The AVR-700 is a slimline unit designed to fit in a stand under a TV set, and includes a DVD-Video player also able to handle CD and CD-R discs (including those burnt on a computer with MP3 files), an AM/FM RDS tuner, and a full AV processor/amplifier. This comprises Dolby Digital and dts decoding, and the unit also has Dolby Pro-Logic II processing to enable it to enhance older matrix material, such as that broadcast on TV or fed into the system from VHS tape via the auxiliary inputs, as well as creating lifelike surround effects from stereo CDs and radio broadcasts. This is backed up with a 5x35W power amplifier.

The new speakers are compact shielded models, the package comprising four matched two-way satellites, a three-way centre speaker and a powered subwoofer with its own 35W amplifier built-in. They have heavy-duty cabinets finished in silver-grey, and use 9cm mid/bass units and 19mm silk-dome tweeters.

The main ADV-700 unit uses a DVD-ROM transport for compatibility with a wide range of disc formats, and has a 4Mb memory buffer to eliminate pauses while the player changes layers on a DVD-Video disc. It's on sale now, and is reviewed in the May issue of Gramophone.