Product Description

SonyM-^Rs surround sound receiver can make your movies and music sound great. Features include 32-bit Dolby Digital/DTS decoder, 5.1-channel inputs, 32-bit digital signal processing with acoustic environments, and 80 watts x 5 of system power. Now that's a sound investment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53743 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sony
• Model: STR-DE485
• Dimensions: 5.80" h x 16.90" w x 13.30" l, 18.31 pounds

Features

• Built-in Dolby Digital and DTS encoding for precise surround sound distribution to 5 channels
• Virtual Surround enables a simulated surround effect if you're using 2 speakers instead of 5
• 5.1 Channel input with surround control
• DSP (Digital Signal Processing) with 4 acoustic environments
• Sony Digital cinema Sound Cinema Studio DSP mode

Customer Reviews

Good Entry-Level Receiver
Sony's STR-DE485 is quite a good entry-level A/V receiver. The sound is crisp and clean with little distortion at any volume level, and the FM tuner can lock on to even the weakest stations. With 6 available inputs, the unit is capable and a great component to build a home theater around.

Sony also offers the longest warranty in the industry -- competing receivers offer only a 1 year or 90 day warranty while Sony covers both parts and labor for a full two years.

Quality and warranty aside, however, the Sony name commands a price premium as opposed to competing products in its price level from Pioneer, Kenwood, and others. Competing models may include S-Video inputs and Doly Pro Logic II decoding, both of which Sony's STR-DE485 lacks. Most comparable receivers also offer an output of 100 watts x 5 channels, where the STR-DE485 only offers 80 watts x 5 channels.

To hear bass sounds better, use a subwoofer.
I had a similar case with bass sound, which did not come sufficiently good from str-de485. I used a subwoofer and adjusted the surround sound levels with the available controls on the amplifier/receiver; it improved a lot. This is a good product with a low price, especially for home usage. 80 watts is more than sufficient to shake the windows.