Broody old Onkyo has popped out three new gadgets from its design stable, the DS-A2 iPod dock, CR-715DAB CD receiver and UWL-1 Wireless USB Audio Transport system.
Available in black or white, the DS-A2 is a new improved version of its award-winning DS-A1 iPod dock and comes with a handful of new extras. With the DS-A2 you'll now be able to view, navigate and select iPod music playlist info and video/slideshow content on a TV screen. Onyko also reckons audio has been improved with higher quality components used all round. As with the DS-A1, the DS-A2 is a standalone dock supplied with its own dedicated remote control and supports all dock-able iPods (including the nano). The dock is also compatible with Onkyo's RI (Remote Interactive) system. Out now, the DS-A2 will set you back £65.
The CR-715DAB CD receiver packs a 50W per channel punch under its suave exterior and to keep the output from the CD player as authentic-sounding as possible, the CR-715DAB also boasts Onkyo's proprietary Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC). Other highlights include a Wolfson 192kHz/24-bit DAC, DAB/AM/FM radio reception and 40 automatically storable presets. There are four additional audio inputs (including one on the front panel for hooking up MP3 players and the like), a subwoofer output plus two audio outputs. Available in a choice of black or silver, the CR-715DAB will be released next month for around £330.
Onyko is also dipping its toes into wireless music streaming waters with the UWL-1 Wireless USB Audio Transport system. The system comprises the UTX-1 (the USB transmitter) and the RX-1 Digital Wireless Audio Receiver. The transmitter simply plugs into your PC's USB input and self-installs itself while the receiver is connected to the audio system, via either its analogue or optical digital audio outputs. The system has a range of around 30m. We particularly like the UWL-1's ability to transmit any WMA, WAV, MP3 and AAC files regardless of any copyright protection technologies employed, giving it the edge over most streamers currently available. The UWL-1 will be available at the end of the month for around £80.
More information: Onkyo products
