Harman Kardon has officially announced the introduction of their 7.1-channel AVR 354 and AVR 254 and its 5.1-channel AVR 154 audio/video receivers. All models will release in US in late spring.

AVR 354 - 7.1 channel, 75 Watts per channel, HDMI v1.3a, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, 1080p video upscaling, EzSet/EQ equalization, multiroom capability and it comes with The bridge II docking station for iPod. Price: $899.

AVR 254 - 7.1 channel, 50 Watts per channel, HDMI v1.3a, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, 1080p video upscaling, EzSet/EQ equalization and multiroom capability. Price: $649.

AVR 254 - 5.1 channel, 30 Watts per channel, HDMI (video switching), Dolby Digital, DTS and Logic 7 processing. Price: $399.

Pioneer will be releasing two new 7.1-channel A/V receivers in July known as the VSA-LX51, and VSA-1018AH. Both amps have HDMI 1.3 (3 input / 1 out) with Deep Color and x.v.Color support, Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio/DTS-HD High Resolution Audio/DTS EXPRESS decoders, USB port to play MP3/WMA/AAC files and Advanced MCACC technology.

The VSA-LX51 has an additional video upscaler, the Faroudja DCDi, one of the best deinterlacers around to upscale video to 1080p, and the receiver delivers 7x 180W of power output (6Ω) instead of 7x 170W for the VSA-1018AH model.

Prices are about $1,400 for the flagship VSA-LX51 and $1,100 for the VSA-1018AH.

The new Panasonic SC-NS570SD iPod dock will be launched in Japan on june 20th. The system is composed of three parts, a pair of wooden speakers and the main unit includes a CD player, iPod dock, SD card slot, 2x 15W amplifier and an AM/FM tuner. The docking station is compatible with MP3/WMA/AAC audio files and you can rip your audio CDs to an SD card in AAC format.

The main unit measures 211x 300x 184mm and weight 3.45kg, while each speaker measures 127x 228x 184mm and weight 1.4kg. The whole system is available in Japan for about $290.

Panasonic Japan has announced two noise-canceling headphones to be released on June 20th. The RP-HC31 and RP-HC55 feature a non-detachable noise reduction unit which reduces low-frequency noise by 15 and 18dB for 27 and 20h of battery life respectively. They are priced at $65 for the RP-HC31 and $90 the RP-HC55.

Specifications (RP-HC31):
► Frequency response: 08Hz ~ 22kHz
► Nominal impedance: 20Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: Unknown

Specifications (RP-HC55):
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 20kHz
► Nominal impedance: 103Ω
► Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
► Power handling: Unknown

With the ION Audio IPTUSB you will be able to convert your vinyl records into digital media with ease with this portable USB turntable. It supports 33, 45 and 78 rpm records and includes Audacity software for editing your recorded tracks. The IPTUSB can be powered with 6 D batteries for stand-alone operation and there is also a built-in speaker and headphone output for private listening.

This portable USB turntable will soon be available at BestBuy for $99.

Harman Kardon has officially announced its new iPod/iPhone dock for its line of A/V receivers. Called "The Bridge II", this docking station enables expanded iPod capabilities including audio/video playback through a home entertainment system, on-screen iPod menu display, remote control operation, and charging.

The Bridge II will be available in early summer 2008 at $129 suggested retail. It will also be packed with the AVR 354 receiver.

Aperion Audio will start shipping on June 16th their new Bravus line of subwoofers. The Bravus 8D, 10D and 12D, all feature dual side-firing aluminum drivers coupled to Bash amplifers of 150W, 300W and 500W, respectively. For added functionality the subs come with a remote control and an integrated two-lines display for easy configuration of the customizable parametric EQ which includes selectable crossover frequency and pre-set modes for movies, music & games as well.

The subwoofers are available in a high-gloss black or medium cherry finish and prices range from $499 to $1,099.

Pioneer has released the PDX-Z9, an all-in-one solution that combines a SACD player with built-in 50 watts per channel stereo amplifier. The receiver not only handles Super Audio CD and audio CD, but also covers playback of MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 AAC lossy audio formats as well as high-quality FLAC files. The PDX-Z9 has the ability to receive terrestrial FM/AM radio stations and internet radio, while iPod and USB devices can be directly connected and controlled with the receiver's remote.

The Pioneer's SACD receiver is available for €990.

Klipsch has recently launched the Icon W series of home theater speakers, including five speakers, the WF-35 and WF-34 floorstanding speakers, the WB-14 bookshelf speaker, the WC-24 center channel and the WS-24 surround speaker. And all of these speakers feature exclusive Klipsch's XT Tractrix Horn-loaded technology, used by Klipsch for almost 60 years.

The WF-35 and WF-34 floorstanders each employ three high-output fiberglass cone woofers 5.25-inch and 4.5-inch respectively, paired with a 1-inch titanium tweeter mated to an 80-degree by 80-degree round Tractrix Horn.

The WB-14 bookshelf uses one 4.5-inch fiberglass cone woofer, while the WC-24 center channel and WS-24 surround have two. All of these models utilize 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers.

All models are currently available in espresso and Cabernet finishes. Here are the prices: $1,499 for a pair of WF-35 floorstanders, $1,199 for a pair of WF-34 floorstanders, $599 for a pair of WB-14 bookshelf models, $499 for each WC-24 center channel and $749 for a pair of WS-24 surrounds.

Integra has expanded its product range with the arrival early this month of the new DTR-5.9 A/V Receiver. The new model features the same HDMI v1.3a connectivity with Deep Color support and internal decoding of high-resolution audio including DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus, as the best-selling DTR-5.8 that it replaces. The DTR-5.9 also adds two additional HDMI inputs, 1080i upscaling of standard definition sources over HDMI, and Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ loudness compensation technology. Other specs include a 7x 90W power amplifier @ 8Ω, AM/FM tuner, multi-zone capability and the unit Sirius satellite radio ready

The Integra DTR-5.9 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $800.