Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Sony STR-DE 197 amazingly do a great job with B&W 602 S3.
I am happily enjoying it's bi-wire setup and high dynamic range.

It performs very similar to Nakamichi RE-10. Especially when handling high current-needed speakers.

I tried the setup of Klipsch KSB3.1 and Sony STR-DE 197.
It turned out very dissapoint sound quality.

From my little test, Sony STR-DE 197 may not handle every speakers very well.
However, if you have high current-needed speakers or bi-wire speakers, it could give you a shot!

Price Paid:  $199.00 from the source

Summary:
Well I bought Sony STR-DE197 yesterday after reading many reviews here and on other sites. This is my first receiver of this type, but I do know how to recognize decent quality sound, as in the past I have always relied on my computer for music, with a yamaha sound card and a pair of audio-technica headphones. I must say that I was very disappointed with the sony amp, and I returned it this afternoon.

I am no audiophile, but I do listen to quality music (blues jazz and more) and the sound of this amp simply isn't up to the task. The frequency response around 200Hz to 900Hz (like acoustic guitar) is pathetic, you have to put the volume so loud to hear that range properly that higher frequencies get very annoying.

I really gave this amp it's chance, I tried many different CDs (originals, I buy music) from blues to rock and even hip-hop, thoroughly experimented with the bass and treble adjustments and it simply wouldn't sound good.

Overall, it's a bad piece of equipment, not worth buying even if it's cheap.

I was using the amp with a pair of high quality Omage T6 speakers, by the way.

Strengths:
It's cheap
Some of the voices sound all right if you adjust the treble from song to song...

Weaknesses:
The bass sound muffled and sluggish, even with the bass boost on.
200Hz to 900Hz response is pathetic.
Speakers humm past a certain volume level, which really isn't all that high.
Very high frequencies also sound bad, for example drum snares sound more like "clicks and ticks" rather than drums...

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Future Shop

Summary:
the term "digital amplifier" is just another perfect example of how the word "digital" is abused in the modern consumer electronic industry. The amplifier circuit found in 99.9% of todays recievers/amplifiers is the same circuitry found in an old 70's stereo reciever...class A+B where an op amp transistor listens to a small low voltage input signal while directing large amounts of DC voltage provided by the system's power supply into a waveform that is as close to the input signal as possible. Then it splits this signal in half and sends each half to 2 large power transistors coupled to a heatsink. They work together to use the current from the power supply to force the speaker's voice coil in and out. The Sony STR-DE197 does just this and does it very well. It uses a perfect blend of negative feedback and core power to drive loudspeakers more accurately. The entire amplifier circuit (except the power transistors) are on a single chip which results in faster response time (slew rate) and overall more accurate signal with less noise (hiss). The STR-DE197 uses parts found in amplifiers up to 4 times its cost. Sony has spent more than 3 decades perfecting their amplifier circuitry and it has shown throughought the years.

Strengths:
the first thing i have to say is VALUE. I paid 150 dollars for this unit and have had it for over a year, with loud parties evrey weekend/drunken karoke til 2 in the morning. and i can tell I will have it for many years to come. although not rated for 4 ohm this reciever drove my b&w towers gracefully and sounded very smooth and clear even when driven at full RMS. also suprisingly did not even get hot (definately a good sign) considering how hot most recievers usually get when driven hard, this one seems to do pretty well. Also it is very customizable, all the input's display names can be edited directly from the buttons on the unit it'self. i use this unit with my pc and my b&e's for more than a year now and no signs of any problems

Weaknesses:
power supply transformer a bit weak. The transformer is by far the most expensive part of an amplifier, sony did use a cheap one for this amp i will admit. thats why it cost me so little. though a bigger transformer would probably kick it up about 10 watts and add a great deal of current.... this one does just fine

Similar Products Used:
Harmon.Kardon, Bose, Onkyo, B&W, Infinity
JVC - no remote
Kenwood - overheated, blew a power trans, and drove +70vDC to 1 of my $900
speakers ultimately destroying it...... never again!

several of sony recievers all of which i have been quite satisfied with

Price Paid:  $160.00 from Deranleau's Applianc

Summary:
Whether you're a causal listener or a full-blown audiophile, the Sony STR-DE197 amp is defenitely a great choice. Built to Sony's traditional quality standards, this amp is sturdy, well built and can pack a punch when it comes to audio quality and power, at 100 watts over two channels (100W x 2), and provides plenty for any party. Although this is a digital amp, it's sound matches that of any analog amp that I've listened to in several years. Featuring straightforward controls, and hookups for four speakers, this amp would be an excellent choice for a first-time buyer as the user manual instructions are fairly easy to understand (as stereo instructions go!) and cable & speaker hookups are labeled and should not prove a hassle to someone connecting two speakers and multiple devices, i.e. DVD player, TV, etc. Serious audiophiles may scoff because this is, after all, a digital audio amp, but the device's overal quality is excellent for the price range. Also included are a remote (with batteries) and AM antenna (which is only so-so). The amp features a built-in AC adapter to plug in extra devices, too. Overall, this is a good value and worth the money.

Strengths:
- Striaghtforward, easy to use bass/treble, source selection buttons
- Large volume knob
- Five auxillary devices supported
- 100W x 2 channels provides plenty of power for any party
- Well-built
- Energy Star rated
- Stores 10 FM/AM radio stations
- Includes coaxial jack for hooking up AM antenna (included) or your own radio antenna
- Built-in polarized AC adapter for hooking up another appliance
- Speaker selects (A&B)
- Remote control w/ batteries included (some functions work only for other devices)
- Good price
- Owner's manual/documentation fairly easy to understand

Weaknesses:
- Radio tuning and saving stations can be difficult to figure out for first-time users
- Makes loud clicking sound when turned on or off
- Included AM antenna is so-so; serious radioheads should consider getting another antenna

Similar Products Used:
None - my first amp