You can pay double, but it ain't worth it
Written: Mar 11 '02
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Pros: Excellent sound, speaker binding posts, delivers full power to 4 ohm loads, automatic surround mode
Cons: Too many 2-channel modes, confusing remote, no line level center channel output
The Bottom Line: Focus on digital surround requirements widely used today and on the basic requirements for any good receiver. You can pay quintuple the price and not get a better product.
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| bkral's Full Review: Sony STR-DE675 5.1 Channels Receiver |
The STR-DE675 provides the necessary performance with respect to decoding ability, frequency response, and stable power output to be at the heart of any home theater system.
The basic requirements
Mandatory requirements as I see it are (1) flat, extended frequency response, (2) uniform power output into even low impedance loads, (3) optical inputs, and (4) Dolby 5.1 digital capability. I have noticed that the DE675 delivers extended high frequency response, better than my previous receiver which seemed a little dull. I have also noticed that it delivers deeper low frequencies to my subwoofer, which is powered by its own 200 watt power amplifier (I can shake the floor upstairs). I have listened at ear splitting levels without fatigue, my only concern being the buzzing and rattling of doors and other room hardware. I have been concerned that many receivers today simply cannot drive low impedance speakers (their output falls off unethically from as much as 100 watts to as few as 20 watts); unfortunately, you won't know of the problem until you get the product home. I have been incredibly impressed with Dolby 5.1 and the seamlessness of the Sony's AFD surround system, which automatically detects the surround mode and provides the proper decoding. I use this mode exclusively. I also should add that the speaker binding posts provide an excellent, secure means of connection that I really appreciate.
Minor shortcomings
The DE675 does not decode Dolby 6.1. The format is not widely used on DVD's as of the moment, and it requires yet another speaker, which I don't have the room for, so I do not consider this deficiency serious. Others will complain that the receiver doesn't have a full complement of video inputs and outputs. I prefer to connect my components directly to my rear-projection monitor; the fewer connections and cables, the fewer opportunities to introduce bad connections and video noise. I needed to use my TV as the center channel speaker, so I needed a LINE LEVEL center channel output -- the Sony only provided speaker binding posts. I solved this problem by adding a 4700 ohm resistor to the center channel output, which produced the proper center channel level for a good blend. The only "icky" thing about this reciever is the remote. Golly! Even if you understand English, this thing looks like the Matrix! Bells and whistles sell products, so I guess that's why they decided to stick a plethora of 2-channel decoding modes into the receiver's software. But... if you're buying a Dolby 5.1 digital receiver with five separate output channels, why would you only connect two stereo speakers? How about a phantom 6-channel mode instead? That would be much more fun.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 215
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Epinions.com ID:
bkral
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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