What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
25 JUN 2007
Onkyo TX-SR505
Like the current Nissan Micra, Onkyo’s splendid new entry-level receiver is a fundamentally okay-looking machine buried under countless design embellishments. Don’t, whatever you do, let its likeness to a mid-1970s ‘music centre’ blind you to its ability.
£250 put Onkyo’s way buys a 7.1-channel, AM/FM receiver with HDMI-switching (two in, one out) and auto-calibration: it sets up fast, and relatively accurately.
Decoding and amplifying the Dolby Digital soundtrack to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the ’505 establishes a big, believable soundstage. The tonality is convincing: horns rasp, strings bite and dialogue is well differentiated. Low frequencies are excitingly punchy and rigidly controlled, big dynamic shifts translated manfully and effects are steered precisely.
Possibly more impressive is the brio the Onkyo brings to music. It describes two- and multichannel tunes with gusto, separating and focusing to good effect. Low-end details are fast and tidy, treble sounds glitter without splashing and vocals are distinct and freighted with personality.
Only an unpleasant compulsion to harden the overall sound as the volume control is wound to neighbour-baiting levels spoils an otherwise remarkably assured performance.
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