Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 34
 Impressive receiver... October 25, 2008
easyrider
100 out of 101 found this review helpful
This is an excellent home cinema receiver. So far I've used it mainly for listening to Compact Discs and Mini Discs using the 'multi-stereo' mode which outputs the two channel (stereo) sound from all seven speakers plus the subwoofer. And I am very pleased with the sound quality.
It features Full HD 1080 up-scaling of any video sources (which works well with standard DVDs) - and it can decode the latest Blu-ray disc formats (namely Dolby True HD, and DTS-HD master audio).
In terms of inputs and outputs - it has 4 HDMI input sockets which can also carry audio, and one HDMI output for connecting to your HD ready TV. There are also component and composite video inputs/outputs.
There are five digital audio inputs (three optical, two coaxial) - there is no digital output, however there are two standard analogue tape loops, so you can connect audio equipment which requires an output (such as CD recorders, tape decks etc.) in the traditional manner, using standard phono (RCA) leads.
There are also 9 standard analogue line inputs, a multi channel input (essential for SACD) and a Digital Media Port input.
There is also of course, an AM/FM radio with RDS.
The receiver reproduces the sound on CDs and MDs very well, and gives a very musical sound, with good levels of detail and insight into the recording. Bass is well controlled and delivered also. And the sound draws you in.
In terms of DVD playback the sound is even more impressive than CDs or MDs. The DTS soundtrack on Terminator 3 sounds exceptional. Blu-ray playback is top-notch also. The Dolby True HD on Casino Royale (deluxe edition) is great - I am using: Sony BDPS350 Blu-ray Disc Player 1080p Full HD
The automatic calibration feature - using the (supplied) microphone is quick, easy, and accurate, and sets up the receiver to a high standard. This works by sending a series of loud test-tone signals through each loudspeaker in turn. It takes about 30 seconds or so to set-up speaker distances, volume levels, and frequency response settings for all of the speakers plus the subwoofer.
The end result is that the receiver is set up exactly to match your speakers, room size and layout - giving you the best possible sound.
There is a graphic equalizer, which gives you control of bass and treble settings for front, centre and surround speakers (independently). And in addition you can choose one of three auto-calibration frequency settings:
1) Full Flat - Makes the measurement of frequency from each speaker flat.
2) Engineer - Sets the frequency to one that matches that of the Sony listening room standard.
3) Front Reference - Adjusts the characteristics of all the speakers to match the characteristics of the front speakers.
You can experiment with these settings to get the type of sound you prefer. Or you can choose to turn these settings off altogether.
The receiver is also supplied with two remote controls, a large remote and a small remote. Many of the functions are repeated, so this is mainly for convenience sake, and I've found it to be quite handy.
You can operate and navigate the unit's menu system either by using the built in display, or by using the display on your television set. Either way, once you get used to it, it is user friendly and simple.
I have found this to be a good buy with which I am pleased.
(Also available in silver).
The new amp from the makers of Blu-Ray February 1, 2009
d-thinkerdotcom (UK)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
I like it, though my previous Yamaha (no hdmi) was decent at £200 (original price 300). I have been happy with this system for a few years. Though this Sony one is more simple, it works out all the settings exactly, you just place the mic where you sit. As the system is in my bedroom, I had to balance it on my pillow where I place my head. Also unlike my old Yamaha the wires fitted very easily at the back of the amp. It worked first time with the PS3, but u have to set the PS3 to PCM, and unclick dolby digital 5.1, then the amp will display the frequency of the PCM. It also has a picture of the speakers used on the screen.
The sound does seem to have that heavy, but harmonic bass you find on the really expensive systems.
I would not bother with the 7.1 as most films are 5.1. Even audio is best listened to at 2.0 (no DSP). I like having only 3 choices for film DSP, but well designed DSP. The system makes the subwoofer sing, the sound fields are wide, and expansive, which blend and interwine in an ambient sea.
