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Competition is rife in the AV receiver market as big-name brands battle for supremacy. You'll find more features for less money including full seven-channel amplification, all the processing and decoding modes you could ask for, complete connectivity and even automatic calibration systems.
Performance at this price point is a cut above budget models with more power, detail, smoother steering and better musical ability. We've brought together four models priced below £500, each from leading manufacturers, to find which receiver will be crowned class leader.
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Denon AVR-2106
Denon has long been setting the benchmark for AV receivers across virtually every price band. And the affordable AVR-2106 looks set to continue that illustrious tradition.
Tank-like construction is a Denon hallmark and the reassuringly weighty design houses an impressive collection of connections and high-end features. There are seven channels, each offering 90 watts of amplification, supported by a full suite of processing/decoding modes. And there's also an effective Auto Set Up system that allows you to easily calibrate your room's settings by simply connecting a supplied microphone and letting the receiver do the rest. The system isn't as accurate as a custom set-up but it certainly saves time and effort.
With surround soundtracks the Denon's warm, comfortable nature is immediately engaging. Detailed separation and subtle effects panning combine to create a wonderfully open soundstage that fully encases you in the experience. There's plenty of natural expression with dialogue and controlled dynamics never lose their composure. Music performance shares the same smooth approach with surprisingly good timing for an AV receiver - although particularly demanding tracks can lack a little authority.
Denon has done it again. The AVR-2106 is an impressively equipped receiver that ticks all the right boxes for both features and performance.
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Plus points
Quality construction, impressive specification, warm, composed sound with movies and music
Minus points
Lacks absolute authority
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Pioneer VSX-1015
If features float your boat then Pioneer's VSX-1015 is an attractive option but only if you prefer an upfront presentation, which suits explosive blockbusters but may leave you searching for more subtlety elsewhere.
The stylish design featuring a brushed aluminum face with chromed controls is clean and inconspicuous - unlike the overcrowded remote. With a claimed 150 watts of amplification for each of its seven channels, the VSX-1015 is the beast of the bunch. The usual cast of processing and decoding modes are accompanied by extras such as THX Select2 and WMA9 decoding, which allows multimedia applications direct from your PC. And the tempting specification is completed by a more advanced and accurate Auto Set Up system than those used by its test rivals.
In action, the aggressive sound is initially exciting, creating a convincing, expansive soundstage with scale to spare. But spend some time in its company and the bright top-end can prove tiring. And the same shrill treble also influences music tracks especially at high volumes - although bi-amping the front speakers will improve stereo performance.
While the VSX-1015 boasts an impressive specification and an authoritative performance it requires more refinement to be considered among the class leaders at this price.
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Plus points
Superior specification and set-up; authority and scale
Minus points
Aggressive; bright treble
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Sony STR-DB895
The STR-DB895 is the least expensive receiver in this review and consequently a few features are missing but the inclusion of a DAB tuner will alert digital radio listeners.
Sony's eye for understated style is apparent in both the beautifully constructed main unit and the accompanying remote. The specification is slightly restricted by the absence of pre-out connections and there's no Auto Set Up system either. This wouldn't be a problem if the custom set-up procedure was comprehensible but confusing menus will leave you pulling your hair out before you finish. However, patient users will be able to listen to digital radio stations from the integrated DAB tuner.
The clean sound is characterised by astonishing detail and clarity, which produces an involving listening experience supported by gentle, cohesive steering. Although the delivery recognises the slightest subtleties it can sound over-detailed in places, robbing the sound of some natural emotion. And when challenged with high volumes the Sony can struggle to keep its composure. DAB advocates however will pleased with the crisp, uninterrupted performance of the digital tuner.
For the money the STR-DB895 is a solid performer with the added attraction of DAB radio, but spending a little more will improve the specification and all-round ability.
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Plus points
Competitively priced, DAB radio, detailed performance
Minus points
Limited specification; occasionally sounds clinical
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Yamaha RX-V657
Yamaha has offered the stiffest competition to Denon's midrange supremacy in the AV receiver market of late. And the RX-V657 could be the one that finally dislodges Denon from its throne.
In contrast to its rivals, the design appears overly cluttered by controls and the unrelated black remote won't win any beauty contests. But, the specification isn't embarrassed in this company - featuring seven channels each with a modest 95 watts of amplification, all the latest processing modes and complete connectivity including component video upconversion. There's also an excellent Auto Set Up system that calibrates settings equally as accurately as we could manage manually.
Power is nothing without control and the Yamaha offers both in equal measure. The beautifully balanced presentation is seamless and subtle creating an enveloping soundstage full of finesse. But if you demand more muscle, you won't be disappointed. Low frequency effects carry plenty of punch without ever appearing strained. And far-reaching dynamics extend the Yamaha's ability with music too - although the timing could be improved.
The RX-V657 refuses to compromise, offering an enviably refined performance that doesn't shy away from authority for the best of both worlds.
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Plus points
Excellent specification, easy to use, outstanding performance
Minus points
Cluttered design, not the best musical timing
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Like a Sumo wrestling match, this test proved to be a battle between two Japanese giants. Denon's AVR-2106 and Yamaha's RX-V657 are the only candidates for class leader and separating them isn't easy.
Both receivers are similarly well equipped and produce beautifully balanced, refined deliveries but it's the Yamaha's extra oomph when needed that just sways it in favour of the RX-V657. If you've just bought a Denon AVR-2106 don't be alarmed as it's still one of the finest receivers you'll find at this price.
For the others, Pioneer's VSX-1015 is fully fitted but the aggressive performance won't please everyone. And, while the Sony STR-DB895 is good value for money, it's outperformed by the more expensive class leaders.
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