A visual volume indicator would be nice

Set out with the objective of finding an affordably priced receiver w/both DTS and Dolby Digital onboard. Of the 6 or 7 units fitting this description, the Sony seemed to be the best choice----good power, nice looks, universal remote, DTS & 5.1, etc......Nearly a year later, I am very happy with this unit. As a former "audiophile" (circa 1986), I am now married w/children. With this said, the Sony is everything my family and I need and then some--a nice addition to our family.

Similar Products Used:

Old Kenwood receiver----the Sony is my first experience w/"modern" technology (DTS, 5.1, etc...)

DD and DTS decoders built in. Plenty of power (100X5). LCD remote. Back panel well laid out.

Optical in for MD

Receiver is great. Controls are easy to use. The soundfields are a plus while watching digital cinema. LCD remote is able to control all of my units. Overall, an excellent choice for simular priced receivers.

lots of AV outputs - cool LCD remote, easily programmable
many different sound settings

none yet

great receiver for the price

lots of power to play with. the surround sound separation is excellent. the sound fields are great but i usually use the default dts settings. i have a sub hooked up along with two cerwin tower speakers. the bass hits so hard that i can't keep a light bulb to last more that a few weeks. (knocks the filiment out)

this is my third one. one the first one, once the reciever would heat up from extended play, it would quite receiveing a signal from the remote. i have three remotes, from other sony components, that can controll the volume on the receiver. none of them would work once the receiver warmed up. the second receiver lasted about a month before it quite working. i was watching a movie at medium volume and it started flashing "protect" and began to smoke. so far, this third one has been trouble free for the last 8 months. believe me, i've pushed it hard.

great sound. lots of inputs. plenty of power.

Good amplifier able to handle the requirements of big floor speakers. Easy to use functions and user friendly.

Could have more sound fields for the price.

I would not spend over 450.00 MSRP for this unit but for around that price, it has everything the average music listener or movie watcher would want out of a dolby digital/dts receiver. The neon blue light that comes on while in dolby digital or dts mode is really cool and gives it an almost "future" look. If you can find someone at Best Buy corp that would be willing to get it for you at cost, it would be even better because mark up on this unit is almost 50%. The remote control is very easy to use on the top, but once the top is flipped, the buttons are very weary. The remote control lid is also very cheap and will break off no mater how much use you give it.

Great sound. Good power. Several optical inputs. Lots of sound fields and toys.

The remote is impressive to look at, but somewhat cumbersome to use. Also, the optical inputs are for DVD, TV, and MD/TAPE, but not for the CD player. I have to run my CD player in the MD slot if I want to use the optical input.

Overall, a really nice reciever. I think the controls are user friendly and the options are great. Other than the remote complexity and optical input probs, it's an excellent reciever. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Dolby Pro-Logic Reciever.