Home Cinema Amps/Receivers > by Power in Watts

Advantages: Flexibility, Well priced
Disadvantages: Not ideal sonically, Remote is large and somewhat confusing

...different matter altogether. The Denon AVR-3300 is one component that starts to make this possible for the average houshold. It is a mid-priced receiver that nicely handles a full range of input sources. From an optical or co-ax source from your DVD player, feeding Dolby Digital or DTS signals, all the way through to a phono connection. Yes, that's right - this is a home cinema receiver that doesn't forget it's roots....your vinyl can snuggle up ...
...As amps. go, the AVR-3300 is well featured, it has a selection of inputs and input types - composite video, component video and S-video; digital co-ax and optical. It is worth noting, however, that the amp will only switch 'like for like', i.e. S-video inputs are switched out on S-video outputs, and not 'converted' to an additional component output. I have the receiver happily handling a tape desk, CD player, DVD player, video, satellite receiver ... Read review

Advantages: Looks great, sounds awesome, feels awesome
Disadvantages: Detailed set up can be tricky - just as well it comes idiot proof!

...deal. I got this Marantz A/V Receiver , A Yamaha surround sound speaker package and a Panasonic DVD recorder for the princly sum of £350 - a bit of a discount from the £900 RRP! I'll be reviewing each product in turn so check out my other reviews if you want a full system checkup! So into the review of the A/V Receiver: 1) The Theory I wanted a reciever that not only looked good, but that also provided the output and poer to match. I've long ...
...only look and feel good to use, they also have the reputation for shear high end quality. Unfortunately they were always well out of my price range! 2) The decision I was presented with a choice of three receivers, all of which fitted my requirements for connections, features etc. They included a Sony, a Yamaha and this Marantz. Well, I fell in love with this unit the moment I saw it - especially when the salesman explained that it has been the ... Read review

Advantages: Compact, Excellent sound, attractive and slimline, versatile, multifunction remote
Disadvantages: Only SCART connectors for inputs, Adaptor needed for non-scart stuff

...socket" to allow linking several Pioneer units to share controls. To be honest I don't use this facility despite also having a Pioneer DVD player. **** IMPORTANT ****** On some DVDs you may find that the voices sem to have disappeared. DON'T PANIC, I solved this by connecting the DVD player to the Amplifier with an additional Coax lead (It is actually a single phono to phono plug lead. Thought I'd let you know as this drove me NUTS as it only occurred ...
...more standard 6 Ohm), the Pioneer is extremely compact, measuring 420mm (W) x 70mm (H) x 383mm (D). It also sports an RDS AM/FM tuner for the radio fans out there. You NEED an aerial though or the reception will be dire. Mine is hooked up to a Pioneer DVD-565 multi-region DVD player and plays through a set of five Celestion AVS-101 speakers and Panasonic TX-28CK1 TV From a design point of view, this is a very pretty item and oozes quality. The ... Read review

Advantages: Value for money, build quality, features
Disadvantages: Difficult to bi-wire

...like the value of the Sherwood RVD 6095RDS. If you are just starting out in the world of home cinema, or if you are on a budget and looking to replace an ageing amp, then Sherwood are a brand you should consider. Richer Sounds are tied up with Sherwood to such an extent that you will find it difficult to obtain Sherwood products from any other UK supplier. That is not to say they are an ‘Own Brand’ product, far from it. Sherwood have ...
...than a year old the Sherwood RVD 6095RDS is largely future-proof in that it caters for most audio technology available now or on the horiaon. The only initiative it doesn’t directly cater for is the Dolby THX 6 channel technology which has been seen on a small number of recent DVDs. However, with DTS still establishing itself in the UK DVD market and most audio DVDs relying on Dolby 5.1 you will still have plenty to enjoy in the coming months. ... Read review

Advantages: Price, Quality, Sound, Looks
Disadvantages: Remote a bit fiddily

This receiver forms the main part of my home cinema system and having only recently purchased it I am still getting used to it. However, first impressions usually account for a lot and I like it. I like it a lot. It is basically a DSP-A5 as mentioned by another reviewer, but has an RDS tuner built in. (It cost £290) The Amp is heavy, and you really feel like you are getting a quality item, which of course you are. It has several surround modes and ...
...this amp will make the most of it. For home cinema it is superb and seemlessly separates the surround sounds. The lobby scene in Matrix is handled very well. I decided on this amp because I also wanted to listen to normal 2 channel music and get rid of my Hi-Fi system. I wasn't disappointed as it acts just like a standard amp when listening to CD's and vinyl via a turntable. The remote can also control your DVD, Digital Satellite, T.V. and video ... Read review