I happen to have a Sony receiver, a STRDE-1075, it's a little older than the one you are looking at but here are some things to make note of as they apply to my receiver. I am not sure if they have fixed these for the newer models or not.
The binding posts on the back of the Sony are very limiting. They are not true 5 way posts. They will not allow spades to be used for example, and they are a pain in the butt when it comes to getting bare wire in them. Also I once asked Sony (via their website) if my model receiver could accept Bananna plugs. They told me that it could not despite the fact that it looked like it could. A year later I had a couple of spare plugs lying around so I figured what the heck, lets see if they work with the receiver. Low and behold, a perfect fit, and when I powered on the receiver the sound was coming forth, as clear as before. I would go with Bananna plugs for sure. If you ever have to move your receiver you will find that these save you considerable time and hassel.
My Receiver is rated at 100w per channel. It was the highest model you could get before going into the es (expensive stuff) level by Sony. It does not seem to put out as much power as other receivers rated with less power. You should use fairly efficient speakers (I do), and don't plan for this thing to fill a 30' by 30' room with cathedral ceilings.
I have trouble with my front speakers overpowering my center channel at low volumes (yes my speakers are calibrated properly).
Please comparison shop before you settle on the Sony. I did say settle on, not settle for. At futureshop you can compare it to the Yamahas they have on hand. I think that the comparable model would be the 5730 or 5740. Since you listed futureshop I'm going to assume that you are a fellow Canuck. If your city is anything like mine then if you are near a Futureshop you are near a Bestbuy. At Bestbuy you can also look into the budget Pioneer receivers. Also I hate to mention 2001 Audio Video, but if you have one close go in and see what they will do for you within your budget. I have never found their sales staff overly knowledgable, and they are usually pretty pushy, but if you stick to your guns you can get your best deal with them. They carry Yamahas and Marantz.
That said the Sony you are looking at is often on sale for $199 CDN, if that is the extreme end of your budget then you will probably not find a better receiver in this category, at least not new anyways. I would really suggest that you save up for a bit and then buy. If you can hold out till you get between $500 and $600 to spend your options will really blossom.
One more note. If you listen to the Sony, you like the Sony, and you want the Sony then pull the trigger and get the Sony. You are the only one that it needs to satisfy. Good luck with your purchase.
