Sony STR-DE835 Surround Receiver

Rating:
Summary: Sony makes a good receiver, but this isn't up to par...
Review: Don't get me wrong, I like Sony products... a lot. I guessthat's why I'm not too gung-ho about this one. I've owned many Sonyreceivers, and to tell the truth, the DEx35 line is the most disappointed I've been thoughout it all.

To be fair, I've got the DE935, same as this, except with a two-way LCD remote, front A/V in, and multiroom out. My reason for upgrading from the previous year's model was for S-Video support and DTS decoding.

First off, there's dual busses for composite and S-Video, so I still couldn't eliminate the composite to the monitor, nor could I hook it to the same A/V in, since the Trinitron only acknowledges one or the other. S-Video is only available on two inputs, so it looks like only the LaserDisc and the satellite get the benefits, with nothing left over for the PlayStation. Next problem was digital in, with only three optical ins, not mappable, and one coax digital in. So with high end components, you get one with both digital sound and S-Video, and one each with one but not the other. What if you've got multiple components with good picture AND sound? I guess you've left to route them individually to the TV, then to an outboard decoder or TosLink router.

For the price, the DE835 is great. But if you want to get serious, you need total S-Video compatibility, full digital routing, and a single connection to the monitor. If you've got multiple digital audio components, then you're SOL, since only one connection exists. Why have a digital loop for MiniDisc without a digital in for the CD player? It's pointless (especially since the DVD digital in WILL NOT be output for recording-even in analog, eliminating all but the TV/SAT digital in for recording!) Why have a satellite connection for digital audio, but not S-Video?

Sony just released the DB series receivers. Avoid them too as they are the same as the DE's, with a better control interface. If you need to go Dolby Digital and don't want to expand past the DVD stage, you won't beat this receiver (especially with Sony's excellent DVD players!), but if you want a world class stereo, pass up the DE835, and it's brother, the DE935, for next year's offerings.

If next year brings S-Video to EVERY A/V input, and more (or at least mappable) digital inputs, go for it. In the meantime, persist with whatever you've got and wait for the real deal. The STR-DEx35 series doesn't cut it...

Rating:
Summary: The most bang for your buck!
Review: Down to the cut and chase. This is a great Reciever. I am constantly looking, reviewing and comparing electronic equipment and would say that I have a good knowledge of the market. I give this product a Five Star rating because of the features it carries at the price it gives. If you want a Reciever that can do multiple S-video, digital, analog inputs/outputs for each component,(such as a DSS satalite,VCR,DVD,CD,MD,LD,Ect.)this may not be the Reciever for you. Sure the Reciever can recieve all of these components, just not in S-video & Digital. For support of all these functions you need a bigger (and more expensive, I might add!) Reciever. But if your looking for a Reciever that can handle three Digital/S-video,+ multiple analog inputs/outputs this is the reciever for you! It has plenty of power which is clean and very clear. I love the fact you can adjust individual Bass/Mid/Treble levels and frequencies, the distance and height of the speakers and Type of speakers. These funtions gives the listening point that sweet spot. It also has full Dolby digital/DTS decoding along with 27 soundfeilds that compliment the sound even further. This Reciever has allot of the functions and abilities of the higher end Recievers without the big bucks. Plus, it's from a reliable and reputable company. Sure this Reciever doesn't have it all, but that ALL includes the price.

Rating:
Summary: Great sound, good value
Review: For a change, I was impressed with the sound quality for being Sony's low end DD/DTS decoder. Definately a keeper for a while.

Rating:
Summary: Great receiver but DOES NOT DO DTS. The 985 includes DTS.
Review: I haven't found the right suround setting for stereo music. There's a lot of cute features but for music just play it in normal mode. I really should have bought the 985 but I am very happy with this unit. It was well worth the money and movies are awesome in AC-3 5.1.

Rating:
Summary: Everything you need for superb home-theater!
Review: I just purchased one of these receivers and am quite impressed. I wanted Dolby Digital and DTS as well as S-Video I/O and found it all in the STR-DE835. I've been shopping around for some time and have looked at a variety of products. Pioneer and JVC had competitive products but the features and the price were right on with this one. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent value, high quality
Review: I picked this one because it is a step above the basic models offered by Kenwood and Pioneer. For one thing it has more elaborate soundfield capabilities, and had DTS decoding, which just might become the audio format for the future. Since my tape deck is a Sony, the remote operates it as well.

I found the sound fields to be much smoother and more convincing than I had expected from my experience with my previous Sony Dolby Prologic receiver, probably due to that 32 bit encoding. The amplifier section sounds smooth and clean, the FM tuner is adaquete. There are two subwoofer outputs, making it possible for me to use an old stereo amplifier as the subwoofer driver.

The ergonomics take some getting used to, but not unduly so, and once the process is discovered, smooth to operate. The remote has lots of functions for adjusting soundfields, and includes options for controlling your other Sony gear.

My old Sony receiver sounded bad when I switched in the "B" speakers, apparently they were wired in series with the "A" speakers. Ugh. This new one avoids that entirely, the power may be reduced for each speaker when a second set of front speakers is switched, but there is no audible distortion to the sound so long as you don't push the volume to extreme limits.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Product
Review: Recently purchased this receiver. I am now able to hook everything up to it, without switchboxes like before. The difference from Pro Logic to Digital is astounding. This receiver is great...worth every penny.

Rating:
Summary: Sony does it again!
Review: Sony has to be one of the most incredible electronics creators in the world. Not only are they innovative, but the quality for the money is outstanding. The Reciever features S-Video inputs, 4-AV / 4 Audio inputs, three optical, one coaxial input -- all for $400! The receiver is clean, loud, and REALLY alive. Watching a DVD that is connected using an optical cable is breathtaking. The surround sound is truely surround! In addition, the blue light that lights up on the receiver when Dolby Digital signal is received is just too cool. I highly recommend Sony and this DE835. No other receiver compares at this price!