Onkyo's exciting entry A/V receiver trio

Philip Wong | Mar 21, 2008

It was a no-brainer when Onkyo launched the brilliant 2007 TX-SR605 price-buster with cutting-edge onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. Not only was this model awarded the coveted CNET Editors' Choice, they were also flying off the shelves at record time during our recent visit at a local A/V dealer. For 2008, the Japanese company is back with trio of entry-level receivers: TX-SR506 (S$689), TX-SR576 (US$479) and TX-SR606 (S$1,019).

These have inherited most of the value-added features of the 605, including Audyssey 2EQ automatic audio calibration system and zone 2--think secondary bedroom setup--loudspeaker support. New on the plate, however, is a Music Optimizer function to restore musicality of compressed MP3 soundtracks and upgraded HDMI connectivity. Surround sound support-wise, the 606 does just about every format under the sun, while the 576 is limited up to high-res Dolby Digital Plus and 506, the legacy equivalents.

The TX-SR506 and TX-SR606 will be launched in Singapore from April. Details for the rest of the region were not available at press time.

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