Power, Clean Sound, Stereo mode

Remote, Manual

I like this receiver a lot. I really takes charge of my speakers. I use a pair of KLH floor speakers for the front channel. I have a sony center channel and Bose rear. This receiver takes my old speakers to new heights. I relly like this receiver especially for the price.

sound great looks good and very nice value

the remote and manual

This is my first a/v reciever. I was a bit worried that i had made a bad choice when purchasing the r-756 model. I wanted the best reciever for the money i had, I studied every reciver I found in the 1000$ price range here on audioreview, but i couldn´t find a review of this model.
So i took a chance and bought this model for 700$,
i was plesantly surprised when I had hooked it up, it sounded great (and still does).
Because I´m new in this field I had some problems in hooking it up and the manual doesn´t help very much.
remote is a bit hard to get the hang on.
It doesn´t have any of the weakneses i found in other review´s of other reciever like hissing and heating etc.
so all around a great reciever, beutiful dts and dd decoding and very good music reproduction
I later found out the the store i bought it from sold it to me at the wrong price:) it was supposed to cost 1100 $
here in Iceland

sorry if there are any typos

Similar Products Used:

my first
yahoo

The 756 is the best kept secret in home theatre receivers! Great stereo sound, loads of inputs for video and audio, autodetects video audio source.

No phono stage

I bought the Arcam AVR 100 and sent it back a month later. The lack of video inputs I could live with, but I couldn't wrap my head around spending $2000 (CDN) on a receiver that sent a hum out of the centre channel. Also, I found myself hitting the ceiling more than once, it's so underpowered. It's just poorly designed, poorly built, and the remote sucked.

I tried a Denon and instantly discovered what people talk about when they dismiss Japanese receivers. Bright, bright, bright.

Fortunately, Glen in Windsor got his paws on the Sherwood Newcastle. I could find almost no information on this receiver, even on the Sherwood USA site! No specs, no reviews, save for the three raves (now four) on audioreview. I was disappointed that there wasn't a phono stage, but at least it has two component video inputs.

But that's all geek talk. What matters is how it sounds. And it sounds! In two channel stereo it is at least as good as the ARcam. It may be better in fact, since it's powered so much higher (at least 100 watts per channel). But I bought this system for movies, and that is where it shines. Channel separation is clean, even when the source is a satelite signal. (I found the ARCAM was distorting the rear channels in ProLogic mode, but not the Sherwood). It integrates beautifully with the subwoofer. The soundscape in Saving Private Ryan was astounding.

I've added a Rega phono stage to my setup to solve that problem. Extra expense, but my God does it sound sweet.

Why does no one know about the receiver?

Here's my full setup:
Sherwood Newcastle 756
Acoustic Energy Aegis One for front and rear channels, matching centre channel and subwoofer
Rega phono stage, Dual 1249 turntable (restored)
Toshiba 2-disc DVD

Similar Products Used:

Arcam AVR 100

The 756 is the best kept secret in home theatre receivers! Great stereo sound, loads of inputs for video and audio, autodetects video audio source.

No phono stage

I bought the Arcam AVR 100 and sent it back a month later. The lack of video inputs I could live with, but I couldn't wrap my head around spending $2000 (CDN) on a receiver that sent a hum out of the centre channel. Also, I found myself hitting the ceiling more than once, it's so underpowered. It's just poorly designed, poorly built, and the remote sucked.

I tried a Denon and instantly discovered what people talk about when they dismiss Japanese receivers. Bright, bright, bright.

Fortunately, Glen in Windsor got his paws on the Sherwood Newcastle. I could find almost no information on this receiver, even on the Sherwood USA site! No specs, no reviews, save for the three raves (now four) on audioreview. I was disappointed that there wasn't a phono stage, but at least it has two component video inputs.

