sound, built

remote

I think that this receiver is terrific. If you bother to look inside, you will see that the 777 is built as well or better than the top of the line Denon, Marantz, and Yamaha. The only minus in the SONY construction with respect to the others is the use of EI transformer in place of the better toroidal type transformer.
The sound is NOT high-end but is very close to much pricier alternatives which themselves are far from separates in quality but not in price. At times the Sony may sound a little fragile and bright (can be improved by adjusting the EQ to -1.5 db treble), but we are talking about a receiver that can be bought for $1000 and I would dare anyone to find a better sound for this kind of money. Ok, maybe one could go for a pair of used STEREO pre and amp separates, not very easy to find for $1000.
I spent months trying to figure out wether to pay a lot for a top of the line Marantz or Denon and keep it, or go for something cheaper now, and upgrade to separates later. After listening and comparing I came to the conclusion that the $3000 alternative to the Sony was not going to give me a three fold increase in sonic performance so I decided to get the Sony and in the mean time scout the used market for the separates of my liking.
The remote: it sucks, nothing new here, it takes 7 clicks on the pad to go anywhere and just about when you find the key you want to push it goes in goes back to standby.
However, I can do pretty much everything I need to do from the couch including turning on and operating things that are not SONY and that is good enough for me.
I think Sony did a great job and offered a product that really stands out for quality but not for price.

Note to the reviewer below: giving 2 stars to the 777 as an argument against the whole idea of 5.1 surround sound is simply RETARDED. But...oh yeah you paid over $1100 for it, that figures!

Sound and build quality, "tweakability," 5-year warranty.

Problem with the "Audio Split" function, remote, manual

I couldn't be more pleased with the sound quality of this receiver. It is absolutely clear and powerful. And the sound is so tweakable that in the nearly four months I've owned it, I've yet to fully explore its potential. It is also built like a tank and carries a 5-year warranty. Some say the 777 is good for HT, but is lacking for 2-channel music. I disagree, the Sony sounds great in both modes.

Now for the down side. Add another 10 seconds to the time before the remote backlight goes out and the remote is 10 times better. Otherwise, it's not difficult to figure out. Also, the manual is terrible. But both these things are minor. My main compliant is a problem with the "audio split" function that seems to be inherit in some 777s. Audio split allows you to assign to the unit different audio and video sources at the same time, e.g., watching TV while listening to a CD. Once in a while, this feature will engage on its own without any input from me. For example, it'll assign the tuner to the video input and the DVD player or TV to the audio. Worse, at times it will "lock" into this mode to where I cannot reassign sources or disengage this feature. This is particularly frustrating as the only fix is to clear the memory, which wipes out all my presets -- EQ, speaker set-ups, radio stations, etc. I called Sony about this a few weeks ago, and they had never heard of it. I would take it in for repair, but this happens so infrequently I fear that the repair tech wouldn't be able to reproduce the problem for diagnosis. This sounds like a firmware problem. Sony has upgraded the firmware, but I'm not sure if it addresses this problem.

Bottom line: despite the audio split problem, this is an excellent receiver for the money. The sound rivals that of more expensive receivers. I know I'm not alone with the audio split problem, and I'm sure in time Sony will become aware and address it.

Similar Products Used:

None

The Best Receiver anywhere in the world, period. Only way to improve is separates costing thousands!

Redicoulas question

I have spent the last 5 years buying different speakers adthen selling them looking for a satisfying sound. Then something strange happenned when My Sony 777 arrived. The speakers I had hooked up to the HK that were 1200 dollars and not satisfying me got hooked up to this Godzilla of Receivers. Immediatly my speakers sounded like a different product, in fact, a speaker that may cost 4 thousand dollars. Look, not alot of tech talk as I could go on and on.
bottom line for me and I hope for you is the SOUND! My music and movies have exceeded all expectations and for the first time in years I am not shopping around for the solution to makig me happy. This piece of equipment is worth way mre than it can be purchased for.
Just buy one and listen. It is that simple.
50 stars if I could!

Similar Products Used:

HK AVR75

Sound detail and clarity...

Remote is not as easy to use as my Sony RM-AV2000

After nearly eight years with the TA-1000 preamp, it was time to upgrade to Dolby Digital and DTS. I spent months comparing products and came back to Sony every time. I looked at the TA-9000, but for less money, I get basically the same fetures in the 777.. Plus, they throw in a tuner and a great amp. Now I have two less components in my AV cabinet. Thanks to this forum and a few other online resources for helping me make a more informed choice.

The sound is nothing short of fantastic. On CD's I now hear parts of the music that wern't even there on my old system. I've only had the unit for a few days and expect that it will be at least a few months before I tap all of it's capability. The built-in crossovers are excellent. I haven't yet needed to use the EQ.

For movies., the sound is phenominal. The Cinema EX modes make a huge difference. Can't wait to try DTS...

