DSP, Analog direct, styling, amazingly clean and transparent sound field reproduction

Psuedo 6.1, but then again I think that EX or 6.1 redundant is best suited and designed for large professional auditorims.

Awesome unit! People at onecall.com are the best online retailers out there. Had my reciever delivered in three days in good, sturdy packaging.
I have no idea what the hissing problem these other posts have mentioned. I turned up the volume in analog direct mode; no hissing. In DSP (Dolby & DTS), there is hissing at about the 2 or 3 oclock level, but that's a given; any DSP is suceptible to noise at extreme levels.
Great Dobly and DTS processing that never makes you wonder if you're missing anything. Much purer sounding than the DB series. Matches and I think even excells overall compared to the Denon and Yamaha hypes.

Similar Products Used:

DB series, Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon

Great sound, lots of features, looks great in a rack

Poor documentation, runs very hot, lacks bass and treble dials, probably more features than are really necessary

After twenty years of listening to the same Pioneer system, I decided to upgrade my pre-historic system to something a tad more modern.
Since I have been happy with Sony products in the past, I decided to simplify the buying process by only looking at Sony receivers. I selected the STR-V444ES based on a) comparison shopping between the various Sony models, b) the sales reps recommendation, and c) my budget. In fact, I was going to buy the STR-V333ES but "for a few dollars more..." I decided to go for the upsell.
After using the unit for the past three months, my overall opinion is that I like the receiver. It sounds good, has more features than I would ever need, and looks good in the cabinet. I'm not an audiophile, nor is my hearing that of a dogs, but I think anyone that buys the unit will be happy with it.
I would, however, like to point out a few of the problems that I've found with the receiver - many support some of the negatives listed in the other reviews:
1. I experienced the Power Protection problem mentioned in several reviews. The problem seems to have gone away, and may have been related to a rather poor initial wiring job by the company from which I bought the unit.
2. The documentation for the system is quite poor. I wish Sony would spend some time reviewing various 'typical' home theatre configurations, and document them in its manual.
3. The system has more features than I will ever require. I think it's quite neat that it has a built in equalizer, but using it is somewhat complicated, and I've deemed not worth my time to learn.
4. The system supports two sets of speakers through an A/B switch. However, the A/B switch really only supports an additional set of front speakers. I was hoping to put a second set of speakers and a sub-woofer in another room in our house, and found that all I could add were the front speakers. There's probably a way to do what I want, but again, the documentation for the unit is not particularly helpful.
5. The system runs quite hot. In fact, it's so hot that I have to leave the door to our stereo cabinet open while using it since I'm afraid other components in the cabinet will melt.

I should highlight that my receiver is paired with 5.1 home theatre speakers from Polk Audio, and a Sony DVPCX870 carousel CD/DVD player. I would also like to add that I have not heard the 'hiss' that other reviewers have complained about with the STR-V333ES and STR-V444ES models.

Similar Products Used:

None

Great clean sound, tons of features/adjustments, good looks/display, user friendly functions, Inputs/Outputs, 6.1 Matrix, compatibility with Sony Products

Sony Product Inconsistencies

Well first, my hat's off to the folks at Good Guys, incredible service, advise, understanding of product problems, and overall customer support as I will describe here in.

I first purchased the V444ES and a 70ES CD changer to replace a Sony bookshelf unit which I can't say enough good things about. I own many Sony products of which I'm happy with the quality and reliability. The ES line seemed to be the best choice for my needs and budget.

In opening the box, I noticed the remote was not included, bummer. Back to GG where they gave me a new one. I was pretty much pleased with the unit until I heard the Denon 3801 with similar speakers and talked myself into spending the exta buck and exchanging for that brand, folks at Good Guys were more than happy with the exchange.

Got it home and already was missing some of the user friendly features of the Sony, tuner preset select, labeling, display, DSPs. The sound of the Denon was spectacular, but I think pretty comparable to the Sony. I thought I'd like the 5-7 channel stereo, but found the regular 2 channel stereo to be cleaner and used it most. And after looking at the layout of the living room, we don't really have room for the extra set of speakers for the 7.1 use. The unit does run considerably cooler than the Sony(comforting), and didn't have the slight hiss in the speakers. They both however hiss at high volume levels when using DSP modes, in analog they are very comparable. Nice clean unit though. It was a toss-up, but after much comparison evaluation, since the performance was similar, the user friendly features, extra inputs, and compatibity with CD changer won out. Another note, the Denon is a bit deeper unit, so it didn't fit all the way on the shelf, something to consider when purchasing a new unit. So, back to Good Guys where they exchanged it for the Sony system.

I set it up and while watching a movie noticed the display was crooked, the bottom of letters were cut off on the left, and completely visible on the right. Also this unit ran MUCH hotter than the first one, enough I was concerned that it would eventually overheat(as mentioned in previous reviews!), and the motor that turns the volume sounded rougher than the previous. The unit did come with the remote however! Also the 70ES CD changer I also had purchased was not functioning properly. So, back to GG for a replacement and again no problem there, but I think I know each sales rep by name now!

