CES 2016

We had a word with Onkyo USA marketing director Kevin Brannan about the future of two storied A/V receiver brands now that Onkyo is in the midst of absorbing Pioneer.

No, the Pioneer brand isn't going away, though the two operations will combine at the planning and factory levels. Brannan noted that there is a distinct "Pioneer sound" as well as an "Onkyo sound" and the aim is for both to survive. Whether that includes each brand's homegrown auto setup and room correction remains to be seen, but certain feature choices, like Onkyo's support for THX and Sirius on some models, will remain. We will know more in March when Onkyo introduces its next generation of AVRs.

Onkyo didn't show any new AVRs at CES though the two-channel TX-8140 ($399) might attract customers with its phono input and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth streaming support. Another reporter will fill you in on the Onkyo DP-X1 music player, with its dual amps and dual DACs ($899). Pictured is the current Pioneer flagship, the 11-channel SC-89, with D3 amplification, PC-friendly USB DAC, and Atmos/DTS:X support. It's been available since September 2015 for $2500.