Home cinema amplifiers

If you like big and brash excitement, then you'll enjoy this Sony – but we found it to be a one trick pony that just can't compete

With this incredibly accomplished amplifier/receiver, Pioneer has really raised its game, gaining the coveted full marks in the process

Best receiver £1000-£1500, Awards 2010. Pioneer's excellent VSX-LX53 home cinema amplifier is classy and great to use

The RX-V667 is a first-class piece of kit, with a distinctive sonic presentation, but the competition is fierce

Denon's AVR-2311 is prodigious value for money

Best receiver up to £300, Awards 2010. A 3D-friendly amp, the Sony STR-DH810 is perfect for an entry-level home cinema system

Working to a tight budget? The Onkyo TX-SR308 will do a perfectly good job

Home cinema amplifier Product of the Year, Awards 2010. Supremely competitive and capable product in a particularly cut-throat field

This is one of the latest generation of AV receivers from Samsung, but despite its 1.4a ability, its sonic abilities are simply woeful

It's good looking and well specced, but the AVR 660 doesn't pose a big threat to its rivals