It definitely has the power. The bass at low end volumes is great.

The users manual is a bit skimpy and not easy to follow. It doesn't seem to decode AC-3 Laserdiscs to the 5+1 output like my Pioneer VSX-606 does. Needs alighted volume control.

Not a bad product. I think I paid a little more than it's worth. Man I'd better start shopping at Sears. All the low prices I've seen in these reviews are at least a hundred dollars cheaper at Sears.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX 606

This thing ROCKS. It replaced a Sony STRD-1015 that was about 5 years old and had no digital capablities, otherwise it would have not been replaced. Anyway, it took all of 30 minutes to switch the two out, which was easier and faster than I thought it would have been. All the I/O's on the 945 look a little intimidating, but they are laid out well and are actually easy to hook up with the other equip I have. I used the optical conn for my DVD player, so I have no clue as to which offers better, or should I say, "truer" sound. The optical sound great to me! I'm still waiting on my new center to get here (JBL-S center), and I'll be replacing the current JBL surrounds (flix) with JBL studio series from a theatre we own. So far, I like everything about this unit, including th eremote that several people griped about. It *does* look complicated, but I figured out how to turn on all my equip w/out reading the manual. Yeah, I'm your typical male... Anyway, the unit has plenty of power for the room it's in and for the speakers it powers right now. All in all, I'd say for the $$$$, you can't beat it even tho Sony quality, in general, has been on the decline for about 5 years now.

The unit *does* get a little warm, but not HOT like I read so many posts about. I have plenty of room in my entertainment center to allow it to breathe, so mayeb that's why? The STRD 1015 I replaced would get warm also, so it's no big concern to me right now.

As stated in the strengths section. Overall, price/power/and features are top notch in the "getting what you pay for" department, as far as I'm concerned.The *only* problem I had with the setup was getting the digital signal processed thru the receiver. Turns out, after a very helpful email from another reviewer, I had to set the audio out in my DVD setup menu to send out both the 5.1 signals from DTS and SR-D. DOH!!!!

Similar Products Used:

As mentioned, many Sony products and a Kenwood receiver a few years ago.

Power, Remote, DTS & DD

Clipping

I have really enjoyed this receiver and the only reason
I bought it was due to the reviews on this forum. I had it
setup in no time thanks to the friendly on screen display.
I also really enjoy the remote and find it hard to believe
that some people think it's complicated! It's got an easy
learning curve although it is slow due to the 2 way IR. I
was really blown away with how good 5.1 & DTS sound and have
no regrets with this system. I had originally ordered a
Denon 1801 but after reading more and more user reviews I
decided to go with the this Sony because of the features
and excellent value.

My only complaint is sometimes while watching TV I will
get clipping with voices although I can't be sure that it's
the receiver's fault.

Similar Products Used:

SONY DE-345

Good performance, rich functions, low price

the 2-way LCD remote is a nice feature, but it's kinda not fast enough to respond.

My configuration as below strongly impresses people, and they are really as cheap as you can afford:

32" SONY WEGA
SONY STR-DE 945 (this)
JBL N38 front
JBL N28 rear
JBL N-Center
SONY 5-dics CD/DVD/VidioCD player

Another pair SONY bookshelf speaks in reading room.

They are awsome for classic music, opera enjoying. And it's rock to play movies like T-2.

Similar Products Used:

None

Feature set

Blue light on front of unit

I originally picked up a Sony 545, but i returned it because it was noisy.

the 945 is much, much better; added features and better sound. the blue light that glows in DD mode is irritating, though.

