Onkyo M-282 2-Channel Power Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this amp to drive a passive homemade sub and it has done nothing but please me. I'm running it at 4ohms to each channel, and it pumps out serious power. Despite the lower resistance, its heat dissipation is lower than my receiver. I do not believe Onkyo's numbers for this amp, they have to be higher. When I hooked it up to my main front speakers, it revealed an exellent range of frequencies at any volume. This piece is a great example of Onkyo quality for a low price, I'm still curious as to why they discontinued it.

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Ideal for quality stereo listening, for expanding your surround system from 5.1 to 6.1 or 7.1 channels to deliver the latest home theater surround formats, and for multiroom setups, Onkyo's M-282 stereo power amplifier makes a powerful and affordable system upgrade. The amp uses Onkyo's exclusive Wide Range Amplifier Technology and pumps 2 x 100 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohm speakers and 2 x 125 wpc into 6 ohms. (For dynamic power handling, you're looking at 2 x 140 watts into 8 ohms, 2 x 125 watts into 6 ohms.)If you're going for an upgrade from 5.1 to 7.1, make sure your 5.1 surround receiver has preamplifier outputs for 7.1 channels. The M-282 only amplifies a line-level signal; it does not include surround processing or a volume control like a traditional preamplifier or an integrated amplifier/surround receiver.You can rig the amp to power up when it senses an audio signal or through the use of a 12-volt trigger (standard to automation systems). The receiver also features audio passthrough jacks in case you want to daisy-chain several like components through several rooms for multi-room distribution of your primary listening source.The receiver uses Onkyo's Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), which ensures signal accuracy even with high-resolution sources such as DVD-Audio and SACD. According to Onkyo, WRAT eliminates the adverse effects of counter-electromotive force by applying an unusually low amount of NFB (negative feedback), constructing the amp with carefully selected, high-tolerance, wide-range parts in all critical sections, and using innovative circuit topology based on the company's decades of experience building high-end amplifiers. The result? A flat response beyond 100 kHz.Rear-panel connections and controls consist of a ground (use only if the system exhibits an audible hum), an input-level adjustment, 1 each stereo analog (left/right) RCA audio input and passthrough/output, a trigger setting (audio, 12-volt, off), a 12-volt trigger input jack, left/right speaker outputs with banana-plug-friendly binding-post speaker terminals, and a grounded AC power terminal.What's in the Box Power amplifier, an AC power cord, and a user's manual.

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Sony HTD-DW790 Component Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)I've always had cheap surround sound systems. Usually i'll get one as a gift for xmas or something, over the coarse of a year it'll break just in time for someone to get me another cheapie the following xmas. Well, I finally invested a healthy sum of money into a 61 inch DLP televesion, so I figured... what better to go with my new TV then another cheapie surround sound system! (but this time I would buy it). My previous system had a couple busted speakers, so it wasn't worth much. I had limited funds because I spent so much cash on the TV, so I ended up buying this.
I believe people are being too critical about this system. People seem to expect a flagship quality system when they buy a system that costs less then 1/2 as much as a decent receiver alone.
I saw this system at Best Buy for a mere $150.00. Perfect. They had a model on the floor so I gave it a listen, was impressed and decided to buy it. I was happy that it came with an actual receiver rather then a crappy DVD combo type of deal (experience shows me that these always go faulty).
Setup was a snap, much easier then i'm used to thanks to the handy mic that comes with the system that helps your receiver automatically calibrate your speaker settings. I was happy with what I heard at the store, but I was blown away when I heard this in my own home (no sound pollution, like at the store). For a $150.00 system this sounds great! The audio is mostly clean, bass is pulse-pounding, mids and highs are good. So how does it compare to the $6,000.00 high end system my buddy has? Well, obviously not even close.
Here's what you can expect with this system:
The sound is mostly clean. The mids and highs are good, but someone seeking perfection may be a bit disappointed. Don't expect eye-blinking highs and super-rich mids. The bass is surprisingly powerful, but at higher volumes you will get "bass belching". The bass does thump pretty well but this bass module is passive so you wont get those strong soul-shaking bass thumps that you hear in high end systems. Worth mentioning is the form-factor of this system, well the speakers anyways. The speakers are nice and small, making this system discrete. The speakers have a nice feel to them, they don't feel like super cheap speakers. The receiver isn't as attractive because it's quite large and lacks substance because the buttons are very tiny - there's a lot of empty space.
So there are some issues with this system, why did I give it 5 stars? Well, first off, these issues are to be expected. One reviewer said that sony cut corners, I say - duh! Of course if you're going to build a complete 5.1 surround system including a receiver and price it around $150.00 then you're going to cut corners. Anyways, it deserves 5 stars because this is the best cheapie 5.1 system i've ever owned. I went in expecting crud and ended up with something that actually sounds pretty darn good! My movies are very immersive and my music sounds pretty good. That's all I need right now.

