WHAT HI-FI SAID:

"On paper, the Denon AVR-X3300W's power is up 20 per cent compared with the AVR-X3200W (180W next to 150), so you could be forgiven for not expecting a huge step in performance. But you'd be wrong. Very wrong.

It shares similar character traits, for sure. Punch and poise are still high on the agenda, but you immediately get a sense that there's more waiting in the wings. This particular Denon has a couple of extra gears."

"Sure, it's able to blow your socks off with the help of a punishing, bruising soundtrack, but really this is the very least we'd expect when moving up from a budget to mid-range AV receiver.

Some amps have no trouble sounding ballsy and gung ho, but it's often done at the expense of subtlety. The AVR-X3300W has loads of power at its disposal but still manages to sound sophisticated with it."

Verdict:

"When we started this review, we already knew Denon had a great £500 receiver on its hands. We weren't quite sure if the AVR-X3300W would be able to justify its position and price premium over the AVR-X2300W.

But we were wrong to be concerned.

The way it manages to mould all its various strengths together but also maintain such expert balance and finesse should be applauded.

If you want to take your budget home cinema set-up to the next level, then be in no doubt that Denon AVR-X3300W will do just that."