Onkyo TX-SR806B 7.1-Channel THX Ultra2Plus A/V Receiver

This mid-range receiver breaks into high-end territory

The TXSR806 occupies a unique position in the Onkyo line-up. They class it as a mid-range A/V receiver; but with its advanced capabilities and THX Ultra2Plus certification, it's a worthy challenger for high-end status. Built with high definition entertainment in mind, the TXSR806 accommodates up to five HDMI sources that can handle both 1080p video and studio master-quality surround sound. That's more high def sources than you'll find on any other Onkyo A/V receiver. And as if that weren't enough, an onboard Faroudja DCDi Cinema processor scales all standard definition sources to 1080p for HDMI output, or to 1080i for component video output. This model also features Onkyo's HDMI-based system control capability, compatibility with both XM and SIRIUS satellite radio programming, enhanced compatibility with Onkyo's optional iPod control docks (not included), and a flexible suite of multi-source/multi-zone capabilities. The TXSR806 amplification modules benefit from Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry, delivering 130 watts per channel into 8 ohm loads. The new dual push-pull amplifier configuration, coupled with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit and top-of-the-line Cirrus Logic DACs provide outstanding efficiency and high current with very low distortion. Endowed with the amplification power and dependability expected from an Onkyo A/V receiver, the TXSR806 stands out as a natural choice for high performance home theater.

More computer chips than your PC

Onkyo didn't skimp on either the quantity or quality of processing power for the TXSR806. A Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processor provides upscaling of all video signals to 1080p for output over HDMI, regardless of input, greatly simplifying connectivity for modern video displays. The video upconversion technology also delivers 1080i resolution through the component video outputs. Dual Texas Instruments Aureus DSP chips handle digital audio processing, including onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital HD, and DTS-HD Master Audio, making this receiver fully capable of exploiting the high definition audio capabilities of Blu-ray and HD-DVD disc formats. Finally, there are seven Cirrus Logic 192kHz/24-bit DACs, one for each channel.

The HDMI you've been waiting for

The TXSR806's five 1080p and Deep Color capable HDMI v1.3a inputs provide the most advanced interface for transporting both uncompressed high definition (HD) video and uncompressed multichannel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It's among the first receivers available to include decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multichannel audio formats from Blu-ray and HD-DVD players. In addition to its HDMI inputs, the Onkyo TXSR806 includes two HD (50 MHz) bandwidth component video, five S-Video, and five composite video inputs to accommodate other sources. There are a total of six digital audio inputs, a phono input, as well as eight analog audio inputs and two outputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including an optical digital audio jack, allow easy connection of A/V or audio devices such as a camcorder or portable MP3 player.

THX performance designed in from the start

From early design concepts to product rollout, THX and Onkyo worked together to assure every detail of this receiver was mapped to the THX performance standards. And THX engineers spent countless hours testing and analyzing for sound quality, usability, and interoperability. The first Onkyo receiver awarded THX Ultra2Plus certification (for 3,000 cubic foot and larger rooms with screen distances of 12 feet or more), the TXSR806 demonstrates that it has met the rigorous design and performance standards set by THX. Every certified receiver includes a number of proprietary THX technologies, designed to compensate for the acoustical errors that occur when movies, music, and games are translated from the professional studio to the home environment. For the end user, the THX standards enhance the overall system's ability to present movies exactly the way they were mixed by the filmmaker on the dubbing stage; and the additional listening modes that enhance playback performance of music, movies, and video games. This receiver also includes the recently announced THX Loudness Plus technology, which improves audio reproduction at reduced volume levels by adjusting front-to-back speaker levels and frequency balance to assure the highest possible level of detail and fidelity to the original soundtrack at listening volumes below the THX reference level.

Get in the zone

This Onkyo A/V receiver includes the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol that allows for automatic integration of many system control functions among compatible components via the HDMI connection. RIHD seamlessly integrates with Toshiba's CE-Link and Panasonic's EZ-Sync, as well as similar protocols from Samsung and Sharp. Common functions include one-button system on/standby control, volume control punch-through from display remote control to the A/V receiver, and a direct change function that automatically selects the correct receiver input and begins playback for RIHD source components. The TXSR806 features Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, which can be used to power stereo speakers in a second room while listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone thanks to a dedicated set of zone 2 L/R speaker terminals. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver. For those with main stereo LR loudspeakers that support bi-amplification, the back surround channels can also be reconfigured for this operating mode.

Iliad and Audyssey MultEQ room acoustics correction

With unquestionably no relation to Homer's 9th century BC epic poems of the Trojan War, Audyssey MultEQ automatic speaker calibration provides remarkable improvements in performance by calibrating the home theater system to its acoustical environment. With this system, the included calibration microphone is used to analyze the system's acoustical output at up to eight unique positions in the listening area. By taking readings in different locations in the theater room, with the microphone placed at the listening positions, the receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the input from the microphone to adjust both frequency response and time domain corrections for each speaker throughout the entire listening area, rather than just at a single position. The TXSR806 employs the new Audyssey Dynamic EQ algorithm, which adds moment-by-moment refinement to the receiver's frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deterioration in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels. When used in combination with the Audyssey MultEQ system, this feature tailors the receiver's output to correct for room acoustics, listening position, and playback-level distortions, delivering an overall experience that is a much closer match to what the audio production engineers originally intended.

Now you make the choice

Time was when A/V receiver manufacturers selected either XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio compatibility for their products, but no more. Onkyo's TXSR806 makes it easier than ever to bring satellite radio into the living room, featuring compatibility with both XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming. The addition of an optional antenna/tuner system for either service enables you to subscribe to and receive hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, and entertainment programming. (Satellite radio hardware, subscription, and activation are not included; service and activation fees apply.) There's also a high quality terrestrial radio tuner built into the TXSR806 with 40 random presets for AM, FM, XM, or SIRIUS stations.

Big sound from your little iPod

Onkyo designed this receiver to take complete advantage of the company's optional DS-A2x/A2/A1 Remote Interactive iPod dock/charger units (not included). With the iPod placed in the dock, it becomes a source component for not only audio playback, but also for photography stored in iPod photo units. Basic iPod controls such as play, pause, stop, skip, and random/repeat functions can all be operated via the TXSR806's preprogrammed learning remote control. This receiver also includes the Onkyo's new Music Optimizer software, which improves the quality of MP3 and AAC encoded audio source material. While these compressed audio formats sound quite acceptable over small headphones or PC speaker systems, when reproduced on a full-scale home theater system the loss of high frequency information becomes much more apparent. The Music Optimizer employs sophisticated equalization and optimization algorithms to overcome these faults, and enhances the reproduction quality of digitally compressed music.

What's in a name?

Onkyo, which takes its name from the Japanese on meaning sound and kyo meaning harmony, has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about Onkyo and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com.