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Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package Review

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(More customer reviews)Using this with a Sony BD player and Onkyo 5.1 amp linked via coax audio; TV via HDMI. After all settings were completed, the action and big explosions sounded great. If you listen to movies using TV speakers, you don't know what you're missing.
BUT I couldn't hear dialog. Checked all settings, and searched online forums. I tried to boost the dB for the center but still couldn't hear. Speakers are connected via Monster Cable instead of the flimsy speaker cable provided (so small the connectors won't even hold it). Then I used the test tone from the amp to find out the center channel speaker doesn't work. I'm using an existing bookshelf speaker for center for now.
Otherwise, the bases sound fine and rest of the speakers seem more than powerful enough for my tiny home theater room. Watched Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D with 6-year old, and the combination 3-D video and 3-D audio were a winner with him.
For a small room, with a decent amp and proper cables (do yourself a favor, and get at least 16-gauge) this set should work just fine for most movie lovers. Audiophiles should look elsewhere. And test all speakers before you throw out the packaging (as I did).
UPDATE: after mentioning to Amazon the center channel was not working but I didn't want to pack everything up, they promptly shipped me a new set FOC - with pre-paid return as well. Next day. New center channel works great, and sound has greatly improved. Nicely done!

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Kicker CompVR 07CVR104 10" subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils Review

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(More customer reviews)I know I wanted power in a small package when I bought this, and wow oh wow does it deliver! This and a Sony 330w rms monoblock amp I got here on amazon also is a truely kick ass system, space-efficent and reasonably priced!

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Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I want to start off by saying that i'm no audiophile and that i don't have super fantastic speakers so this review won't be commenting on the nuances of sound quality of this receiver. But lets face it, if you are only spending $350.00 on a receiver, you are looking for a good receiver, not one that is going to blow you out of the water. That being said...
The Onkyo was delivered in one day (thanks Amazon Prime) and came well packaged. There was a serious dent in one side of the box, but nothing was harmed inside. The receiver is quite heavy (which i hope indicates decent internals). Set up was VERY easy. The 5 HDMI ports on the rear (plus one on the front) are, of course, the easiest to hook equipment up to. The speaker terminals are clearly indicated and there are two subwoofer pre-outs. Additionally, if you don't want to run a true 7.1 set-up, you can run either an extra pair of fronts or bi-wire your front speakers (if you have that option). This was unexpected at this price point.
I have the following hooked up to the receiver. Sony PS3 slim, Xbox 360 (1st generation / component + toslink cables), WD TV (media player), and a comcast (motorala brand) cable box. Everything, other than the xbox 360, is hooked up via HDMI. The optical and coaxial audio inputs are assignable (once you get into the systems menu which is on-screen). I have everything running via a single 35 foot hdmi cable to my ceiling mounted Epson 8100 projector (which is a 1080p 3-lcd unit). I use a harmony remote, so i can't comment too much on the included onkyo one, but i did use it for setting up the receiver and it's fairly comfortable to hold and seems to have a complete set of function buttons on it.
Just a few random notes:
- the display on the receiver is very bright, but the remote has a dimmer button on it which can dim the display until it is almost off.
- the microphone set-up was VERY easy. Just place it in 3 locations and hit a few buttons. It does the rest of the calibration for you.
- the sound (even through my old sony speakers) is better than what my old sony and denon receivers could produce.
- hdmi pass-through is available, as is on board up-scaling and analog to digital up-converting to 1080p out via HDMI (a very nice feature at this price point)
Keep in mind that I'm no expert, but i have set up a number of systems (from cheap home-theaters-in-a-box up to $50,000 custom home theater rooms) and this product really impresses me on its feature set as well as its ease of set up. If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask via amazon.

