sactohye

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $699.00 from The A/V Room, Fremon

Summary:
While it may seem a bit late in the day to be reviewing this piece of equipment, one gets a very good feel for it after many years of use. In addition, any reliability problems will have surfaced. When I first bought the Sherwood Newcastle R725, I did not have any Dolby Digital sources, only a stereo TV and Hi-Fi VCR. I bought the R725 because it could accommodate a surround sound processor being added later and in fact, that is what I did. When I bought a DVD player, I also bought a Technics SH-AC500D Digital Surround Processor which I have also reviewed. Originally, the R725 drove a pair of JBL L65 Jubals, a B&W CC3 (later a JBL SC305, also reviewed) and a pair of Realistic Minimus 7s with no sub woofer. It now drives B&W 604s for the front, LCR600 center and 602s for the rear along with an ASW 650 sub (also reviewed). In stereo mode, this receiver has ample power to drive the JBLs and the B&W 604s to high sound levels without distortion. The sound is always clean and clear, whether the source is digital or analog or its tuner. One of this receiver’s strengths is its excellent FM tuner. The sound quality from my local Public Radio classical station is always very good, approaching the sound quality of a CD at times. However, there is no signal strength indicator, which makes orientating the antenna problematic. These days, one should just be thankful that one can get a receiver with a good tuner section, tuning meter or no. Another feature is its phono preamp, something lacking in most A/V receivers. The phono section of the R725 is quiet and the RIAA equalization is accurate. The sound quality, with a high quality cartridge, is very good. The R725’s Pro Logic decoding is quite good with excellent separation and no noise. The amps have no trouble driving all the speakers even on demanding bass passages. There is no sign of strain on the amp’s part, even when it was driving the Jubals without a subwoofer. With the Technics SH-AC500D switched in, only the R725’s amplifiers are used. Again, loud passages, even with lots of bass are handled with ease and no sign of strain. The sound is always clean and clear, free of noise and distortion. I have not used its remote control for the past five years because I bought a Marantz RC2000 MkII remote (also reviewed). The R725 has plenty of inputs and can handle two tape decks and two VCRs along with a CD/DVD player and turntable. It's quite a versatile receiver, even by today's standards. Unfortunately, it cannot switch S-Video sources. Being able to label the video inputs and tuner station names is a handy feature as it makes the display more informative for family members who are not well versed with A/V receivers' nomenclature. The manual is easy to understand making the setup and operation go smoothly. After seven years of use, the R725 has not had any problems. It has been an excellent performer and will be for some time to come. Complete system: Mitsubishi WT-42315 LG LST-3510A Sherwood Newcastle R-725 Technics SH-AC500D B&W DM604 S3 B&W LCR600 S3 B&W DM602 S3 B&W ASW650 Philips CD-960 Akai 630D Advent 100A

Strengths:
Excellent sounding amplifiers. The FM tuner section. Ability to add a SS processor. Very good phono preamp.

Weaknesses:
No signal strength meter for the tuner. No S-Video switching.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from ebay

Summary:
I just wanted to add a little praise to what I have read, and actually prompted me to buy the amp. Especially the part about it being ready for an external decoder. I'm really truly impressed by the sound quality of this little cheap amp. All that I've read I've actually found. Great bass, midrange clarity, good highs with no brilliance. Quite an impressive balance.Surround and stereo alike. Shoots the Denon avr 2600 out of the water (it was broken anyway :-)).Grab one of those when you can !

Similar Products Used:
Denon avr 2600

Price Paid:  $280.00 from Wackid Radio

Summary:
This receiver is a great value for its musical ability alone. This really moves my Paradigm Monitor 9's. It tested at 177 watts/channel. Where else can you get so much power for the price. Stereo mode is excellent. Neutral, very life like with good bass and smooth, clear highs. Turn it up and it sounds even better. Surround is weak but adequate enough to push my little rear's. Built-in cooling fan is a great touch. Definitely worth the money.

Strengths:
Looks good, gobs of power, price, build quality.

Weaknesses:
Stupid remote, no digital :( Sherwood doesn't exist anymore.

Similar Products Used:
Harmon\Kardon, Yamaha

Summary:
I bought this amp in stupidity I should have bought a normal stereo amp and then added a decoder later I thought as I was setting it up, I thought that i was going to have to buy a stereo amp as well because the stereo on surround amps is pants yes, NO, not this one, as soon as I tried the first few seconds I knew that this myth was pap and that this amp really was good in stereo. The 130w of power was superb in stereo and in surround the effects are excellent considering that it is only a £130 pro-logic amp. The features are superb and details such as being able to programme the delay for the rear speakers dd to the fealing you get of having a bargain. Although the remote is not aesthetically pleasing it does have all the functions you will need.

Strengths:
Power, Sound quality in stereo, good connectors, features-superb, buy it!!

Weaknesses:
pro-logic only, remote could be nicer but not a biggie

Similar Products Used:
pioneer, kenwood, yamaha

Price Paid:  $421.00

Summary:
I usually don't take the time to write reviews but because I read a few reviews below that stated the R-725B didn't have DD ready or a few other extras. They in fact were reviewing another A/V receiver because the the R-725B does without question. I have found as others have stated the Newcastle R725B has unbelievably power and crystal clear sound and you feel you can reach out and touch the person talking or singing. Fantastic Receiver great buy and would buy another Newcastle receiver!

Strengths:
Without question first class and built in Great Britain with power to spare.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood, H&K, Nackamichi