Sony STRDE 875

[TheCorp]

Hey all, just been thinking about how I want to start my home theatre setup. Right now all I want is a reciever and two nice speakers to hook up to my computer and CD Deck for gaming and music, but I do know that soon I will be getting a nice TV and a full 5.1 speaker setup so I need a very good AV reciever.

I was looking at some of the Sony line and I found the STRDE875, and I thought it looked like a great reciever. I had also heard that I could get the 845, which is just as powerful, and can be had for much less cash. I was thinking about spending between 250-400 dollars for a reciever, and this fit in the bracket. Of course, the less I spend on the reciever the more I can spend on the speakers and TV, etc etc, so I was just wondering, what are your guys' comments on this reciever. And if anyone has some good suggestions on other recievers in this price range, by all means, tell me.

Also, for the speakers, I was wondering if I should just get some normal bookshelf speakers, or spring for something more expensive which I can use as my front speakers when I upgrade to the 5.1 setup. I am not really sure how much I should spend in this section, but nothing too expensive can be afforded at this time, so I dont know, suggestions here are good too.

Thanx a lot guys, ive been doing some research, and I have some ideas as to what I want, but I just wanted some input from people.

Jason Joseph

[Leon]

I think the Denon AVR2800 I posted on the deals page would be a much better choice.

As for the speakers... A good, relatively cheap one would be the Energy Take 5 set.

[IrishSS]

I have the 845, and frankly, I love it. Great sound IMHO, and a good deal of inputs and outputs. The only thing I would wish for is more digital Coax inputs, but hey, cant be all that pickey. Plus, that lil blue light at teh top is so cool in a dark room...

[TheCorp]

I found a place I can get the 845 for 320 bucks, so I am thinking that thats a really great deal because I think its a better reciever than the AVR2800 am I right?

As for speakers, I was looking at the Take 5 Set and it looks really cool, but for now I am just going to get bookshelf speakers and then add onto that later I think. Hmm, oh well, ill see. Thanx for your input guys.

Jason

[ArkiStan]

Originally posted by TheCorp
...I think [the Sony is] a better reciever than the AVR2800 am I right?

Well, according to what Leon wrote a few posts above, NO. The Denon AVR 2800 is better. I've seen many people say they're completely happy with their Sony Receivers, and if they're satisfied then what can you say?? People on this forum here are much nicer, but try going to a Home Theater Forum and ask about the Sony. All you'll get is laughs. I personally think that it's all personal preference and if the Sony sounds good to you then you should go for it, but the pretty much universal negative stance against Sony receivers should at least make you wonder what reasoning there is behind it. I personally haven't had a chance to do much comparing, but the general consensus is that Sony receivers sound more "tinny" while the other better brands will produce "warmer" and "richer" sounds. I don't wanna dis Sony owners. If you like what you hear then you should get it. But do yourself a favor and at least go out to a store, listen to different models and compare with other brands to really find the brand that fits your ears.

As for speakers, I don't know enough to give any recommendations, but I think it would be wise to spend a little more to get a coplete 5.1 set. It'll save you a lot of trouble later.

I'm using the Denon AVR 1801 with the Energy Take 5 setup and it's amazing. The Denon's can produce 5-Channel Stereo out of regular 2-channel sources and it really sounds nice. I listen to a lot of Jazz and when I close my eyes it sounds like I'm in the middle of a Jazz hall. I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to 2 speaker setups again.

[Leon]

The Denon AVR2800 is a class above the Sony. It [Sony] won't even come close to the quality of the Denon. The Denon deal I posted prices the AVR2800 at $288, which is cheaper than the Sony.

http://www.gotapex.com/deals.php?search=denon

edit: It's sold out!

However, I would still recommend the AVR1602 or AVR1802 over the Sony.

http://www.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/avr18023.pdf

[TheCorp]

OK because of recent circumstances out of my hand, my budget for the home theater system has suddenly dropped. *sigh* There goes my plans to spend much more money than I should have on a super-seksi system =)

So, I have had to revert to looking for package deals. I know this isnt high grade stuff, but it looks relatively good, I dont know, I guess I am just wondering whether this is even worth putting the 500 dollars down for.

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...HTB504&o=P&a=0

Its a Kenwood receiver and 5.1 speaker combo set for 500 bucks. Receiver supports Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II, at 100*5 channels into 8 ohms, so its not *too* shabby, but I am assuming that the quality of the components on the inside of these speakers and receiver are no where near the quality of the 845 and speakers I was looking at. Oh well, I mean, it doesnt look too bad right?

Jason Joseph

[TheCorp]

Hmmmm an excellent point I must admit. Well, maybe Ill go with a STR-DE675 or something and a nice set of bookshelf speakers, or spring for the 845 or 875 and get a relatively cheap set of speakers. Hmmm. Well thanks for the input. I hate dilemas like this. Maybe they should come out with a new technology that lets me have this **** free. (Guess who has been smoking too much crack?) =)

Jason