Pioneer VSXS300 (Black)

If you're limited for space but would like the benefits of separate home cinema sound, then you need a slim AV receiver. The Pioneer VSXS300 is just much a receiver!

With a height of just 85mm, the Pioneer VSX-S300 is around half as tall as similarly priced AV receivers. This means that it fits where others simply won't go and, crucially, has room to keep cool. It also happens to be one of the cleanest and most subtle looking AV receivers on the market. A clear display is flanked by a single rotary jog dial and a mere five buttons and two sockets.

Yet, despite its compact size, the VSX-S300 compromises little when it comes to power or features. 100 watts per channel (at 6 ohm load) gives plenty of power for all but the largest rooms. Not only are there four HDMI inputs but the sockets also allow for 3D transmission and ARC. ARC (Audio Return Channel) cuts down on the cabling required as a single HDMI connection between your TV and AV receiver carries both the video image to the TV and the TV's audio back to the receiver. Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and Pro Logic IIz decoders are all provided to get the best from Blu-ray, DVD and TV sources. Added to this you'll find nine surround modes plus one designed specifically for stereo music. There's also a "phones surround sound" effect designed to give a cinema feel when wearing headphones.

Pioneer has fitted the VSX-S300 with their Advanced Sound Retriever system. This enhances the typically compressed music from MP3/AAC systems and returns the sound to CD quality. Going further still, the VSX-S300 also comes with the optional extra of Bluetooth streaming capability and sound enhancement. When fitted with the optional AS-BT200 adaptor you can connect up your laptop, phone or other Bluetooth device and stream your music across. The Sound Retriever AIR restores sound quality after transmission, making it sound much better than similar wireless transmission systems.

In terms of sockets, the Pioneer VSX-S300 has everything you'd expect from an AV receiver of this price. Four HDMI sockets let you loop through HD sources and are particularly useful if your TV has only one HDMI input. In addition to these, the VSX-S300 comes with a front-mounted mini jack that's perfect for connecting your portable MP3/iPod or other device. Added to this you'll find a wide collection of composite and digital connections.

As well as looking great, the VSX-S300 is also easy to set-up. Thanks to MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic calibration System), you can get fine-tuned system tuning at the touch of a button. Created in conjunction with the professional sound engineers at AIR studios in London, MCACC is unique to Pioneer AV receivers and one of the best of its type.

For the fully-featured AV receiver that compromises on little but size, the Pioneer VSX-300 fits the bill. And the shelf!