DESCRIPTION

With the STR-DB1080, Sony is following on from its DB1070 receiver. However, whereas that piece of kit, while OK, left us severely disappointed, the news this time is nothing but good. At 500 quid, the new Sony is essentially a middle of the market machine - you wouldnt know it from the amount of formats catered for, though. Naturally, these include Dolby Pro-Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS, but poke about a bit more and youll also find their seven-channel brethren Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES and DTS Neo:6. Of course, it doesnt much matter about the variety of material your receiver can cope with if the sound coming out of the speakers isnt up to scratch. Luckily, (playing Saving Private Ryan), the soundfield produced by the Sony is deeply involving, with bass that offers lots of punch and little poo. Add to all this a myriad of sound customisation options, a positively biblical set of connections as well as a user-friendly setup system, and youve got yourself a winner