Sony STR-DE325 Receiver

Pros: easy to use
Cons: no dolby digital

From my point of view, why would anyone waste their time on a reciever these days without having Dobly Digital built into the reciever? I ask this question because with the advancement of HDTV and so on, DD is going to be needed and thus this reciever...

Pros: The best bang for the buck!
Cons: Even though it's sound is excellent, it does not support Dolby Digital.

The Looks

Like most of Sony's Receivers, this one is easy on the eye's. Everything on these receivers are well thought out by Sony from the chassis to the push button controls to the digital display.

The Price
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Pros: Lot's of power for the money
Cons: No Phono preamp

I had to replace my aging amplifier a few years ago, and wanted Pro Logic, along with 100 watts per channel output and this baby filled the bill!

Sound is good, but you are somewhat limited to the number of Pro Logic modes. Furthermore when...

Pros: Good, clean sound
Cons: No Digital Decoder

I bought this product mainly as a stereo amplifier for my pair of Bose 301's, realizing it had the potential to be a great home theater receiver. Priced at only $200, this was a bargain. Packing 80 watts over each of the 5 channels, this amp is more...

Pros: Produces great sound
Cons: Cannot set stations

I have had a STR DE-325 for 15 years, and it is impossible to set AM or FM stations on the tuner. When it seeks stations, it just runs through the entire band without stopping. When I follow instructions in setting stations, it "forgets" what it set. So, I only use it to drive my CD player. What a waste. I like Sony products, but this one is so not worth buying.

Pros: Rotary bass/treble knobs, bass boost, surround sound modes, digital optical input.
Cons: no dolby digital decoder, no user adjustable eq settings.

I bought this receiver back in 99, initially cause the price was right. But after getting home and hooking it up to my Cerwin Vega VS-150 speakers, I was very impressed with how hard this thing pushed them. It hasn't given me a problem since day one. The controls are easy to use, I love the rotary bass and treble knobs, overall it's a nice unit for people who don't want/need the Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound capability. If you just wanna disturb the peace, this is the reciever for you!