Buy it only if you have no choice, cheap and sounds cheap.

- ample power - plenty of inputs, digital included - quite listenable for the price - Tone Direct switch bypasses all tone circuit, gives a straight stereo path. - the price

- lacks bottom extension and definition, even through sub. - somewhat high noise floor but not noticable under normal listening. - ergonomics of the functions is awkward compared to it's contemporaries. - no S-Video switching - limited DSP modes (but again, this is a budget receiver)

I "needed" an inexpensive 5.1 receiver for my son's bedroom. After much searching I came across this Sherwood on a clearance table for $85.00. Hard to miss at that price, whatever the outcome so I bought it. Well, I had low expectations but the Sherwood has been a pleasant surprise. No, it isn't at the level of their Newcastle stuff, but this is a listenable, flexible receiver. At 100x5 it has ample power. The output section is completely discreet and I have no complaints with it driving a variety of speaker combinations. Bass extension is not at the level of more expensive equipment, but this isn't a huge issue for the environment it's in. Overall, a recommended budget buy if you find one for $100 or less.