The 7.2-channel HT-RC160 is one powerhouse of a receiver with the ability to handle any type of music I threw at it, and it seemed perfectly suited to our studio’s reference system, NTH speakers and NAD source component.
Onkyo obviously spent a considerable amount of time researching and designing a piece of home theater gear that has all of the features you will need for 2009 and beyond.
The really cool feature of the HT-RC160 is its multiroom capability, the option of connecting and operating a 2nd Zone. It allows you to watch a movie or listen to music in surround sound in a main room while someone else is watching a movie or listening to music in a separate room at the same time using the same receiver.
The HT-RC160 also utilizes what is called Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup. This feature corrects room acoustic problems, taking into account the different type of speakers, each speaker’s characteristics and distance from the receiver to the speakers.
In addition to WRAT-Wide Range Amplifier Technology and HDMI Video Upscaling with Faroudja DCDi Edge Enhancement, the HT-HC160 sports HDMI ver. 1.3a with Repeater System (DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DSD and Multi-CH PCM), Dolby Pro Logic IIz (with "Front High" Direction Mode). It comes complete with 5 HDMI inputs and 1 output, 4 digital inputs (2 optical/ 2 coaxial), component video switching (2 inputs/ 1 output), front "portable" input for iPod and MP3 players and a dual subwoofer pre out. The HT-RC160 is also HD Radio Ready.
Our testing room is an average size room and with a modest speaker system, the receiver gave off enough power and sounded great. There is really no reason to spend more money on a high-end speaker system with this receiver if you don’t have it. It’ll still give off a nice sound and for all of the options and features it provides, it’s still a great bargain at $549.
Onkyo HT-RC160 A/V Receiver
www.onkyousa.com
$549
4 digital inputs (2 optical and 2 coaxial)
HDTV-capable
40 FM/AM random presets
HD Radio Ready
"There is really no reason to spend more money on a high-end speaker system with this receiver if you don’t have it."
What the heck does that mean?