Before I drove home I checked the box to see if everything was there, and again, NO remote. I'm beginning to REALLY wonder about the quality of production, and Sony(still do)!! I walked back in to GG and they again gave me a remote. I again set everything up. This time the display was level, the volume motor sounded different than the previous 2, not loud, just different(consistency?), the unit runs much cooler than both of the previoius, and the remote seems to communicate quicker. Very inconsistent with the other two, but to my advantage.

So now with that behind me here's the review. All the units did what they were supposed to and very well. Sound is fantastic, clear with plenty of punch. Great for HT, The DSP modes are effective, accurate and fun, with every adjustment you can think of and then some. The 6.1 matrix is noticeable and phantoms the rear speaker very well. Granted not as well as a real speaker, but if you have your back surrounds on the same wall as your couch, where are you going to put the extra speaker(s)? So the 6.1 matrix is a viable option. Labeling inputs and assigning any audio input is a very nice feature. The abundance of outputs in the back have a nice layout, and are easy to hook up. I found the front input useful for hooking up the camcorder. The flip down door is nice for hiding the setup features, and allows a smooth finish to the front. I would like to see Sony get away from the motorized volume knobs, one more thing to go wrong and isn't that accurate when making fine adjustments with the remote, that and when volume is low you can hear it across the room when operated.

The remote is great, there is a delay, but is expected for transferring data. Changing tuner stations, CDs, or inputs is easy and effortless. Setting up the remote to run everything in the system is thoughtless with the brands already preprogrammed, no looking through manuals for codes. The volume buttons could have been place up higher on the remote where the thumb usually rests(like the Denon remote).

And this(third)unit doesn't get any warmer than the Denon I test drove, but maybe it's the luck of the draw becuase the first 2 operated pretty hot.

So for the quick tally, out of 3 units, the first didn't have the remote and ran warm, the second had a bad display and got real HOT, and the 3rd didn't come with the remote and runs coolest. To save a trip, check the box for the remote!

RATING:
If you get a good one it's value is 5 stars. I give it 3 overall because of the product inconsistencies(no remotes, heat, etc). I'm pleased with it, but it took 3 units to get there!!

Similar Products Used:

Sony Bookshelf, Denon 3801

Preamp Outputs, S-Video Switching, Digital Ins, Decent power, Clean lines

No EQ(tape monitor loop), Hard to read remote (especially in the dark), SLOW REMOTE!, Forget the remote... I got a PRONTO NOW! no red LED on volumn knob

I have always used sony recievers because of the compatability with my other sony products (via S-Link). I finally stepped up to the ES line and am very happy. Certain things, However, annoy me about sony.

Why did they take out the Tape Monitor on their recievers? The built in EQ is too annoying and takes too much time to set. I like to use outbourd EQ's and adjust the sliders (sometimes from song to song!)

Why they don't put S-LINK on all their products is another thing I don't understand. They try to be soooo compatible, but then they make new products (even top of the line ones) and some have S-LINK and some don't.

And what about those FRONT AUDIO INPUTS? Who uses these? Why don't they put the VIDEO 3 in the Front and Back (so we can use either one)! I bet MOST people will use the Rear inputs! I mean who wants to have their Sony Playstation wires sticking out of the OPEN door on the FRONT of their nice sleek ES SONY reciever?!?! DUH!

Sometimes I wonder if they really analyze everthing before they design & build a NEW reciever. Reading ALL these reviews wouldn't hurt either...

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR DE 915... Sony STR1015

When I decided to upgrade my receiver, I began looking at the Sony DB line. My first receiver was a Sony and I was a little bias to the Sony name. At the store, I decided to purchase the first model in Sony’s ES line: STR-V333ES. When I first got it, I was amazed at the quality of sound…after all, I upgraded to from a pro-logic entry-level receiver.

Than the problems started, the subwoofer hookup shorted out. I returned the unit to Tweeter (F.Y.I. Tweeter is a great store to shop at. The sales associates and managers are extremely knowledgeable and their customer service policies are the best I have seen. SHOP AT TWEETER!!!) They swapped it with another unit.

After about a week, I noticed that it would distort my music at mid to high range volume. I again returned the unit to Tweeter and was given a new 333 receiver. This unit operated fine. I began to listen to the quality of music very carefully and I was extremely disappointed with this $800 unit. Using an optical hookup on my CD player, I began to hear cracking noises at higher volume. There was also a hiss that was very noticeable and extremely annoying.

I decided to upgrade to the STR-V444ES for $200 more. (AGAIN: Tweeter’s 120 day audio upgrade policy made this possible.) Again the cracking and hiss was still there. With the extra power the hiss was louder. I am using Klipsch Reference speakers. Also, the volume control was very temperamental. When I press the down button on the remote, the volume would spike up first, than it would turn down. There was also a lack of consistency in the dB reading when I turned it up or down.

Again, I decided to upgrade. This time, I switched to Yamaha. The unit I purchased is the RX-V1000. For the same price as the Sony STR-V444ES I received a remarkable produce. The power and clarity is this receiver is outstanding. There is absolutely no hiss and cracking noises. I highly recommend purchasing Yamaha over Sony and remember, before this experience, I was bias towards Sony. Sony does, however, produce an awesome TV.

