone 2 as well.
While there are no s-video inputs, there are a host of composite video, two component video, and nine (one front mounted) HDMI inputs. The Onkyo has dual HDMI outputs which can either be used simultaneously or which can be routed to Zone 2 (can output 1080p to the second zone). There is a front mounted USB port that is Made for iPhone/iPod as well as a rear USB port for adding more permanent media storage. There are three each coaxial/optical digital audio inputs as well as two antenna inputs - one for the main zone and a second for Zone 2. There are even twelve volt triggers for Zone 2 and 3 as well as RS-232 control and a PC input.
For room calibration, Onkyo has included Audyssey's top of the line MultEQ XT32. This allows calibration of all channels including the dual subwoofers with multi-channel upmixing from DTS Neo:X, Audyssey DSX, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Other top-tier features include InstaPrevue - a picture-in-picture preview for your HDMI inputs, front panel Mobil High-Definition Link HDMI port for phones or camcorders, and Cisco Linksys' SimpleTap technology. We weren't sure what that was so we looked it up:

With SimpleTap, connecting devices to the home network is magically simple. When installing new devices such as Smart TVs, printers or tablets, anyone can now use the Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app on their smartphone to get their compatible device connected in a matter of seconds. Connecting is as easy as pressing the virtual Wi-Fi Protected Setup button in the mobile app and, in the near future, as easy as scanning a Near Field Communications (NFC) tag that may be bundled with or integrated in various consumer electronic (CE) products.

The Onkyo TX-NR5010 is networked and can be controlled via Onkyo's remote app. It is also DLNA Certified for local streaming and pre-configured for many of the main streaming services such as Spotify.
But the main job of a receiver is to power speakers and rout signals. Onkyo has included a number of top quality components including a sophisticated digital-to-analog conversion stage, with PLL jitter-cleaning, VLSC noise-mitigation, and top-quality TI Burr-Brown DAC modules. Signals are then amplified through discrete Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, with a triple transistor array that cuts distortion and boosts current flow to the speakers. A new Differential DAC Mode and Digital Crossover Processing Network are also included to optimize performance when bi-wiring and bi-amping the front channels.
Onkyo has included its Dual C
ore Video Engine which pairs the HQV Vida VHD1900 module with Marvell’s Qdeo technology for upscaling to 4K. ISF video calibration inclusion allow each video input to be optimized by the power user or custom installer. The GUI is overlayed on the HDMI output for seamless interaction with your receiver.
There are some fairly glaring issues we find with the new Onkyo TX-NR5010. First, there are no analogue inputs for integrating legacy gear. The previous Onkyo model had them. Two component video inputs also seems low to us for a flagship model. The TX-NR5009 had three. While not all the stats have been released on the TX-NR5010, the only real advancements we see are the inclusion of the DTS Neo:X 11 channel support and HDMI output to Zone 2. Sure there are a few other things, but nothing all that impressive or that we can't get on other receivers for a lot less. We were also surprised that Apple's AirPlay support was not mentioned. It may come out later, but we aren't holding out much hope.

Conclusion

The selling point of the Onkyo flagship TX-NR5010 is 11.4 channel DTS Neo:X support. While it can only power nine of those channels, if you are dishing out $3000 for a receiver, we're guessing you have a few external amps lying around somewhere. With tons of other top of the line features like ISF calibration, HDMI output for Zone 2, 4k upscaling, InstaPreview, and much more, the TX-NR5010 has the guts to be the heart of your home theater. But if you aren't planning on using all 11 channels, you might be able to get most of these features for less elsewhere.

