2011's Best... Hi-Fi and AV Kit • The Register

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Pioneer SC-LX85 THX Ultra 2 Plus

Without question, the best-equipped home cinema receiver of the year, Pioneer’s 9.2-channel SC-LX85 is a awe-inspiring combination of audiophile Air Studios tuning and leading edge AV tech. In addition to its huge power reserves and a dynamic audio performance, this glossy behemoth features AirPlay, Bluetooth Air Jamming, 3D compatibility, internet radio and a high-spec audio media streaming engine with onscreen album art display.

More traditional cineastes will appreciate the THX Ultra 2 Plus certification and reliable MCACC auto-calibration system. A separate Wi-Fi adaptor is bundled in the box. The new age of the streaming theatre begins here!

Reg Rating 90%
Price £2000
More info Pioneer

Sony BDP-S580

There are plenty of cracking ‘universal’ Blu-ray players available, typically priced around £600, but the Sony BDP-S850 is a budget-priced thorn in the side of all of them. Changing hands for £180 or less, it makes spending more seem irresponsibly extravagant.

This ultra-slim 3D model has got it all: stunning HD picture quality, plus compatibility with Super Audio CD to keep audiophiles on side. Perhaps even more compelling for the rest of us, this deck not only boasts Sony’s best USB media playback implementation to date - including, for the first time, MKVs - but taps into the brand’s online entertainment portal, which features a deluge of IPTV content.

Reg Rating 90%
Price £179
More info Sony

Marantz NR1602

Aimed squarely at the AV receiver mass market, Marantz’s NR1602 offers a refreshing twist on traditional AVR design. Out goes the bodybuilder aesthetics and full-bore amplification of yore and in comes slimline elegance and network sophistication.

The NR106 streams music better than any comparable AVR. With broad file support and onscreen album art it’s the perfect partner for a networked music server. But it also sounds unfeasibly fine with multi-channel audio from Blu-ray. Apple AirPlay and internet radio are added gravy.   While this 7.1 design is not a volume monster, it still has enough welly to rock the average living room. Other brands shout louder but that doesn’t make them sound better.