gourmetsaint Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I have been offer a Sony STRDB2000 receiver for $600 (new). Should I take it? Key features 120W x 6 Surround Mode 120W x 2 Stereo Mode Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Decoders Built-In DTS NEO:6 DTS 96/24 6 Channel Digital Signal Processing with 9 Acoustic Environments 32-Bit DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Sony's Exclusive Digital Cinema Soundâ„¢ System (6 Modes) Multi brand Pre-Programmed Remote Control Component Video switching Composite Video switching Electronic Bass and Treble Controls Balance Control Headphone Jack 30 AM / FM Station Presets Station & Input Naming Speakers A ,B A+B switching Subwoofer Output RS232 Control Port Speaker binding posts (speakers A) Available in Black and Silver Audio Features Surround Mode: 120W x 6, 8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.7% THD Stereo Mode: Stereo Mode: 120W x 2, 8 Ohms, 20-20,000 Hz, 0.09% THD S Master Pro Digital Amplifier: Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding: Interfaces Total of 9 connectable sources & Phono stage: Yes Front AV & Optical Input: Yes Component Video switching : Yes DTS 96/24: 32-Bit DSP (Digital Signal Processing) : Composite Video switching: Yes S Video switching: Yes Tape loops: x 4 5.1 channel analogue input: x 1 6.1 channel analogue input: x 1 Optical Digital Inputs : x 3 Coaxial Digital Input: x 1 Optical digital output: X 1 Subwoofer Output : Yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gourmetsaint Posted February 24, 2006 Author Share Posted February 24, 2006 Come on guys!!! I need your feedback.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philo Posted February 24, 2006 Share Posted February 24, 2006 I have only just started on these forums as well and am finding it hard to get much of a reply. In reference to your Sony Reciever for $600. It depends what you want to run with it how big the room is and how much you are concerned about the sound quality. The Sony, Pioneer's tend to be well over rated when it comes to Watts and they tend to distort at higher volumes, compared to a dedicated amplifier or A Denon or Rotel or higher end Receiver. Don't take to much notice of Watts as the difference between 120watts and 100watts is only about 1.5db, which unless you have a great ear is not really noticeable. The other thing is that the Sony will be prety bright at the top end when playing 2 channel music, it will be quite noticeable up against a dedicated Amplifier. It also depends on how big your room is, what sort of speakers you are using, whether you want a 2 cahnnel for just CDs or full 6.1 surround for movies? The main thing is and for me too, is how much is your buddget is and what are your plans for the system in the future. Compatiability Pre outs for separate amps HDMI (which I don't think is that important) Room size How many speakers What sort of speakers Movies, CD's % YOu may be able to get a Denon for a $1000 if your budget allows and the difference will be very noticeable, even a 2 channel AMP could be an option for that sort of money. Just my 2cents worth. Now I hope to get some answers on my question. Philo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted February 24, 2006 Share Posted February 24, 2006 Sorry Gourmet, didn't answer because I have no experience of that model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike.L Posted February 24, 2006 Share Posted February 24, 2006 and i wouldnt buy sony at any price..... after two efforts with them the first they couldnt fix and wouldnt replace and the second 1, month out of warranty parted company with this earth. i tell EVERYONE that will listen that i think SONY is shiet.... but that is just my opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gourmetsaint Posted February 26, 2006 Author Share Posted February 26, 2006 80% Music, 20% HT Digital HD set top box (Coaxial connection), 5 carousel Yamaha DVD player (optical connection). 2 x Wharfedale 2 way towers for front. 80W small centre, RR and LR. Home made subwoofer/coffee table - audiophile design (see http://www.gourmetsaint.com.au/Subwoofer) Large open-plan room. Cheers, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philo Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 I would try and get something like a cheaper Denon or Yamaha and completely forget about the Sony, but that's me. You have some good Wharfedale speakers there, they need to be heard, so you may have to bite the bullet and spend a little more on a receiver, or a dedicated Amplifier, which would be much better, but that would cost a little more. You could possibly take your speakers into a Home theatre shop and try a few of the Receivers and find out what sounds best for your budget. You will find most of the major Home theatre places will not stock Sony receivers. Good luck with your system and let us know what you end up doing? Philo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mttel Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 You have a couple of conflicting requirements here. If your nominated split of 80% music and 20% HT is accurate then the receiver will be a significant comprimise over a dedicated 2 channel amp in terms of music output quality. If $600 is all you have to spend and want/need the HT functions then the Sony is probably a reasonable value for money receiver. The other options at entry level would be Yamaha 457 and pioneer. If you want a HT receiver that sounds better at music, then you probably need to spend a bit more and look at Denon, Marantz and HK. All IMHO of course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweaky Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 Originally posted by gourmetsaintI have been offer a Sony STRDB2000 receiver for $600 (new).  Should I take it? Key features 120W x 6 Surround Mode  120W x 2 Stereo Mode  Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding  Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Decoders Built-In  DTS NEO:6  DTS 96/24  6 Channel Digital Signal Processing with 9 Acoustic Environments  32-Bit DSP (Digital Signal Processing)  Sony's Exclusive Digital Cinema Sound™ System (6 Modes)  Multi brand Pre-Programmed Remote Control  Component Video switching  Composite Video switching  Electronic Bass and Treble Controls  Balance Control  Headphone Jack  30 AM / FM Station Presets  Station & Input Naming  Speakers A ,B A+B switching  Subwoofer Output  RS232 Control Port  Speaker binding posts (speakers A)  Available in Black and Silver Audio Features Surround Mode: 120W x 6, 8 Ohms, 1kHz, 0.7% THD  Stereo Mode: Stereo Mode: 120W x 2, 8 Ohms, 20-20,000 Hz, 0.09% THD  S Master Pro Digital Amplifier:  Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding:  Interfaces Total of 9 connectable sources & Phono stage: Yes  Front AV & Optical Input: Yes  Component Video switching : Yes  DTS 96/24:  32-Bit DSP (Digital Signal Processing) :  Composite Video switching: Yes  S Video switching: Yes  Tape loops: x 4  5.1 channel analogue input: x 1  6.1 channel analogue input: x 1  Optical Digital Inputs : x 3  Coaxial Digital Input: x 1  Optical digital output: X 1  Subwoofer Output : Yes NO! Sorry to be so blunt,but for a little more outlay-{Keep a upgrade stash,I do,you never know what will turn up at either the forums -for sale threads-or Ebay} you could get an upsampling video unit-then all your outmoded video gear can be fed IN via component to any NEW display without having to change cables} Or-Question-How long do you intend to use the proposed unit for? Is it just a stop gap purchase till funds allow? What is your proposed path of upgrade going to be over-say the next 2 years-Video?,Audio? When thinking about a purchase of an AV amp,it's best to factor in any sort of upgrade path,just so you don't sell yourself short,technology wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gourmetsaint Posted March 14, 2006 Author Share Posted March 14, 2006 Well I trialled the Sony STRDB2000 and am happy with it. Musically it's quite good and the digital amp delivers well. For $600 I cannot complain and it looks like my old receiver will get nearly $300 on eBay - so cheap upgrade. Since upgrading to the DB2000 I have also upgraded the speaker cables (420 strand 12 AWG OFC) to all speakers (including biwired Wharfedale fronts). I also managed to pick up a pair of matching Wharfedale bipolar HT rear speakers on eBay which are much better than old cheapies. I'm on the lookout for a matching Wharfedale centre now to complete the work. WAF is intact too. Cheers, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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