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While we may define it as an entry-level A/V receiver, the HT-RC260 gives you performance and features that leave class-competitors gasping in its wake. Six of the latest HDMI 1.4a inputs provide easy connection for all your high-def sources and compatibility with the eye-popping new 3D video format. Another connectivity highlight is a handy Universal Port that allows you to hook up Onkyo peripherals such as a Dock for iPod/iPhone. Meanwhile, if you want to distribute music to another room, the HT-RC260 provides Zone 2 line-outs and speaker outputs. Regardless of their resolution, all video sources can be upscaled to stunning 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema . High-quality Burr-Brown DACs work alongside jitter-cleaning technology and three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry to minimize distortion and deliver extremely realistic audio for movies, music, and games. The HT-RC260 also offers compatibility with lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as the expanded surround formats of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Quality home theater has never been more affordable.

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Sherwood RX-4105 2-Channel 100-Watt Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This Sherwood (noted brand years ago, now mysterious) might be a decent bargain for twice the money. It's stripped down by present standards -- two channels only, no phonograph input. It's dead quiet and extremely clean sounding. I can't hear any emphases or dead spots in the frequencies. The tuner is exceptionally good; I am surprised at the success I'm having with it in a poor reception area, with only the antennas that are supplied. Appearance and quality are fine: nice black steel case, solid buttons, one big old volume knob. It was all I needed, so I'm very pleased. Going to get another for a computer amp.

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Sherwood's incredibly affordable RX-4105 offers integrated preamplification and amplification, inputs for numerous audio source components, and advanced radio tuning and station access. The receiver delivers 100 watts RMS per channel x 2 for strong, clear sound across the audible spectrum--even at low listening levels. The company has lowered the amplifier's distortion relative to the previous model (the RX-4105), to less than 0.08 percent, while also giving the receiver a new layout borrowed from its higher-end components.The RX-4105 uses totally discrete amplifiers for all channels (TDAS) to maintain its high power and low distortion. Use the receiver's A and B clip-type speaker outputs to power 2 different rooms, or to biwire a pair of speakers for more efficient amplification (with A outputs driving the woofers, for instance, and the B outputs driving the tweeters--make sure your speakers are compatible if this is a key feature for you).The receiver also offers a handy 25-key remote control and switching for 2 pair of loudspeakers. Audio inputs switch between and amplify up to 4 additional components, including 2 requiring both inputs and outputs (such as a cassette deck and a VCR). The built-in AM/FM tuner features 30 station presets and auto station setup.Other features include bass and treble tone controls, a dimmable fluorescent display, and a .25-inch headphone jack for private listening.What's in the Box Sherwood RX-4105 receiver, remote control, AC power supply cord, FM indoor antenna, AM loop antenna set, and owner's manual.

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AudioSource Amp 200 High-Current Stereo Amplifier (80 Watts x 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)My first impression on unpacking the AMP200 was its weight for an amplifier of this size, 11 kgs (just over 24 pounds) !
The front panel is black brushed metal, and has three sets of push buttons on the left hand side (power on/off, speakers A on/off, and speakers B on/off). On the right hand side there are two controls, one for adjusting the left/right balance, and one for adjusting the volume trim (-12 dB/+6 dB). Each of these controls clicks into the center (unadjusted) position. In the center of the front panel is an indicator light which glows a bright blue when the amplifier is operational or red when the amplifier is in standby mode.
On the back of the amplifier are various connectors, switches, and small adjustment knobs, as well as the connector for the detachable power cord. The speaker binding posts accept either bare wire cable or banana plugs (not spades).
I would highly recommend reading the five page Owner's Manual before setting up the unit, as the controls on the back of the amplifier are not readily accessible once it has been installed into a rack !
For my purposes, I'm using a single stereo source into RCA inputs (when using only one signal source you need to use the Line 2 inputs rather than Line 1). The power mode of the unit is also configurable via a three position switch for either normal power operation using the front panel on/off button, to be remotely controlled by a DC trigger, or by means of automatically sensing the input signal. I opted for the latter, and the amplifier comes out of standby mode within a few seconds of sensing a signal and goes back into standby mode if no signal is received for approximately three and a half minutes.
At less than $ 250, I'd rate this as a nice quality amplifier with good sound.