For the price, an excellent receiver. Stay clear of the 545, though.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V490, Sony STR-DE545

Everything so far

Nothing yet

Just decided it was time to put together a good Home Theater. I read many reviews on here and decided to piece together a great system. So far I am very impressed with the STR-DE945. I started out looking at the STR-DE545, but what you can get with the small price increase is well worth it. The first thing I did was setup all of my speakers, then turned on the unit. It saw the speakers and adjusted nicely. After a few minor changes in the setup of the speakers on the receiver, you truely get the theater feel. Many have posted that they had to turn the volume up to get a good sound, I haven't had mine up past 1/4 of the way. If you are looking for a great setup, look into what I have below. Staying with a complete Sony sound system, I believe, was a good idea. I paid around $800 for all of the Sony equip. at www.etronics.com, saved between $200-$300. So far I feel that I have got one heck of a deal. I would have paid $200-$300 more if I had too.
Here is my specs:
Toshiba 40H80 TheaterWide <- toshiba, best on the market
Sony STR-DE945 - receiver
Sony SA-WM40 - sub <- amazing bass
Sony SS-MF415 - fronts <- great sound
Sony SS-CR490 - center with rears <- makes it complete

Similar Products Used:

Nothing in the past few years that is worth mentioning

$ = VALUE
Excellent

HOT????? heck no....it's just as warm as your body temp!
And for the people new to Home theatre, the manual does suck but hey.....the internet's here...right?
No Coaxial for Sat. TV.

This receiver rocks....the remote is really not that hard to use...i'm actually also using this remote for my ps2!(This remote learns/gets the signal from other remotes then Voila) ETC.......
I'm using sony save815 speakers with this receiver....man.....perfect match....(If you have the best receiver but your speakers suck...then of course quality is not that good...Common sense!)
I love it when that blue light lights up....try watchin Top Gun, Gladiator, The Martix and MI2 in DVD Dolby or DTS....thank you Sony!!!!!!

Always plan..and check for compatibility with your other A/V components..like I did..look at the back (outputs/inputs) of your TV, VCR, DVD, PS1or2,etc...before buying one....that's why you'll see some complaints and make sure you have good quality wires/cables....they're very important....

This receiver is a Home Theatre receiver!
(If your planning to have decibels that will shatter your eardrum.......this is it...but don't get Sony save815 speakers if you're planning to shake the furniture...doesn't handle max volume bass...but good enough for the house and if you want to see complaining neighbors)

good luck!

Similar Products Used:

onkyo, harm-kar

$ = VALUE
Excellent

HOT????? heck no....it's just as warm as your body temp!
And for the people new to Home theatre, the manual does suck but hey.....the internet's here...right?
No Coaxial for Sat. TV.

This receiver rocks....the remote is really not that hard to use...i'm actually also using this remote for my ps2!(This remote learns/gets the signal from other remotes then Voila) ETC.......
I'm using sony save815 speakers with this receiver....man.....perfect match....(If you have the best receiver but your speakers suck...then of course quality is not that good...Common sense!)
I love it when that blue light lights up....try watchin Top Gun, Gladiator, The Martix and MI2 in DVD Dolby or DTS....thank you Sony!!!!!!

Always plan..and check for compatibility with your other A/V components..like I did..look at the back (outputs/inputs) of your TV, VCR, DVD, PS1or2,etc...before buying one....that's why you'll see some complaints and make sure you have good quality wires/cables....they're very important....

This receiver is a Home Theatre receiver!
(If your planning to have decibels that will shatter your eardrum.......this is it...but don't get Sony save815 speakers if you're planning to shake the furniture...doesn't handle max volume bass...but good enough for the house and if you want to see complaining neighbors)

good luck!

Similar Products Used:

onkyo, harm-kar

Inexpensive, bang for the buck

Lousy sound, fatigue sets in when listening to it for awhile. Runs HOT. Hissssss

This thing runs extremely HOT. It is hard to listen to it for a long time as it hurts your ears with the unnatural sound. Also the balance does not completely turn off the opposite channel when put all the way to the left or right. Remote is slow.

Inexpensive, bang for the buck

Lousy sound, fatigue sets in when listening to it for awhile. Runs HOT. Hissssss

This thing runs extremely HOT. It is hard to listen to it for a long time as it hurts your ears with the unnatural sound. Also the balance does not completely turn off the opposite channel when put all the way to the left or right. Remote is slow.