ONKYO TAKES NEW DIRECTION WITH
FULLY-FEATURED HOME CINEMA PRE/PRO
Fully balanced outputs and leading-edge specification combine to thrilling effect…
Onkyo, Britain’s No.1 manufacturer of home cinema receivers, has introduced the
PR-SC886, a flagship three-zone, THX Ultra2 Plus-certified AV preamplifier-processor (Pre/Pro) that aims to raise the bar for versatility, picture quality and sonic performance in the consumer home cinema and custom installation sectors.
OVERVIEW – Onkyo
PR-SC886 Home Cinema pre-amp/processor - £1500
• THX Ultra2 Plus Certified (with THX Listening Modes)
• Decodes all HD Audio formats
• ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) Video Calibration Function
• HDMI Video Upscaling (Up to 1080p) with HQV Reon-VX
• HDMI Audio and Video Processing (4 Inputs and 2 Outputs [Main/Sub])
• Toroidal Transformer and Two Separate Transformers for Audio and Video Processing
• Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-Bit Audio DACs (PCM1796) for All Channels
• Three TI (Aureus™) 32-Bit DSP Chips for Advanced Processing
• Audyssey MultEQ™ XT to Correct Room Acoustic Problems and to Calibrate Speakers
• Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for the iPod
• 7.1-Channel Balanced Line-Level XLR Pre Outs (with Front Bi-Amping Capability)
• 2-Channel Balanced XLR Audio Inputs
• Network Capability for Installing Crestron and AMX Controllers
• Aluminium Front Panel
• Pre-programmed RI (Remote Interactive) Learning Remote Control with Macros and Mode-Key LEDs
The biggest challenge in describing this amazing product is knowing where to start. Let’s kick off with its video-handling capabilities...
Easily one of the
PR-SC886’s biggest advantages is the inclusion of Imaging Science Foundation's Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc) for all video inputs. This technology allows for tailored image quality calibration of all video sources to be done within the Pre/Pro rather than the video display, allowing for individual calibration of every source while still using a single cable connection to the display. The resulting image quality is of the highest order possible. Period…
As you might expect, it also includes state of the art high definition audio and video processing circuits and extensive switching capabilities, capabilities that make it ideal for AV surround production/post-production monitoring as well as consumer and custom installation home cinema applications.
To ensure unparalleled video quality Onkyo has once again employed Silicon Optix' premium HQV Reon-VX chip which provides studio-quality upscaling of all sources to 1080p over HDMI, and also provides analogue component video upscaling to 1080i. There are four HDMI, three component video, and six S-Video/composite inputs. There are two HDMI outputs to facilitate applications such as a multi-display system, or to allow for the use of set-up monitor in the same room as a projector.
On the audio side, the
PR-SC886 includes decoding and processing of every major home cinema audio format in use today including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition to the acclaimed Audyssey MultEQ XT room acoustics correction system, it also features the powerful new processing capabilities of THX Loudness Plus and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, both of which are designed to improve the home cinema experience when listening at moderate sound levels. It also adds Audyssey's Dynamic Volume, which maintains consistent overall volume levels regardless of changes in the source.
The
PR-SC886 is also Audyssey Multi EX Pro-capable – this facility allows for even more extensive equalisation control using optional Audyssey software installed on an outboard laptop/PC. From an audio processing point of view this Pre/Pro adopts a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude... Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACS (PCM1796) are employed for all channels while a trio of TI Aureus 32-bit chips take care of DSP duties.
With three transformers secreted within its formidable-looking exterior - a main toroidal plus separate transformers for audio and video processing - there are no issues when it comes to ensuring that the technology within the Onkyo is properly powered.
Balanced audio outputs for every channel (via XLR-type sockets) as well as line-level inputs, allow this Onkyo to sit at the heart of the most ambitious large-scale home cinema systems (balanced outputs allow the use of long interconnects to remotely located power amplifiers or active loudspeakers without incurring the usual signal losses).
Naturally, consumers are free to adjust all the available video parameters but Onkyo strongly recommends that an ISF-certified calibration technician be employed to achieve optimal image quality for each of the video inputs. Previously, video calibration was usually limited to one source, or required complex cabling and intricate remote control macro programming to achieve a reasonably user-friendly system. The use of the
PR-SC886’s calibration functions, especially with HDMI, will result in simpler system configurations, reduced set-up time, and end-user systems offering optimal video performance while retaining the inherent ease-of-use that comes with HDMI switching. Up to three calibration settings (day, night, or custom) can be stored and applied to each source.
The
PR-SC886 boasts exceptional multi-zone capabilities, including fixed and variable line-level outs plus subwoofer outputs for two additional zones. Zone 2 also includes both composite and HD-quality component video outputs, as well as independent tone controls. Zone 2 and Zone 3 both include balance controls as well as maximum and initial power-on volume settings.
This receiver also offers a comprehensive package of features specifically tailored to the needs of custom installation specialists, including an Ethernet port for integration with network-based control systems from the likes of AMX and Crestron. It also includes bi-directional RS-232, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control integration over HDMI, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets.
Lockable, customized dealer settings can be independently stored for easy recall, making it simple for installers to maintain complex AV installations.
For radio fans, the
PR-SC886 has an AM/FM RDS radio tuner (in total there are 40 assignable tuner inputs) and there’s full iPod compatibility via one of Onkyo’s optional award-winning docks.
Onkyo firmly believes that there are no comparable products in the marketplace today that get anywhere near offering this Pre/Pro’s level of features, versatility and audio/video performance. Factor in the competitive price and the company is confident you’ll find the
PR-SC886 is categorically in a class of its own...
*To contact your nearest ISF-certified technician please visit
Imaging Science
PRICE
Onkyo
PR-SC886 7.1-channel Home Cinema Receiver - £1500
(available either black or silver finishes)
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