Sony STRDH700

[Hass]

All,

Any thoughts on this unit? Can't seem to find any reviews here.

What are the implications of no HD Audio codec? Is my assumption of BD source processing HD audio and providing to receiver via uncompressed linear PCM negate the need for HD audio codec processing on the receiver? i.e. no difference whether it's processed on source or receiver side?

Look forward to responses,

Thanks
hass

 

[Seth=L]

I'd recommend the Pioneer VSX-519 in this price category unless you need 3 HDMI inputs. Sony receivers often fall flat on power, their benchtests are often unbelievably horrible.

 

[Hass]

Thanks Seth - appreciated.

Understand that the general sentiment around here is Anti-Sony, which confuses me when taking into consideration Sony's audio heritage.

What are these bench tests? power rating? I'm a newbie so apologise for the silly questions.

 

[JerryLove]

Understand that the general sentiment around here is Anti-Sony, which confuses me when taking into consideration Sony's audio heritage.

Actually, Sony's heritige on power isn't that good either. I've played with a good chunk of their gear from the 1970s. The transistors needed replacing and the power was below spec.

What are these bench tests? power rating? I'm a newbie so apologise for the silly questions.

First hit off a google search: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/2354/test-bench-sony-str-dg910-av-receiver.html I'm assuming you are asking for support of the trend. I don't think there's a bench test on this particular unit at present.

 

[Seth=L]

They don't get benchtested often, that's true. The amplifier designs are very similar in their big box store offerings. We should keep in mind that the model benchtested for wattage output there is a higher model than the STR-DH700 and is a generation newer.

Hass,

I've owned a Sony ES receiver, which I liked aside from it's shortcomings as a receiver from it's time of production. I don't hold everything against Sony, they just fall short for home audio, especially on the budget end. The last good budget line model they released was the Sony STR-DG1000, but it was the top model in the line.

The Pioneer I suggested is newer than the Sony and has a better amplifier section. The VSX-519 can be found for cheaper than $200

http://www.compuplus.com/i-PIONEER-110-Watts-x-5-Receiver-Auto-Level-Contrl-Volume-Management-System-VSX-519V-K-1106402~.html?sid=x8gr552482f7371

Also the Pioneer VSX-819 has 3 HDMI inputs and on-board DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD processing for about $250 after shipping.

http://www.compuplus.com/i-PIONEER-110-Watts-x-5-Receiver-Features-of-VSX-519V-K-HDMI-3-Inputs1-Output-VSX-819H-K-1106403~.html?sid=542vyc8cg70133d

 

[manofsteel2397]

the only sony receivers that are any good are there ES line and for the price you could get a yamaha or denon with the same if not better quilty