System -

Sony 777ES Receiver
Pioneer DVL-919 DVD/LaserDisc combi Player
Polk RT800 Fronts
Polk CS400 Center
Polk FX500 Surrounds
Definitive PF1500 Subwoofer
Proton 31" Monitor/TV
Panamax surge protection
APC UPS

Similar Products Used:

Sony TA-1000ESD

Brand name & EX sound feilds

remote?

I purchased my first Sony receiver in HS when I was 17 (1090 model). Well this year when I decided to upgrade it was a no brainier after almost ten years of absolute reliability through HS and collage. I had to get a Sony. (I will admit I did look at some of the Yahamma’s but I did not see a need for 8.1 or 7.1 surround sound (too many speakers to keep the room aesthetically pleasing))I usually go for the upper middle of the line products so I was really thinking of the 555 or 333 after reading those discussion groups I decided to include the 777 in my list. I spent several months wrestling with the price of the 777 vs 333(I could not really see the added benefit of the 555 over the 333). One day I just said so what and bought the 777 (I had never even listened to it until it showed up on my doorstep one day. I dragged the thing into my living room plugged it in and have been amazed every day since!

It really made a difference in my surround set up. The ex mode really provides for a room filling sound that makes movies great! (My friend went cheap and got the 333, there really is a noticeable difference between the two!) After a month or so I finally added a DVD player and after that digital light comes on there is no going back!

I had a fairly good receiver before and I don't think that this receiver has reinvented any of my cd’s but there really is a difference with ex mode while watching movies or playing games! I'm not really sure if the receiver is worth $500 more then the 333 but it is definitely worth something more and over the period of time I plan on owning this it will definitely be worth it to me! I have now owned it for 3 months and have not once regretted spending the extra on it!

I tried playing with the remote the first day or two then it quickly found a drawer, we bring it out from time to time as a conversation peace but I don't use it. All my equipment is Sony so I still use the remote for the VCR to control almost everything! The one cool thing about it was that it downloaded all the cd titles and song names from my 200 disc changer to the remote! Oh well I did not buy the receiver for the remote.

I am by no means an audio techie, but I do apreciate good sound. Needless to say I am very happy with this product and would highly recomend it to anyone!

Similar Products Used:

1090, 333, various Dennon & Okmoto(sp?), Yammaha

This is a follow-up review to my initial review:

What more can I say except that the Sony STR-DA777ES is nothing short of awesome. Coupled with my Sony CDP-CA80ES CD changer and DVP-S550D DVD player, I am constantly made aware of what I have been missing. I am hearing things on CDs that I have owned for many years that I have NEVER heard before! DVDs have awakened from the Harman Kardon AVR7000 induced slumber they were in. The nuances this combination creates is breathtaking! Have a seat on the sofa--in mere seconds you will be enveloped in an experience that few receivers less than $2000 can rival. There haven't been enough hours in the day since this receiver arrived at my door--ahhhh, to be able to just sit and play. Although I am certain that my neighbors don't have the same appreciation for this receiver as I do (especially during action/sci-fi movies), my wife surprisingly likes using it to watch TV, listen to CDs, and watch DVDs while I am not home. She thinks it's great--she even digs the remote now that I showed her how the macro functions work along with a few other neat tricks it does.

In a nutshell, I am giving highest marks for this piece of equipment and recommending it to anyone who has considered purchasing it and just hasn't done so. For those who aren't sold on Sony electronics, take it for a test drive and let your ears be the judge. Just do it--you will not be disappointed.

Thanks

Incredible sound, great selection of inputs/outputs, bannana plug support, remote

Remote, docs, no analog to digital conversion for input/output, motorized door

Overall I am extremely satisfied with this receiver. The sound quality is superb, the features provided are endless, and the performance is second to none.

I did have a problem where the motorized door on my unit broke after its first use, but Crutchfield immediately sent me a free replacement. Ironically, the day the replacement arrived, the system went into Protected mode and ultimately ended up smelling like some wires got fried. I'm not sure what happened, but fortunately that sort of thing has happened with my replacement. Perhaps the original was damaged in shipping or something.

The remote is great because it has lots of features, and two way support. However it sucks because it has a 30 second timeout, and is confusing to master. The docs don't help much with the remote, or the receiver, so overall I'd say Sony should fire the crew that did the docs and start over from scratch.

My system also includes the following:
Sony DVP-CX850D 200 DVD Changer
Sony KP-53XBR300 Projection TV
Polk RT2000i
Polk CS400i
Polk f/x 500i

I'd highly recommend this system for anyone who can afford it. I'd also recommend considering onecall.com or other sites for a better price, since I got screwed by Crutchfield. However, Crutchfield's customer service has been great, and they came in handy when this baby got fried so I guess I should be happy with that.

Power, Sound Clarity + Realism, Style, ES, Weight, Made in Japan, etc.