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A terrific choice for a remarkably affordable system upgrade or building block, the AudioSource Amp 200 high-current stereo power amplifier offers 80 watts RMS per channel x 2 or, in bridged mono mode, up to 250 watts x 1 (into 8-ohm speakers in both cases). Now you can scale your listening to match your budget: use either 1 amplifier or 2 for stereo sound or 5 or more in concert for full-blown home-theater excitement--perfect for your DVDs, multichannel DTV broadcasts, or high-resolution audio formats like DVD-Audio and SACD.Keep in mind that this is an amplifier only, with no volume control or onboard surround processing (though it does offer independent adjustable output controls for each channel). It's designed for use with a stereo preamplifier or a surround receiver offering preamplifier outputs.Making the move from 5.1- to 6.1- or 7.1-channel surround sound? If your receiver has preamp outputs for all channels, there's no need to replace your 5.1 surround receiver. Just feed the additional center or surround signals to a strategically positioned Amp 200.Connections consist of a choice of RCA (line-level) or clip-type (speaker-level) inputs and banana-plug-friendly binding-post speaker terminals for outputs. There's also set of stereo (left/right) RCA passthrough jacks for use in a daisy-chain setup.The amp works with 12-volt power-on/-off circuitry and also features a signal-sensing circuit for automatic power-on/-off, making it as ideal for custom installers as for end users. Its A and B speaker outputs let you power speakers in your main room, a second room, or both rooms simultaneously. The amplifier's toroidal power supply keeps distortion extremely low (less than 0.04 percent).

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Pioneer VSX-519V-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Pioneer VSX-519V is an entry level 5.1 receiver made by Pioneer. Yet, don't let the fact that it is the cheapest 5.1 receiver they carry turn you away. This product has plenty bang for its buck. The receiver has an excellent build and a sleek look to it, but that is not all. The receiver has a plethura of connections ranging from hdmi, optical, digital coaxial, component, analog video, and of course and antenna hookup. The only hookup missing is s-video. The receiver handles video signals well. I cannot discern any degredation of video quality when compared to a direct video hookup to the television. Now moving onto the real reason someone would buy this, surround sound. This receiever can power my Bose Acoustimass Series I speaker system very well. It gets very loud and there are no signs of the speakers being underpowered. For volume control there is a knob on the right front side you can turn. The sound level ranges from 1 to 80. Which does strike me as a bit odd why only to eighty, why not a hundred instead? You can also adjust the volume with the included remote. The remote is very substantial and lets you control any and every setting the receiver has. The remote takes 2 AAA batteries to work; a pair is of course included. Functions, there are many effects and settings you can change on the receiver but most are uneeded and will most likely be overlooked. An example of these includes the settings for different types of music such as rock and classical. You are better off just leaving these options alone. However is you are interested the manual is very thorough and describes this receivers features in much greater detail. All you need to know is this receiver supports Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, and Dolby Prologic II for your stereo encoded sources. When you play a DVD that supports say DTS the receiver will automatically detect this and switch to that setting. So for movies, television shows, videogames, and music this projector has it covered. However there are a few downsides. The receiver does not support HDMI passthrough for audio sources. This means you can't hook all your audio souces up and then run them through one HDMI and have it transfer all your audio signals through that one hdmi cable. Only more expensive receivers support this feature. It also has no upscaling feature, which is no surprise for a sub [...]receiver. And finally the reason I give it 4/5 stars instead of 5/5. The receiver is advertised as having 5x110 watts for a total of 550 watts and 110 watts per channel at an excellent .05% distortion level. This is not entirely true. While it may be true in some respects it is a bit deceiving. In the manual it states "continuous average power output of 80 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20Hz to 20 000hz with no more than 0.2%** total harmonic distortion. So it makes you wonder if you one can really trust wattage and distortion levels. It may be able to push a 110 watts a channel, but at continuous average power at 20hz-20,000hz with .05% distortion, it seems not. Anyway if you are looking for an entry-level home theatre receiver for your 5.1 system and are on a budget look no further.

