The full features list (on Denon's website) reads like a pre-flight check for a space shuttle and leaves no AV stone unturned.

The highlights include very high-quality build with audiophile grade components throughout; 6-in and 2-simultaneous-output v1.3 HDMIs, Silicon Optix' Realta HQV two-way scaling and processing; full networking with built-in 802.11b/g wi-fi; and 9.3 channel processing.

The latter takes the form of standard 7.1 set-up, plus Denon's mid-position rear channels (ideal for 5.1 music and for a better spread of effects in 9.x modes), and two additional subwoofers.

The set-up positions these left and right of the screen and one on a side wall giving improved low-frequency dynamics - or lung-crushing bass depending how gratuitous you are with the gain control.

Inside the Denon AVP-A1HD

Internally this is a processor/firmware-based device so it's eminently upgradeable in the future, and is driven by three new 32bit floating point DSPs. An enormous high-current transformer powers individual supplies for audio, video and pre-amplifier duties.

It's iPod-ready with an optional dock (of course), and comes with the 3rd edition of Denon Link, which is going to be a huge boon to owners of Denon DVD players and, shortly, the matching Blu-ray player.

USB ports front and rear cater for just about any compressed audio format from 64k MP3 to 1080kbps FLAC. The graphic user interface has a function map more complex than the London Underground.

The GUI is positively huge, but so gloriously logical that the CD-Rom user manual can double up as a drinks coaster from day one. On something this complex that is a big plus point for day-to-day usability.

Dynamic duo

Day-to-day use is what the A1HD pair is built for, because the sound comprehensively sweeps away all that has gone before. From the opening of the 20th Century Fox clip-logo on Hitman (Blu-ray) the sound is just stunning.

It's so clean and crisp it makes lesser AV receivers sound congested and fuddled. Dynamic power is breathtaking.

The gratuitous and game-stylised shoot out scenes have an edge that lends a fabulous sense of realism. Each gunshot has explosive power and a detailed resonance.

In the deeper, moodier moments of the film, the A1HD is nothing short of sensational. It calves out a massive three-dimensional scene with consummate ease. Dialogue is as crisp and natural as the real thing.

No chestiness, no added sibilance, just finely-articulated voices full of emotion and detail.

The main character 'Agent 47' played by Timothy Olyphant (... have you considered a stage name Tim?) has a rolled accent that is neatly portrayed with just the right amount of depth and natural leading edge sibilance to make it both calm and menacing throughout.

Dramatic sound

Elsewhere, the classic opening to Ice Age on DVD gains a whole-new dimension.

When Scrat drives the acorn into the ice the thump is so deep it seems to be more of a feeling than a sound, and the subsequent cracking and splitting is by far the most dramatic and detailed rendition I have heard of this effect to date.

There's a real glass-like edge, but without any overt hissing or splashiness at the very high frequencies. You'll think a glacier has collapsed in two in your living room.

The characters' voices again impress with their tonal range and the overall effect simply elevates even children's animated movies to new heights.

A week of intensive use on and I'm yet to find fault with the sound, from the most complex DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack to the stunning hi-fi sound with CD in Pure Direct mode.

The resolution, sparkling top-end detail and massive deep-down power with music is right up there with some very esoteric hi-fi brands, and makes for a stunning all-round hi-fi and home entertainment solution.