[Secant]

Looking for Pros and Cons of owning this receiver. My primary use will be watching DVD movies and 5.1 audio for console gaming. I currently have a decent HT matched set of Klipsch speakers (front, left, right, rears, sub). I'm looking for a receiver that will get me 3-5 years down the road.


In these forums, there seems to be some harsh feedback and/or lack there of for Sony receivers. This 997b Sony model does have some decent features....... 7.1, up-conversion, duel room capability, etc at a price point around $300. Other than the fact that Sony tends to fudge their watts/channel specs and the THD is not the best, I can't seem to find many negatives concerning this receiver...

 

[JamesO]

The biggest negative is it's rated for 8 ohms only. I have one in my bedroom, and that aside it's an okay machine. It has all the bells and whistles you could hope for in a cheapo unit.

 

[Secant]

All my speakers are 8 ohms so it should be a non-issue for me.


We must be missing something because at $300 for a 7.1 receiver, display though TV capable, LCD remote, etc, etc, etc...this Sony seems like steal with all these features. WHy is it not more popular? Does the lower price drive buyers away...

 

[memnoch2]

i think the rage these days are receivers with room equalization features. with pioneer and yamaha offering models for a few more dollars, it's a no-brainer. for another few more, you can step up to something serious with denon, hk (very soon), and maybe pioneer elite.

 

[Version]

Features are a big plus but a lot of people are looking for superior sound quality on dedicated boards like this.


Nothing wrong with the Sony units but most enthusiasts prefer other options as far as sound quality goes. If you are a big fan of Sony you may want to check out their ES line.

 

[nguyenphananh]

LIke other posts memtion above...I have owned quite a few sony recs...electronic wise, it is the best; reliable, functional, and logical to use...its perfect for HT use, and just home theater only. For music, the sound is suck, however. Sony's recievers produce harsh, dry and unmusical sound. I upgrade to denon reciever and amazed at what I had missed out on music over the years...the sound is sweat. For music, sony's surround is hard to beat...

 

[Artisn]

In that price range you can not possibly do better than Onkyo. That sony would be one of the WORST choices you could possibly make. Hope this helps.

 

[milaz001]

I'd look elsewhere as well. Around the $300 price point, there are better offerings, including Onkyo.

 

[Secant]

About a year ago I was looking at buying Onkyo low-mid priced receivers but there were a ton of complaints regarding decoding issues with certain movies. Has Onkyo solved that issue?


And in regards to Denon, do all of their models sound better than Sony or only the higher end multi-thousand dollar ones? Where is the price/model break point for Denon...is there a $300-$500 Denon unit that anyone would recommend?

 

[Artisn]

I would prefer almost ANY model of Denon over Sony. You can get a used 2805 for around $300. However, at THAT price range I usually prefer Onkyo. Try to listen and see them both and decide what YOU like.

 

[tubeguy44]

for $300 you should definitely check out the panasonic XR digital receivers....


their amp sections use digital amplifiers and can give you an excellent sound..... no fancy bells and whistles - but great amplification....


go and listen....


cheers!

 

[Artisn]

tubeguy44 - I think for once we actually agree. At that price range, I would definitely add the Panny XR to the list.

 

[galois427]

Quote:

Originally posted by Artisn I would prefer almost ANY model of Denon over Sony. You can get a used 2805 for around $300. However, at THAT price range I usually prefer Onkyo. Try to listen and see them both and decide what YOU like.

exactly where can you get a 2805 for $300?!? i hate it when people over-exaggerate.

 

[Artisn]

You would have to check ebay or audiogon. It would take some work, but you'd have a great receiver in budget. Or, get a 2105 or 1802 new. Any of these would be a much better purchase than that Sony.