But that's all geek talk. What matters is how it sounds. And it sounds! In two channel stereo it is at least as good as the ARcam. It may be better in fact, since it's powered so much higher (at least 100 watts per channel). But I bought this system for movies, and that is where it shines. Channel separation is clean, even when the source is a satelite signal. (I found the ARCAM was distorting the rear channels in ProLogic mode, but not the Sherwood). It integrates beautifully with the subwoofer. The soundscape in Saving Private Ryan was astounding.

I've added a Rega phono stage to my setup to solve that problem. Extra expense, but my God does it sound sweet.

Why does no one know about the receiver?

Here's my full setup:
Sherwood Newcastle 756
Acoustic Energy Aegis One for front and rear channels, matching centre channel and subwoofer
Rega phono stage, Dual 1249 turntable (restored)
Toshiba 2-disc DVD

Similar Products Used:

Arcam AVR 100

Audio quality, value for money, pre-outs

none for the money

I purchased this reciever to intergrate into my HI-end audio system consisting of a Marantz DV-18 DVD, passive pre (stepped attenuators) high quality power amp & audiophile 20-20,000khz 3 way speakers with twin 150w inbuilt subs.large centre (voiced to mains) & high quality 2 way surrounds.The sound from this reciever is very natural & non-electronic, like high quality audio equipment (not fatiquing) as I listen to music dvd's the audio signal from this amp through the pre-outs into the passive driving the 2 x mains,with the sherwood running the centre & rears is very impressive & reinforces my decision to set up this way as oppossed to seperate processor-multi channel power amp where the audio system would have been compromised.This unit is better than the onkyo 575x which is very good also but is more electronic sounding but the JVC is terrible on music

Similar Products Used:

JVC 7001,ONKYO 575X

Very solid sound, great amplification, and all the needed features

Tuner could have an easier channel scan, not a big fan of the titanium finish-- though its becoming easier to match more components to it

I purchased this product from a local stereo installation shop that specializes in home theather installs. I had originally gone there because they were a local Paradigm Reference dealer. I had never heard much about the Newcastle line. I spent lots of time talking to the sales reps at the store and they recommended that I try the Newcastle and it made sense so I placed the order that took two weeks. I spent those two weeks aganizing over the potential mistake I might have made?
When I finally received the unit I was sceptical until I turned it on. The last receiver I had before this one was an Onkyo. This thing was not even in the same league. The Newcastle is sooo much better. It opened up stage and cleaned up the image immensly (sorry my spelling is poor). The receiver is quality in every way. It is built very well, sounds awesome, and has adequate power for its price point. If you have more money available I recommend the R956 with 120watts per channel at 7 full channels. The R756 is only 5 x 100... but there is no doubt Newcastle's 100 watts is way stronger than my Onkyo's 100 watts.
Truly a superb piece of equiptment. If you have any questions about this product please feel free to e-mail and I will answer if I can -- just keep in mind I am not a professional and the best I can offer is an opinion. The one thing my audio quest has taught me is that personal taste is giant part of any good decision.

My setup...
Newcastle R756 receiver
Onkyo CD changer
Phillips DVD
Paradigm Reference studio 40's front, CC - center, studio 20's rear, and Kenwood sub (soon to be upgraded to Paradigm PW2200.)
Monster power surge and cleaner 2000.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, Sony, Pioneer Elite, and Integra

Music, Circle Surround, ease of use, build quality.

Remote, takes a bit of time to get used to, it does the job but nothing more.

