Everything about it is strong.....

None that I can find......

Excellent unit that features MORE bang for the BUCK over everyone......

I have used Yahama and Onkyo products ever since I could rememeber. A friend told me to come check out his new A/V setup and he used the 333 as well. I was astounded at how great it sounded using everything he had hooked up to it (cable, DSS, Cassette, CD, and DVD). I was so astounded that I ran out that evening and bought one for myself. I use a set of ooooooooold Bose 601 Series III towers and they haven't had their fanny's spanked like this in a long, long time. The setup was simple (follow the instructions in the manual) and you shouldn't have any problems.

People complain of hiss and heat, well not here...... My guess is that they never read the manual before they started and they have issues because of it.

STRONGLY recommended this unit for anyone looking to step up from anything and not shell-out another $1200 like I did for my last Yamaha.....

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RXV-793

Great Remote, Aesthetically pleasing design.

H I S S - Lots and lots of hiss.

What sold me on this unit was the great 2-way remote and it's plentiful inputs. I have other Sony products and in general, I trusted them to build a decent quality unit.

Boy did I screw up. I got the unit home and set it all up, I found that I could hear hissing from each speaker. In a quiet room, I could hear the hissing from about 4 feet from any speaker (ie, most of the room). The hiss would persist even if the volume was completely off and there were no inputs. I went as far as trying different speakers, a high-quality line conditioner, moving the unit to a different building, and even building an electrical ground. Disappointed and sure my unit was defective, I contacted OneCall.Com and they were gracious enough to allow me to swap it (These guys are great).

Unit #2. Same problem. This time, I called Sony's tech support line. After being on hold for an HOUR, I get confirmation that this hiss is not normal. They ask me to bring it to my local Sony Service Center, which I do. They keep the unit for a week and when I get it back, all the workorder says is that they cleaned and lubed it. It's BRAND NEW. I hardly think it needs cleaning or lube! I left them a very detailed explaination of the problem. I guess they believe the hissing is within their quality tolerances. Needless to say at this point, it still hissed.

Once again, OneCall.Com saved me by taking the unit back and letting me swap it out for an Onkyo TX-DS777 (which doesn't have the hissing problem).

I can't even express my disappointment in Sony strongly enough. This whole ordeal took 3 weeks and Sony let me down at every turn.

The hissing was irritating enough to render the unit unusable in my opinion, so I'm giving it 1 star. I'd give the remote 4 stars though.

Save your money folks. Sony has really dropped the ball on this one.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS777, Marantz SR-7000

XO adjustment, Analog Direct, multichannel indicator, matrix rear decoding, HT sound quality, 5-year warranty, remote

hiss, hot, volume control dither, Front Panel display, user manual, remote

I bought this receiver to replace a 3-year old Sony STR-825. The 825, although a good entry-level receiver, was showing its age and limitations as I became more of a HT enthusiast. I paticularly wanted a receiver capable of DTS decoding, and since I would be pairing the receiver with a Sony DVP-S9000ES DVD/SACD player,a receiver with analog direct was desired.
The first thing I noticed about the 333 is that it is heavy. So heavy that I decided to mount it in the bottom of my A/V rack so as not to get the CG of the rack too high. Setup was straightforward. Liked the binding posts. Since I wasn't upgrading my speakers, I didn't expect to notice that much audible difference between the 825 and 333ES. My expection was incorrect. The sound of the 333ES was much better than the 825.
I primarily use the recevier for HT so my comments relative to its strengths and weaknesses are from use in that environment.

After several months of use, here are what I consider the strengths of the unit:
1. Highly flexible adjustable crossovers.
2. The multichannel 'blue' indicator. First time I saw this, I considered it a marketing gimmick. But real quick, I realized that this light was the fastest way to find out if the right track had been selected on a DVD. It's saved me many a time from watching a DVD in Pro Logic.
3. Analog Direct is a nice feature except that it also bypasses the Bass Management. So unless your front speakers are full range, SACD playback lacks low bass because the subwoofer is cut out.
4. The virtual rear channel provided by 6.1 matrix decoding is more effective than I'd expected even for DD movies that are not EX encoded. Because not all EX movies set the flag that the receiver uses to automatically switch to 6.1, I have it set ON (instead of AUTO) all of the time.