None

This is my first serious HT component. Many have been said and the good thing are all true. Just in case, I am extremely happy with this unit, with no complaint whatsoever.
So let me argue about the weakness others have mentioned.
1. Remote: It is not so bad at all. It is true and boasted in the manual that the remote turns off after 10 second. But the only part turned-off is LCD, not the entire function. And pressing back-lite button or touching the screen recalls everything from where it was turned-off. Therefore, it is NOT really to be blamed, but very cool and convenient.
2. 5.1 input: Yes, there is not 5.1 input on the back panel. But when you have an excellent decoder like this unit, why do you still need it?
3. Manual: Oh yes, the manual is not thick, and even lighter than separate remote's manual. But think about it. All you have to know is how to connect, select input source, and sound field. This unit is so intelligent and you can leave the rest to it. You will learn as you use it. The manual contains everything you should know. Don't expect to be baby-walked.
4. Volume-nob: Of course there is no ilumination on the volume-nob. C'mon, so what? Consider it further reduces distortion from this fine unit.

I know, I know, many of previous reviewers must have a lot to say. But the truth is that I, as an amateur casual listner with little experience with HT or Hifi system, had no problem with setting up and adjusting the unit (except pulling out from the box - too damn heavy!).

It must be also very true that the SOUND mentioned in the strength varies depending on the speakers. My system is Energy Encore system mounted on two pairs of stand for both front and surround. I will post my review on it after "break-in" period is supposedly over. However, even right after opening the box, with this receiver, the sound is already incredible. Please remember that this unit deserves and most likely can handle very good speakers (depending on your taste, of course).

Similar Products Used:

None

Power, accuracy, options, clarity

no component video, gets stuck in modes, remote

Bought it on eBay auction from EF Electronics for total $1025. I am very happy with sound and options. No component video inputs vs the Denon, but not sure how important that is. I have gotten the system stuck in some mode a couple of times where its display turns off after a couple of seconds after pressing any keys to make a change. It seems to be this happens when I am using remote with equalizer or some other function. Turning it off and back on restores the system (manual does not cover this, so it is a software bug or I haven't yet figured it out). But the sound, power, accuracy and options are awesome. The no light on volume knob is a feature I donot miss since it's not that useful to me. I like remotes with keys for tactile use; this remote requires one to see the "LCD keys" in order to use. It also has lots of weaknesses as described in other reviews.

Similar Products Used:

denon 4800

>> Review Ammendment

>> I'd agree with the "Can't take it to bed with me"

After I posted my previous review, a few of you guys have gotten in touch with me... just thought that I should share a bit of an FAQ.

1. The 777 has the ability to go into an "Audio Purity" mode. That mean that when you go into an "Audio only" input mode (Such as Phono, CD, Tuner, MD), all of the other switching circuity that go into visual re-routing are automatically shut-down. Not only does this cut down the chance of circuit cross-talk, but actually frees up the amp's power supply a bit to drive speakers with a bit more oomph and clairty. If you also place the reciever on 2-Channel mode in this situation, it also re-directs the power allocation that would've gone to the other 2.1 speakers. Clever little bugger isn't it?

2. There is also an Analogue Direct mode that allows the 777 to shut down the DSP when recieving analogue input (5.1 input mode, or 2-ch mode). This makes the amp essentially a high-quality pure analogue amp. Monobloc's anyone?

3. Yes, that IS an RS-232 dongle thingy on the back of the 777. Don't mess with it, as it'll wipe out your warranty, unless you SPECIFICALLY use a Sony program upgrade. That's there to allow us to upgrade the software in the unit. Don't belive me? There's an update for the ES9000 on sony's site. But this receiver is using Sony's Latest and Greatest (New!Improved!Shinier and Whitens & Brightens in 4 ways!) software. For those tech-heads out there, the AC-3 & DTS decoder is the CXD9511AQ (24 bit), and the DSP's are the DXD2712R. Why the hell do these things always sound like insurance policies? Just thank god that the guy who thinks up of these numbers isn't naming government forms!

4. Yes, there ARE two DSP processors on board the 777. That's tow CXD2712R... and the R version features new software, and a faster clockspeed (please, let's not get into an Intel vs AMD tiff here...)

5. Yes, the 777's software (DSP's & Decoders) ARE newer than the current 9000ES'... but just you run that flash upgrade...

6. No, *DO NOT* try and be a smart ass and run the 9000's flash software on your 777.

7. What the hell happened with the iluminated volume knob?
As one would note, the higher up you get in products, the more elegant & refined you get. Basically, an amp at this level is designed for one purpose: give great sound. If you want a disco-light show, get a cheapie Kenwood with flashy LED's. To add more lights to the amp tends to make it a distraction... which is especially so if it's to be used in a "home theatre" set up. After all, which do you want to see? Glowing neons of your equipment, or the visuals on your Giant Screen TV?

Then again, I must confess on having one of those little micro CD/Tuner/MD Sony's next to the bed with the brushed aluminum cases and the chi-chi blue LED's. Why? 'Cause it looks kewl, and my Laydee loves it (cuteness factor counts lots... just like the little B&W LM1's. She likes them more than the "timber monstrosities" of my Signatures).

On that last point; it's personal preference. The main reasoning being that most amps won't "auto-dim" the glowing LED on the volume control. Besides; just close you eyes and use the remote :) Set the volume with your ears, not your eyes.

to plug:>> Listen, and you'll see :)