Price Paid:  $375.00 from Powerline Electronic

Summary:
This was my first surround receiver($375CDN). Hats off to sony for user friendly, their product controls are always intuitive. The sound on the otherhand leaves a bit to be desired, the highs are too harsh. Music - forget it!! I recently baught a Yamaha RX-V992 on ebay(older model, new with warranty $280) I'm selling the sony.

Strengths:
user friendly - even my electonicly inept girlfriend could use it.

Weaknesses:
poor sound, poor quality

Similar Products Used:
Rotel, Yamaha

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Seras

Summary:
Got the receiver just over a year ago. Was initially pleased with it but am changing my mind lately. It does a fine job on surround sound. It really rocks. On stereo, it really sucks. Clearity really drops around 50% volume and a strong hissing noise begins. This really sucks. Listening to loud stereo sound is really frusterating. I only play it to half volume because the hiss becomes unbearable after. I've moved to different locations and swapped wires but the sound stays. I can't recommand this receiver fo anything but HT surround sound.

Strengths:
Good HT sound for the price.

Weaknesses:
Stereo sound really sucks!

Similar Products Used:
Techniques, Pioneer

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I’m very pleased with this receiver because it has allowed me to step up to digital audio, while maintaining a good budget. I’ve had this receiver for over 6 months and I’m enjoying ever bit of it. This is an execellent entry level HT receiver. I would recommend this receiver to any one looking to get an entry level digital receiver.

Strengths:
Dolby Digital,DTS/PrologicII/Multi Channel input. Good home theater entry system.

Weaknesses:
Remote:Limited control abliliy with other devices. Manual could be more informative.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha HTR5490

Price Paid:  $250.00 from best buy (online)

Summary:
Very good av for first time buyer. Dolby Digital and DTS sound pretty good (keep it on Digital Cinema B).

Strengths:
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding from sony for $250. 100 watts per channel is plenty loud (you don't need any more power, I promise you won't use it)

Weaknesses:
A little complex to learn, but it's not that difficult.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Great reciever. has lots of power and gives great response. It has lots of hook ups. including 2 optical and a hole load of others. I would recomend this to anyone who is looking for a good amp at a good price. and i could go on about the whole good speaker and cable thing like everyone else but I think they covered it all

Strengths:
Lots of; Hook ups features power

Weaknesses:
Remote is kinda confusing

Similar Products Used:
JVC minisystem