Sherwood Newcastle R-972
Best audio receiver for budget conscious home theater enthusiasts.
The Sherwood Newcastle R-972 is a 7.1 channel surround AV receiver that offers advanced audio decoding for formats like DTS Master Audio HD and Dolby True HD. It features HDMI 1.3 decoding, a Trinnov Optimizer Room EQ with a measurement microphone for automatic setup, and extensive connectivity options including 4 HDMI inputs and a USB input for playback of MP3 and WMA files. The receiver also supports dual-zone audio and includes RS-232 control for custom installations. While it lacks a phono input and advanced iPod integration, it provides a robust audio and video processing suite with video upsampling via a Silicon Optix Reon processor.
$1799.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.3
/ 5
Category Rank
588
/ 703
#588 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
-32%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking accurate sound reproduction in their home theater
- Movie enthusiasts desiring uncompromised high-definition audio for their film collection
- Consumers needing reliable amplification for a multi-channel home theater setup
Who should skip it
- Users with 4K TVs or those expecting integrated smart home and streaming
- Beginners or those preferring a plug-and-play experience without extensive calibration
- Tech-forward individuals wanting the absolute latest features and long-term compatibility
Key Specs
7.1 Channel AV Surround Receiver
HDMI 1.3 decoding
DTS Master Audio HD, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus support
DSP modes
Theater, Movie, Hall1, Hall2, Stadium, Church, Club1, Club2, Game, Matrix, Multichannel Stereo
DTS-ES, DTS Neo
6, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Virtual Speaker, DTS 96/24, Neural Mode, Dolby Headphone
Audio Upsampling
Multi-Source, Dual Zone w/ 2nd Zone Remote
Video Conversion and Upsampling with Silicon Optix Reon processor
Features
- Advanced Trinnov Room Correction
- HDMI 1.3 Decoding
- Dual Zone Audio Support
- USB Playback
- RS-232 Control
- XM Radio Ready
- Video Upsampling
- Assignable Amplifiers
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Sherwood Newcastle R 972 for its exceptional sound quality and impressive value. Many highlight its robust power output and clean audio reproduction, making it a strong contender for home theater setups. Users often note that it delivers a premium listening experience without the premium price tag. Its solid performance and affordability are frequently cited as key reasons for satisfaction, establishing it as a reliable choice for audio enthusiasts seeking great performance on a budget.
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