Sony STR-DE997B A/V Receiver

This receiver has top-shelf surround sound decoders, video up-conversion, 2-source multiroom audio and a slew of ports, so you're all hooked up.

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• Reviewed by: Replica

  05-24-05

  Duration of ownership: 3 Weeks

  Strengths: Lots of features, good sound quality, component video upconversion, Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx, price.

  Weaknesses:Volume has to be turned up very high for normal output. Not very user friendly.

  Overall Evaluation: This is a great receiver for the money. Why spend twice as much or more for the same features and an imperceptible improvement in sound quality? It would be wiser to put the money you save into better speakers. The STR-DE997 is loaded with features. The different sound modes and processing allow you to find the perfect match to the source of your choice. It separates stereo sources nicely into the surround speakers. The receiver is not very user friendly. Common tasks, like selecting an input, are relegated to turning knobs. They could be more easily accomplished with buttons. Instead you have to go through more interaction to get the same response. I assume this was done for aesthetics, one knob looks better and takes up less space then nine buttons. Another thing I found odd is that the volume on the receiver must be turned up relatively high, 50 out of 75 for DVDs for example, to get a normal volume out of the speakers. I have been told that this is due to it being a digital receiver instead of the analog ones I have used in the past. The sound does remain clear and distortion free, so this is more of an oddity to me then an actual problem. Aside from these, I have complaints. The receiver has many inputs including component video, digital optical, coax and multi-channel audio along with the standard connections. The remote was able to control my other components. It can learn the functions for more components if it does not have the codes. I would recommend the Sony STR-DE997 receiver it for its features, quality and price.

• Reviewed by: jer1123

  03-13-05

  Duration of ownership: 5 Weeks

  Strengths: Sony quality is always a strength. Nice power. 7.1 surround sound. Plenty of sound field options. Plent of inputs

  Weaknesses:generic on screen display

  Overall Evaluation: I have always relied on Sony for a quality product. My previous reciever was about ten years old and I never had a single problem with it. This Sony 997 is very user friendly but without the directions in hand the sounds options can become confusing.Overall a very clean reciever.

• Reviewed by: Mel Perias

  01-24-05

  Duration of ownership: 4 Weeks

  Strengths: Ease of installation, 7.1 surround, DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, video upconversion, rename/reassign inputs, remote works wonderfully with other Sony products.

  Weaknesses:Complicated manual (like all other Sony products), lack of more video component inputs (only has 2).

  Overall Evaluation: I wanted a value-priced yet powerful AV receiver. After looking at Onkyo, Denon and others, this is definitely it. For around $300, I got 120 watts per channel AND it's 7.1! I've having a blast watching my LOTR, Gladiator and several other DVD's in DTS-ES Discrete 6.1. Not only do I recommend this receiver, but I also put it together with the Sony SA-VE367T 7.1 speaker system and the Sony DVP-CX985V DVD changer - a great entertainment system for around $1000 - just add HDTV!

• Reviewed by: deshwasi

  01-21-05

  Duration of ownership: 20 Days

  Strengths: Features. Brand name. Quality

  Weaknesses:None.

  Overall Evaluation: This is a great received from Sony that has all the bells and whistles. 7.1 channels and 120w per channel is great output. It has sufficient component inputs/outputs and has lots of DSP modes for diff programs. Remote is very functional as well. It will power any home theater.

• Reviewed by: bamalek

  01-14-05

  Duration of ownership: 15 Days

  Strengths: Numerous inputs and outputs! Very functional! Good power to run speakers.

  Weaknesses:Manual is confusing at times! The remote to small to handle and press buttons. Remote program control & learning commands.

  Overall Evaluation: I was only able to program the remote to control the DVD player & Sony VCR unable to control the Samsung TV & Scientific Atlanta cable box. I have tried numerous times, but cannot accomplish it. I tried using the Learning commands for my DVD player, but nothing happens. Once you figure out how to use the receiver, it is a great receiver! The sound is fantastic! Have not used the 7.1 nor the 5.1 mode yet because I need more speakers. The manual is confusing because it refers to pressing a button named "Enter", but the problem is there are 2 buttons named "Enter" and one you have to press a button Alt to use. The RM Set Up button is to small when trying to press it simultaneously with the AV I button to program the remote. My Sony VCR remote is much larger than the receiver remote and is much easier to control when pressing buttons. I still like the quality of the unit!

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