Sherbourn Now Sells Direct to DIY Consumers

High-end AV processors and multi-room systems are most often available only from a dealer or custom installer, usually at a hefty markup. If you want to avoid that markup, and you're more interested in doing the installation yourself, you should know that Sherbourn has just announced it will now sell its highly regarded AV products directly to consumers, bypassing distributors and dealers and saving you a boatload of cash.

For example, check out Sherbourn's flagship AV processor, the PT-7030. It offers six HDMI 1.4a inputs with two HDMI outputs, one of which is compatible with ARC (Audio Return Channel). On the inside, a multiband parametric EQ allows precise room correction, each channel has its own adjustable crossover point, and a Genesis Torino video engine provides true 10-bit processing.

Outputs include a full set of 7.2 balanced and unbalanced line-level connections. For anyone wishing to add a little multi-room audio and video, the PT-7030 provides up to three additional zones of 2-channel analog audio and composite video. And here's something you won't find on most big-box store AV receivers: the RS-232 port and 12V triggers found mostly on CI (custom-installation) products.



Streaming from mobile devices is certainly a popular trend these days, and this processor delivers here as well, with a USB port to read media files from a USB drive. Or you can stream music from your phone directly to a USB Bluetooth dongle included in the box. The best part is you can order this unit on the Sherbourn website for roughly $1600.

The PT-7030 isn't complete without the backbone of the system, the PA 7-350. This fully discrete, high-current, 7-channel power amp puts out a whopping 350 watts RMS (20Hz-20kHz, <0.1% THD @ 8ohm) and 550 watts RMS (20Hz-20kHz, <0.1% THD @ 4ohm). It uses a short-signal-path class AB amplification with Soft Switch Optimized Class-H power-supply topology. With all it has going for it, the PA 7-350 should seriously rock the house.



For 15 years, Sherbourn has been well known and respected by custom installers and AV professionals. Now, it claims to be the first manufacturer of high-end AV products to sell direct to consumers. Won't that alienate its dealers? Not at all—Sherbourn plans to maintain good relationships with its entire dealer network. In fact, the company is offering incentives to its existing and new dealers who want to carry the company's products.


For more information, visit their website: www.sherbourn.com.

It's the "computer" port that you see that looks like an Ethernet port. It is strictly a communication port used for RS-232 codes. I had to double check as well...lol

RS-232 is mostly used today for control. You can hook up the processor to an automation system and control using touchscreen keypads or tablets/smartphones.

When I read the manual, they said it comes with an RJ-45 to RS232 adapter. Why didn't they choose to go with a DB9 port instead?...no clue.

Yes, no manual to be found. I tried looking it up as well.

BTW, Sherbourn offers 30 day trial for their products. So you can purchase it, try it out on your system and if your not satisfied with the components, you can call them up for a full refund.

Not only that, but they offer a 5 year warranty.

Although Onkyo confirms that the HDMI problem has been resolved. I still hear of some of the Integra pre-pro still having the HDMI board issue. I don't believe they source their HDMI boards at the same place.

It's not an 11.2, but I don't suspect many people are even running 9.2 yet. 11 channels is another story and they would need to license DTS NeoX and that certainly brings up cost.

The advertising is simply stating that Sherbourn was solely sold through the CI channel (Custom Installation) and now consumers can purchase their Pro-Caliber products directly. Even though it is mainstream now, the product hasn't changed (for now anyways) and has many features that would only be found in CI products.