REL G-2

REL's most recent exposition on amplifier topology, driver technology and operational interface. Housed within a sumptuous furniture-grade enclosure finished in gloss piano black lacquer resides a long throw 10” long-throw carbon fiber driver powered by 450 watts of Class A/B amplifier power. The G-2 features the award-winning REL connectivity suite providing the most flexible and sonically transparent integration, weight and low-frequency authority to the main loudspeaker system. Employing an extensively braced enclosure sculpted in a truly sensuous shape, the G-2 is relativity compact and elegant with its finely tuned shape. Finished in furniture-grade hand-rubbed high-gloss piano black lacquer the G-2 will blend into virtually any interior environment. REL's vast engineering experience is evident in the G-2's power amplifier. Featuring a linear Class A/B topology employing MOS-FET devices, massive power supplies and transformers. Execution of build and component part choice is first-class resulting in extensive ruggedness and reliability. Mated to this bass engine is a tight-wind carbon fiber 10” drive unit capable of an exceptional pistonic stroke of 1-1/2 inches! This drive unit was necessary in order to generate the ultimate in loudness required to underpin today's high-performance main loudspeakers. The REL connectivity suite allows for using both high and low level input options. Exclusive to REL is the ability to blend and individually control both signals that, for example is useful in a home cinema system where the sub-bass system must reproduce both main speaker and .1/LFE low frequency content. Additionally, Class-D main power amplifiers cause no problem to the G-2 thanks to REL-D™, a proprietary circuit that creates the proper grounding environment for most Class-D amplifiers. Adding to the overall user experience is the G-2's IR remote control. The unique round disc-shaped remote features three rotary encoder dials that control all adjustments for HI/LO Level, Crossover Frequency and .1/LFE Level. Phase, and Settings Lock are controlled via toggle switches. Located on the bottom front of the G-2's enclosure is a large, bright LED readout providing a visual indication of all the G-2's current settings. Now, for the first time, setup and adjustment can be done from the comfort of you listening position.  the REL G-2 has included connectivity to allow multiple units to be used in conjunction with one another either in stereo pairs or vertically stacked towers. Doing so results in huge wave fronts of air, conveying the true power and majesty of a musical or film sound event effortlessly. The REL G-2 embodies all the traditional REL virtues of performance, design and reliability and is available for audition at your nearest authorized REL dealer.

Type: Closed box, front firing woofer Drive Unit: 10 in., 250mm long throw, carbon fiber cone Lower Frequency Response in Room: -6dB at 18Hz Input Connectors: High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level stereo phono, LFE phono, LFE XLR Output Connectors: High-Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE phono, LFE XLR Gain Control Range: 80 dB Power Output: 450 Watts (RMS) Phase Switch: Yes, 0 or 180 degrees Amplifier Type: Class AB Protection System: Fully Electronic with SET-SAFE: Yes D.C. Fault: Yes Output Short: Yes Mains Input Voltage: 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets Fuses: 5 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation 10 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation Dimensions (WHD): Including Feet 20 x 16.4 x 24 in., (508.8 x 417.3 x 610.4 mm) Net Weight: 84lbs. (38.1kg) Finish: Gloss Piano Black Lacquer Gloss Piano Black Lacquer Supplied Accessories Main Lead: Yes Neutrik Speakon Interconnect 10 Meters Nominal: Yes Users Manual: Yes Remote Control: Yes Batteries (AAA x 2): Yes Spikes (x 4): Yes Allen Key (2.5mm): Yes * In the interest of product development, we