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Designed specifically as a high definition A/V control center, the VSX-519V-K features HDMI connectivity for sources such as Blu-ray disc players and HD gaming. And with an output of 550 watts (110 watts per channel at 0.05% THD), the VSX-519V-K provides more than enough power for a high impact experience.With portable audio devices now becoming a primary source of music, convenient connections like a front mini input allow you to expand the capabilities of your iPod or other portable music player. And with innovations like Advanced Sound Retriever improving the quality of compressed audio files and auto level control providing consistent sound output from all two-channel sources - the VSX-519V-K will ensure your compressed music files are played at maximum fidelity.

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Yamaha HTR-6130BL 500 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)First I confess. I am technically challenged--I have trouble working a cell phone. But the manual was VERY detailed, if somewhat overwhelming, and the connections were easy because of labels and diagrams. As mentioned, the HDMI connection only passes the audio through to the TV--will not route it to the surround sound speakers.
So I knew I needed a second audio connection for my dvd and cable inputs, but I still had trouble getting any sound from the speakers from my DVD player and had to call tech support. They explained that this unit was designed before HDMI and that the connections were added later as a pass-through for convenience. I wondered why they would have designed it that way to start with--turns out they didn't! But all is well that ends well.
Tech support was EXCELLENT. Although I had connected everything properly (digital coax audio cable for DVD), they walked me through the set up menu choices to get the sound working properly. They even helped me with the settings on my Sony blue ray player! Saving the setup via scene buttons will allow me to to recover the settings without remembering the details.
The first movie I watched, I thought I was in a theater!


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High-value receiver with an impressive array of features and technologies to enhance the audio/video experience, including HDMI switching with 1080p video pass-through, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, CINEMA DSP, Compressed Music Enhancer, and four SCENE buttons.

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Yamaha HTR-5930SL 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I just installed my new receiver last night - in a breeze.
This replaces my high-end Yamaha RX-V890; I needed 2 optical audio inputs. I tested all the functions and I am totally impressed and satisfied with my purchase. What is most important, is to have good speakers. Great quality is no longer a luxury. A better surprise, this is a 2006 model. WOW!

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Take the next step in home theater performance with the Yamaha HTR-5930 digital surround receiver, which boasts 5.1 channels (110 watts x 5) of amplification and a host of high-end features. The receiver is built around Yamaha's proprietary surround sound technology and a powerful 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter that maximizes the signal quality, ensuring that everything from two-channel audio sources to 5.1-channel DVDs sound rich, immersive, and dynamic. Plus, the receiver's wide 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range helps digital audio sources like DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD reach their full potential.
Movie and music buffs will dig the HTR-5930's Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Yamaha's means of simulating the acoustics of a concert hall, movie theater, or rock concert hall in the comfort of your own home. The Cinema DSP's four programs includes Movie Dramatic, Movie Spacious, Game, and TV Sports, each of which creates an optimum sound field for a specific type of programming. The Music DSP modes, meanwhile, range from 2-Channel Stereo to Concert Hall to Roxy Theatre, the latter of which reproduces the dynamic music environment of one of L.A.'s legendary rock clubs. And, of course, the HTR-5930 handles standard processing for Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic II sources.
What really makes the HTR-5930 tick, however, are the extras, such as Silent Cinema, a Yamaha-exclusive technology that lets you enjoy multichannel music or movie sound through ordinary headphones, and a night listening mode that lowers the volume during loud passages so the kids don't jolt awake after hearing explosions and other special effects from the next room. Plus, the HTR-5930 not only comes with a standard AM/FM tuner, but is also XM satellite radio ready. All you need is a separately sold XM antenna and a subscription to XM satellite radio and you're set.
Additional features include a virtual surround sound mode, A or B speaker selection, a sleep timer, and a Set menu that lets you optimize the receiver to suit your individual home theater system.
With a bevy of digital and analog inputs, the HTR-5930 can accommodate several digital sources such as DVD players, CD players, video game consoles, digital satellite systems, and much more. The rear panel options include two optical digital inputs and one coaxial digital input; three HDTV-compatible component video inputs and one output; four composite video inputs and two outputs; and two analog audio inputs and one output. Also present is a 5.1 multichannel input.
The HTR-5930 measures 17.12 by 5.94 by 12.44 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box HTR-5930 receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM loop antenna, indoor FM antenna, user's manual.

