Denon AVR-1312 review

The socket count around the back is reasonable, considering the low price. Four HDMI inputs should be enough for most people, with room for a Blu-ray player, set-top box, games console and digital camera. Support for HDMI 1.4 means you’ll be able to send 3D signals to a compatible TV. Two composite video inputs and a single output are useful for older devices, as is the S-Video port, which is intended for use with the optional iPod dock.

Plenty of connectors – Click on this image to enlarge it

Audio connectivity is also comprehensive for a budget amplifier; five pairs of binding post terminals and a subwoofer line out let you connect a 5.1 speaker system, and there are additional line outs for rear speakers, delivering 7.1 surround with the help of a pair of powered speakers. Three analogue audio inputs cater for older devices, but digital inputs are limited to one coaxial and one optical connection. AM and FM aerial inputs feed the built-in radio. There’s no USB or Ethernet, though, so you’ll have to make other arrangements to play media from storage devices.

After wiring up our reference speakers, we were impressed with the AVR-1312’s sound quality. As we would expect, all the major digital audio formats are supported, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, so Blu-ray discs’ highest quality soundtrack will always be accessible.

Choosing an AV amplifier for less than £300 usually involves balancing compromises, but the ABR-1312’s connections and sound quality are both up to scratch. With USB sockets and network streaming facilities often built into the latest Blu-ray players and TVs, their omission here needn’t be a deterrent. Our only real reservation is that the 75W-per-channel amplifier may be insufficient for big rooms and powerful speaker sets. However, for people with modest requirements, it’s an excellent choice.