Options/Price ratio, DSP's, versatility

Overkill on the Remote

This is a great reciever if you're the kind of person that want's to run all their AV gear through one unit. It's also a great foundation for a Home Theater experience, although there are probably better recievers for pure Home Theater - the ability to cover the theater aspect and multiple input aspect would be hard to find at this price and versatility. If you need a reciever to do everything (especially if you're going to be listening to a lot of music) this is the one at the right price. The 555 is the same reciever with a more complicated remote - which just can't be worth $200 extra.

High quality sound for a budget price, component video (YPb'Pr') switching, good second-room output, very complete setup for most things.

Very clumsy 2-way remote, only 4 rear video inputs and only 2 video outputs, poorly implemented assignable inputs, no true EX decoding, lack of true "custom" soundfields.

As a higher-than-consumer quality receiver, with a street price less than $650, this is an incredible deal. For listening to 2-channel analog all the way up to 5.1 surround sound, this receiver is a quality product, with no flaws that I can find in the audio portions...I'll talk about the user-interface problems later.

This receiver features execellent quality 24-bit D/A and A/D converters (one for each of the six channels), but also has an "analog direct" setting to allow analog fanatics the highest quality possible on up to 6 input channels. This setting bypasses the A/D conversion that is normally done (to allow EQ and other processing), and even turns off all the digital circuitry to allow the cleanest possible sound.

The surround sound decoding and setup for it is excellent, including the often-neglected separate DTS LFE level. Although the recevier can decode Dolby Digital EX and DTS EX, there is no way for it to output all 7 channels at the same time...you can have a front-center or rear-center output, but not both. One other problem I have is that you cannot create a truly "custom" soundfield that is based on an existing soundfield...all of your changes overwrite the built-in soundfield. In addition, the 3-band parametric equalizier and overall channel level settings do not follow the soundfield, but is applied to everything, although the soundfields do have a limited EQ cabability.

The best surprise I got when I set up my receiver is that the 6 digital inputs (2 co-axial and 4 optical) are completely assignable to *any* input...this is not advertised anywhere. This works great for a digital-only input, but it does have the problem that the analog input from where you assigned the digital input follows it. This is especially strange because even the analog inputs can be moved around, allowing you to easily watch one thing while listening to another.

Overall, this is a great receiver for the price, and is generally just a great receiver. It may not be as high quality as some costing thousands of dollars more, but that's OK with me.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DE915

numerous digital inputs, component/svhs/analog video switching/advanced menu control

remote button arrangement & NONE

i have always been a big fan of sony's "high" end audio components and have been very satisfied. so my first full fledged step into home theater was with the purchase of this reciever. it had everything i was looking for. multiple digital inputs plus the bonus of video switching and audio splitting. which lets you listen to two different sources in two different rooms. so i went to the store and took a listen and was very impressed with the sound. so i purchased. unfortunately it was then i began reading the dissappointment stories about running hot and hissing. my reciever does run warm. but its important to note that that does not adversely affect the performance of this receiver; its pumping out ALOT of quality power. and there were NO signs of hissing on my el cheapo speakers. then i purchased a set of klpisch rf-3's, a ksw-12" sub, and the rc-3II. and OH MY G*D. i listened to these speakers in the store on a yamaha reciever and they sound pretty good, but i had more faith in my sony than the yamaha. i got those babies home and this thing pumps. Loud, quick thumping bass and incredibley clear highs. i haven't heard a single note of distortion yet and i have been pushing it. the quality of the sound out of this recieve is prestine IMO!

IMO this is a GREAT reciever, but it may not be made for everyone. it takes a good technical sense to come to understand the jargon and all of the GREAT options this reciever has. i absolutely love the audio control in the EQ and the crossover adjustment, and all of the preset sound fields are great. just takes the patience to set it up and get it where you want to be. and for me thats the best part. the more contrl the better. MUSIC OR THEATER THIS RECIEVER ROCKS!!

p.s. i work in the the field of television production and know good audio when i hear it. for the price this receiver is excellent. but that my opinion.

well built,good flexabilty,usable DSP's

can't dim display down enough(or off)

Running it with a DVPS7700,and Def Tech speakers,sounds great,lots of power,good detail.Revealing on poorly engineered CD's but the EQ helps out quite a bit.The DSP modes work well as long as you tone them down a a bit.The remote is real easy to program.The adjustable crossover is excellent as well.

Inputs, outputs, features, flexibility, style.

Complex, remote

I picked up the 444ES for the features. I like the second room a/v. I also like the pre-outs, though finding an amp to match up hasn't been a priority of mine. I thought that if I had the hiss problem that others have reported, that I'd go around that with a seperate amp. No problem with any hiss. Granted, I'm running this amp in a small room (14'x24') using Klipsch SB-1's, SC-.5, SR-1. These are bottom of the line Klipsch speakers but they fill the room just fine and sound good with two channel stereo.

The remote sucks and is worse than the 915 remote I had. Wish the 444ES had true 6/7.1 but no biggie. For the price, it's a great deal.

Similar Products Used:

STR-de915 a/v receiver