Sony STR-DE985 A/V Receivers Reviews

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Circuit City- open b

Summary:
This has great bang for the buck. It has adequate power until you go very loud (I replaced a Carver TFM-55 tho, which was 375W/side) and a good clean sound. More connectivity than anything else in it's range, including 2 analog multi channel ins. Seems to run cooler than most good amps. The source direct (provided for both multi channel analog ins, and a 2ch in)is my usual route, and a must have for any modern receiver. Good tuner here in the reception challenged valley. Also has 2 component video sources, and lots of digital ins. All in all a great value. Typical of many newer receivers, this will require some setup to get it working right and sounding good, especially with any processed (movie) sound. If you can't or won't, some help from a friend or the dealer will be required.

Strengths:
Good sound, with adequate power. Good "purist" signal path for analog sound. Comprehensive connectivity.

Weaknesses:
Gets compressed sounding when pushed real hard. The manual could use a lot more information on setup and tweaking.

Similar Products Used:
Various analog receivers, Carver TFM-55 and M-400 amps.

Price Paid:  $320.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
Personnally I think this receiver is wonderful. I am using it with a Polk RM7600 speaker system. It has more options that i will ever use . But it is great that they are there. The 6.1 sound reproduction is amazing. It is a little weak in the two channel mode but the sound mode options help overcome this. I also have to turn the volume up to about 30 to get a regular listening volume. The manual is a little hard to follow in places but not that hard to figure out. This if the first remote that I have owned that truely took the place of all of my remotes. programing it was easy. recomend to anyone.

Strengths:
6.1 sound w/7.1 option: learning remote: options on the back of receiver and ability to alter many items on the control end.

Weaknesses:
the manual.

Similar Products Used:
I upgraded from a 1994 JVC shelf system

Price Paid:  $310.00

Summary:
I bought this for less than 3 months, I use it with my Bose AM-15 and I am not really satisfied with this receiver, It gave not enough powerful sound, and I have to tune up to about 45 level of volume to get a high volume and the surrond sound is not that clear. Well I don't know if it is because of my speaker, but when I change the receiver to Denon AVR1803 the sound is unbelievable amazing than Sony str de 985

Price Paid:  $295.00 from Etronics

Summary:
I've had this unit for about 3 months and am very pleased with it (Digital Dolby/DTS rocks!) It seems to put out very clean power to my Infinity Overture 3 front speakers, and I would recommend using the full 6.1 setup. Really like the 3-band parametric equalizer (where you can set freq. and gain separately for all inputs). Manual not great, but not too hard to use unit (just takes a little getting used to all of the menus). Plenty of custom settings. Seems to have ample inputs (I'm using digital coax in from my DVD). Silver model looks great.

Strengths:
Clean power, great buy for the money. Like the parametric EQ. Good basic A/V receiver.

Weaknesses:
Haven't found too many yet. Manual not great. Learning remote not the greatest, but not bad for "consumer grade" stuff.

Similar Products Used:
Technics, Panasonic, etc.

Price Paid:  $335.00 from 6ave.com

Summary:
Generally impressed with this reciever. I don't have much to compare it to other than what I've read. I bought this one because of price and component video. Trouble is the on-screen display does not work with component video hook up. It was easy to set up and easy to operate. Sound is fine especially with dvd...the digital input really sounds great! I use Polk RM6600 series speakers with PSW350 woofer.

Strengths:
Price. Digital sound quality for dvd's. Setup is easy.

Weaknesses:
On-screen display does not work with component video hook up.

Similar Products Used:
first time reciever buyer