Price Paid:  $300.00 from Good Guys

Summary:
This is the receiver that has replaced the Sony DAV-C900 DVD/receiver. They are both about the same quality, but the hookups in the back of this one are much better. it has coax and fiber optic outs for an AUX component, fiber optic and S-video for the TV, coax and s-video for the DVD, one draw back is that it has RCA audio outs for the VHS but not video RCA, it only has S-video. That's not good if your VHS doesnt have S-video inputs, which mine doesn't. So I can't watch videos on this TV anymore. Has the usual multi channel inputs and subwoofer out. The hook up was fairly easy. It did take me a while though. The set up is a bit trickly if you're not an audiophile. I hooked up the DVD player with a fiber optic cable in the AUX input but put the S-video cable in the DVD input and I could only get the image for a while, then I hooked everything up in the AUX input and didn't get sound or picture. Then I realized you have to set the receiver to AUX in the front :-X I hooked up the speakers with thick Monster XP cable, and the cables fit in just fine. The set up for surround sound is easy and really fun actually. There is no TV pop up menu for this, you only know whats going on from the display in the system. One draw back is that this has 24-bit compression, 32-bit being pretty much standard these days. So audiophiles would have problems with this. I can't complain since this receiver was basically my only choice because the tower speakers I have from the DAV-C900 would blow out with anything else. This receiver has 80w x 5 channels at 8ohm. So be careful if your speakers have less impedance than that. It has 13 sound fields which can be adjusted any way you please. The picture and sound quality of my Sony DVP-NS715P DVD player were increased even more. And since they are both silver, they not only match each other but the tower speakers too! All I need know is a Sony Wega TV. Hope this helps. My system: Sony STR-SL7 Stereo/AV Receiver Sony DVP-NS715P DVD Player Sony DAV-C900 Tower Speakers Polk Audio PSW-650 Subwoofer Mitsubisi VS70043 70'' Big screen Monster Cable on everything

Strengths:
Enhances image and sound of DVDs/CDs. Great silver look. Matches A lot of other Sony products especially the Wega TVs. Many sound fields to choose from.

Weaknesses:
Remote control isn/t programmable. You can control other components with it, but they must be hooked up in the back. Only 24-bit compression. For what it does, a bit pricey, but reasonable. No TV menu, settings and options, etc. appear only on the LCD display in the front of the receiver.

Similar Products Used:
Sony DAV-C900 DVD player/receiver

Price Paid:  $250.00 from abc warehouse

Summary:
I bought this reciever with the polk rm6000 system for my bedroom. Overall I can say that it powers the sat speakers nicely. It has 80w x 5 dolby digital and dts. There is a noticeable difference in loudness between the two sources and dts sounds louder that dolby digital at the same volume level. I experienced this on my onkyo as well. So I have to assume that it is the audio format and not the reciever. The treble is clear and bass is tight. music sounds good in stereo. this unit does not have 5ch stereo but i would not expect that from a cheap reciever. It does have the usual offerings like hall,game, orchestra, and so on. The owners manual was simple as well as the setup was easy. The only drawback is the amt of rf noise through the reciever. I have heard that sony is notorious for this,but it is a non issue for the price and dts tracks sound awesome.

Strengths:
power,price

Weaknesses:
rf noise