Articles

Onkyo has unveiled a superb new one-box 2.1-channel Universal DVD Receiver/Speaker system, the LS-V501.

Only available in black (£600 with 2.1 speaker system, £400 without), the HDMI-equipped LS-V501 uses the very same cutting edge AV technologies employed in Onkyo’s multi-award winning 2007 range of home cinema receivers, but married to an integrated DVD player that will read any DVD, CD, SACD and DVD-Audio disc, with WMA/JPEG/DivX disc compatibility thrown into the bargain.

In addition to a healthy 2 x 50w per channel, it also offers video upscaling to 720p/1080i, playback of DivX format encoded movies as well as full iPod playback compatibility via Onkyo’s range of optional dedicated iPod docks. Factor in an HDMI output (and a HDMI pass-through input), Component Video out, optical/coaxial digital audio inputs and you’ve got an exceedingly flexible AV hub on your hands.

To create a virtual surround sound effect audio signals are processed by Onkyo’s well-respected Theatre Dimensional DSP circuit. While it’s no substitute for a full multi-channel system the feeling of enhanced spaciousness that it generates is very attractive and eminently listenable.

RRP Prices:

• LS-V501 (comprising DR-S501 – 2.1 channel Universal DVD receiver plus HTP-501 2.1-channel speaker package, Black finish) – £600
• DR-S501 2.1 Universal DVD receiver (black) – £400