Price Paid:  $800.00

Summary:
I used to be an audiophile with much focus on electronics, buying expensive stuff and spending money I really could spend on other more important things…like speakers. I was fortunate to be able to compare this receiver with an old but well reviewed McIntosh MC 2205 amp side by side driving the Maggies 1.6QR. My wife and I sat down for about an hour and could not and I mean we could not tell the difference between the Sony and McIntosh at a fair high volume. After an hour, that's a long time... we can only conclude that the McIntosh which cost $900 (used) does slightly better when on extreme high volume. The top end sounds less effort than the Sony, but at this level of listening the sound became unpleasant quickly. Yes after this experience, I sold the McIntosh and was surprise of how many people wanted it. Now I am out of the audiophile stuff…! If you want to improve the sounding of your system, buy better speakers or ones that fit your personality. I don’t think the electronics will make a noticeable difference. It’s not worth the money. The Sony ES series is probably the best for the money giving all the bells and whistles it has. I have heard of Denon and other brands, but always come back to Sony. Great product at a very affordable price.

Strengths:
Well built
Sound great

Weaknesses:
Can't find any

Similar Products Used:
Mcintosh, Denon, NAD, Bryston, Yamaha

Price Paid:  $895.00 from Vancouver, BC

Summary:
This is my first AV receiver, replaces an older Sony amp. Looked for good sound, strong warrenty, S connectors for video, ability to simulate Center, Rear (R/L) or Surround (R/L). Paired with PSB 4T front, PSB 2B rear, PSB Subsonic 5 sub, no Center or Rear. Sounds so good the wife changed her mind and has even offered to pay for half.... Remote can be programmed - only need one and she understands how to use it. Each time I read the manual I find new and interesting features, most I will never use, I can't imagine anyone wanting more. Virtual speakers fill in for the missing speakers (Centre, Rear) - and I honestly can't justify getting additional speakers....

Strengths:
Very simple to set up out of the box, select AFD, select Yes/No for speaker pairs, listen to favorite CD while programming remote, AFD automatically selects correct playback mode for CDs and DVDs. Select Surround to have your CD fill the room....

Weaknesses:
asa casual listener - none

Price Paid:  $465.00 from Ebay

Summary:
Another great product from Sony. I'm completely happy with my Sony and highly recommend it (either I truly like it or misery loves company). It has lots of features that I'll leave for Sony or some other reviewer to describe and discuss ad nosium. Suffice it to say this AV receiver has plenty of clean power and can simulate your favorite theate minus the sticky floors and crowd noise. It doesn't have Dolby Digital II which was/is a problem. Older movies are often remixed for DVD's using DD2 and broadcast (sporting events) are also going to use DD2 but because I was able to buy NIB, not refurb. for under $500 and I couldn't touch DD2 in either Sony (STR-DA5ES) or Denon (AVR-3802) with the same criteria for under $800, I can live with this issue. For watching DVD's and listening to music, I'm totally happy. Good job Sony!!

Since so much of the sound quality is dependent on the remainder of your componentry, here's my other stuff for HT:
Sony 5-disc carousel DVD player (C-660D)
Infinity Delta series center channels and 4 Delta 60's for fronts and rears, and an Infinity BU-80 subwoofer. All cabled up with ZuCable Julian, Disco and soon Oxyfuel. I'm also using a Sony big screen (36" XBR, of course!!). I've no desire to go to the cinema any more...bring on the DVD's!!!

Strengths:
Features for the buck are unbeatable.
Kick butt power per channel.
Very little noise.

Weaknesses:
No Dolby Digital 2.
Perhaps too many features/settings.

Similar Products Used:
Sony STR series and Denon 3801/2. I listened to and or read about a bunch of others.