Sony STR-DE897/S Audio/Video Receiver (Silver)

Sony's amazingly powerful and affordable STR-DE897 delivers rich, clear sound for your movies and music--from the latest surround-sound movie formats to the latest high-resolution audio sources. The receiver pumps out 110 watts per channel across 7 main channels (left, right, center, left/right mid surround, and left/right rear surround) and has a dedicated subwoofer output for an eighth (the ".1" low-frequency effects channel). You get everything from Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES/Neo:6 surround decoding to Dolby Pro Logic II processing (creating 5.1 channels from 2) and 5.1/7.1-channel analog inputs to handle music from Super Audio CD (SACD) and DVD-Audio.

You get conveniences, too, like multi-room outputs that come with independent source switching, so you can listen to a DVD in the living room while someone else is listening to a CD in the kitchen. The supplied Remote Commander remote control comes preprogrammed for a range of devices, and it also learns new commands and has the ability to perform limited macro commands.

The receiver includes an FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM) and a host of video inputs--5 composite-video, 3 S-video, and 2 component-video--to simplify switching between components and your television. The component-video inputs accommodate wide-bandwidth (80 MHz) high-definition signals and work well with 480p signals such as those from progressive-scan DVD players, while composite-video inputs are upconverted to S-video quality. A set of front-panel audio/video inputs includes an optical digital-audio input and facilitates spontaneous hookups with camcorders, gaming consoles, MP3 players, and minidisc player/recorders.

There's even a phono input for your once or future turntable--yes, they still make 'em and, yes, your vinyl will sound as good or better than ever. The unit's 3 stereo and 1 set of multichannel analog audio inputs simplify hookup of, for instance, a cassette deck, a VCR, and a high-resolution audio device that decodes formats like SACD and DVD-Audio. A total of 6 assignable digital-audio inputs (4 optical and 2 coaxial) accept bitstream feeds from DVD players, CD players, and other digital devices, while a single optical digital-audio out channels sound to a CD or minidisc recorder.

Digital Cinema Sound System is a group of exclusive Sony algorithms (the receiver offers 13 total) that represent a total re-thinking of home theater sound based on careful measurements of movie-production dubbing stages in Hollywood. Cinema Studio EX modes offer greater apparent distance from listener to screen and a full array of 10 additional virtual surround speakers.

Sound Field Link applies the last-selected sound field to an input whenever you select the input. For example, if you select STADIUM for the CD input, change to a different input, then return to CD, the receiver will automatically apply the STADIUM sound field.

Finally, Auto Channel Grouping helps integrate 5.1- and 6.1-channel programs with your 7.1-channel system. When a 5.1-channel mix is present, Auto Channel Grouping will route the discrete information for surround left/right directly to surround left/right outputs while adding a new surround back left/right channel. When 6.1-channel mix is detected, Auto Channel Grouping will route the discrete information for surround left/right directly to surround left/right output while the sixth channel is duplicated by both surround back channels (left/right).

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control (model RM-PG413), remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000Hz) at 0.09% THD * Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, and Dolby Pro Logic¨ II processing * Digital Cinema Sound modes * 32-bit processor * dual-room/dual-source audio (preamp stereo output for 2nd room) *

1 Very good receiver for the money
About 14 years ago I bought a Sony receiver for about 6-0-0 bucks, no small amount back then. It had all kinds of options, and aside from a few small problems, the receiver continues to work fine. However, I had to tradeup to a new receiver because the old one just didn't have enough inputs to deal with electronic life today (cable TV box, TiVo, Xbox, XM radio, DVD, VCR) So, I bought the STR-DE897 for 4-0-0 bucks. I certainly got a better deal 14 years later -- the DE897 has all the inputs I need and it has the capability of just about any kind of speaker setup.

I like that the DE897 has different sound field setups, which makes it versatile for various speaker setups or sound sources. However, I still haven't figured out exactly how to use all of the sound field setups. I managed to setup the system to use the Sony 7.1 speaker system and it just remains on that setting, which is fine.

The only significant complaint I have with the DE897 is that Sony must have changed to a new set of remote control codes with the newer receiver models. None of the Sony remotes you can buy off the shelf have a code that will work with this Sony receiver. While I can probably use the "learning" feature of the off-the-shelf Sony remotes -- I shouldn't have to do something like that between two Sony products. Nothing in the receiver's documentation makes you aware that your old Sony remotes just won't operate the receiver. Of course, the receiver's remote will operate my other (older) Sony devices.

The sound the receiver produces is very good and clear. I am not a perfectionist audiophile, so whatever failings this receiver has, I can't hear them. I just like to have good, solid sound delivered to my 7.1 surround speakers and the DE897 delivers.