Onkyo's propaganda also talks of improved build quality and a new visual design, though this model crams a lot of buttons onto its front panel, in an arrangement that can only be described as artless, and is far from easy to get to grips with without the remote control. And, unless I'm missing something, it looks alarmingly like the Onkyo SR606. And the SR605. A few millimetres have been shaved off the depth, however, and it's lost half a kilo in weight. Not necessarily a good sign.

Clean and transparent

Despite everything I've said about the versatility of this receiver, it strikes me that there are too many toys for comfort. Maybe you want a range of modes to enhance your gaming experience, but I regard many as gimmicks. What the Onkyo does well, however, is its basic functionality. Although it weighs marginally less than its predecessor, it still feels like a solid unit, and it behaves as one using its standard settings.

The Audyssey system employed here has proven its effectiveness in a number of models from different manufacturers. Although some more costly amplifiers take the setup much further, the Onkyo still manages to sound clean and reasonably transparent when setup using the supplied microphone, especially with a matching set of speakers. No speaker equalisation system, Audyssey or any other, can make an ill-matched set of speakers sound like a consistent whole.

After living with the Onk for while, I found the best way to use it was as a straightforward 5.1-channel amplifier, without rear effects or front height speakers. I was never able to achieve a properly homogenous sound with seven cabinets (mainstream KEFs in this case, which have performed well in other circumstances).

Of course, as a 5.1-channel system, with no add-ons, it is possible to drive the main front speakers using two amplifier channels (bi-amped), which, for a speaker of any size, provides a real boost to sound quality.

I heard this time and time again, with a varied range of source material, including big high-octane features like Quantum of Solace, and much quieter, more subtle fare like Charlotte Grey. In both cases, adding the extra main front amplification generated a bolder, more muscular and ultimately more believable sound.

Interestingly enough, the actual muscle proved difficult to measure by the HCC Tech Labs. Protection circuitry throttles amplification when driven over hard. Will this prove problematic in the real world? Onkyo says no, we say... dunno.

The upscaled video channel worked well enough, though, without being obviously special. HDMI adds a crispness that was not apparent using component video (from Sky+), but it was still no match for a good Blu-ray deck.

A good bet

For around £500, the Onkyo TX-SR607 is an over-achieving AVR that should keep the brand ahead of its competition. It's capable of bold, solid, and immersive sound quality. My advice is use it in 5.1- or 5.2-channel configuration with bi-amplified front main speakers – in this form it delivers in spades

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