Onkyo has unveiled the LS7200 soundbar that supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also comes with Airplay, DTS Play-Fi and FireConnect. However, to enjoy all this you need the “AV Center” box.
A soundbar for movies and music
Onkyo says that its LS7200 soundbar “offers key advantages over other soundbars, starting with a low 53 mm profile for an unimpeded view of the TV screen”.
However, to get there it needs a separate “AV Center” box. It is not as big as an AV receiver but you still have to make room for it. The soundbar that comprises two speakers each for left, right and center channels connects to the box via audio cables. It also has a wireless subwoofer.
The AV center includes four HDMI input ports and one HDMI output port with ARC (audio return channel) for TV connection. There is an acoustic calibration system onboard that adjusts sound to your surroundings.
Onkyo says that the soundbar can also upmix multichannel audio to 3D sound.
Object-based sound
The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback. These next-generation audio technologies improve the sound experience if your content (for example a Blu-ray disc) is encoded in one of the two formats.
Additionally, Onkyo has implemented Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and DTS Play-Fi. These wireless systems allow you to enjoy music on the soundbar wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. FireConnect is a wireless multiroom audio system supported by companies such as Onkyo, Pioneer, and Harman Kardon.
Onkyo LS7200 will be available from January 2017 for €999 / Ł899.
