The new $2399.99 Marantz MM8003 eight channel power amplifier is the perfect complement to AV8003 pre-amplifier/processor. This amplifier is equipped both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA input jacks as well as gold-plated speaker connectors, and with 140W per channel, it can easily drive a complete 7.1-channel speaker system. Remote control input and output jacks allow external component control along with output channel relay on/off and slow start to power-on mode.

Pioneer has just released their new line of low-priced A/V receivers which comprises three models, the VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K and VSX-918V-K. These new A/V receivers include an AM/FM tuner, MCACC Speaker Calibration, and the Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology (PHAT) to reduce the distortion caused by the dynamic change of heat in the system.

VSX-518-K - 5.1 channel, 120 Watts per channel, WMA9 Pro Decoder. Price: $199.

VSX-818V-K - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI Video, 120 Watts per channel, WMA9 Pro Decoder, iPod support, XM and SIRIUS satellite radio ready. Price: $249.

VSX-918V-K - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI A/V, 120 Watts per channel, WMA9 Pro Decoder, PCM via HDMI, XM and SIRIUS satellite radio ready. Price: $349.

Yamaha has announced a new line of A/V receivers with three models including the DSP-AX463, DSP-AX763 and DSP-AX863. Expected to be available this month, each model will includes the YPAO Auto Setup, Cinema DSP, built-in radio tuner and will offers Bluetooth (YBA-10) and iPod (YDS-11) compatibility with optional docks.

DSP-AX463 - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI, 100 Watts per channel. Price: $600.

DSP-AX763 - 7.1 channel, 2x HDMI v1.3a, 95 Watts per channel, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD MA decoding. Price: $850.

DSP-AX863 - 7.1 channel, 3x HDMI v1.3a, 105 Watts per channel and full support for HD audio/video formats. Price: $1,100.

Onkyo has partnered up with Sharp and Toshiba to engineer the TX-SA606X receiver which gives you the ability to control with one remote all VIERA, AQUOS or REGZA compatible products. This receiver delivers 185 watts over 7ch (6 Ω) and features the latest HDMI 1.3a (1080p), Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, Deep Color (36bit) and x.v.Color. Other features include upconversion of analog sources to 1080i/p, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and all the standard inputs/outputs.

The TX-SA606X will goes on sale in April in Japan at a price of 84,000 yen in gold or silver finish.

The McInotsh MC2301 is a 300 watts mono-block tube amplifier using eight of the famous KT88 tubes along with a strong power supply design for a rock-stable power output into an 8, 4 or 2 ohm load. McIntosh claims to have reached a SNR 117dB with this fully balanced mono-block.

There is no word on pricing at this time but the MC2301 should be released in June.

McIntosh will introduce next month their new MA6600, a 2x200W integrated amplifier which will replace the MA6900. It features eight inputs including one balanced (XLR), a two-line LCD screen and a socket for the TM2 AM/FM/HD tuner module, it will be the first device with the AP-1000 surround processor to accept the brand's first HD Radio tuner module.

Price is expected to be more than $5,000.

The SilverStone EB02 is a stylish audio amplifier made of brushed aluminum. Because of its dual RCA inputs it connects a wide variety of devices including computer, MP3 player, stereo and so on. Inside, the amplifier features the famous Tripath TA2021B chip, best known for its very high efficiency (88%) and high fidelity reproduction sound. It delivers up to 15W @ 4Ω with a low 0.002% THD. other amplifier features include on/off popping noise suppression and short circuit/over temperature protection. It retails for $159.

Onkyo has introduced two entry-Level A/V receivers, the 80W per channel TX-SR576 and 75W per channel TX-SR506. These are the lowest priced receivers ever to include the company's Powered Zone 2 capability and front channel bi-amplification features, and are among the first receivers available anywhere to include Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ loudness correction technology. Each receiver includes three HDMI inputs v1.2a for the TX-SR576 while the TX-SR506 does only pass-through, Audyssey 2EQ automatic room correction, and also mark the company's first implementation of its new Music Optimizer software, which improves fidelity for MP3 and AAC encoded digital music sources.

The Onkyo TX-SR506 and TX-SR576 will be available in April at $379 and $479 each, respectively.

Yamaha expands its product range with five new models in its RX-V series of home theater receivers. These A/V receivers feature HDMI, 192kHz/24-bit DACs, surround sound, CINEMA DSP, built-in radio tuner and are compatible with both Apple's iPod and Bluetooth via optional Yamaha's docks.

RX-V363 - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI, 100 Watts per channel. Price: $229.95.

RX-V463 - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI, 105 Watts per channel, YPAO for automatic speaker setup, XM and SIRIUS ready. Price: $349.95.

RX-V563 - 7.1 channel, 2x HDMI, 90 Watts per channel, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD MA decoding, YPAO, XM and SIRIUS ready. Price: $449.95.

RX-V663 - 7.2 channel, 2x HDMI, 95 Watts per channel, full support for HD audio formats, Deep Color, YPAO, XM and SIRIUS ready. Price: $549.95.

RX-V863 (pictured) - 7.2 channel, 3x HDMI, 105 Watts per channel, Full support for HD audio formats, Deep Color, YPAO, 1080p video upscaling from any source, HD Radio digital broadcast reception capability, XM and SIRIUS ready. Price: $999.95.

Sony has updated its STR-DG series of A/V receivers with four new models offering high-definition performance, easy set-up and control through a unique icon-driven menu system. All models include 1080/24p True Cinema video pass-through, advanced audio codec support, and upscaling of all standard definition video sources to 1080p via HDMI.

STR-DG520 - 5.1 channel, 2x HDMI, 100 Watts per channel. Available in March for $200.

STR-DG720 - 7.1 channel, 3x HDMI, 105 Watts per channel, XM ready. Available in March for $300.

STR-DG820 - 7.1 channel, 4x HDMI, 110 Watts per channel, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD MA decoding, xvYCC technology, XM ready. Available in May for $400.

STR-DG920 (pictured) - 7.1 channel, 4x HDMI, 110 Watts per channel, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD MA decoding, xvYCC technology, Deep Color (HDMI 1.3, xvColor), XM ready. Available in June for $600.