Should I buy one of new SONY (DG510, DG710)

[anthony43]

Hi all!
I just bought a new TV (LG 37LC45) and I was quite disappointed when I discovered that the only audio output is optical... and my (old sony) receiver doesn't have any optical input.
Furthermore, my old receiver is only Dolby Pro Logic, and as I already own 5 great speakers, I think a Dolby Digital and DTS receiver may be fine...
So I'm thinking about buying the new Sony STR DG 510, or even the DG 710 if there is a descent reason to choose this one..
In fact all I want is a receiver with the ability to :

input 2 HDMI, 2 YUV, 2 opticals, some composites
Output YUV, HDMI, COmposite

and deliver some good sound on 5*100W speakers...
I already have 2 YUV output hardware : a modified XBOX (720p) and a Nintendo Gamecube (480)... Maybe some day an HDMI output (1080p) video game console (PS3 or XBOX 360)

Is Sony a good choice ? Should I give a try to Yamaha or Onkyo, etc... (if they still fit in a budget around 400$ )

THank you for your advice !

 

[avaserfi]

I would scrap the plans on picking up a Sony, in general their audio equipment is subpar, and look into a used/b-stock Onkyo or Yamaha receiver. ALso, if you look into last years model you can get a great receiver for a steal if you are willing to give up some features which you might not need.

 

[anthony43]

OK thanks for your answer, I'm gonna check on ebay if something fits my needs...
Is sony that bad for receiver ?

 

[avaserfi]

I just don't like them and for the money there is far better out there. I have seen many people with the same view on various forums as well.

 

[anthony43]

Not much on ebay (no HDMI receiver for a good price)

OK so I searched again for something more afforadable (at least in Europe) and I get the Yamaha RX-V461 ?
What do you think about it ?
Is this one better than the Sony STR-DG710 ?
I know these 2 models aren't the best, but for the budget, I have to choose between those 2 (I guess, because Onkyo is REALLY much more expensive in Europe)
Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[avaserfi]

If you don't need HDMI then the Yamaha is what I would get hands down. I like the look more and from what I have seen out of Sony the build quality will probably be better.

 

[dotVIBE]

Yamaha, pioneer, onkyo, denon & harman kardon are all good choices. Sony maybe not so good. imo.

 

[anthony43]

Hi !
I think I'm gonna choose the Yamaha RX-V461, because...
There is 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output !!!
So here's the deal : same functionnality than the Sony, but better quality !!
Avaserfi, you told me earlier that it doesn't have HDMI inputs/outputs, which is true... in the US !
In France, on Yamaha website, the description shows HDMI inputs/output !
Here is the link yamaha-audiovideo-france.com/index.php?lang=f&country=FR&idcat1=1&idcat2=2[/url]
(sorry there's no english translation, but specs are still easy to read)

Thanks for your advice guys, so many people criticise Sony, I think there may be a reason

 

[dotVIBE]

dang, that is AWESOME news. enjoy!