Rather than simply evolving its previous AV receivers, the big S has gone all-out with a completely new design for its latest ES class trio.

The STR-DA5200ES tested here is top of that crop, and boasts 1080p upscaling, HDMI upconversion from every video input, a unique auto calibration system, dual core processing, a sexy new GUI and most significantly a move back to analogue amplification.

The tech-spec is certainly up there with other receivers at this price, offering a full complement of standard Dolby and DTS formats, a very healthy 115W into seven channels, and bi-ampable main speakers if you opt for 5.1 configuration.

HDMI connectivity is three-in, one-out and all 1080p-compatible - to make the most of the DA5200ES's Genesis Microship's Cortez Advanced video controller and the latest Faroudja DCDi scaling engine. This will give true 1080p output from any source - even 420-line NTSC composite video! Even if you don't have a 1080p display right now, that is a great deal of future-proofing.

Unique in the range to the 5000ES is a USB input for MP3 etc, multi-zone output with a rather useful three output zones and a secondary remote control to suit.

Sony is most proud of the new setup and calibration system, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration. It's claimed to be one of the most accurate and fastest of any receiver on the market. It uses a stereo setup mic, and hitting the start button elicits a quick series of tunes followed by the usual white-noise pulses - and that's it. Job done in 30 seconds. Cool.

A great deal of attention has been paid to the basics of sound - and I mean a great deal. The design brief was to create an open and refined sound, and demanded creating richer, tighter bass than previous models. The technical document accompanying the review sample describes this as 'darker bass'. Even the type of plastic chosen for insulation on the speaker terminals was selected by extensive auditioning! I bet that was a fun evening in Shinagawa.

The STR-DA52000ES's overall build quality and feel are nicely solid, and I even like the bold and slightly intimidating look.