The first thing that struck me with this R-756 is how well it's built. It stacks up very well in that category to the Onkyo 787 and it takes the others I mentioned above to the cleaners. Also the titanium finish is very easy on the eyes.
Then the features, it offers component video switching which almost no other manufacturer offers at this price point. 4 digital inputs, on screen display, 5 x 110 Watt on 8 Ohm. Pre-outs for all channels. Dynamic Range Control and one of the nicer features around (in pre pro logic 2 territory)Circle Surround which I will get back to later.
The most important issue with a receiver i think is in how it sounds and this is where the R-756 impresses me most.
It totally blows away the Denon 1601, 1801 and the Onkyo 575. Also it outperforms, in my opinion, the 787 and the 2801. It just sounds great. The sound is very dynamic, it really creates a realistic soundstage, if you close your eyes you really can hear great placement in space of the music, if it's there on the source.
It also really takes charge of the speakers. I have a pair of Heco Mythos 500 as the main speakers, i always thought they performed very well in the low range with plenty of power, but when i hooked them up to the R-756 it really knocked me off my feet. There was such power coming from the speakers, but still the sound was extremely clear and tight. This is where i find this sherwood receiver is ahead of the 787. I really like both of them as they are both very musical, but the 787 really lacks 'oomph' in comparison with the Sherwood.
Then there's the Circle Surround, this really is a great upgrade from Dolby Pro Logic. When watching a Dolby Surround movie with dolby pro logic sound it is just as good as the pro logic modes on the other models I mentioned above. It really adds to the movie-experience, if you however change to Circle Surround decoding you experience a completely different sound. The CS really envelopes you in the sound. When for instance a car passes in the back of the sound field, on pro logic you here the noise of the car in the surround channels, you cannot really define where it is coming from and where it's going it's just there for a second. However when listening to the same scene with CS you can hear it fading in from the left surround channel and then moving towards the right surround channel where it finally fades away. On many soundtracks the CS sound comes very close to the Dolby Digital soundtrack. I often watch movies on tv or with my vcr, because there is just so much material available on those formats, and this really adds to the enjoyment of this. I mean if you have been spoiled by movies on dvd and their soundtracks, you just feel you miss something when you're listening to pro logic. With CS i can say that i can really enjoy my movies again without them having a 5.1 soundtrack.
CS also is great for listening to music as it really creates a very pleasant surround sound with just a stereo source like a normal audio cd.
I have to say i still prefer the stereomode for music, because really this receiver shines with stereo music, but the CS is very nice for certain cd's.
I mean on the other receivers i wouldn't even bother with the dsp's creating a different soundfield because it is so crap. The only one i would use is probably the matrix mode on the denon receiver that isn't bad. For people who do enjoy them, the R-756 comes with the standard theater, hall, church and stadium modes. They do sound better(my opinion) than the respective modes on the Denon's, but really i wouldn't bother with them.
The only negative thing about the receiver is probably the remote. I mean the remote on the Denon 1601 and 1801 are just as bad, but the other models i named all have much better remotes. Unlike other brands'receivers you can do more with the buttons on the receiver then with the buttons on the remote, there are several functions you cannot operate with the remote, but there is nothing you can do with the remote that you can't do on the receiver also.
This means that you have to have easy acces to the receiver.
Controlling the receiver on the thing itself is very easy and simple with a great multifunction knob. You can control virtually all functions with this one 'button' this in my opinion is very simple to get used to. Another benefit is that you will have no problems using the receiver when you can't find your remote or if it's broken.
I can say I really recommend it to anyone who is serious about the sound of his hometheater and doesn't want to buy a top range model of other brands. If you look at the Onkyo 787, you can prefer it over the R-756 because of a few great features like THX select, or multiroom capability, 7 channels of amplification, very nice remote. If you look at the essentials however, which boils down to the sound and the really usefull for everyday features, the R-756 beats the Onkyo. If you then consider that the Onkyo 787 costs more than twice as much as the Sherwood Newcastle R-756.
In other words if you are looking for a Onkyo DS-TX787, in perfect condition I might add, I've got a great deal for you.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-1601, Denon AVR-1801, Denon AVR-2801, Onkyo DS-TX 787, Onkyo DS-TX 575.

Sound and build

None at this price.

Best stereo sound for the money I found. Doesn't screw up the treble either. Beat the Marantz 7000 hands down for quality of sound. If your 30 days is almost up on your Yamaha, Denon or Onkyo you better run give this a listen before it's too late. Yes there are machines that sound better but they cost more.

Similar Products Used:

In this price range just about all of them except Sony and Pioneer