The R-672, Newcastle’s entry level single-zone receiver, has built-in switching for two HDMI 1.3 sources plus two wide-band component video inputs. Other capabilities include AM/FM with 30 presets, rear panel inputs for 2 video sources and 2 audio sources and 4 digital audio inputs. In recognition of the importance of portable audio, the R-672 has a front panel A/V convenience (input) pack and another audio input suitable for an MP-3 player. The 672 is also XM ready.

More important that the input/output configuration is the receiver’s automatic set-up capability, made possible by Sherwood Newcastle's Dual Point™ EQ, set-up is automated and virtually foolproof. Using the supplied microphone, the homeowner places the mic in his listening position and follows several on-screen prompts. The receiver calculates speaker output, distance, frequency response and bass cut-off. It then selects the optimum bass cross over frequency by channel pair, sets the output level and delay. The user is then prompted to move the mic to a second position where frequency response is recalculated. Finally, the R-672 uses 32 tap FIR filters for each of the 7 main channels to flatten speaker response.

Other features of the R-672 include: DTS-ES, 96/24 and Neo 6; Dolby Digital Surround EX, ProLogic II, Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone; Universal VideoTM transcodes composite and S-Video to component video; 7.1 channel direct input; and more. The R-672 is covered by Sherwood Newcastle’s 3-year parts and labor warranty.