Onkyo have recently released some of their new AV Amps including the TX-SR506E and the TX-SR576E. Both these units include 7.1 Surround Sound,1080P video switching with 3 HDMI inputs, Dolby Digital Plus encoded audio and a long list of other features to keep any Home Cinema fan happy.

However they are also releasing the new TX-SR606 shortly with some online retailers already taking pre-orders. The 606 is a revamp of the award winning TX-SR605 but rather than just a little tweak here and there they seem to of made it the best AV amp ever when looking at the price and functionality.

The TX-SR606 specs include:

• 7.1 receiver
• 1.3a HDMI Switching (4 IN, 1 OUT)
• Up-conversion of all video inputs to HDMI
• Up-scaling of all video inputs to 1080i
• 3 component inputs, 1 component output
• Bi-Amping Capability for Enhanced Musicality and Power
• 140 watts at 6 ohms
• Powered Zone 2 audio output
• Audyssey 2EQ room calibration
• Auto Setup, via plug- in mic
• 5 digital inputs (3 optical, 2 coaxial)
• Music optimizer for compressed music
• DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby digital plus and Dolby TrueHD decoders
• Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders
• Dolby Digital EX and complete DTS-ES
• 24-bit/192 kHz DACs for all channels

Onkyo have managed to pack in all the above functionality at a price of £399! Previously if you wanted upscaling on an Onkyo you had to go with their TX-SR875 model or higher with the 875 costing £999. Granted the 875 upscaled to 1080p however at a price difference of £600 I will live without it. Another big improvement over the 605 is that they have increased the HDMI inputs from 2 to 4 which should handle all your HDs sources and some.

If you need any other inputs/outputs the unit also has:

• 4 S-Video Inputs and 2 Outputs
• 5 A/V Inputs and 1 Output
• 2 Audio Inputs and 1 Output

Overall it seems almost too good to be true. From what I have read on Onkyo I have heard they run very hot and they are also very large (the 606 is WHD: 435 x 174.3 x 374.7 mm and 11.6 kg) but if you are looking for a midrange AV system I doubt this will be beaten easily.

Some pictures after the jump.