I would like to update my review. I take offence to those of you who feel that is ok to kill the messenger. There are many consumers who have had a problem with this receiver. Why, maybe because it Sony feels that it is Easter to have consumer testing then to send out a quality product at least 95% of the time. The reviews of this product are not very high. Why, because it sucks for too many people. Can all the bad reviews be dismissed? For the consumers who have had a positive experience, I'm happy for you. For those of you who were thinking about buying it and do as suggested, filter out all the problematic receivers, BEWARE! The next problem could be yours.

Let me start by saying that I have always defended, and invested in Sony products. Have been very happy with a 2-channel system I purchased almost 10 years ago, and is still going strong.
Picked up this puppy against the recommendation of EVERYONE....they were pushing me towards Yamaha. Nope .... wanted one of these- loved the design and functionality of the remote, wanted the features, was drawn to the bells and whistles....couldn't wait to set it up ....

The setup was simple and had no problems until I experimented:

- Input from CD was leaking into other inputs (e.g. Video x)
- Buzz in rear-right speaker when volume was adjusted.
- Hooking up 5.1 outputs from DVD (Sony 550D) was useless, as the unit would switch to DVD input whenever I used the remote (forcing a switch back to 5.1 to get the sound back)
- Pink noise from all speakers at volume 0 (not unbearable, but noticeable)
- Overheated (but not excessively)
- Remote flip started to loosen severely after 3 days of use

To its credit:

+ Remote was easy to program and fun to use (if you like gadgets)
+ Feature packed
+ Good selection of sound modes (although I was only using 3 of them)
+ Easy to read display from a distance

I was obsessed - visited AudioReview to see what everyone else was saying....but at this time, could only focus on the negative points

Ended up exchanging it for a Yamaha R-V905 (go figure)....less features, fewer sound modes and inputs, less power ... but am very happy (am no longer having any of the above problems).

Can't say it is crap, but this unit wasn't destined to be the one for me.

I would like to update my review. I take offense to those who feel that is ok to kill the messenger. There are many consumers who have had a problem with this receiver. Why, maybe because Sony feels that it is easier to have consumer testing then to send out a quality product at least 95% of the time. The reviews of this product are not very high. Why, because it sucks for too many people. Can all the bad reviews be dismissed? For the consumers who have had a positive experience, I'm happy for you. For those of you who were thinking about buying it and do as suggested, filter out all the problematic receivers, BEWARE! The next problem could be yours.

My friend has one of these and it really isn't worth the money. The sony has the hi-fi sound quality of a 100 dollar receiver (if you don't believe me, go do a comparison to a nakachimi, HK, onkyo or Yamaha receiver) I think it comes loaded with features, cause most sony's do, but I really can't find a use for eighty six different sound fields. The Sony also has a horrid .8 % THD in surround mode!! .8 %? what kind of bullsh-t is that? All the receivers I named before have no more than .08% THD in any mode!
I'd defintely recommend staying away from this receiver and getting something like an onkyo TS-575 for the exact same price.

I have had this unit for several months now. It is MOST definitely the best receiver/processor (for the money) I have used. I have had no problems with hissing or popping. Apparently Sony has corrected this problem. As far as the remote, I am still using the original batteries that came with it. If you are thinking about buying one… Do it!

THIS IS AN UPDATE TO MY EARLIER POST. I've had the unit for over a month now.The machine just rocks. So far I haven't turned up the volume more than 25%,
its loud! Today I just watched my first DTS movie... VIRUS My neighbors complained about the noise and then decided to join me. I haven't had any
problems with the unit but I think the remote sucks big. Sometimes it will
not respond to the volume control on the remote and I still have trouble
turning the receiver off without turning everything else off with it. I would
encourage you to buy this, its the best thing available for the price. I know
that the rating on this is only 3 and a half stars, but that is because of the
defective units that some people received on here. If you filter those out,
the rating would be between 4 and 5 stars. Try it out on DTS and be amazed!

excellent product, easy to handle, optical/digital, 5.1 ch effect is great with right sub like yamaha or advent

this unit is a piece of crap. I ran it through tons and tons of monster cable, gold pin connectors and a bunch of Polk Speakers (Rt1000p, cs400 center, f/x500 surround) and had the same results. Lots of hissing, popping, whatever, it was all there. So, I decided to give Sony the big f-you for once and get something else. I used to be a big fan of Sony Audio, but in light of their es systems, their other receivers just aren't up to par. Like someone said below, this unit isn't worth the Russian Roulette you play when buying it, hold out for a better model.

I bought mine from Best Buy and it worked great. There was no noise or popping. The sound was crisp and clear from all channels. The 2 way remote was especially nice since I sit very far back in the room. The displays and controls are quick and easy to use. Everything worked perfectly. I had three Sony receivers ranging from early 1990s to the present and I didn't have ANY problem with them. I honestly recommend this receiver to anyone who wants a great receiver without a hefty price.

versatility, lots of inputs, power, digital optical and coax inputs

remote, signal bleed, no optical for CD

This is a great receiver and pretty much fulfills my needs for home theater right now. Set up is easy, though the documentation is a bit confusing and ought to provide more clear recommendations for some speaker settings. Gimme a break, I'm new to this.

I did find a few shortcomings, but for the price I got it ($369 new in box) this was a great deal.

It needs an extra optical input for the CD player. Right now I'm running my CD player through the optical input for the MD player, so it's no problem, but it will be when I get an MD player next month. I'd prefer to use the digital optical inputs as opposed to RCA - digital transfer and less cabling is a plus for me.

I did experience the signal bleed through the phono channel that some people have been speaking of. It hasn't been much of a problem since I don't use a turntable.

I did find the remote a bit weak in its functionality, though I haven't spent a whole lot of time learning to use it. I can't use it yet to access DVD menus. It's easy to use right off, though learning to use it extensively requires some research. The remote is also a bit slow, about a second and-a-alf delay when accessing new functions.

All in all, I'm happy with this receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Some Aiwa receiver.