Samsung enters HT receiver market

[Danny Tse]

I just got an email from Vanns.com about its new items and amongst them was a new home theater receiver from Samsung. For those who don't know or remember, Samsung debuted at the CES some ultra-expensive digital-amp powered HT receiver about 5 years ago with a big price tag. However, that receiver never made it to the market, AFAIK.

Vanns.com has 3 of Samsung's new HT receiver on its site and they all look to be powered by digital amps. From their description, surprisingly, they all come with multi-channel analog inputs as well.

Yes, I know....they're Samsung. But we all laugh at Samsung's TVs 10 years ago too....

Just a heads-up.

[Polkitup2]

Heck, they make laptops now and refrigerators and washing machines.

[Kex]

They've been making HTiB for years, so I suppose this is a logical progression.

[polkatese]

as if there is not enough HT receiver brands out there...but more power to Sammy.

[mystik610]

I've had two samsung LCD's and a couple of cell phones. They make good quality stuff IMO. I'm not sure how I feel about this receiver though. If anything, its their first entry into the market and I think they need some time to get their feet wet still.

[Toolfan66]

I won't be buying it!!! I love there TV's though.

[Fongolio]

I love my Sammy Plasma!!!

[coolsax]

I love both our Sammy Plasmas.. nice TVs..

[xcapri79]

They make great TV's but I've had 2/2 DVD failures. Hope their receivers have better reliability.

[Rick88]

I like Samsung tv's but have my doubts about the power section of these receivers. Check out the specs. 13.2 lbs. ?


Comparison Specifications
•Decoding: Dolby Digital / Dolby Pro Logic II, IIx, IIz / Dolby Digital EX / Dolby Digital Plus / Dolby Digital True HD / dts ES discrete 6.1 / dts 96/24 / dts Neo 6 / dts-HD
•Total power: 120W x 7
•Video connections:
Inputs: 4 HDMI / 2 component / 4 composite
Outputs: 1 HDMI / 1 component / 1 composite
•Audio connections:
Inputs: 1 digital (optical / coax) / 6 audio
Outputs: 1 digital (optical / coax) / 1 audio / 1 headphone
•Multi-channel audio inputs: 8
•Other connections: iPod dock cradle (included) / Anynet + (HDMI-CEC)
•DSP modes: 12
•Tuner: 30 FM presets
•Frequency response: 20Hz - 50kHz
Impedance: 0.9% 6 ohm, 20Hz - 20kHz
•Remote control: Yes, included
Additional Specifications
•ENERGY STAR compliant
•Variable power
•Crystal Amplifier Pro (Crystal Sound discrete amp)
•Deep Color / xvYCC
•Multi-channel PCM processing
•Auto AV sync
•Speaker assignable for Zone 2
•Smart Volume / Auto sound calibration (Musical ASC) / Lip sync (0 ~ 200 ms)
•MP3 Enhancer (iPod mode)
•Included accessories: ASC mic / FM antenna
Dimensional Specifications
•16.92" W x 6.45" H x 14.48" D / 13.2 lbs.

[Kex]

I like Samsung tv's but have my doubts about the power section of these receivers. Check out the specs. 13.2 lbs. ? ...

I believe they're using digital amplification, which would explain the light weight.

[Pycroft]

Can you explain what digital amplification is?

[Kex]

Can you explain what digital amplification is?

Short answer: NO!

Shortish answer: something akin to ICE amplification.

Long answer: N/A ... you'll have to find somebody that actually knows what they're talking about first. IIRC, it may have been pioneered by Bang & Olufsen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_amplification
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio/V...#Amplification
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...+Content/Elite

[Rick88]

I believe they're using digital amplification, which would explain the light weight.

I wasn't aware of this. I still would like to see test results for all channels driven power.

[Rick88]

Samsungs' website has a much different specification for the weight of this unit: Dimensions & Weight Set Net Dimension(W*H*D) 16.93" x 6.46" x 14.5"
Gross Weight: One Packing 51.8 Lbs.
Gross Dimension (W*D*H) : One Packing 20.5" x 9.09" x 18.3"

It must be a typo because I doubt a $399 receiver could possibly weigh that much. Anyhow I'm sure it will appeal to some owners of Samsung TV's as a pretty economical entry into HD A/V. Hopefully it turns into a reliable product for those people.