300 on HD DVD is more my style, and the film is utterly gripping from start to finish as the Onkyo creates an intense and sometimes eerie atmosphere that few budget receivers even get close too.

The tension builds and by halfway through the movie sweat will be beading on your brow and palms.... largely because the TX-SR605's case gets hotter than a Dutch porn channel.

However, when the screen is full of clashing swords, blood-soaked leather and beards you could lose badgers in, the Onkyo does begin to reveal some of its shortcomings.

Bass effects never really get into 'thunderous' territory and with all channels driven hard the sound can head towards an acerbic ear-syringing if you have even remotely frisky speakers. I do feel guilty giving the TX-SR605 a dig for lack of ultimate grunt though. At £400 the only receivers that eclipse it for sheer drive do so at the expense of subtlety, features, advanced technology, future-proofing, classy GUIs and usability.

So, do I give a flying duck about why the TX-SR605 costs only £400? No! As long as the current price remains unchanged and Onkyo doesn't suffer a mysterious stock shortage, this receiver will remain the definitive budget best buy for ages.