Introduction


The STR-DE995 is the current flagship of the Sony DE home receiver line. At this point Sony still manufactures 2 distinct product lines with the DE series representing the low line and ES as their premium offering. As many of you remember, for quite a few years there have actually been three lines with a bridge in the DB series. For whatever reason, though consistent with their current efforts in home stereo, Sony has dropped this line. This is not entirely surprising, as time went on the differences between the lines seemed to disappear as things started to get more homogenous. With the 995, we see an upgrade in the traditional features found in the DE series offerings, but with the classic differential in numbers vs. ES. I was quite impressed with this receiver, but more on that later.

This receiver gets its signals from a Sony DVP-NS755V, Sony CDP-CX455, DENON DRM-555, an XBOX and a Game Cube, and a pretty decent cable box. Video inputs are displayed on a very capable Toshiba 36HF12 tube television. Cables include Phoenix Gold and Tributaries. A monster “hi-def” kit was used for the XBOX. Speakers included Klipsch in front and some rather old but still impressive Infinity SM series bookshelf speaks in the back and center. Sub work was handled by a custom unit that was powered independently. The room is an ample but basic rectangle with 9” ceilings. I mention this more as a point of reference than anything else.



Features


Just about anything you can ask of this receiver, it will probably do. Having, in the past few years, lost a little faith in Sony’s low lines I was pleasantly surprised to see how much the unit could do and the improved ergonomics as well as connectivity. Some things have not changed. The number of optical inputs hasn’t changed though there is one on the front now in addition to the RCA and S-Vid inputs. The front optical input is surprisingly useful. There is still only one coax digital input which surprises me, but one is still better than none. When pushing a receiver to its max as far as inputs, juggling can be necessary although in this case, everything was fairly straightforward and dedicated.

Because of the way things were hooked up in this particular application, this unit’s ability to convert standard coax to S-Vid was not used. For folks who still have one or more VCRs or run the TV signal through their receiver, this can really serve a purpose. I did some testing to see what kind of difference it actually made and though I did notice a difference, it was moderate. Again, it serves a purpose, but ultimately I think many folks will not notice the difference, so don’t really use it as a reason to buy. I will say this however, it does pass video signals very cleanly, regardless of real or perceived improvement. It is important to understand that even 2 yrs. Ago an RCA to S-Vid converter cable was $80 or more for a good one, and few companies made them anyway.

The rear panel is laid out clearly enough for even the novice to connect it with the help of the manual if necessary. The connections feel strong and the opticals have a strong feel as well. There are two available component inputs (80Mhz) available with a single monitor out. Component is preferable when available and this unit passes the image as well as any unit in this price range. There is a phono input out back for those that still need it. There is something to said for the speaker connections, but they’re low line posts so at best they are adequate if not great. Long story short, there are plenty of inputs to connect almost everything you might desire whether a couple of VCRs, cable box, game system DVD or CD player, tape deck, turntable, MD or almost any combination that you might have.



Performance and Ergonomics


The front panel is much better laid out than it has been for the last few product cycles. I think this is one of the best points of this unit. The volume and input selection are in the same place they have been, to the right atop on another. The various menus are much easier to access as well thanks to a new dedicated jog dial. Modes and various sound fields are easier to access as well. The multi-channel indicator has moved back down below the display where it had been originally when multi-channel decoding hit the market en mass years ago. Tuner controls remain in the same location they have been for years. The display itself is large and easy to understand and read, even from a distance.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this unit. It possesses enough power to push even the biggest speakers hard, but still has the tact and subtlety to bring out even the most minute nuances in almost any soundtrack. There is very little bulk noise or audible distortion even when at top volumes pushing bass intensive soundtracks. The sound parameters are easily adjusted for those familiar with multi channel sound though there is a definite learning curve when using the remote, but more on that later. Localization is very good for the price with some bleed, but for the first timer, it should be more than adequate. 7.1 sound separation is a little fuzzy at points, but again, for the price, it’s really quite good. This opinion is based off only two 7.1 movies viewed, so take it as you will.



Remote


The remote is attractive, seems firmly built, and is quite well organized overall. Primary selection, sound, and menu options are located up top with basic functions located at the bottom. Many of the primaries at the top are the same size and shape, so it may take a while to get used to it. If you are a long time receiver junkie, it will be second nature. A few of the basic function keys at the bottom have raised markings that may aid somewhat in the dark. The reality is that when most folks are watching a DVD using auto detect and decode, most of the sound field parameters are already set properly set so the only real variable will be volume. There is a jog toggle underneath the LCD display that allows quick scrolling through sound and input options. If you are a long time Sony user, this won’t be anything new. If not, I’m sure you will come to really appreciate it.



The Brass Tacks


These figures are per the included Sony manual

Power and Processing
100wpc x 7ch @ 8ohms with .09% THD (20Hz-20kHz)
100wpc x 2ch @ 8ohms with .09% THD (20Hz-20kHz)
DD, DD-EX, dts, dts-ES, dts-Neo6, and DD Pro-Logic II
32-bit DD and dts modes
32-bit DSP

Inputs
Analog audio 3
Digital audio 4(optical), 1(coax)
Coax video 5
S-Video 4
Comp video 2

Outputs
Analog audio 1
Digital audio 1(optical)
Coax video 2
S-Video 1
Comp 1



Final Thoughts


This is an immensely capable receiver. It is not the ES line, but these days that seems to not mean as much, so I see this as an even better buy, but not at MSRP. This can be found for as little as $379 plus s/h. This is a much better deal than $500 plus tax or shipping, but you don’t need me to tell you that. The 995 will do almost anything asked of it with vigor and won’t even blink when you crank the volume. The sound output is excellent as is the video pass. If you are looking for a low line product that doesn’t perform like one, this is a very good bet. I hope this has helped in your shopping decision.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 390 plus s/h