Weaknesses of the unit:
1. Receiver generates a hiss on all channels when no signal is present on an input. Hiss is not apparent unless volume is cranked up to -20db or higher, or unless you put your ear to a speaker.
2. The receiver gets hot. It needs to be well venilated. I certainly wouldn't set another component on top of it.
3. Occasionally, the volume control will start dithering right after a volume adjustment. Adjusting volume again will cause dither to stop.
4. The front panel display could have been better designed. There is no DTS indicator (only way to tell if DTS signal is being decoded is that the multichannel light is ON, but the Dolby Digital indicator is OFF). The channel indicators are too small - especially the LFE indicator. Dolby Digital and Pro Logic indicators are same color and adjacent. Makes it difficult to tell which indicator is lit.

Finally, there is the remote. I love the remote. I took the time to read the manual and programmed it to be able to work all of my A/V equipment. The rest of my family hates it. They think it too complicated. After observing their frustrations with it, I have to conclude that the remote has a learning curve that is too steep for the casual user. It's probably time to switch to a Pronto, or equivalent.

solidly built, great looks, top-notch sound, ease of use, dsp flexibilty, excellent on every source

absolutely none

I have used sony products for years so I was biased towards the sony name. My most recent reciever was the strdb930 which at its price range of $500 msrp performed better than all the rest. The onkyo 575 did have a slight edge on keeping the amp running cool, but that was about it. I just upgraded my reciever to the str-v333es and all I can say is woooowwwww!!!!! what a difference. This reciever sounded excellent in all sources (dvd, cable, cd, md, etc.). I haven't had any of the problems others have stated in their reviews (no hissing, no going into protector mode, etc.) on this web site. I couldn't be more happier with my purchase. I purchased this from www.onecall.com. These guys were great in handling my purchase. If you want to purchase this unit call 1-800-340-4770 and talk to RICK and tell him WILLIAM BURNS sent you. I just got this reciever and like I said it works beautifully. The flexibilty of this unit's dsp is unmatched at this price I paid, as well as the qaulity of sound and contstruction of the reciever. Congratulations to sony on a job well done. If u get a bad one send it back immediately to get a new one. If you plan on purchasing a reciever for $500 or less this is the one, believe me. I won't go into all of the specifications or features because as you can see every review on this page basically covers all of them. REMEMBER WWW.ONECALL.COM!!!!!!!!!! WILLIAM BURNS SENT YOU!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

strdb930, onkyo575

Variety of sound fields
Sound & Power

Original unit was defective - seems to be the pattern

I originally purchased this unit in February 2001 and the first time I went to use it, it went into an overload protection mode. I thought maybe it was a wiring problem with my connections. I redid all connections and the unit seemed to work fine the next few times I used it. Then it did it again, except this time it flashed a message about a DSP error. Eventually, everytime I used the unit, I would have to turn it on and off several (sometimes 10 or more) times before it would work properly.

I returned the unit to the factory authorized service center for warranty repair. After three weeks of replaced circuit boards, computer chips, and the regional Sony tech working on the unit, they finally agreed to replace the unit. So far, I am extremely happy with the new unit. Sound is clean and powerful. Has a vast array of sound fields to choose from. You're bound to find several that sound great in your listening room.

I have not had the problem with the remote as others have mentioned it being confusing. I have programmed in several functions for my CD changers and DVD player and it works great. I will mention that they are all Sony's also, which may be why they integrate well.

The unit has plenty of features and has improved my system dramatically (once I got one that worked properly). If you have similar problems when you purchase this unit, take it back immediately and demand a new unit. Believe me, it will save some headaches!

Chances are, you'll be happy with this if you choose to buy it. I rate it one less star than I otherwise would have due to the problems with the original unit.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DE650

Great sound, lots of features, built like a tank.

Remote is not very functional.

First off, let me say that I have had none of the hiss problems others have reported and my speakers are fairly sensitive (90 dB). Any unit that can output 110 W x 5 will get hot without proper ventilation. Mine runs about 10-15 degrees F. above ambient, even with forced air cooling.

I really like the sound! I listen to a lot of music, and my old Pioneer was not up to the task. The DSP mode 'Digtial Hall A' sounds pretty good, although I usually prefer the analog direct mode for music. It's a joy to listen to a receiver that can keep up with complex music. This thing sounds as good as my 1972 Marantz!

