Onkyo Canada recently announced the second series of upgrades for the Onkyo TX-DS989. This one will add THX Ultra 2, DTS 96/24, and variable subwoofer crossover settings, and other "support for multi-channel sound formats". Last year, they upgraded the sets to incorporate ProLogic 2, DTS-EX and Neo.

The first upgrade cost $120 Cdn. The new one will be $799 Cdn.

I currently do not use the THX DSP setting on my system; it has very little to do with the THX Ultra specs, although it does kick in nicely when there is a 7.1 channel THX track present (which isn't very often yet). Pro Logic 2 seems to kind of suck; I get better imaging with the original Pro Logic surround.

My question, then: does anyone think this upgrade might be worth it? Or a sham? Or both? ... Mike

This one includes the Firewire and 96/24 DAC hardware upgrade. Hence the price. I think you will find it worthwhile. Perhaps not immediately, but they are offering rebates for early adopters (well, they are in the USA) so it may still make sense to do it now, even if you won't have sources that use the new hardware for awhile.

Yo, Spiky: There is a $200 rebate for early upgraders, and a $75 discount if you already have the first upgrade.

After researching THX Ultra2, which is not quite yet on the market, it seems worthwhile. It takes 5.1 tracks and gives them 6.1 and 7.1 output DSP, but it also could be about as exciting as Dolby PL2, which I have to be impressed by. And the 96/24 is supposed to provide "audio -DVD" quality... but again... ?

AS a friend pointed out, THX2 is set to roll off at 80 db anyway, but it might be a good thing to be able to set the other signals' roll-offs for the sub.

Then again, as another friend mentioned, DD 10.1 is almost here... ... Mike