Focal Chorus 836W Loudspeakers Hands-On Review

The 836W Prestige is a three-way bass reflex design, featuring two front-firing ports and one down-firing port. The drivers consist of three six-and-a-half-inch Sandwich W woofers, one six-and-a-half-inch Sandwich W midrange driver and a one-inch aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter. While most Focal speakers use beryllium tweeters, the 836W features an aluminum/magnesium combination that is said to enhance rigidity, while also providing greater damping. The woofers and midrange drivers feature W cones, which incorporate spun glass on either side of their foam cores. According to Focal, this extra effort is made to enhance rigidity, reduce overall mass, and improve dampening characteristics. Frequency response is 40Hz - 28kHz (+/- 3dB) and sensitivity is rated at 92dB, which means you don't need 500-watt monoblock amps to drive them.The 836Ws are fairly imposing at just over 45 inches tall by 11.1 inches wide by 14.8 inches deep. They also weigh a stout 66 pounds each and definitely make a statement in a listening room, especially my review samples, which came with Imperial Red (as Focal calls it) on either side. They're also available in black, but why not punch things up a bit?
The aluminum base is sturdy, aesthetically pleasing and also designed to provide plenty of space between it and the speaker's down-firing port.
The Hookup
I'll start this portion by saying that, given their price point, the packaging of the Focals left a bit to be desired, but they are good enough to get the speakers from point A to point B. Once you get these suckers out of the box, let me tell you that they are are aesthetically stunning. From the dramatic shape of the grille, which wisely leaves the tweeter exposed, to the gorgeous red panels on the side, they're a sight to behold and quite compelling conversation pieces.
After securing each of the speakers' aluminum bases, I connected them to my current reference system, which consists of the spectacular Cary Cinema 12 processor, which I recently reviewed, an Integra DTA-70.1 multi-channel amp, an Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player, a Cambridge Audio DacMagic, a MacBook Pro and a Music Fidelity V-Link USB to S/PDIF converter. For playback software, I used Stephen Booth's Decibel, a solid audio upgrade over iTunes that will only set you back $33. All of the cabling came courtesy of WireWorld.
Performance
After roughly 24 hours of break-in and some experimentation with placement ,First up was the soundtrack from the film Into the Wild which is a standout solo effort by Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder. I played a lossless version of the soundtrack through my MacBook Pro, connected via the V-Link and Cambridge Audio DacMagic. My mom happened to be in the room as I played the track "Hard Sun" and her comment was, "It sounds like he's standing in the room with us." Such was the experience I had time and again with the Focals. These speakers are revealing, but not in an overly clinical way. The texture in the vocals, as well as in the instrumentation, was exemplary. By closing your eyes, you could hear Eddie's fingers sliding up and down the neck of his guitar. It was quite an engaging experience and definitely the best I've heard this track sound.
 I thought it was time to jump right into some high-resolution audio, in the form of Madeleine Peyroux's "The Kind You Can't Afford." I downloaded this from HDTracks.com as part of Sound & Vision's Ultimate HiDef Music Experience, which is still available for a very affordable six bucks. What first struck me was how well the Focals conveyed all of the range and soul in Madeleine's voice. The 836Ws produced a vast, compelling image and weren't overly picky about placement. Some of the sweetest-sounding tweeters I've heard have been made of beryllium, an incredibly strong, lightweight element that is also used to make missiles, though I prefer its high-end audio applications. As I mentioned in the introduction, Focal chose an aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter for the 836's, and it is an absolute stunner. This tweeter is right up there with some of the best I've heard in terms of being detailed and open, without sounding the least bit edgy or harsh, regardless of what's playing through it. Further, I would say that in terms of frequency range, it was the highs that really stood out to me again and again as I listened to the Focals. I am in no way suggesting a lack of balance in the speakers - rather, I'm simply pointing to the fact that, in my opinion, the tweeter is the star of this show.

Next up was a bit of rock in the form of The Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Rain Dance Maggie" from their latest offering I'm With You (Warner Brothers). This is the standout track on the album and it features plenty of low-frequency material, which was conveyed with authority through the Focals. They threw a broad, resounding soundstage with Anthony Kiedis' voice floating in the middle of the room. A common theme with audiophiles, when we encounter speakers of this caliber, is to make the statement "I heard things in the track I've never heard before." That was the case here. I went ahead and throttled the volume, not just to test how the speakers would handle it, but also because I was enjoying the experience. In case you're wondering, the Focals hold up extremely well at high volume, showing no strain and no lack of coherence. I doubt the same could be said of my neighbors after that particular listening session.

Craving a bit more high-res love, I played Peter Gabriel's "Flume," which is a Bon Iver cover from Gabriel's Scratch My Back (EMI). This is yet another HDTrack's download and one of my favorites thus far. Each keystroke of the piano was an audible treat, creating its own voice in this haunting track. The Focals conveyed Gabriel's vocals with an eerie transparency, showing spot-on resolution and truly remarkable balance. I know I keep harping on their high-frequency acumen, but their midrange prowess is also considerable. It will probably come as no surprise that their dynamic range is also notable, especially in this song as moments of quiet instrumentation transition into loud, shrill vocals from Gabriel. This one begged to be played back several times. I found the Focals' midrange performance on this and other tracks to be sweet, smooth and highly detailed.

