Audioholics Processor-Receiver Features Checklist

[Audioholics]

<P><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/uploads/grid1.gif"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2><IMG style="WIDTH: 108px; HEIGHT: 100px" alt=[grid1] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/grid1_th.gif" align=left border=0></FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>We completely revamped our processor/receiver feature checklist in order to make it easier to use (and much easier for us to update). We've removed the scoring since the reviews address that, and enhanced it to more easily compare features between the current and past models. We've also added an integrated Definitions Guide that will explain each of the features in detail so you know what we are basing our ratings on.&nbsp;Clicking on the manufacturer/model number will also take you directly to the review of that product. As the feature checklist grows we will continue to add additional products and information and will eventually&nbsp;archive old products to make room for current models. Give it a look and let us know what you think, we hope that you will find it helpful and easy to use.</FONT></P><P><FONT face=Arial size=2>[Check Out the Features Checklist]</FONT></P>
*Note: Due to the fact that we do not currently possess all of the gear in this list, we had to reconstruct certain elements from the information we had available. We strive to do our best, but if you notice any errors, please feel free to contact us at info@audioholics.com and let us know.

 

[HookedOnSound]

Nice chart.

I think some ppl might like to see control output/12v trigger for power-on needs.

Great job guys!

 

[9f9c7z]

12v triggers is an excellent idea. Would also like to know how many triggers and if they are programmable, i.e. delay 12v on, delay 12v off, reverse polarity, constant 12v supply vs. 12v on for x-seconds then off, etc.

Also would like to see if the pre/pro has been submitted for product safety approval, i.e. APEX, CSA, TUV, or UL. Note: CE is not a product safety approval designation.

 

[Audioholics]

Excellent suggestions. I think the 12v triggers are a needed addition and we can add that.

 

[WndrBr3d]

Personally I find it dissapointing Harman/Kardon's only showing on that chart is their LOWEST offering in the Receiver market.

Lets get some more H/K product coverage!

 

[JohnA]

I think something else that would be helpful is the number of zones (2 or 3) and if those zones also have video. Just my $.02

 

[patnshan]

Personally I find it dissapointing Harman/Kardon's only showing on that chart is their LOWEST offering in the Receiver market.

Lets get some more H/K product coverage!

And no Marantz!!!!

 

[Jaycan]

If you are including BNC connectors, you might as well include XLR as well, since as many, if not more people, are interested in "balanced" connectors.

 

[Audioholics]

patnshan: Marantz is sending us the 9600.

Jaycan: XLRs are already on there as "Balanced Analogue I/Os" (third from bottom in last section)

JohnA: We addressed multiple Zones in a couple ways that makes something stand out - namely "Discrete Source Multi-room/Multi-zone" and "Multi-room Surround Support" (both in the first section). We didn't add a number though.

 

[msconfig]

great list

great list -- I was looking for a head to head comp. chart -- thanx

some minor help hope this doesn't annoy anyone--

I've looked, what seems like forever just pls some one answer (and pls don't push a denon):

ONKYO TX-NR801 vs PIONEER VSX-1015TXK vs YAMAHA RX-V2500
WHICH ONE?

 

[Audioholics]

Due to popular request (and the fact that it makes a ton of sense) we just added a line item for 12V triggers.

 

[moverton]

I would suggest an item for discrete IR remote inputs for ALL functions. I have had an amazing amount of problems trying to automate receivers. Way to many settings are toggle types that you can never predict where they will end up.

 

[ArtV]

I always find you reviews to be very detail oriented and found your receiver/processor checklist to be very informative. As I own the RDC-7.1, I was very inerested to see how it stacks up. Reading the checklist, I did find some errors. Don't give any credit to the manual, wow it's a tough read.

1) The processor does convert all signals to HDMI. From the manual: • Any input video signal that is not supplied through the HDMI IN terminal (analog video input) will be present on the HDMI OUT terminal......

2) The processor does/can apply bass management to the 7.1 inputs. The unit has direct and pure audio described as: Direct - This mode allows you to enjoy pure sounds straight from an original source. Every channel of the input source will be output “as is” to respective channels. Pure Audio - In addition to the Direct mode, playback of music faithful to the original sounds is enabled because display window is turned off to minimize noise (the power supply to the video circuitry is also off, so nothing is displayed on the screen).

