Sony STR-DB930 A/V Receivers
Sony STR-DB930 A/V Receivers
[Feb 16, 2000]
Bryce
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Lots of options for the cost.
Weakness:
Remote, too much navigation required. Have to throw my 2 cents in. I have been a big Sony fan for a number of years, just couldn't see a real price/value ratio that made it desireable. Now that I can afford to spend a little more, I went full out. Sony XBR, Sony DVD, Sony Hi-Fi VHS, and finally the STR-DB930. Liked all the options available and the very favorable reviews on this site. Ordered it from Victor's (399.00 + 20.00 shipping). Hooked it up and was immediately hit by this hum or buzzing without any input selected. I know all stereo systems have some hum or hiss, but normally it is only obvious when you are right up against them. This was noticable from fifteen feet away at a mid volume setting. Even in mute it was very noticable and increased in with the volume (again in mute). When played in DTS (Antz) the hum was definitely there and again increase with the volume. Tried different locations, Sony booklet says 10 feet from the TV, with the same result. Tried another room without any television near and had the same result. The speakers are fine, RM7500 (tried the speakers in stereo with a HK3500, no hum) and in the second room, AR9LS (again with the HK no hum). Don't know if I got a bad one or what. I thought at first I was expecting too much from a mid priced receiver. The HK never had this problem and I also have a Carver m1.0t with a Mod Squad Line Drive preamp which never had this problem with any input. Both of these costs considerably more than the Sony a few years back. You get what you pay for? Anyway, while moving it back the first room, I heard something rolling around loose inside the receiver. So it is probably defective. Sony Quality control needs some work. Needless to say, I did not try it again. I went to Ken Crane's to listen to their surround setup. With a Marantz receiver I did not hear any noticable hiss or hum from a normal, ten foot, listening distance. Decided to return the Sony. Tony at Victor's was very understanding and said no problem on the return. Cost me $28.00 shipping and insurance to return. Asked if I could upgrade to a Yamaha RX-V995 and he said just pay the difference after they received the return. So I'm out the $28 to send it back. Hopefully the Yamaha will deliver better sound and quality. One last item. Ever try to contact Sony via e-mail? After a week, they responded with call the 800 number. Two times, once when I asked why the STR-DB930 cannot be found on their site and then with the humming on the STR-DB930. Call the 800 number and you get a non technical person who tells you to take it to a Sony authorized repair facility to check it out. Sony, get real. |
[Dec 17, 1999]
Bubba
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Sound, ability to rename inputs, equalizer
Weakness:
Remote (of course) I upgraded from a 6 year old Pioneer ProLogic system. I listened to the 930 and 333es and thought that they were about the same. The 333 seemed to have a little bit larger sound field, but the 930 had more bass. The 930 was also less expensive. I ended up going with the 930. Similar Products Used: None |
[Dec 14, 1999]
John Craft
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
This receiver really gives you the most bang for your buck. I love experimenting with all the sound fields and the equalizer. I have my Receiver connected to a new Sony DVP-C650D DVD player. The two units complement each other quite well. They make my Infinity Minuette speakers and Infinity BU-1 subwoofer really come alive. I upgraded from an old Sony component rack system that wasn't even pro-logic. I'm really impressed with the clarity of sound and picture into my Sony 35" XBR TV. I
Weakness:
No major weaknesses so far. Since this is my first digital receiver and DVD player I'm kind of in shock with the deluge of technology. I do think the remote is difficult to learn. It is quite slow in 2-way remote. Any suggestions on digital hookup between the receiver and DVD player. I am using the optical digital out to the DVD player. I was told that the coaxial out is even better? I think that this receiver gives the best overall value for your money,therefore the value rating of 5. I paid $525 at a local stereo store just to avoid the hassle of buying over the internet and taking a chance on receiving a damaged or defective unit. It's not meant to be a high-end unit, but it does have many of the features you would expect to find only on units costing over $800. I highly recommend this unit. My overall rating of 4 is based on the remote being difficult to learn and the fact that the unit apparently doesn't play CD-R discs although I have not verified this for myself yet. I thank everyone who provided ratings on this unit as it made my selection process a simple one. Similar Products Used: Denon 3300 |
[Dec 01, 1999]
Jeff
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Many features and high quality at a reasonible cost. 2-year warranty. Numerous DSP modes. Speaker size/distance adjustments.
Weakness:
Delay when trying to access a function in the 2-way remove (must point at receiver) Otherwise, great unit! Destroys their DE line in regards to all around quality. Sound is equivalent to the ES line. Hooked up to following components: |
[Dec 01, 1999]
Michael
Audiophile
Just ordered it today. Sorry to take up space, but I had to |
[Nov 24, 1999]
Bruce
Audiophile
Strength:
Solid construction, good variety of inputs / outputs.
Weakness:
no tape monitor What a refreshing unit this is from Sony. Good clean sound, ample power, ES-constructon, at the price of a DE! I was'nt even considering Sony when I started looking for a new A/V- Similar Products Used: Pioneer vsx-D901S |
[Nov 20, 1999]
Drew
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
sound, features, inputs/outputs, build quality
Weakness:
user manual and remote This is a great receiver. No need to go into excruciating details about how wonderful this receiver is because it is mentioned throughout other reviews. Just go get one...don't walk...run! You will not find anything under $600 that can go toe-to-toe with this bad boy. The sound fields are cool too! Got it from onecall for $429 shipped...deal!! |
[Nov 15, 1999]
Anil
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Value (price/performance/features), quality (ES like), tons of features
Weakness:
Still haven't been able to use the remote effectively After using it for about two weeks, I like everything about this receiver (well, may be except the remote which will take a bit of learning!). The initial set up was easy and it had all the inputs and outputs I needed (+ some). It feels much better built than the DE series (it is heavy!), has a lot of features of the ES series at a more affordable price, and has a two year warranty. The sound is superb with plenty of power and it does not really get very hot (unlike some other Sony receivers I have seen). The auto sound decode feature is great and the list of available sound options is quite daunting. Controls are well laid out and easy to understand/use. Similar Products Used: STR-925 |
[Nov 20, 2000]
Jort Lyklema
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Clear sound, especially in DD and DTS; Nice looks; All de connections and features one can wish for; Well built.
Weakness:
Hiss from speakers, wenn AFD or surround modes are used. This is one of the best buys I've ever made in my live. I have spent weeks in every Hifi store in Holland to compare similar products and finally have chosen the Sony for it's better performance, looks and connections featured. Similar Products Used: None |
[Oct 15, 2000]
Billie Jacobs
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Good value for the money
Weakness:
Amplifier section if you have nice speakers I recently sold my unit to a co-worker to buy the Denon AVR-3300. Here are some of my reasons: Similar Products Used: DB925 |