You can also change the name of the inputs, I changed BR to PS3, and phono to record....
Class act from sony April 29, 2009
Mr. N. F. Stewart (UK)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
As the title suggest this is a top notch AV amp that is worthy of serious consideration. For starters in decodes all the new Hi Def codecs from a Blu Ray disc.
Alot is made of the visual improvements with BR (i.e x6 more detail)- but the sound is a massive step up also, and you need an amp like this to do it justice. It has 4 HMDI inputs, plenty in fact for you HD kit (Sky HD / BR player / DVD etc etc).
Once connected up - attach the supplied microphone to where you view your movies and the amp will measure the distances between all speakers, making room calibration an absolute synch.
There's more - 100w output per channel gives plenty of power for the most demanding of movie soundtracks - also audio is handled very well; this is one of the most musical receivers around.
As you can guess I love this amp - get in quick before they all disappear
Top notch home cinema receiver June 1, 2009
Mrs. M. A. Dickson (N Ireland)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Having owned various av receivers over the past years, i have found this Sony receiver to be top notch, i have previously owned Marantz, Nad,Arcam, Denon, and Pioneer receivers, I was unsure of Sony in this field but i was pleasantly surprised, all the functionality you need for modern connection to all your av items, sounds fantastic, and a very easy setup and on screen display, I feel this AV Receiver will do me for the next few years and i well reccomend to both beginner and experienced alike.
Dixie.
Typical Sony excellence June 16, 2009
Mr. John Manning (Penarth, Vale of Glam Wales)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I didn't want to buy this receiver, since I was very happy with my Sony STR-DA555ES. The growth in HDMI sources forced me to reconsider, and I bought one for its HDMI switching ability, with a little trepidation as to whether the sound quality would disappoint.
I needn't have worried. This receiver is both powerful and musical, (and even a little smaller and lighter than the previous one). I use it in a "4.1" configuration, i.e. front and rear left/right, plus a subwoofer. Much of my usage is for music (SACD). The quality is excellent in all regards.
SKY HD uses an HDMI input, unfortunately not for sound due to some odd thinking on SKY's part, so the audio is input via optical. The receiver ties these together as a single source, (named SAT). Another reviewer has mentioned a video/audio sync problem, and I sometimes see it on this source only. It changes with SKY channel, however, so I'm more inclined to blame the source.
For DVD recording I use a Sony RDR-HXD910 HDD/DVD recorder which does its own upscaling, connecting via HDMI.
The third HDMI input is occupied by a Popcorn Hour A-100 media player, used mainly for high definition (1080p) video, both from a Sony HD camcorder and slideshows created on a PC.
The fourth HDMI input is for a blu-ray player. Having been very pleased with this item, I eagerly looked for a SONY blu-ray player that would also play SACD, DVD, DVD-Audio and CD. There isn't one.
Instead I have obtained an Oppo BDP-83 which does all of the above and more, and very well. It uses all of the generous capabilities of the receiver to fine effect. Unfortunately the receiver does not handle DSD on the HDMI input (from SACD), only PCM which is audibly inferior and also available from the Oppo, so instead for SACD only I use the multi-channel input which handles the Oppo's analogue outputs extremely well.
Stereo audio from my TV is fed into an analogue input.
In conclusion, the receiver handles everything I have thrown at it with aplomb, and is equally capable of room-shaking movie sountracks and delicate classical music. Video switched via HDMI is indistinguishable from that fed directly into the TV, and standard definition analogue inputs are noticeably improved by upscaling.
I have two minor complaints; firstly I feel a DAB radio tuner in addition to the fine FM one should have been a feature. Secondly, I have VERY occasionally had distorted video output (blocky digital artefacts) when switching from an audio-only source to one with video. This is always cleared by switching to standby and on again, taking less than 10 seconds.
In conclusion this is a fine piece of equipment, well worth its cost.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 34
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