I believe Multichannel mode allows for bass management on the Multichannel inputs. I know it applies the a/d d/a conversion because the following playback modes are supported in addition to multichannel, direct and pure audio: Stereo, Mono, THX, Mono Movie, Enhance, Orchestra, Unplugged, Studio-Mix, TV Logic, All Ch Stereo, Full Mono and Dolby VS

3) The notch filter allows the user to set the width and depth and in facts identifies to the user the high and low frequencies of the filter. Apart from allowing the user to boost a frequency, which I have been led to believe should not be done, I don't see how this only has "some aspects of this feature".

4) BNC component video is an available card. It should not be listed as having only "some aspects of this feature".

5) As the option of one, two or no subwoofers is selectable for Direct and Pure Audio listening modes, I don't see how it only has some aspects of his feature. (continued)

 

[ArtV]

(continued)

6) Two subwoofers are configurable from the menu. The pre/pro should have earned the green box.

7) The IR can run two 7.1 systems so should have received credit for that feature.

The Anthem only has a 5.1 analog input yet received a green box for being able to apply bass management to the 7.1 input. I only know this because with the new (impending?) surround formats, the 7.1 channel input could be very important. The lack of that feature was deciding factor in not purchasing a D1. Now that I think of it, 7.1 input vs. 5.1 should be a feature on your chart. Given the unlikelyhood pf a combined Blue Ray/HD-DVD player, maybe having two of them could also be a chart feature.

Net Tune should also be a feature on your chart. It may not be perfect but it's definately cool enough to earn some credit.

I was unaware that the IR unit had any kind of windows based interface. Tell me more, that sounds pretty cool!

Please understand that this is anything but a complaint post. I find your site to be very informative and if I at all came off as bitter then I have failed to properly express myself. I have read some posts with 'tones' you correctly objected to and this is not one of them. I just couldn't sleep tonight. In any event your hard work is very much appreciated.

ArtV

 

[gene]

1) The processor does convert all signals to HDMI. From the manual: • Any input video signal that is not supplied through the HDMI IN terminal (analog video input) will be present on the HDMI OUT terminal......

fixed, though no DVD-A/SACD over HDMI since only ver 1.0

2) The processor does/can apply bass management to the 7.1 inputs. The unit has direct and pure audio described as: Direct - This mode allows you to enjoy pure sounds straight from an original source. Every channel of the input source will be output “as is” to respective channels. Pure Audio - In addition to the Direct mode, playback of music faithful to the original sounds is enabled because display window is turned off to minimize noise (the power supply to the video circuitry is also off, so nothing is displayed on the screen).

I believe Multichannel mode allows for bass management on the Multichannel inputs. I know it applies the a/d d/a conversion because the following playback modes are supported in addition to multichannel, direct and pure audio: Stereo, Mono, THX, Mono Movie, Enhance, Orchestra, Unplugged, Studio-Mix, TV Logic, All Ch Stereo, Full Mono and Dolby VS

fixed, but please confirm. I seem to recall bass management wasnt applied to the EXT inputs

3) The notch filter allows the user to set the width and depth and in facts identifies to the user the high and low frequencies of the filter. Apart from allowing the user to boost a frequency, which I have been led to believe should not be done, I don't see how this only has "some aspects of this feature".

It received partial credit since the notch filter on our review sample had issues (see review) in that it applied it globally to all channels causing ringing and noise. Until we can confirm if they fixed this problem without adding additional issues with their alterations, the score will remain as such.

4) BNC component video is an available card. It should not be listed as having only "some aspects of this feature".

It’s not a standard feature.

5) As the option of one, two or no subwoofers is selectable for Direct and Pure Audio listening modes, I don't see how it only has some aspects of his feature. (continued)

To my knowledge, you don’t have independent level control and digital delay compensation for each subwoofer output thus the partial credit was given.

6) Two subwoofers are configurable from the menu. The pre/pro should have earned the green box.

Please confirm the above?

7) The IR can run two 7.1 systems so should have received credit for that feature.

You cannot run them simultaneously to my knowledge, and definitely NOT independently like the Denon AVR-5805.

The Anthem only has a 5.1 analog input yet received a green box for being able to apply bass management to the 7.1 input. I only know this because with the new (impending?) surround formats, the 7.1 channel input could be very important. The lack of that feature was deciding factor in not purchasing a D1. Now that I think of it, 7.1 input vs. 5.1 should be a feature on your chart. Given the unlikelyhood pf a combined Blue Ray/HD-DVD player, maybe having two of them could also be a chart feature.

Thanks for the tip. I have demoted their score to yellow in two areas regarding 7.1 inputs.

Net Tune should also be a feature on your chart. It may not be perfect but it's definately cool enough to earn some credit.

I am not sure where to add that, perhaps extra radio options?

I was unaware that the IR unit had any kind of windows based interface. Tell me more, that sounds pretty cool!

