Dolby Digital & DTS, face controls good, good entry level for the price

Remote OK (I now have 4)wish it was programable. Midrange extremely overstated. No preAMP outputs (now I'm getting picky)

Here's the deal, Can't beat it for the price as a home theater reciever. Half of you out there want this product because you want better sound from your movies without buying one of those home theaters in a box.You will get better sound and channel seperation I promise. I made the mistake of expecting it to do as well with music as it does with movies. Like I said above, when I first bought it the midrange was so overstated it was painful to listen to. However after daily use for about 1 month it seems to be getting better. So it needs some burn in time. Second mistake is using cheap cables. I plan on upgrading as soon as my budget permits. I put together my entire system so far for under $700.00 but I still have to buy rear surrounds, center and sub. I want to take this oportunity to say don't buy the cheap single disk DVD player from sony (can't remember model ## right now) save up and buy a decent model, music sounds crappy, no CD-R playback and no multi channel out. Just a warning since there are probably others in the same boat as me. Do lots of research and spend time in your local specialty shops they have products comparable in price that sound so much better. Last plug for today sign on to UBID and check out Wharfedale Rubiance series. I bought a pair of Rubiance 25's and really couldn't be happier for the price($175.00 with s&h). Major sound upgrade from my Bose (601 series 4 & 201)for less than I paid for my old bookshelf. They help the marginal sound from the reciever during music playback. Thats about it so you broke audio enthusiest out don't give up just do your homework. Welcome this receiver into your home, If this is what you can afford then you will be pleased with your purchase. Good Luck

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Pioneer, Onkyo

Optical Inputs, Multiple Surround Modes and Settings, Small/Large Settings for all speakers, Easy Layout of Front Panel and Remote

Can it really control the TV/DVD/CD?
Analog and Digital Precedence
No On Screen Menu

I bought this receiver online for quite a steal, and it has definitely worth the money so far. Right out of the box it worked great, which is a welcome change for a Sony product. The setup was very easy with intuitive controls on the front panel as well as the remote. I really like that it is able to automatically detect what kind of audio is coming in and output likewise. Also, the different cinema surround modes sound great, but I will probably just stick with Dolby Digital/DTS.

The only minor annoyances I found were the digital/analog precedence and the universal remote capabilites. Currently, I have my Toshiba flat screen, Sony DVD player, Sony 50 disk changer, Panasonic VCR, and Nintendo 64 all hooked up. Because of the limited number of inputs, I was forced to pair analog sources with digital sources. The receiver automatically switches to digital sound if one is present. This means that I must have the CD player (optical digital) off while I play my Nintendo (analog). A minor annoyance, but it seems that Sony could include circuitry to switch to whichever input is actively outputting sound.

One last quibble...In the manual, the remote is supposed to be able to control the TV, DVD, etc. Well, I have read every page of the manual, and there are no remote codes to control the other sources. This of course leaves me buried in about six remotes while trying to watch a DVD...

Overall this is an excellent receiver for this price bracket. I would recommend it to anyone stepping up to digital sound on a budget.

Similar Products Used:

Sony M300-AV