Dialogue is forthright and full-bodied; bass is deep and punchy and top-end detail is pin-sharp without sounding harsh. The soundstage is astonishingly expansive and immersive, with the Onkyo orchestrating the chaotic bridge scene with expert timing and smooth steering, throwing effects around the room with relish.

It also demonstrates its versatility by turning in a top-drawer performance with music. DVD-Audio material (channelled from an OPPO player via analogue 5.1) sparkles with a dazzling amount of detail, but CDs also sound warm and dynamic.

Worth it?

The TX-NR906 isn't cheap, but a cursory glance at the spec sheet shows that you get a lot for your money and therefore easily justifies the expense.

The feature list is staggering, but not just on the audio side – the Onkyo boasts a wide range of high-end video features that could make all the difference to the performance of your home cinema display. But the most compelling reason to check out the Onkyo receiver is its scintillating audio performance, which makes it an absolute must-buy.