I've viewed a few movies, and U-571 about blew the windows out of my house! There's no lack of clean power.
I wish the front speaker low cut off went below 40 Hz, as my fronts are flat to 30 and my sub is good for 25. If I pick 'small' and '40Hz' for the fronts, I loose localization of the bass, and it sounds like it's all coming out of the sub. If I pick 'large', then nothing comes out of the sub.

The Remote is not too good. The two-way thing is cool for reading the CD titles (Sony CD player), but it is a pain to use. If I want to control my satellite system I have to open a door, switch modes, use the arrows, or I could 'teach' it the codes on the front panel, but there are no up/down arrows, so I have to remember which keys are up/dn. There are only two macros, and You cant' have a macro leave the remote in a particular mode (such as CD).
You can't re-name the macros, subs, or the user modes.
My AllforOne $16.95 Walmart special is more functional.

This is a very good sounding iece of gear, but I wonder if I should of spent another $300 and got the 555, to get a better remote!
$ for value cuz I got it on sale, 5 for the great sound!

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer prologic receiver(VSX-D308).

beatiful sound auto format decode great alot of power

this is not the best remote control and a lot of useless soundfields

its a great buy i work with audioworks and i know when a receiver is buyable firt theres no yamaha at this price range and this warranty who can work that great also the auto format decode is a very good idea because i dont have to be at the menu to hear dd just play and enjoy it. I have to accept that has a lot of unnessesary features but the built is great andi love the sound with my polkaudio monitor 2

Similar Products Used:

yamaha rxv 1000

Beautiful appearance, bright lcd display, lots of inputs & outputs, very good Pre-outs since I use this receiver as my Pre-amp for my Parasound Hca-855a amplifier.

remote control??
other than that I don't notice anything else.

I got a very good deals, for only $300, however it is a open box. Who care? as long as it's in good condition and has 5 years warranty from Sony. I bought this as a Preamp to replace my old Harman Kardon AVR 5. My front speakers are Energy C6 are drived by Parasound hca 855a amplifier. I notice a big improved sound coming out from my Energy C6 front speakers when hooked up this wonderful baby in. My old HK avr5 was working fine but the Sony v333ES is just far better. I am so excited to play around with it. Don't be fool by other brand name like Denon, HK, Yamaha... The Sony ES products are just as good at an affordable price.
Highly recommend to those who looking for a good AV.

Energy C6 (bi-wired) : Front
Parasound Hca-855a: 85x5 channels
Sony str V333 ES: PreAmp
Harman kardon AVR5: PreAmp
Panasonic 5Dics DVD
Yoko Digital Mixer

Similar Products Used:

Hk avr 510, yamaha rvx 800, etc...

Quality, Power, and loaded with features.

Remote control and no spectrum analyzer.

I don't have any of the problems that other people mention such as loud hiss, heat, or difficulty controlling volume. This receiver sounds awesome when you're playing Dolby Digital or DTS sources. I think my Technics SA-GX910 receiver did a better job playing 2 channel stereo at 125 WPC RMS with no more than .008 THD. I do have one problem. The Bass Boost button doesn't do anything to the receiver when I press it on the 2 way remote. I don't even see a Bass Boost indicator on my receiver as indicated in the 2 way remote's manual. Do you know anything about this or have the same problem? Please let me know at jerryhk97@yahoo.com Thanks, Jerry.

I can't remember. Sony has had the unit since August 5, 2001.

No audio

To make a very long story short I had the unit for 8 months and was happy with it despite the occasional Protection Mode it would go into when starting it up. Then one evening I turned it on and was without audio. Spent lots of time troubleshooting to no avail and ended up bringing it to a fairly local authorized repair shop. It spent a few months(that's right months) there. I'd call the shop and Sony every couple of weeks to yell and they would tell me that they were waiting for this part or that. I finally blew up after about 3 months and got hold of a manager at Sony. He eventually authorized a new unit to be shipped since they had tried replacing just about every board in
the unit without luck. He initially told me I should have a new unit in a week. That was 3 weeks ago. I'm now told it will be about another 3 weeks since all of the new units are accounted for by dealers. They offered me a full refund a week ago but I feel like I'm on a quest at this point and I can't believe they would ship me another lemon. Right?

If I ever get a unit back and it works I'll write a review on the features.

BTW I own a ton of Sony products, TV, PS2, car stereo, digital camera etc. and this is the first bad experience I've had although this experience is so negative I'm not sure I would buy Sony again.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha