More than enough power for a medium sized living room.
Easy to program remote.
Assign macros to one button (setup source, screen, reciever on one button)
Superb sound.

Only 5.1 surround.
Doesn't support component inputs (no good by todays standards)
Either it needs a new battery or it has to stay plugged in to save speaker settings.

I purchased off eBay for $200.00. Perhaps it could be found cheaper. I am however very satisfied. This reciever puts out amazing sound! I've used it for gaming, movies and music, and so far I can't complain. I did actually hear some feedback on my center channel, but I then noticed I had the size set to large when it was a small speaker. I changed it, and it's perfect.

This is definately a reciever for people getting into high end home audio. Hence the Newcastle brand. These are rare to find, and a pure treasure in my opinion. How many people can say they know someone that owns a Sherwood Newcastle.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Yamaha high end home theatre equipment.

Price, sound and build quality, power, remote

Terse documentation

I also picked this up on uBid for $267. The favorable reviews in this forum convinced me it was worth making a bid on, and after having used it for only about two weeks, I'm convinced this was the biggest bargain I've found during several years of "on-line auctioning"!

I'm using the R-925 as the center of my home theater system, driving Klipsch KSB2.1 fronts, a Klipsch KSC-C1 center, and
Klipsch KSF-S5 surrounds (soon to add a Klipsch KSW-12 subwoofer). This is my first foray into HT, but I must admit
I'm impressed by how much this setup adds to the DVD-watching experience! The sound surpasses anything I've
encountered during several months of casual shopping at the local "big box" electronics outlets. I'm running my TV and VCR audio, a DVD player, a CD, and a cassette deck through the R-925, and the sound on all (whether Dolby Digital, Dolby
ProLogic, or simple 2-channel stereo) is superb!

The first thing I noticed was the "beefiness" of the unit. It's heavy, well constructed, all of the controls are positive and operate very smoothly, and the rear inputs and speaker connections are obviously top notch. This is one solid piece of hardware! The display is informative, and the logic of setting up the various options seems to be well thought out. The programmable remote is also a gem --relatively easy to set up, well organized, and genuinely useful! The receiver's operating manual is a bit terse (my only quibble so far ...), but it seems to include at least basic instructions for each control, mode, hookup, etc.; it would have been nice to include more comprehensive instructions on setting up a HT system, but good sources are available for that information elsewhere. For a novice, the abundance of options to wade through may be daunting, but given some patience and experimentation on setups, I think the capabilities of this receiver will become apparent.

The lack of DTS and inputs for an external decoder may make this a "dead end" system for some, but even for double the
price I don't think you could lay hands on an A/V receiver of comparable quality and capabilities! These still seem to be
available almost daily from uBid.com; I have no reservations in recommending anyone "in the market" to seriously consider
the R-925!

Power, price, appearence

Manual

This is one sweet machine. The music is clear and it would take a lot of cash to get to the next level. Pick on up at UBID if they have any left. One beautiful receiver.

In Stereo-Music sounds Great! Hi's are crisp & bass thumps.
Universal Remote(Goodbye remotes!)

Unless I'm doing something wrong-I can't seem to get my 4 JBL speakers to all play at once in Stereo mode. My rear speakers will come on in "surround mode" but it just doesn't sound the same as in Stereo Mode. Besides, running all 4 speakers thru front channel does the R925 allow 4 speakers on Stereo Mode. I would greatly appreciate any advise.

First, I'd like to take this opportunity to say, "Thanks"
to all who have taken the time to review the Sherwood/Newcastle R925! Without your comments, I would have not purchased this fine receiver!

Since my Yamaha M80 amp bit the dust(nobody in my small town knows how to fix it.) I went thru a couple of receivers none of which impressed me-I been spoiled by the sounds my Yamaha amp & preamp delivered thru my 4 JBL speakers! They were all purchased in Germany PX while serving in US Army in mid 80's.
Man, could you get some great equipment at great prices!

I was not familiar w/Sherwood Newcastle & I saw one on EBAY.
I have no idea how I found Audioreview but I'm glad I did!
After seeing all the positive feedbacks on R925, I made a bid & bought it for $287.00!!!

This was my first weekend w/the R925 & I was very impressed w/the sound! I purchased it w/music as my main objective & this unit delivers. Not since my Yamaha amp days have I heard my JBLs thump. In Stereo the music is very crisp & clear. Haven't jumped in on DVD yet but looking forward to one day hooking it up. I'm certain the R925 will not disappoint me!

The R925 is built solid heavier than I anticipate.
It's attractive to look at.
I highly reccommend this unit & getting it for under $300 is a STEAL! I will sing the praises for the Sherwood/Newcastle from now on!

Again, Thanks to all of you who helped me to decide on this unit! I am very happy w/my purchase!!

Final note, if I can get some feedback on the speaker problem I would appreaciate it.

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood receiver
Pioneer Receiver

Price, gold plated connects

Lacking power

First let me say that I received this item from Ubid with a dent in the side courtesy UPS white gloves treatment in shipping. Therefore perhaps the item was damaged internally as well as externally.

I will still give my impression of the unit based on my experience with it.

I tested this unit with several different speaker setups. JBL SVA 1800s, Wharfedale Saphire 89, Wharfdale Modus 8, Fanfare towers (these really kick a__), and passive sub. Used both bi wire and non bi wire speaker connection (where not supported by speaker) with 12 guage monster cable (soon to be using custom pure silver cables).

First, I was struck by the weight of the unit being somewhat heavy which sometimes implies good build quality and internal components. This unit weighs in at 32 pounds though my 100 watt Luxman R361 is 45 pounds. However I could not believe how cheesy they were to put "gold feet" in the front of the unit to impress you and silver ones in back ... come on!!! They must have saved 10 cents on that one. I wonder if they do this on the outside what are they doing internally to cut costs. The tactile feel of the buttons felt cheap also.

The power ratings for this amp seemed highly overstated compared to what my 100 watt/channel and 60 watt/channel vintage Luxmans put out(Models R361 L450). I was very disapointed in that respect though perhaps the unit was damaged by UPS' tender loving care in delivery. Sound quality was acceptable in stereo but in my opinion nothing special and lacking compared to the sound of my current Luxman recievers.

I purchased this with the intent of using as a home theater amp (not home stereo) and it did sound good in that use though this is my first foray into home theater. However, I am returning the unit do to the cosmetic and perhaps internal damage bestowed upon it in shipping. In home theater testing I hooked up with three Wharfedale Modus 8 speakers in front (all bi wired) and two Wharfedale Saphire 89 speakers as surrounds with passive sub in front too. This did sound good with okay separation. I will now try a setup with a Proton SD-1000 encoder unit with three Luxman amps powering six speakers and sub.

In closing the consistent high reviews on this site lead me to believe that perhaps my particular unit was not performing the same as the others that the reviewers here had. Also, I have not used recent model hardware for amps and my understanding is that often the vintage mid fi far surpasses similar cost current equipment so that may explain the disparity between my impression and everyone elses. I suppose a $1200 amp in 1982 dollars is more like a
$2000 amp today so perhaps my disapointment with the stereo sound and power (even in home theater mode) of this unit is unwarrented.

Similar Products Used:

Luxman

Great sound
Simple front panel controls (real knobs for bass/treble!)
Great build quality

None for my purposes (stereo music listening)

I use this receiver in my living room to drive a couple of NHT 2.5i speakers, which I have bi-wired. At the volumes I normally listen, it does a great job. The bass is solid and the highs are smooth. I use this system only for music with a CD player and a turntable.

For playing music, this receiver leaves nothing to be desired. The controls are simple to use, the remote is fine, and the amplifiers are very clean and powerful. It also allows you to separate the amplifier and preamp stages if you want to add some addtional power.

Although it's missing some of the more advanced features for H/T, it's still a very nice box for the price.

Similar Products Used:

Most recently a Pioneer Dolby surround receiver

Solid, quality build.
Great sound on movies and music.
Very good remote.
Outstanding price.

Lack of S-video
Lack of DTS
Not upgradable

This is a great easy to setup A/V receiver, period. Plenty of power, no buzz, no hiss. Dolby 5.1 sounds just terrific. What the home theater experience should be like. CD music sounds good as well (tried with full-size B/W speakers and with the JAMO Apollo sat/sub system). At the price this unit can be purchased for (i.e. $300 including shipping at UBid), it is clearly an outstanding value. The illuminated universal remote easily controls all functions of the receiver, TV, DVD and VCR. Wow, I now have only one remote on the coffee table. By the way, the JAMO Apollo sat/sub speaker system ($525 with shipping at Brandsmall.com) complements this receiver very well in a medium-sized room.

If S-video and DTS are not an issue, then this receiver should be on your short list. Audiophile grade at a bargain price. No upgrade path, but in the next 5 years who knows what the new hot technology will be. Even expensive upgradable receivers may become obsolete. In any event, not an important factor for me at this point since all my DVDs are in DD.

Overall: Highly recommended to anyone looking for a quality dolby digital A/V receiver at an affordable entry-level price.

Setup:
Toshiba 2109 DVD player (connected to the receiver through the coaxial digital input; connected to the TV through the S-video input).

JAMO Apollo surround sound speaker system.

Monster cables throughout.

