100 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD * direct access tuning * 30 AM/FM presets * 4 audio inputs * no phono input * front-panel switching for 2 pairs of main speakers * remote control * headphone jack * 16-7/8"W x 5-1/4"H x 12-15/16"D * warranty: 2 years
Home theater may be the rage, but there's no getting around the need for affordable, high-quality music playback, and Sony's STR-DE197 stereo receiver can be a huge help in that department. The integrated amplifier pumps out 100 watts per channel across both its 2 channels and uses discrete output transistors--that is, transistors in place of cheaper and lower-quality integrated-circuit chips--to ensure high-quality music presentations.
The receiver features an FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM) and a UniCommander remote control with phosphorescent glow keys for easy access, even in the dark. Separate A and B speaker outputs (stereo left/right) let you listen to the same program across two sets of speakers placed in different parts of the house.
There's no phono input, but the unit's 4 stereo analog audio (left/right RCA) inputs accommodate, for instance, a cassette deck, a VCR, your cable-box outputs, or a DVD player. (Make sure your television has sufficient inputs for the number of video sources whose audio you plan to route through the receiver.) A bass-boost circuit enhances your program's low frequencies for greater musical or cinematic input.
A switched AC outlet lets you plug another device into the receiver, conserving wall sockets and powering up the plugged devices at the same time as the receiver. When the receiver powers on and off, so also will the component plugged into the power outlet, provided you leave its power set to "on." Listening at night? Plug into the receiver's .25-inch headphone jack so you won't wake the family or neighbors.
What's in the Box
Receiver, RM-US185 UniCommander remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, user's manual, and warranty information.
1 [...] Pass the Torch
First of all the advertised power(100 watts per channel) is nowhere close to what it actually puts out (sounds like about 30-35 to me). Secondly theres no phono inputs nor is there a tape monitor to hook up things like EQ's. So who is this piece of scrap metal actually aimed at? Most of us who are inclined to buy 2 channel recievers probably have a turntable and or EQ. It's way over priced , it would suffice I suppose as a reciever for your garage but then I suspect any 50 dollar boombox would sound as good and probably do more and you'd get a CD player to boot. Avoid this thing like the plague. If your so inclined pick up the Onkyo 8511 which is only priced at about 80-100 dollars more but is light years ahead of this.
2 Just What the Doctor Ordered
If you're looking for an economical FM/AM receiver, with plenty of power to rattle the windows and a straightforward operating approach, look no further. The Sony STRDE197 not only deleivers crisp, clean reception, ease of tuning and the ability to connect audio components such as a CD player and MD/tape deck, it does it with a minimum of fuss.
My 13 year old JVC receiver recently gave up the ghost, I didn't want to replace it with another receiver full of features that I seldom used and sometimes didn't fully understand. I already had a separate surround sound set-up and was looking for something that would allow me to listen to music via FM radio and CDs and with power enough to run two sets of speakers. I found that and more in this Sony product. Even the operating instructions are easy to follow. Imagine!