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Yamaha RX-V363BL 500 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this Yamaha (RXV363) unit because a lightning storm burned out the Sony, which I was happy with. This unit resides in my bedroom - which consists of an HDTV, FIOS, DVD and Sony 5.1 satellite speaker system - and is not my main HT system, which reside in the basement and consist of the higher end components. I looked at the Yamaha RXC463, Onkyo TX-SR506, 606, Sony STR-DG720 but did not want to spend the extra cash for the satellite ready capability. Nor was I interested in the video switching capabilities since I connect all video source directly to the TV and all audio sources to the receiver. For switching, I use my Harmony 880 - one button operation.
Connectivity:
For my situation, the Yamaha has all the connections I need (DVD and FIOS). Setup is simple and straight forward. Remember, you get HD quality from both HDMI and Component connections.
As far as connecting video components thru the receiver, I can't give an opinion on that because I do not go thru the receiver for video connections, up conversion and all that stuff. I always connect my video source directly to the TV- always. I just believe that you lose picture quality going thru a receiver. Remember, the most direct path between 2 points is a straight line. I only use the receiver for the audio connections because to me that's its main purpose - audio and TV is video. Besides connecting thru the receiver, in my opinion, is mainly for convenience and possibly (emphasis) saving a few bucks on cables.
As stated by other reviewers, the HDMI ports (video pass-thru) do not output sound (manual specifically states this fact as well as other sources on the internet) so you must connect separate audio cables. Having HDMI output audio is good if you are using the speakers in the TV (but why would you do that if you want a HT quality sound) but if you have surround speakers then you should use either the digital or optical audio connections.
Now with that said, I know that there are some that have many components to connect in their system or want the convenience of having the least amount of cables connected to the TV, receiver etc. For those you either have to dig a little deeper in the pockets or get a separate switching device for all of the components. This unit, at $200, is an entry level HT receiver so don't expect it to do what the high end units can.
Remote Control
The remote control is a little tricky. What I found is that it's a little confusing on how to switch between sound stages at first but like anything new you get used to it.
As an alternative to those who want simplicity in switching between video sources do yourself a favor and get the Harmony 880 remote control - one remote, one button control bliss baby. Amazon seems to have the best prices on the remotes. Check it out.
Overall:
Overall this is a good unit. This is a nice entry level unit and it does well for the limited setup I have in the bedroom. This unit actually makes the Sony satellite speaker sound much better than the Sony receiver did. This unit has better sound fields than my older Sony unit - I like the Straight and Enhance and 5 channel speaker modes. My Sony did not have these.
TIP: Before purchasing any HT equipment you must do your research. You can go to the manufacturer's website and download the manual and determine if it contains all the connections etc you need for your system. What I've found in some of the previous reviews is that the unit was purchased without truly knowing its capabilities and then that person bashes it - which is unfair. The only problem is the individual did not do his/her research and/or know the true capabilities of the unit. The World Wide Web has all sorts of reviews on this unit - both professional and end user - so it baffles me that these people did not know the limits of the unit. Uhhh oh yeah they didn't do their research. So when you read these reviews, read between the lines of the comments, which many times will reveal that the person did not do the necessary homework prior to the purchase and/or did or do not understand the functions of a specific AV receiver. So please make sure the equipment has all you need before putting out negative reviews.
Also, remember if you have surround speakers you do not need to send the audio thru the HDMI just use the digital coax or optical audio connections. And don't believe much of the hype about the cables (i.e. the better ones are the most expensive ones). Just don't use the cables that come in the box and don't spend tons of money on cables either.


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High-value receiver with an impressive array of features and technologies to enhance the audio/video experience, including HDMI switching with 1080p video pass-through, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, CINEMA DSP, Compressed Music Enhancer, and four SCENE buttons.