Similar Products Used:

DENON AVR1600/1800, Yamaha HTR5140/5150, SONY DB830/930, ONKYO 474/575

I bought this receiver at www.ubid.com $287.00
plus shipping in Oct, 1999.
My first choice was belong the sound. I have so
many, many good speakers and sub-woofers at home. After
I had tested Newcastle-925, I think that the sound only
O.K if I must turn the volume up at least ~55. Otherwise,
it can not compare half volume of my Harman Kardon or
Teac.
The bottom line, Newcastle-925 was sound very
bad althought it did Dolby-Digital. Instead, my Harman
Kardon (prologic) and Teac (prologic) were less powers,
but the sound was better and tronger.
I am looking for Denon/Yamaha may be Onkyo to
upgrade my home theater, and VOID the name Sherwood
forever.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon AVR-40, Teac AV-G8050

Clean sound, nice looking piece

No DTS or S-video (picky picky)

Another UBID purchase. I got mine for 233 bucks. And I can tell you, that after getting this unit set up, I must say this unit sounds great, especially considering the price. Does the word steal come to mind?

This unit is far superior to the bottom feeder products that are sold at Best Buy, etc. I had always worried about Sherwood audio stuff, but after seeing the good reviews here, I bought one and now I must say that this may rank as one of my best purchases ever.

First off, yes this product lacks features compared to other products. No s-video, no DTS, no 6 channel input, no OnScreen display. If you want these features badly enough then wait for the Sherwood Newcastle 945 to hit Ubid. The 945 is the successor to the 925 and has the same excellent audio perfomance and attractive good looks. This said and judged by itself the 925 would be an excellent receiver for as much as 500 dollars or so.

This receiver puts out very clean clear sound, especially in Dolby Digital mode. Phenomenal, especially after i bought a new Paradigm pdr-10 sub and cc-350 center channel speaker for my setup to go with my Advent Maestro front and Baby II surrounds. And without the sub, it still put out pretty good bass. This is not a low end product folks. This Newcastle stuff is good quality, plus the hand-signed card that comes with is a nice added plus.

Nice bonuses are the sub level volume on the super lighted remote.

Dolby Digital performance - A
Music performance - A
Features - C
Ease of Operation - B minus

I brought it down a notch overall only because of the lack of features. If this concerns you, get the 945. Otherwise, enjoy your fantastic Newcastle receiver!

Maybe Ubid will have the 945's some day for 233 bucks!!! I'll buy three more!

Similar Products Used:

Sansui 9500, Sherwood 8090

Price, sound quality, build quality, good looks, remote control, made in Great Britain

Lacking in features for some (not myself, however), there is a slight audible hiss from the speakers when no signal is present

I have auditioned many receivers in the past 9 months or so. I upgraded from my old (but excellent) Yamaha RX-V850 receiver. I was prepared to spend upwards of $1500 in an attempt to find a receiver with what I consider audiophile sound quality. My system is for about 80% music and 20% movies, so sound quality was a big issue for me. I read some reviews about this unit and found it at UBID and decided to give it a try. For $307, I figured I couldn't go wrong.

Let me first start by saying that this receiver will more than hold its own against any receiver selling for up to $1200 when it comes to sound quality- whether 2 channel stereo or surround modes. The Pro-Logic mode is the best I've heard from ANY receiver. In fact, I have auditioned $1500 receivers that don't sound any better (a few didn't sound as good) in this mode. At the price I paid, it's an absolute steal. At it's retail of $999, it would still be a good buy if for nothing other than its sound. At retail, the only weakness is it's relatively few features compared to other similarly priced units. Since this model has been discontinued, I doubt anyone will be asking retail for it anyway. I myself, don't miss the S-video connections and the like.

For stereo music, the bass is deep and tight, the mids are crystal clear, and the highs are detailed but not bright. While, as I mentioned above, there is a slight hiss without a signal, the R925 is very quiet during soft music or movie passages. It is much quieter than my old Yamaha. There also seems to be less distortion at high volumes and the music holds together much better. Soundstage is deep and wide with good imaging. The sound extends well beyond the speaker boundries. The match is heavenly with my Magnepan MMG's and also very good with my Infinity SM122's. It has more than enough power for any situation I can think of except for the most power hungry speakers and/or the largest rooms.

As I mentioned earlier, this unit is amazing on Pro-Logic. I still can't believe how much more detail I hear compared to my old unit. It also beats out any other receiver I have heard in this mode. I haven't tested the AC-3 (Dolby Digital) yet as, since my main concern is music, I haven't upgraded to DVD. I plan to do so within the next month and I expect the performance will be equally as good.

I have found this unit to be amazing for the price. The draw backs that I've encountered are minor and do not interfere with its performance. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is very good upper mid-fi equipment. In my opinion, a must buy at any price under $700. If you have the chance, buy it.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V850, Denon AVR3300, Yamaha 995