Top of the Onkyo's lineup is the flagship TX-NR905.

Bristling with connectivity and features only found on much-more expensive rivals, it appears a fearsomely good proposition for those looking for affordable state-of-the-art amplification.

Extensive feature set

The TX-NR905's plain black fascia may be understated, but beneath the lid lurks high-resolution Dolby and DTS audio decoding and 1080p video up-conversion for all sources.

Other niceties include an Ethernet connection for accessing networked audio content and internet radio stations, a USB port for reading MP3s from an external drive, plus an Audyssey auto-setup routine with a microphone that can optimise speaker levels at the drop of a squawk.

For hardcore cinephiles, the amp also offers THX Ultra2 post-processing.

Premium build

In fact, you'll have to look very closely to spot where corners have been cut to achieve the £1,400 price point.

If you were being pedantic, I guess you could say that the tiny buttons on the fascia feel a tad insubstantial, and there's definitely no oil damping on the drop-down front flap, but that's about it.

This is a very heavy piece of credible metal. Onkyo hasn't compromised any of the AV components installed either (at 39kg this is no easy one-man lift).

The audio inputs are all gold-plated, the bus plate is made of brass for perfect grounding, and the four isolating feet are shod in cork.

Impressive connectivity

Neither has the brand scrimped on connectivity. Four HDMI inputs and two outputs is as generous as you'll find anywhere, and they are all version 1.3a compliant, which means full compatibility with 1080p video and bitstreamed multichannel audio.

What's more, thanks to a rather handy Silicon Optics HQV Reon-VX video processor, this receiver can upscale S-video, composite and component sources to 1080p.

And with two HDMI outputs - one for your TV and one for your projector perhaps - the NR905 could seriously simplify your system cabling.

Connect your receiver to your PC

Network functionality may not be high on your short-list, but I rate it as a must-have on higher-end receivers; with the ability to go online as well as sucking up media from your home network (you do have a home network, right?) you can truly allow the AVR to become a home entertainment hub.

Ensure that connected PCs are running Windows Media Connect before you try and access all your audio files though.