SHERWOOD NewCastle (part 2)

Sherwood R-756R:

Those who are scratching their heads about where to possibly place 5 speakers and a subwoofer in their interior can rest assured… the R-756R contents itself to supplying Dolby Digital and DTS formats, as well as their respective extensions - EX and ES, without by the same token disposing of the amplification necessary for the running of a sixth rear channel.

A simple monophonic power supply block is all you have to add if, for some reason, you decide to go over to the "dark side" of the 6.1 force.

The technical specifications are otherwise very similar to those of the R-956R: quite good stuff then really, notably with the presence of 24/96 converters on all the channels, 2 inputs and 1 output in YUV component video, cinema re-equalisation, and stereo direct mode for uncompromising hi-fi listening.

Interfacing is in gold plate and the speaker connector blocks accept banana plugs or thick cable without any problems. Power levels are comfortable with some 100 watts available, whatever configuration is chosen (stereo or 5.1) – proof of the healthy state of the power block chosen by the manufacturer.


MANUFACTURER’S TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Stereo Output: 2 x 100W / 8 Ohms
Surround Output: 5 x 100W / 8 Ohms
Harmonic Distortion : 0,05%
Signal/Noise Ratio: 95 dB
DTS, Dolby Digital, ProLogic, MPEG-2 Decoder, 6.1 "Circle Surround" Mode
4 DSP modes (Theatre, Hall, Stadium & Church)
Automatic Format Detection
Direct 6.1 Input, with composite and S-Video Input
4 Digital Inputs (2 Coaxial and 2 Optical)
1 Digital Output (1 Optical)
2 Inputs and 1 Output in Component Video format(YUV)
On Screen Display Menu and Pre-Programmed Remote Control
Exists in Silver and Black finishes.

Dimensions: 440 x 166 x 380 mm
Weight : 13.2 Kg
Price: Approx. 900 Euros (5950 French Francs)


Sherwood R-7106R:

Still less expensive, but nevertheless of a very honourable quality, the latest baby of the brand retains the essential functions of its two big brothers, beginning with decoding of Dolby Digital and DTS… all this completed with "Circle Surround" technique.
The R-7106R thus opens the door to a major and immediate democratisation of 6.1 formats, being currently the cheapest machine on the market in this category.

The main part of the interfacing detailed above has also been preserved – the YUV Inputs/Outputs as an extra, which shouldn’t pose any problems of conscience among most of us. Much more regrettable however is the disappearance of the 24 Bits / 96 kHz audio converters. "DVD Audio will not get past me", says the Sherwood R-7106R , "unless you connect me to a DVD player with 5.1 outputs able to supply PCM 24/96 already converted into analogue"...

Power remains coherent and quite high, with a classic 100 watts per channel under all circumstances. Only the levels of harmonic distortion increases slightly, while still remaining reasonable: 0.09 %.

In brief, R-7190R presents itself as one of the best deals of the moment in the realms of units under 800 Euros (5000 French Francs).

MANUFACTURER’S TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Stereo Output: 2 x 100W / 8 Ohms
Surround Output: 5 x 100W / 8 Ohms
Harmonic Distortion: 0,09%
Signal/Noise Ratio: 95 dB
DTS, Dolby Digital, ProLogic, MPEG-2 Decoder, 6.1 "Circle Surround" Mode
4 DSP modes (Theatre, Hall, Stadium & Church)
Automatic Format Detection
Direct 6.1 Input, with composite and S-Video Input
4 Digital Inputs (2 Coaxial and 2 Optical)
1 Digital Output (1 Optical)
On Screen Display Menu and Pre-Programmed Remote Control
Exists only in Black finish.

Dimensions: 440 x 156 x 380 mm
Weight: 12.8 Kg
Price: Approx. 750 Euros (4950 French Francs)

All these units are now in the shops. We’ll be back shortly, not without a certain degree of pleasure, with more on the new Sherwood, range, to talk, this time, about the first DVD Player of the brand, which also has a few surprises up its sleeve!