By Demian Russian
Expanding its product line to include upscale separate components, Onkyo unveiled three new THX-Certified components yesterday. The new Onkyo PR-SC5508 is Sirius (NASDAQ: SIRI) ready, and it’s also the company’s first A/V preamplifier/processor that is both 3D-Ready and THX-Certified. The PR-SC5508 is designed to be paired with the new Onkyo PA-MC5500, a nine-channel THX-Ultra2 Plus certified analog power amplifier that is 8-ohm rated at 150 Watts per channel, and up to 400 Watts dynamic power into 3 ohms. Onkyo also announced the matching BD-SP808, a THX Certified and DLNA 1.5 Certified BD Live Blu-ray Disc Player with Marvel Qdeo video scaler.
“Sixteen years ago, Onkyo created a revolution in home theater with its introduction of the world’s first THX Certified AV receiver, the TX-SV919THX. Onkyo’s engineers have worked closely with THX to maximize the home theater experience for consumers. Now we are introducing a trio of high-end component separates. Their build-quality, market-leading features, and THX-Certified performance will ensure that Onkyo will quickly become a major factor in this higher realm of the AV marketplace.”
– Paul Wasek, Onkyo’s marketing manager
Onkyo’s new PR-SC5508 A/V preamplifier/processor is a THX-Ultra 2 Plus certified, network-capable, 9.2-channel audio-video controller. Networking features of the PR-SC5508 include DLNA 1.5 and Windows 7 compatible connection to PC audio and internet radio. The system comes configured for Sirius, Slacker, Pandora, Rhapsody, Mediafly, Napster, and VTuner Internet Radio. The PR-SC5508 is a THX-Ultra 2 Plus certified system offering surround sound, height channels, setup calibration, and state of the art processing from Dolby, THX, DTS, and Audyssey, including their new MultEQ XT 32. The PR-SC5508 connectivity options include: 8 HDMI inputs, dual USB’s, two balanced line-level XLR audio inputs, and nine XLR preamp outputs to drive the matching PA-MC5500 nine-channel power amplifier.
The PR-SC5508 Receiver, as well as the PA-MC5500 amplifier and the BD-SP808 Blu-ray disc player, will begin shipping to dealers in September. The PR-SC5508 carries a suggested retail price of $2,199, the PA-MC550 is $1,699, and the BD-SP808 has a suggest retail price of $599.
Position: Long SIRI
Contact the Author: demianrussian@satelliteradioplayground.com
