Group test: HD AV receivers £1,000-£1,300 pt2

Overview Price: £1,000 More info: Onkyo Size: 435x194x459mm Weight: 23.3g Power rating: 7x200W Sound formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD, DTS HD-MS, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 Inputs: 8x analogue, 3x digital optical, 3x digital coaxial, 6x composite, 6x S-Video, 3x component, 4x HDMI Outputs: 8 channel preamp, 2x composite, 2xS-Video, component, HDMI, digital optical Tuner: FM/AM Presets: 40 Auto Set Up: Yes Onkyo TX-SR875 Onkyo's latest range of all-conquering AV receivers have suddenly raised the standard for surround amps in the budget and midrange class. They're not especially attractive, with an outdated design that looks born in the eighties, and they weigh an absolute ton - but their all-round sound quality is exceptional. The TX-SR875 requires a strong back to remove it from the box and emits enough heat to use as a spare radiator - so it's best positioned away from other equipment with plenty of ventilation. But, otherwise, it's difficult to find many flaws. Like the other receivers here, there's support for 7.1 channels of audio with integrated decoding for standard and next generation surround formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. You can connect up to four HD sources using the latest HDMI 3.1a inputs with one output available for HDMI video switching. There's also integrated HVQ video processing, which will improve the quality of standard definition sources by upscaling them all the way to 1080p - if you want to enhance the performance of your existing DVD collection instead of using high-definition. And there's complete multi-room functionality and a THX Ultra2 certification - a rarity at this price that's also featured in the Marantz. It's simple enough to set up the receiver manually using informative and unfussy onscreen menus and the large, backlit remote. But the automatic calibration system is more time consuming since you're asked to place the microphone in at least three different listening positions, although it is reasonably accurate. The sound carries a real presence that creates a surprisingly expansive soundstage compared to its rival receivers. Onkyo hallmarks such as fast-paced agility and hard-hitting bass are not ignored but there's also a previously absent attention to detail. Listening to the subtle sound effects of crab-like creatures slowly emerging during Captain Jack's after-life sequence in the latest Pirates Of The Caribbean is evidence of this dynamic sensitivity. And stereo performance is also a class above its contemporaries with a naturally expressive presentation that treats all types of music with the same even-handed approach - although it's best using direct analogue inputs. If you're interested in an AV receiver at this point in time then Onkyo should be the first brand you call on.

Verdict Plus points Future-proof features, outstanding video upscaling, exceptional sound quality with both multi-channel and stereo audio Minus points Outdated design, runs very hot

Overview Price: £1,000 More info: Yamaha Size: 435x171x439mm Weight: 17g Power rating: 7x130W Sound formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD, DTS HD-MS, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 Inputs: 8x analogue, 4x digital optical, 3x digital coaxial, 5x composite, 5x S-Video, 3x component, 4x HDMI Outputs: 4x analogue, 3x composite, 3x S-Video, component, HDMI, 2x digital optical Tuner: FM/AM/XFM Presets: 40 Auto Set Up: Yes Yamaha RX-V1800 Yamaha has a decent pedigree in the AV receiver market, especially around the midrange price point. The latest RX-V1800 replaces last year's impressive RX-V1700 and is the least expensive of the company's new HD receivers. The design looks like a less imaginative version of Denon's AVR-3808 and has been carefully constructed and cleanly finished, while the underlying specification bears similarities with most of its rivals. You get the same seven channels of amplification, although the claimed power rating of 130 watts per channel is lower than some of the other models featured. There's integrated decoding for the latest next generation surround formats used by HD-DVD and Blu-ray supported by four HDMI 1.3a inputs with a single ouput for video switching and upscaling standard definition sources to 1080p. Unlike the Denon, there are no networking capabilities but you can play audio files from an iPod using an optional dock. As expected, there is an automatic calibration system to assist the set-up and since you only have to calibrate a single listening position the process is faster than most. There are three independent calibrations to choose from with the Front option being the most effective, although we found it more accurate using the manual settings if you can ignore the outdated, blocky menu system. Without listening to its test mates, the sound is impressive with a beautifully cohesive delivery and superb integration that creates a fluid and relaxed listening experience. The warm sound is full of realistic detail and delicate subtlety that brings out the best from ambient film scores, but it can sound slightly strained with more explosive content such as the cannon-fuelled battleship sequences in Pirates Of The Caribbean. And that's where rivals like the Onkyo hold the upper hand - they simply seem to offer more controlled authority when it's needed. Then again, power isn't everyone's priority and the Yamaha's more placid approach will appeal to some purists. The same spacious and easy-listening delivery extends to stereo tracks, which are enhanced by an excellent sense of musical timing that not all AV receivers can claim. The RX-V1800 certainly deserves an audition, especially if you want to experience something apart from typical ground-shaking performances - but it struggles against the class leaders in this ultra competitive market.

Verdict Plus points Decent build quality; comprehensive features; warm and cohesive sound quality Minus points Basic menus and automatic calibration system; explosive scores can sound comparatively strained

Final verdict Although Onkyo's TX-SR875 is the only receiver that we've rewarded with the full ten stars, all of these models can offer a decent claim to your living room space. But, it's the Onkyo's uncompromised all-round performance without sacrificing features that make it the surround amp to beat at this price point. Denon's AVR-3808 and Marantz's SR1800 come close to matching it sound-wise but the Onkyo still holds the edge. The Denon will appeal to the next generation of audio enthusiasts who want integrated access to their digital music files while the Marantz is an old-school alternative with some missing features but a purist's approach to sound. And, even the Yamaha RS-V1800 is an impressive receiver albeit from a slightly more laid-back listening position.

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