We are referring to a receiver editor type feature which I recall the Integra Reseach rep discussing at a seminar before we did our review. Since I no longer have the unit, I cannot confirm specifics. Perhaps consult your dealer.

Please understand that this is anything but a complaint post. I find your site to be very informative and if I at all came off as bitter then I have failed to properly express myself. I have read some posts with 'tones' you correctly objected to and this is not one of them. I just couldn't sleep tonight. In any event your hard work is very much appreciated.

No offense taken at all. We love critical feedback and realize we are only human and likely error more than most people. Its appreciative to have folks like you watch our back to make sure our content is as accurate as possible. Many thanks!

 

[supervij]

Um, this will sound kinda silly, since it has nothing to do with specs and brands and such. Looking at the chart is a little confusing, as the green squares are very close in colour to the yellow squares. Maybe it's just my monitor, but with a casual glance, I see just the green and the red. Of course, I'm very mildly colourblind . . . Might I suggest a different colour in place of the yellow? A blue, perhaps, or an orange?

cheers,
supervij

 

[biorep]

this is great

 

[9f9c7z]

. . . Might I suggest a different colour in place of the yellow? A blue, perhaps, or an orange?

If there was to be a change in the colors, the greatest contrast between three colors is always with the primary colors; red, yellow, and blue. That said, I think we are pre-programmed for stoplight colors; green being 'good' or go, yellow being 'sort of' or caution, and red being 'no' stop, danger, etc ... The green/yellow/red color scheme sort of prevails without any need for an explaination.

 

[9f9c7z]

If you wanted to you could correct the info for the Parasound Halos in the features checklist. I have one of those critters, won’t claim to know everything about it, but:

- 12v triggers: box might be better as green. Halos have 3 triggers; one is fixed, the other two are fully programmable.

- Windows based software: maybe this box needs to be green, if it is what I think it is. There is a windows application for loading on a pc that allows settings to be made, retrieved and saved, or the pre/pro operated.

- Upgradeable hardware: firmware updates are available and can only be loaded via a windows application. Parasound does not warranty any of the upgrades so no taking a Halo to a dealer or factor, strictly diy, but the upgrades are downloaded form Parasound’s website.

- Assignable Mode: has a yellow box. I am not aware of any ability to assign a specific digital audio mode to a specific input. Doesn’t exist in the ‘Input Setup’ menu. I haven’t figured this out yet but there are time when the Halo will sense what the incoming signal is and change its mode itself, and there are times when it doesn’t.

- Adjustable turn-on level: The Halo comes on at the same volume level it was at when turned off, unless the volume exceeded –20db. In that case, the Halo comes on at –20db to prevent that blast of sound you mentioned. Not sure if that makes qualifies for a yellow or green box.

- DTS 96/24: per the ‘New Mode Table’ for the latest firmware upgrade, DTS 96/24 is now listed as being there IF the firmware update is loaded. If that makes for a yellow box, then lip sync delay should probably be yellow, too.

- Lip Sync Delay: the box is green, but it is only available IF the firmware upgrade is loaded, otherwise, not there, like DTS 96/24.

When I get a chance I’ll look thru the rest of the Halo stuff.

About that ‘multi room surround support’ box … maybe it should be removed from the checklist altogether. It’s so far removed from what a reasonable expectation of a pre/pro is, kind of like the Halo’s ability to support 12 channels of surround sound via all of its programmable analog outputs. They’re both stuff that probably appeals to someone somewhere, but not something that belongs in a typical pre/pro. Perhaps a ‘weird stuff you might like’ category and you can subjectively rate the usefulness of those features like is done with the ‘DSP Enhancement Modes’.

 

[supervij]

If there was to be a change in the colors, the greatest contrast between three colors is always with the primary colors; red, yellow, and blue. That said, I think we are pre-programmed for stoplight colors; green being 'good' or go, yellow being 'sort of' or caution, and red being 'no' stop, danger, etc ... The green/yellow/red color scheme sort of prevails without any need for an explaination.

I quite agree that the green/yellow/red colour scheme works, but think about the stop lights. The three lights are in three separate areas, and we know which colour will be where. The red "stop" colour will never be at the bottom where the green "go" colour is supposed to be. But in a chart such as this, the colours can be anywhere.

Consider the Benchmark chart, where the colour scheme is green/blue/red for good/pass/fail. A simple glance at that chart and you know what's what. I guess it's just my eyesight, which I admit is mildly colour-blind, but the green and the yellow in the receiver chart look way too close for a simple glance.

No worries. It was just a suggestion.

cheers,
supervij