The is the first receiver that I bought when I started into home theaters. Although it is a plain Pro-Logic receiver, it gets the job done. I cannot complain about it, since I got the receiver for less than $100.00. I don't think there is a Pro-Logic receiver on the market that anyone can get for less than 3 digits. It is a good starting receiver but once you listen to the good stuff ... higher end receivers and / or separates, the 405 will start to sound like crap. Although, if you just want a basic Pro-Logic setup, it is a good on to start with assuming you can find one.

For its price range, this receiver looks and sounds good. The remote is sleek and light. It has also proved to be quite dependable. 5 years of use with no failures at all.

No subwoofer out put. Only pro-logic, and limited DSP's

I purchased this reciever 5 years ago as my starting point into the home theater realm. I has performed flawlessy from the moment I set it up. The sound was clear and crisp and I had no real complaints. I purchased the Sony STRDB940 as an upgrade because I wanted some of the new features of today's recievers (STRDB940) is reviewed on this site as well.

All in all this makes a good entry level receiver. Not the best of breed but a strong performer nonetheless

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This is a good entry level model for home theater. It's very reasonable priced (around $220 street price) and has lots of good features for people on a budget who want home theater. It output's 80 watt/ch in all 5 channels, although I tohught my surround speakers sounded quiet. It has Pro Logic and other modes, as well as test tone and level adjustment. It has a slim but good remote, especially if you use other Sony products, tho it's not programmable/universal. But for $15 you can get one that is. It has a real simple and straighforward display. It uses LED display to tell you what it's doing (eg it says "VIDEO") when you're listening to video inputs. It has 2 audio/video inputs as well as inputs for CD, Tape, and phono. I have no major complaints about it. It doesn't have all the old bells and whistles as the old Sony receivers (like fancy graphic equalizer displays), but in some ways it's simple design makes it easy to use and probably more affordable. I paid $150 less for this receiver than I did for an 80 watt one 5 years ago that had less features. Actually, I'm selling it now even though it's only a month old. As good as it is, my tastes desire something more high end, I'm buying a separate amp and preamp, but those looking for a receiver for home theater on a budget would do well with it. In my opinion, the next model up (505) isn't worth the extra $100, it has 20 more watts and a sub output, but almost all else is the same. I give it 4 stars for its category. Compared to $1000 Onkyo or Harmon/Kardon I'm sure it's more like 1-2 stars, but compared to others in its price rage, 4 stars is about right.