Group Test: Budget AV receivers pt2

Overview Price: £400 More info: Onkyo Size: 170x470x380mm Weight: 14kg Power rating: 6x140W Surround modes: Dolby Digital/EX/Plus/TrueHD, DTS/ES/HD/HD Master Audio, Pro Logic II/X Video inputs: 2xHDMI, 3x component, 4x S-Video, 4x composite Audio inputs: 2x HDMI, 6x phono, 7.1 multi-channel, 2x optical, 2x coaxial Video outputs: HDMI, component, 2x S-Video, 2x composite Audio outputs: 2x phono, zone 2 preout, subwoofer out Onkyo TX-SR605 There simply isn't another AV receiver at this price that carries as many advanced features as Onkyo's TX-SR605 - and the sound is equally impressive too. You will have to accept an unattractive and outdated design but appearances can be deceptive as a wealth of technology lies beneath. There are seven channels each with an impressive power rating of 140 watts - but what really sets the Onkyo apart is the inclusion of integrated high-definition decoding supported by the latest HDMI 1.3a connections. This means it will accept DeepColor picture enhancements and the latest HD surround formats including Dolby True HD and DTS HD master Audio, although you will have to wait for an HD player that can output bitstream HD audio over HDMI. There's also HDMI video upconversion across all video inputs - it's only deinterlaced as opposed to upscaled but it does improve the picture quality from analogue sources. The automatic calibration system is supported by basic Audyssey Room EQ and a colourful, well-presented on screen menu - it's easy to use and accurate but does take longer that some of its test rivals. The sound is beautifully composed and natural with far-reaching dynamics that open up a surprisingly expansive sound stage. It's not as forceful as some receivers but there are no compromises when it comes to detail and subtlety with superb integration and seamless steering of ambient effects. This creates a refined sound that's rare at this price level and even extends to stereo music without too many sacrifices. With its high-end features and excellent all-round performance the TX-SR605 is almost flawless for the price and would even put some more expensive receivers to shame.

Verdict Plus points Future-proof features, outstanding all round performance for the price Minus points Outdated design, slow auto set-up

Overview Price: £400 More info: Sony Size: 180x430x430mm Weight: 15kg Power rating: 7x100W Surround modes: Dolby Digital/EX, DTS/ES-Matrix/ES-Discrete/Neo 6/96-24, Pro Logic II/X Video inputs: 2xHDMI, 3x component, 4x S-Video, 5x composite Audio inputs: 5x phono, 7.1 multi-channel, 4x optical, 4x coaxial Video outputs: HDMI, component, S-Video, 2x composite Audio outputs: 2x phono, 7.1 preout, optical Sony STR-DA1200ES Sony's STR-DA1200ES has been around for a while but it's been so successful that there are no plans to take it from the shelves despite Sony releasing a new similarly priced model. Build quality is exceptional with a reassuringly weighty construction and attractively contoured front panel. The list of features includes 7x100W amplification, HDMI switching with support for 1080p signals and video upconversion from S-Video and composite to component. There is also an excellent automatic calibration system that is exceptionally fast and more accurate than any of its test rivals. However, unlike Onkyo's TX-SR605 there is no integrated decoding for high-definition sound formats - which might sway some HD enthusiasts looking for a future proof receiver. Nonetheless, sound performance is sensational. The Sony creates a three-dimensional soundstage courtesy of full-bodied dynamics, agile steering and tightly gripped low frequencies that bring out the best in adrenaline-fuelled action sequences. It never sounds strained or coloured and doesn't brighten even when faced with the challenge of high volumes. There is also plenty of detail, especially from the expressive midrange and dialogue always sounds natural and believable. This is also one of the few AV receivers that can turn its hand to stereo performance without losing too much quality. In fact, the detailed and dynamic two-channel presentation is the best of any budget receiver we've ever heard. The STR-DA1200ES might not offer the latest high-definition processing but for style, simplicity and superb performance with both multichannel and stereo soundtracks it's one of the class leaders in the budget bracket.

Verdict Plus points Build quality, accurate automatic calibration, excellent multichannel and stereo performance Minus points No support for high-definition formats

Final verdict If it isn't immediately obvious, we found Onkyo's TX-SR605 to be the best budget AV receiver around. The feature count alone, which includes being the only one that offers integrated high-definition audio decoding and HDMI video upconversion, would make it a frontrunner - but when supported by a beautifully natural performance, it's a clear winner at this price point. Sony's STR-DA1200ES can come close to equaling the Onkyo's multichannel delivery and even outperforms it with stereo playback but can't claim to be as future-proof - even if HD players that support the latest high-definition audio formats aren't exactly widespread at the moment. Cambridge Audio's 540R v3 is an exciting listen that's great value for money but sacrifices too many features while Denon's refined AVR-3808 lacks a little urgency and comes with a comparatively high price tag.

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