Sony STR-DE685 5.1 Channels Receiver

Pros: Fairly large power output, easy to use front panel, remote, useful input selection
Cons: Sound quality, cheap looking rear panel, flimsy feel overall, spring clips for the B speakers

A Little Background


This receiver was part of an install that I performed for a friend in his new home. It acts as the media hub for CDX-455 400 disc changer, TC-KA9ES tape deck, KV-40XBR800 television, an SLV-N99, a...

Pros: Very good sound for the money, nice features, very reliable.
Cons: There is no optical input for the DVD channel.

I bought the 685 after I had gone through the whole debacle that everyone else had who owned a Harman/Kardon AVR 45. After throwing that piece of junk onto ebay for someone else to use I went looking for something that would support my system.
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Pros: Good basic system
Cons: 3 separate video busses. DVD audio input is coax only.

I have had a pair of DQ-10 speakers sitting on custom wall shelves above my TV for several years. I finally decided to move from TV to home theater and needed a A/V receiver.

I went to the local consumer electronics stores to see what they...

Pros: It was cheap
Cons: You get what you pay for

First of all, I purchased this as an "Open Box" from Circuit City. If you ever do this, make sure you open the manual at the store to make sure they give you everything that goes with it (they did not give me an FM antenna and gave me the wrong remote)....

Pros: Sounds good, handles new sound and connection standards. Easy to set up and operate.
Cons: Haven't found anything disappointing.

This receiver follows the Sony tradition of reliable and easy to use electronics. Our old receiver didn't have digital inputs, and it was fritzing out on us, so we bought this one after comparison with other sub-$300 recievers. It decodes DTS, Dolby...

Pros: Easy to use, amazing sound clarity, LOUD!
Cons: has a lock feature

With a new widescreen and progressive scan DVD player just purchased, a new receiver was needed to power it all. This Sony receiver is awesome, it has many inputs, its easy to use and has the killer benefit of the pre-programed Sony theatre modes that...

Pros: Best receiver/home theater system for the price-Yes it does have optical for DVD.
Cons: None that I can think of.

I purchased this amplifier approximately 3 months ago and it is incredible. For the money, you really cannot beat it.....the wattage, distortion rating, features, etc. are all second to none when you compare it to other brands. It's about $200 less...

Pros: Feature set, Intuitive controls,
Cons: Sound quality

I have had this receiver for about 3 years now. I got it on clearance for $180 when the Wiz[electronic store in the NYC area] went out of Business. This receiver has a very good set of features and control which seem daunting at first, are actually quite intuitive. However I am really not happy with the sound quality. The bass lacks a punch and actually sounded quite tinny compared to my 8 year old technic.