ONKYO TXNR809 Black AV Receiver - £699.95

With added enhancements to audio, video and connectivity, the Onkyo TXNR809 makes true hi-end AV more accessible than ever.

What sets the Onkyo TXNR809 apart from both its rivals and lesser models is the inclusion of an HQA Vida video processor. Whatever the definition, HQA Vida ensures the highest video processing quality possible at this price and, indeed, well beyond it. You can also adjust ISF calibration for individual sources, giving you total control over system integration. As you'd expect, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Pro Logic IIz are all standard. In addition to this, like other new Onkyo AV receivers, the TXNR809 comes with Marvell Qdeo 4K video upscaling. Going one stage further than conventional 1080p upscaling, the processor has the power to upscale to twice that level! Known as 4K because of the horizontal pixel count of 1080p video increasing from 1920 to around 4000 (there are several formats all offering slight variations). Currently 4k TVs and monitors are specialist items but, watch this space; prices are coming down all the time. At the moment there are already 4K videos available over the internet but, with the TX-NR809, the upscaling ensures, whatever the format, you're all set for the future of 4K. In recognition of the Onkyo's outstanding ability, it has been awarded THX Select2 Plus Certification, meaning it meets exacting standards set by the Lucas Film studios.

When it comes to sound quality, Onkyo has made every effort with the TXNR809 to, again, make it a class leader. A massive transformer, symmetrical L/R channels, separate power and pre-amp blocks, and a highly rigid chassis combine to make this AV receiver not just a powerful performer but one with great musical agility, too. The powerful sound of this amplifier is helped still further by the three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry, jitter-cleaning technology, WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) Pure Audio and Double Bass Function - not to mention the impressive 145 watts available to each speaker. Dolby Volume with linear control gives the most precise sound quality, whatever the volume level. If you want even more control from your front speakers, then the option of bi-amping, using two integral amplifiers, is available as an option (this voids the Zone 2 powered output). If you were wondering what the "7.2" channel output meant, that's explained by the TXNR809's twin subwoofer outputs. When used in this way you get a better spread of bass and can use two smaller, but "faster" sounding subwoofers for a tighter, better controlled bass.

In terms of sockets, the TX-NR809 has a system-busting 8 HDMI inputs - 1 front and 7 rear - and twin HDMI outputs. The twin outputs are especially useful if you run both a flat screen TV and projector or have a screen in another room. Either way, you'd certainly struggle to use every one of them! Not only are these sockets more than capable of handling the most complex of home cinema systems, they are also fully compatible with 3D TV. New to the TX-NR809 are twin USB sockets . It might not look much, but one of these little sockets will transform the sound quality from your iPod or iPhone. By connecting to the USB, you'll benefit from a digital connection. This gives a direct signal and, hence, purer sound quality than using a conventional dock or analogue input. If you don't have an iPod or iPhone, the USB socket will also accept music signals from other MP3 players or multi-media devices. The other, rear-mounted, USB socket is there to add a wi-fi dongle. By having this at the back, it's tucked neatly out of site and still leaves the front socket available for your iPod/iPhone. The TXNR809 is the first Onkyo AV receiver in the range with an extra 2 zones. Zone 2 and Zone 3 (passive) give the TXNR809 genuine multi-room ability, especially as the remote control features bi-directional commands. Other sockets include both 7.2 output and 7.1 input via RCA phono. These are extremely useful for adding more powerful/better quality amplification and/or for connecting an older source with RCA multi-channel output only. The TXNR809 also gives you S-Video connectivity and a useful RS232 port for home automation compatibility. A highly unusual feature but welcomed by many is the VGA PC input. This means that you can easily route your PC's video signal through your home cinema system. You'll also find three coaxial and optical digital inputs and the full complement of component, composite and RCA phono sockets that you'd expect. The TXNR809 also features a universal port at the back for Onkyo iPod dock connection or DAB+ tuner upgrade module. Finally, this Onkyo AV receiver also comes with binding posts for all speakers, allowing every speaker to be easily connected with the thickest of cables.

When setting the TXNR809 up, the superior Audyssey MultEQ XT system is there to help out. This not only automatically calibrates speakers, but also corrects room acoustic issues with the greatest accuracy. The upshot of this hi-tech processing is ideal sound quality, whatever the room. With its large, concealing panel and fresh new look the TXNR809 also happens to be, in our opinion, one of the best looking Onkyo AV receivers to date!

Big power matches audio finesse, top draw video performance and unrivalled connectivity. The Onkyo TXNR809 has simply got the lot.