AliceOnkyo has unveiled a THX Integrated System-certified home cinema package; all the user need do is connect a TV (or projector) and add a source.
Available in June and priced at £1299.99, the 7.1-Channel HT-S9800THX A/V Receiver/Speaker Package supports object-based soundtracks, pass-through of 4K HDR features including HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), and BT.2020, as well as wireless multi-room audio distribution and music streaming via Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi (both which will be enabled with a firmware update), AirPlay, and more.
The HT-S9800THX features two-way acoustic-suspension speakers complete with white A-OMF drivers and front-firing subwoofer, but adds a new 165w/ch network A/V receiver.
Users can play spatially-mixed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, while Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X up-mix legacy soundtracks on DVD and Blu-ray for “convincing playback” when using a pair of the four supplied surrounds in Front Top configuration.
Alternatively, these speakers can be deployed as rear surrounds in 7.1 layout, or connected to the receiver’s Powered Zone 2 outputs for stereo distribution of network, S/PDIF, and analogue music sources – all while retaining a 5.1 configuration in the living room.
Selectable 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi supports Chromecast built-in. Users can stream to the receiver from any supported music app. AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi, and Bluetooth wireless audio technologies are also on board for easy streaming from compatible devices.
Audio services built into the receiver, including Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn, together with network-attached music on media server, can be cued up with Onkyo Controller app for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices and played to Onkyo NCP-302 wireless speakers in other rooms over FireConnect powered by Blackfire.
Unlike other wireless distribution systems, FireConnect also enables audio from players connected to receiver’s external analogue terminals to be shared wirelessly.
A front HDMI input is handy for temporary device connections (such as video cameras), while HDMI Sub Out can connect a projector or secondary display.
The receiver’s non-phase-shift amplifiers, the heart of the Dynamic Audio Amplification system, are fed via a digital signal processing system comprising 384 kHz/32-bit (AK4458) DAC and patented VLSC filtering that erases pulse noise.
