Price Paid:  $229.00 from Crutchfield

Summary:
I have to say that for the price that I paid for this receiver it is really good. It has 6.1 channels and a total of 600 watts if raw power. Try finding a receiver like that in that price range. My last audio source was a Home Theatre-Capable shelf system (sony) which had five equalizer bands for me to tailor the sound exactly how I want it,which I really liked, which is something that this receiver lacks. Although it does come with your typical Bass and Treble equalizer bands. It also has some pre-adjusted equalizer setting but i usually don't use that. In the beggining I noticed that the "normal" settings gave you a dark, maybe muffeled sound, but I solved the problem tweaking with the treble settings. After that the sound was heaven (for me). I also adjusted the Bass 'cause i like bass. It also has a bunch of decoding options like DTS, DD-EX and ProLogicII. Although really good, you migh consider the Kenwood VR-7070. The price difference is not big and has lots of more options, including ALL movie decoding options I've heard of, inlcuding THX certification!!!! and DTS-ES. One of the things that this receiver lacks is the extra connections in the back, but for the price you can't beat it. You will not find a receiver with as many options, power and quality for this outrageous (in a good way) price. Some people buy all these expensive receivers like Harmand Kardon because they have "much better" sound quality. Of course, swing by the HK section of receivers and you don't see straight fives. You actually have people who say that it's ok, but nothing wow. So why spend the MORE money and get something bad. This guy bough a HK and was 2 months with out the receiver because he had to send it in TWICE for repair.

Strengths:
Nice and clean sound. 100w per channel and 6.1 capable.

Weaknesses:
not enough extra connectivity options in back, but really good enough for the price. I don't know if it's where I live, or some stations have weak signals. It might be my location, weak station or signal, or receiver not sensible enough.

Similar Products Used:
Sony shelf system ($400).