Onkyo TX-SR575 AV Receiver

Performance
Initially, we gave the receiver a serious workout through our test discs, and also used the Audyssey Room EQ to set a set of JBLs up all over again. For this you have to attach the mic to the front panel and place it in the listening position. The process takes measurements from three points in the room and creates a setting that's best for your room. Ours is an acoustically treated listening room, so the result would have sounded good anyway. But the system is very efficient and cool.

The sound response of the receiver is thick, mainly at the low mids and bass, with a good extended bass. My front speakers were set top large, and this was a better setting, with the bass sounding continuous and uniform, though with just a slight overhang on tight bass heavy notes. The highs were transparent enough to impress, and also very much in control in the audibly sensitive high mid frequencies. The sibilance sometime sounded too ‘icy’, but not so bright that it hurt. We were using Supreme Stereo Sound Series part 4 to check classical orchestral music, which sounded full and open through the amp. Herbie Hancock was next, along with Jamiroquai CDs. This was all in stereo.�

For video I passed HDMI through the reciever and to my TV, played PS3, and also watched Ratatouille Blu-ray. Also on the movie list was the last of the Samurais. The sound was absolutely accurate and pounding. All this testing leads me to believe that the receiver has got the low mids and bass where it's at – very nice and warm. The only thing is it goes over the limit sometimes and sounds a little boomy. The 80 watts power per speaker might be too little for some speaker models, so driving them might become an issue... underpowering speakers is not cool. It's not that the power is not enough, but just be sure to match the speakers with an appropriate power drawing capacity.

Conclusion
At Rs 30,000 the receiver is a bit expensive, but then this is the most important component in your home theater. This is a good model to consider when your full home theater budget is about a lakh. The bass is good, it's open and loud enough, and the good qualities overwhelmingly outweigh the bad. A demo is recommended.