Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)
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If you’re ready to take your first step into the world of networked home entertainment, let the HT-RC270 be your guide. This versatile A/V receiver sports a handy Ethernet connection that lets you enjoy streaming PC audio and internet radio in the comfort of your living room. When it comes to connectivity, the HT-RC270 handles virtually anything you throw its way. You get six 3D-ready HDMI 1.4a inputs (one on the front-side); 7.1-channel analog audio inputs for legacy components; analog RGB inputs for PC video; a Universal port for Onkyo peripherals; and a front-side USB input for Pod models and flash memory devices. Onkyo has a well-earned reputation for bringing advanced audio features to a wider audience. In the case of the high-value HT-RC270, that means low-jitter Burr-Brown DACs; lossless HD audio from DTS and Dolby; Audyssey MultEQ room-correction; and the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. All of this connectivity and processing power earns the HT-RC270 the quality assurance of THX Select2 Plus.
Features
- 100 Watts per Channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
- HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel)
- Network Capability for Streaming Audio Files
- HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
- THX Select2 Plus Certified
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 17 x 7 x 15 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
best sound I’ve ever had in my home.
This AV Onkyo receiver does it all. I hooked this unit up to a Bose Acoustimass 10 Series IV speaker system. Despite this system being able to give 7.1 surround sound, the space I am in simply is not practical for all those speakers. This Onkyo system is nice because if you only have a 5.1 speaker system it will work with it too. For those of you with large spaces and room for all those high, middle, and rear speakers this is the system for you. That is of course unless you also want a simple system. This is not simple.
This is a very complicated system for someone like me. I am still reading and trying to learn all the features and settings. This system is for someone who either wants to learn more about higher end home theater audio, or someone who is already well versed with it. I fall somewhere in between, way closer to the learning end of the spectrum. If all you want is a simple 5.1 system this is not for you. I have a lot of units to hook up and this receiver handled almost all of it. My Wii is the only system that gave me some trouble and the fault in not being able to hook it up may still lie with me. I hooked up a PS3, a XBOX 360, Apple TV, a DVD player and a Wii (via the TV). I ran out of HDMI ports and could not figure out how to get the RGB and sound working together in the remaining ports. I used my TV inputs as a workaround.
There are a lot of fine and detailed settings for a person to be able to spend hours fine tuning each component to their hearts content. I spent the better 1/2 of a day hooking this up and attaching components and speakers. I was surprised that I had the volume up to 60 or 70 out of 100 to get to a normal volume. Apparently it was my bad and I was ignorant to the settings on this unit. Each speaker can be adjusted and settings like “absolute” and “relative” sound can be adjusted too. Speaker impedance and a host of other minute detailed settings are all available via onscreen menu.
As far as the networking aspect of this receiver goes I doubt I’ll ever use it. There is a BIG Windows sticker on the unit and a ethernet port on the back. I’m a mac guy and I can stream my entire iTunes library to my receiver via airport express. I can then control the entire library via my iPhone. There are other internet features like Pandora, Sirius radio and more. If these are things you use and you don’t mind a ethernet cable strung throughout your home to where ever you place this unit then these features might be a plus for you.
No matter how many ports are on the back of a receiver there never seems to be exactly what I need. I’m sure I’m not alone here. Many of the inputs I’ll probably never use. Many systems seem to be made like this today, trying to cater to as many people as possible.
Now as far as the sound goes, yes this system is meant to produce enjoyable sound, it is unlike any unit I have ever owned. I was BLOWN away by the richness and fullness of the sound in my dingy basement. Honestly it sounded better than a movie theater which tends to be mostly just very loud. I listened to games, movies, DVDs, Blurays, digital downloads, MP3s and CDs. All sounded great. Despite the learning curve, and despite the long hookup time, the receiver is the nicest and most beautiful sounding receiver I’ve ever owned.
Everyone needs to know what they want, and also what they need, but if this receiver satisfies many or all of your needs you will not be disappointed. It’s been a while since I just wanted to put stuff on to hear how good it sounded. This is the first big boy receiver I’ve ever had and I notice the difference. remember the speakers you choose will have a HUGE impact on your results. $150 Best Buy 7.1 speaker special will simply not cut it with this. You need better or best to enjoy the full range of sound this thing is capable of. High end CD players will also find a home with this unit.
It’s a 5 star system and only my ignorance of it’s settings is getting in my way.
Enjoy!