The receiver mates well with other Sony products (VHS, DVD & micro speakers)for easy set-up and use. The latter is espesically noteworthy in that you can leave most settings to automatic (eg. 'AFD auto' mode) and still achieve excellent cinema sound. This is especially true when the system switches to 'multi-channel' input - it really makes the movie come alive in my TV room with the feeling of being right in the middle of the action.

The receiver isn't really suited for music in that an intergrated amp (2 channel stereo)will produce far superior sound, particularly staging. For music (CD & LP), I use a seperate set-up in my living room via British Denon SACD, NAD pre & main amps driving American NHT speakers.

This is an inexpensive receiver (A$699)which reproduces excellent movie sound for a mid level HT system. It drives home the cimena effect easily with clear, crisp and plenty of head room (imagery/ staging)for DVD playback.