Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Online

Summary:
The 945 was the first DTS reciever in the US for under $1500. I bought it without doing the research or holding out until the Sony''s of the world moved the new technology into the stores. The 945 lacks many of the features found on less expensive models in the Sony and Yamaha lines. The sound is OK but if you use a DTS setup CD you''ll find that it cannot produce at the lower ends of the sound spectrum. I''m buying a Onkyo DS989.

Strengths:
If you get this for $400 it''s a deal. Any more and you should keep looking.

Weaknesses:
For the price there''s many better alternatives.

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Denon, Onkyo.

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Audio Connection

Summary:
Back in 1999, when I was bitten by the Hi-Fi and Home Theatre bug (well I still am), I wondered into Audio Connection, a reputable Hi-Fi shop in beautiful Sydney, Australia.

I had intended to buy an Onkyo DVD player and Dolby Digital receiver because they looked so good in Gold together. I was also set on the Axis brand of loudspeakers, especially the front stereo pair LS88 model. I had read very good reviews of the LS88 even way back in Singapore before I migrated to Australia.

It so happen that Audio Connection sells the Axis speakers range. I asked the shop assistant to demo the Onkyo and Axis combinations for me. I had brought along a favourite CD, the 'Mighty Sam McClain - Give It Up To Love'on JVC extended recording. To my untrained ears, the music sounded thin and without warm. I was unimpressed. My hopes were dashed. The Onkyo receiver was not up to the task. The dealer suggested the Onkyo 939 model but that was beyond my budget. Then I saw the solitary Sherwood model being advertised for a bargain A$1600 from $A2200. It looked good but Sherwood didn't sound like a good Hi-Fi brand. The dealer then showed me a copy of the Stereophile Guide to Home Theatre, where the Sherwood Newcastle 945 was awarded the best budget receiver for Home Theatre. My interest being aroused, I ask for a demo with the same Axis speakers. I found my feet tapping in time to Sam McClain. The music was now more full bodied and it sounded good. Very good indeed. I was afraid though that the Axis LS88 being 4 ohms might be a difficult load for the Sherwood but because I like the sound so much I bought the Sherwood, Onkyo DVD player and the Axis speakers (front floor standers, centre channel and rear speakers. I also bought the Definitive Technology PF12 subwoofer.

It's been 3 years now. I still enjoy my Home Theatre system. In fact I prefer to listen to music. The Sherwood is still driving the Axis beautifully. That sums up my feelings about the Sherwood. If you're prejudiced about the name, then you miss out on a sweet sounding receiver.

Strengths:
Good stereo sound

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Onkyo TS656

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Sherwood, Newcastle, UK

Summary:
Not a bad amp for the price, Sounds good. Looks good. Only problem is it lacks loudness. I prefer my Yamaha. For all you fans of Sherwood Newcastle, they no longer exist, factory closed in 97, never mind

Strengths:
Excellent amp for the price. (i would say that coz i got it so cheap, i used to be a QC Technician for them. Any one with scratched units then its probably my fault)

Weaknesses:
None for the price

Similar Products Used:
Sherwood 725RDS Yamaha DSPA595A

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Ebay

Summary:
Overall I have been very happy with this amp. I have run my 945 for hours every day for over two years and it sounds great and has had no problems. For the money it cant be beat. The amp is a little weak for loud listening levels, but it works well as a pre amp. The fit and finish on this unit is top notch. The remote has alot of nice features if you can figure out how to use them. If you want a well built receiver with great sound buy one. If you want a fancy name to show off to your friends buy something else.

Strengths:
Great features, Easy to use, Great Price

Weaknesses:
Not enough digital imputs, optical or coaxial. Runs hot unless you are using it as a pre amp.

Similar Products Used:
Rotel

Price Paid:  $49.00 from a yard sale

Summary:
More fun then going cow tipping

Strengths:
hot damn that thang sure doez sound perty. I hooked it up to these 25 year old pioneers with fifteens in them . Man it is so loud it shakes the deer head off my wall , it is a 25 piont buck i shot a few years back and had mounted . I broke a window with it once , so i can only turn it up like 15% of the way up . when I am watching nascar it sounds like I am a driver in the race. Sometimes I get a little excited and piss myself. The distortion is very low for this unit something like 20% thd. If I touch the antenna to the wall of my trailer it will turn the whole house into a big antenna and boy does it sound good . It almost sounds like one of them HDTV's .

Weaknesses:
one time a big ol spark came out of it and cought my window shades on fire.But after that it worked fine . it will shock you If you touch it while being grounded to something . So if you touch this fine peice on machinery make sure you arn't touching anyhing else.

Similar Products Used:
Aiwa minisystem 109.99 . Ge 9 in tv 89.99. southern bell telephone 29.99 .And one of them littlr frigirators to hold some budwiser in . These are some other things I have in my double wide . But sound wise I would compare it to the sound of one of them rocket moon ships taking off.