Next up was an audiophile favorite in the form of Hugh Masekela's "Stimela," which is from his album Hope (Triloka Records), This was an absolute audio treat and the best I've heard this track sound since that Burmester demo, which featured over $150,000 worth of gear. "Thank you for coming in, sir, would you like to buy a condo or an audio system?" Who buys this stuff? Anyway, back to the track, it runs the gamut in terms of high, low and midrange frequencies. From Hugh mimicking the whistle of the coal train, to his brilliant horn play, to the drum beats thumping in my chest, the Focals provided a truly transformative experience. Their resolution and coherence were simply stunning, as were their ability to recreate live music without adding any unwanted sonic artifacts.

The Downside
you're going to need space and potential spousal approval. It's also worth noting that their overall design is dramatic, especially if you opt for the red panels on the sides. While these aren't negatives per se, these types of design elements can make it more difficult to fit them into a given room/lifestyle.
In terms of performance, while I thought their low-frequency performance was spot-on and well balanced, I will say that total bass junkies and maybe fans of rap music might want to look elsewhere, as these speakers simply weren't designed to plumb those sorts of depths. I don't care how low these speakers are measured, in a top-performing system, I would look for a subwoofer (or two) to pair them with, as they have the potential to shine even more by leaving the truly deep stuff to the subs. Not that you "need" subs with the Focals, but if you want to go all the way, this is the path. Very reasonably, I could suggest this would be an upgrade path after the credit card is paid down a little.

Competition and Comparison
While I haven't heard an abundance of speakers that can compare with the 836Ws, especially in their price range, I can recall a couple of standout demos. One speaker that blew me away a few years ago at CES was the PSB Synchrony One, which retails for $5,500/pair. If you put the screws to me, I'd tell you that I would save the thousand bucks and buy the Focals, as I prefer a more open, airy top end and the PSBs are a bit darker in character.
Another speaker worth a look, or I guess I should say listen, is the Usher Mini Dancer 2, which retails for $5,000 per pair. This is another speaker company that put on an amazing demo at CES, though the same can't be said of their website. The Ushers feature a beryllium/titanium tweeter that rivals that of the Focals and their fit and finish is also exemplary.
Monitor Audio is another manufacturer that might be worth your time, specifically the Gold GX300 which retails for $5,500 per pair. While I haven't listened to the GX300s, I can tell you that Monitor Audio speakers are generally well-received by the audiophile community. All of that said, if $5,000 for a pair of speakers is simply out of your price range, I would suggest taking a look at some of PSB's other, more affordable speaker lines such as the Imagine T, which can be had for a couple of grand per pair.
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Conclusion
There's a level of sophistication to the sound of the Focals that (I'm going to be chided for saying this) you really do need to spend this kind of money to hear. There are some very rare exceptions to this rule: Magnepan comes to mind, although with Maggies, you're going to sacrifice some low-end performance and you need big power to drive them properly. As I mentioned in the Competition and Comparison section, comparable speakers, at least the ones I've heard, are going to cost you about the same as the Focals.
Every aspect of the 836Ws smacks of the high end, from their design, both internally and externally, to their ability to peel back every layer of the instrumentation and vocals in a given piece of music. Also, due to their revealing nature, they'll let you know right away if the track you've fired up is of lesser audio quality, something I demand in a speaker.
A truly high-end pair of speakers can bring you back to your first concert, back to your childhood,This was my experience with the Focals, as they literally made me want to take a couple of days off from work and do nothing but re-experience my music collection. Just about all of what I heard during both critical and casual listening sessions simply blew me away. If budget constraints have you wincing at these price points, I strongly recommend putting the majority of your budget into speakers of this caliber, then doing your homework to mate them with an affordable, high-performing amp and processor combination.
 the Focal 836Ws are the best-sounding speakers I've had in my listening room to date. I've spent more time compiling this review than any other I've written, mainly in an effort to explain just how good these speakers.by sean killebrew

