Far from being a nondescript box, this 7.1-channel amp comes packed with all the latest technology

Is this budget-priced AV receiver a loss leader?

With a fine features set, high-tech engineering, spacious movie surround sound and a penchant to be a two-channel hi-fi system in its spare time, the Sony STR-DA5300ES receiver is a contender. The sound, which majors on detail resolution and clarity, is a real grower that seems to get better with every listen; the operation becomes very slick with familiarity; and the fit, finish and build is a joy to own.

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 is impressive from the start

Sony currently has one of its strongest ever collections of AV receivers. The STR-DG710 sits near the bottom of the range; a 6.1-channel receiver lacking many of the features – multiroom, multichannel analogue inputs for example – of bigger Sony beasts.