Sherbourn PT-7020A Processor First Look

It's been almost 5 years since the debut of the PT-7010A pre-processor from Sherbourn Technologies. Since then, the company has been mostly focused on selling its existing line of multi-channel amplifiers for the custom install market. Now the CE channel manufacturer is getting back into the home theater game with its updated PT-7020A preamplifier/processor. The PT-7020A is a 7-channel model and includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA decoding, 5 HDMI 1.3a inputs and RS-232 control. It is built on the same base platform as the Emotiva UMC-1, but adds updated professional features like XLR outputs and RS-232C control (and of course a completely different chassis with tweaked internals).

The Sherbourn PT-7020A processor has twin Cirrus 32 bit dual core DSP’s (497004 & 495315) which provide 192K performance. The 5 HDMI inputs will decode and support all flavors of Dolby Digital and dts including Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio. Video scaling is provided by a 10-bit Genesis Torino engine. Deinterlacing and pull down processing is handled by the aging, but still kickin', Faroudja DCDi.

One of the most surprising (and new to Sherbourn) features present on the PT-7020A is the Cirrus automatic multi-channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup system. A calibrated measurement microphone is even included. For those who care to get fancy, the PT-7020A has a quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40Hz – 160Hz. There are seven XLR preamp outputs, including one for the subwoofer. A set of 7.1 analogue RCA outputs are also available for amplifiers that lack XLR inputs.

PT-7020A processor

Emotiva UMC-1 processor

Video processing is actually quite powerful on this processor, though we'll need to test it out to see it in real-world testing. All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p, but more significantly, HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i. Of course, there is no telling whether or not this will be possible once Blu-ray and AACS implement their "no analogue" policy in 2013.

There is an intuitive, full color graphical OSD with adjustable transparency presented over live video, including HDMI. All inputs are assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers. There is an independent graphic EQ with global bass and treble controls by channel groupings, plus 0.5dB level trims. High voltage, low impedance main analog outputs provide 7 VRMS of output - an almost crazy amount by typical standards.

Sherbourn PT-7020A internals

Emotiva UMC-1 internals

We look forward to checking out this processor when we can, and feel that this new platform, while certain to show up around the industry under different brand names, is a great solution. It's all but guaranteed to satisfy custom installers looking for a decent platform as a front end to a great 7.1 separates system and, with Sherbourn targeting this market, they are finally in a position to provide a competitive solution that has the capabilities to meet the needs of their downstream CE clients. For direct consumers, we doubt they'll want to pay the $2000 premium for a slightly modified version of the UMC-1, but as that's not the target market for Sherbourn's CE channel, we doubt these customers would ever buy from them in the first place. It's good to see Sherbourn update its line and we don't mind seeing this platform make its rounds as it's fairly powerful and up-to-date with what users need in today's A/V world.

In either case, it appears that the A/V processor clone wars are still alive and kicking!

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.