REVEL Concerta Loudspeaker Series

The Revel® brand was begun in 1996 with the express goal of building the world’s finest loudspeakers. Undertaking such a goal – let alone accomplishing it – would require an investment in research, engineering and manufacturing facilities unprecedented for a startup company. Yet with the resources of Harman International fully behind it, the very first Revel system, the Ultima Gem® loudspeaker, caught the attention of reviewers and audiophiles around the world. The consensus? “Live music in the home just doesn’t get any better.”
Revel systems continue to set the standard for acoustical accuracy, benefiting from cutting-edge design tools unavailable to most manufacturers. The proprietary anechoic chambers and Multichannel Listening Lab facilitate precise measurements and double-blind listening tests under conditions that duplicate a wide variety of listening environments. A laser interferometer enables comprehensive driver and cabinet assessments at every stage of development. Finite-element analysis streamlines advanced loudspeaker modeling. Stereo lithography equipment allows Revel engineers to achieve the tightest manufacturing tolerances.
By design, Revel Concerta™ Series loudspeakers offer amazing value. But you can be assured that they’ve been developed with the same stringent attention to musical honesty and engineering precision that are the hallmarks of every Revel system.

Philips' unannounced 9 series flagship TVs get exposed

already unveiled an entire set of HD, LCD televisions back at last year's CES, the next obvious step for Philips would be to work its way up the entertainment ladder and take the wraps off of its flagship 9 series. Fortunately for us (and you), though, a recently leaked document's giving us an early peek of what we can expect from the manufacturer as it tries to re-invade living rooms all over the globe. According to the revealing docs, Philips will be adding the 9707 and 9607 Smart TVs to its 9 series repertoire, offering viewers a choice between a relatively large 46-inch or a more colossal 60-incher -- both reportedly "very thin." Additionally, the intelligent couple's said to be loaded with 3D Max features, a 1200Hz Perfect Motion Rate system, and both are expected to be powered by the outfit's Perfect Pixel HD processing technology.given its Smart TV status, it'll come with the usual WiFi capabilities as well as a number of apps to pick from.

Sony STR-DN1030 AV receiver with AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth

 the AirPlay sporting, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth AV is officially available. The 7.2 channel, 145-watt per channel STR-DN1030 retails for $499 and is the first AV receiver to not require some sort of dongle or other accessory, to connect wirelessly to your other gadgets. That means it is all that much easier to stream music to it from your Apple AirPlay, DLNA, or Sony Entertainment Network source. All seven of the inputs on the back support HD and of course the usual assortment of audio codecs and video up conversion features you'd expect are included. Still not sure it's right for your home theater? Maybe the additional details in the press release after the break will push you over the edge.by ben drawbaugh

KEF Reference Series 205/2

Model 205/2 is an assertively musical performer when it comes to conveying the nuances of recorded sound – full-bodied, vigorous and sublimely expansive without ever compromising the unerring fidelity with which it reproduces intricate detail, however complex.kef.com
Model	Model 205/2
Design	Bass reflex three-way floorstanding loudspeaker, magnetically shielded
Drive Units	2 x 200mm (8in.) LF, 1 x 165mm (6.5in.) Uni-Q MF including a 25mm (1in.) titanium HF
Crossover Frequencies	400Hz, 2.3kHz
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)	90dB
Frequency Response (+/-3dB)	45Hz - 60kHz
Maximum Output	115dB
Amplifier Requirements	50 - 300W
Magnetic Shielding	Yes
Impedance	8 Ohms (3.2 Ohms min)
Bass Extension	35Hz (-6dB)
Weight	33Kg (72.6lbs)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1105 x 285 x 433 mm (43.5 x 11.2 x 17 in.)
Finishes	Piano Black, High Gloss American Walnut, High Gloss Cherry, Satin Black, Satin American Walnut, Satin Cherry and Satin Sycamore real wood veneers