AV Receivers - Q1 2007
If you choose to go down the route of seperates, and you've chosen your speakers, now you need something to connect everything to. This is where the AV receiver comes in. It allows you to connect up a large number of audio and video components, and output the sound and video of these devices, also cutting down on cables attached to your TV. Some can even upscale/upconvert video sources to improve picture quality. Here are some of the strongest contenders.Onkyo TSXR604E - Less than £350
If your after futureproofing and interested in playing Blue-Ray and HD-DVD's, this puppy offers excellent value for money.
The selling point of this receiver is its ability to accept uncompressed PCM audio over HDMI at a low price. This is good news if your looking for high quality audio from your PS3 or Blue-Ray/HD-DVD player. It also up-converts your video connections to component. Meaning you can have one HDMI cable and one component cable going to your TV, and plug all other composite, component and HDMI connections from all your other devices into the receiver. This makes everything a lot neater, and in theory improve picture quality.
If you want to know more about the benefits of audio over HDMI then read this article.
Sony STRDA1200ES - Less than £350
If you dont think your especially concerned with HD audio, and will be content with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS soundtracks, then you can't go wrong with the award winning Sony STRDA1200ES. Excellent reviews and rated Product of the year in What HiFi magazine for its sound quality, styling and price tag.
Aesthetically the Sony is very stylish, and backup by top notch sound quality ahead of its rivals. It upconverts video sources via its component output, as with the Onkyo. However, It just acts as a switch box to pass through HDMI video sources and will not accept audio via HDMI, so no uncompressed PCM here.
Sony STRDA3200ES - Less than £530
If you wish you could have the best of both worlds, then the answer is the Sony STRDA3200ES. This baby couples the ability to accept LPCM audio over HDMI and upconversion of all video sources to HDMI, with the classic Sony styling and sound propeties.
All three of these Receivers are currently highly regarded in the AV world, but as with speakers, they produce different sound styles and therefore people will have their personal favourites. However, if your looking for maximum 'bang for your buck' you won't go wrong with any of these.