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Pyle-Home PT600A - 300W Stereo Receiver/Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)To judge the value and usefulness of my opinion, one must understand where I'm coming from. I needed an amplifier which was both affordable (I'm cheap that way!) and which would accommodate multiple devices. Specifically, I needed to connect and be able to select among a TEAC reel-to-reel tape deck, a Panasonic cassette tape deck, a Thorens turntable (yes, I still play vinyl), and a CD player. These beautiful antiques (well, all but the CD player) have been with me since the 1970s and I was in no way ready to give them up, but my National Panasonic quadraphonic receiver finally gave up its electronic ghost. It had been playing only stereo for years anyway, and no new media come in four-channel quadraphonic format, so a stereo amplifier was all I needed. Nor did I still use the radio tuner in my old receiver, so the absence of that was not a problem.
What did I give up (besides the third and fourth sound channels that no one uses any longer anyway)? The old receiver had a beautiful hardwood case; the new Pyle Pro amplifier has a fairly thin metal case. The old unit had beautifully chromed metal push buttons and knobs; the new one has black plastic ones. The old unit allowed me to adjust the volume on each output channel individually; the Pyle Pro does not. The old one had sliding controls to help achieve the best possible sound balance in a given room and with a given speaker configuration; the Pyle Pro does not. The old one had a "Loudness" button to enhance sound quality when played at very low levels; the Pyle Pro does not. The old one had a knob that could swap channels from one speaker to another (left to right, back to front, etc.); the Pyle Pro does not.
For use in a typical living room with a typical listener, however, few of the bells and whistles on the old National Panasonic receiver were ever used. The level of finesse that they were designed to achieve exceeds that of the non-audiophile, and I don't really miss them. The only adjustment that I wish the Pyle Pro had would be individual volume controls for each of the two stereo channels/speakers rather than just one master volume control. Otherwise, it has everything that an average home user of music could desire.
Oh, it does one rather strange thing: when changing the volume, the "on" lights dance around. Each of the five inputs has a button on the front for selecting which input the user wants (turntable, tape deck, CD player, etc.) A light appears above the selected button (and that, by the way, is the only indication that the unit is turned on; there is no master "on" light.) When the volume knob is turned, the lights above other, non-selected buttons turn on briefly. When the volume knob is no longer being turned, the light returns to burn steadily above the selected input button. This isn't really a problem, more of a curiosity.
My television set has perfectly adequate speakers of its own, and I have no need whatsoever to pipe it through the amplifier and the Bose speakers attached to it. No "home theater" here. Nor have I attached the Pyle Pro to my computer in any way. What I am attempting to show here is that I have a pretty simple, straightforward audio setup. If I want to play a record, I want to hear the sound come out of my speakers with good stereo separation, with no distortion, and with adequate volume. I want the same thing when I play a tape or a CD. Simple. The Pyle Pro PT-600A allows me to do all those things perfectly. The sound is, so far as my ears can discern, perfect. The volume is fully adjustable and has amplification to spare. The base and treble can be adjusted independently. I ask for nothing more, and the Pyle Pro delivers everything I ask for. The headphone receptacle works perfectly, too, and the speakers automatically fall silent when a headphone jack is plugged into it.
Other reviewers have commented on the tiny font and dark colors of the remote control unit. My only question is why anyone would want a remote control for an amplifier. I'm not accustomed to having one, and there are too many remote controls lying on the end table now, so any perceived shortfalls in the remote control are, to me, irrelevant. I suppose the bottom line is that if one is a rabid audiophile who loves stacking multiple components in metal trays and manipulating every conceivable adjustment to an amplifier, then the Pyle Pro PT-600A is probably not going to prove very satisfying. However, if one simply wants to listen to stereo recordings from up to five different devices all connected to a single amplifier, and if one is satisfied with simple push-button controls, and if one can accept the absence of individual right-and-left speaker volume adjustments, then I believe that the Pyle Pro PT-600A will provide a fully satisfactory listening experience. I miss the external appearance of my old National Panasonic quadraphonic receiver, but I love the performance of my new Pyle Pro, and if I must trade appearance for performance, I'll choose performance any day.


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Sony STR-DE135 Surround Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)If all you need is a great stereo receiver - and NO 5.1 or DOLBY surround - then this is the unit for you. Simple to install and operate. Very clean sound and plenty of power. One or two more inputs wounld't hurt, but overall you can't beat the deal on this receiver. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a basic stereo receiver that has plenty of clean power. Great buy.
NOTE: This review is in my own words based on my own experiences with this product - unlike Chi Tran, whose ENTIRE REVIEW TEXT of this item was copied "cut and paste" from the Crutchfield website. What a joke.....

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Denon AVR-2808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned a few receivers in the past (mostly Sony ES models), but none of them compare to this one. Denon specializes in audio, and it shows! Don't get me wrong, I love and own alot of Sony's products (two TVs, PS3, Vaio computer, DVD player, etc.), but after picking up this Denon and pairing it with a Polk speaker/sub setup, I've never been happier, and the upgrade from the Sony ES it replaced is substantial in many ways.
Denon AVR-2808ci Pros:
-Sound quality is absolutely incredible! Even compressed music from iPod is great ("Restorer" feature really helps!). Highs, mids and lows are all accurately reproduced, and there are tons of custom EQ options!
-Audyssey Auto-Calibration is accurate and thorough.
-Includes decoding of all current and future sound-fields (DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, as well as Uncompressed PCM and everything else you can imagine, all via HDMI version 1.3a)!
-Display is large and includes alot of necessary info-this thing tells you what it's doing.
-Solid build quality and nice looking!
-Connectivity options (HDMI, toslink, digital coax, component video, s-video, etc.)
-Video upconversion via HDMI using built-in Faroudja DCDi processor, or just passthrough and use as a convenient HDMI switcher (assignable inputs).
-Excellent sound processors, both for movies and music, complement a solid, beefy amplifier.
-Customizable as all heck: 4-stage dimmer, "Quick Select" feature for three sources, learning lcd remote, volume level options, mute level options, default settings per-source, massive amount of EQ/channel level/crossover settings, and more!
-Main remote works great, learns and controls just about all of your gear.
This receiver is truly great for anybody who is serious about their Home Audio/Home Theater. The only drawbacks are that it is very complex, which is fine except that Denon doesn't make it any simpler to understand in the manual. It definitely takes some time to set this thing up and learn its interface. The Sony's I've owned in the past were far more user-friendly from the initial set-up/calibration onward. However, they never delivered results that were even close to this unit, and once you learn it, it does make sense and is relatively user-friendly after setup.
Cons:
-Complex manual and interface takes time to learn.
-On Screen Menu lags a little and blacks out picture rather than a nice overlay. Also, it's not the better looking, more user friendly GUI that more expensive models have (as well as all Sony's).
-Smaller secondary remote only works for other Zones (not a big deal really, but still...)
-Main remote takes forever to program/set up for universal usage. complicated.
-Only two HDMI inputs (could've used at least one more at this price range).
-No HD radio or Sirius support (does have XM).
Overall, minor gripes aside (nothing's ever perfect), I'm incredibly pleased and excited to own this unit and have it as the central hub to my Home Theater. I have Blu-ray now (PS3) and the advantages and options both now and in the future are vast. I'm confident that the Denon AVR-2808ci will allow me to take full advantage of that and other things for years to come. Mostly, though, it just cranks out amazingly good audio from any source, and that is ultimately what receivers are for. Highly recommended!

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Sony STR-DE685 Audio/Video Stereo Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)For the price, this unit does everything I wanted it to, in terms of sound and features. I had hoped that composite video inputs could be output via the s-video out, but I can accept the fact that I'd have to pay more for this feature.
However, I'm in the process of returning this unit for one single reason: there is a fairly obvious delay in the audio output. With either a DVD or digital cable box signal (using coax digital and RCA inputs, respectively) there is a delay between the video source and the audio output, resulting in slightly out-of-sync dialog. If I also hook up the RCA audio-out of the DVD directly to the TV, then the delay is more obvious -- the TV outputs the sound before the receiver, causing an echo effect. I've called Sony and they have no suggestions other than returning the unit.
Assuming this is an isolated problem with this particular unit, I'll be amending this review, as everything else about this receiver was totally satisfactory.

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