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Sony STR-DE898/B 7.1-Channel A/V Surround Sound Receiver (Black)
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Average customer review:
Product Description
Producing more powerful channels for your home theater system - Sony's STR-DE898/B FM Stereo/FM-AM Receiver comes equipped with 7.1 channels supplying 100 Watts per channel. The STR-DE898/B supports many audio formats, so play your DVDs and laser discs in digital sound: Dolby Digital/DTS, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Dual Mono, DTS ES (MATRIX6.1/DISCRETE6.1), DTS 96/24, DTS NEO: 6 Decoding. Additional features include a Digital Cinema Sound System with Cinema Studio EX A/B/C Modes, 7.1 Multi-Channel Analog Input, Component Up Conversion from S-Video and Composite, 30 Total Station Presets and a Remote Commander Remote Control With Learning Macros.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #36263 in Consumer Electronics
- Brand: Sony
- Model: STRDE898/B
- Dimensions: 26.00 pounds
Features
- 7.1-channel A/V surround receiver (100 watts x 7) with 30 radio presets and HD video switching
- Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96:24, and Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx 6.1-channel surround processing
- 7.1-/5.1-channel analog audio inputs accommodate high-resolution multichannel formats like SACD and DVD-Audio
- 6 digital audio inputs and 1 digital output; includes phono input for turntable and preprogrammed remote control
- Multizone/multiroom control; measures 17 x 6.2 x 14.6 inches (W x H x D); 2-year warranty
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Sony's affordable and versatile STR-DE898 accommodates everything from the latest surround sound movie formats to cutting-edge high-resolution audio sources. The audio/video receiver delivers 100 watts per channel across seven main channels (left, right, center, left/right mid surround, and left/right rear surround) and has a dedicated subwoofer output for an eighth (the ".1" low-frequency effects channel).
 Take a closer look at the STR-DE898's connections. You can also view the unit's front panel in detail. |
You get conveniences, too, like multiroom (Zone 2) outputs with independent source switching, so you can listen to a DVD in the living room while someone else is listening to a CD in the kitchen. (The Zone 2 output requires an additional amplifier or integrated amp in your Zone 2, as well as additional speakers.) The supplied Remote Commander remote control comes preprogrammed for a range of devices, and it also learns new commands and has the ability to perform limited macro commands.
 Take a closer look at the STR-DE898's remote control. |
A set of front-panel audio/video inputs includes an optical digital-audio input and facilitates spontaneous hookups with camcorders, gaming consoles, MP3 players, and minidisc player/recorders.
There's even a phono input for your once or future turntable--yes, they still make 'em, and yes, your vinyl will sound as good or better than ever. The unit's three stereo and one set of multichannel analog audio inputs simplify hookup of, for instance, a cassette deck, a VCR, and a high-resolution audio device that decodes formats like SACD and DVD-Audio. A total of six assignable digital-audio inputs (four optical and two coaxial) accept bitstream feeds from DVD players, CD players, and other digital devices, while a single optical digital-audio out channels sound to a CD or minidisc recorder.
Digital Cinema Sound System is a group of exclusive Sony algorithms (the receiver offers 13 total) that represent a total rethinking of home theater sound based on careful measurements of movie-production dubbing stages in Hollywood. Cinema Studio EX modes offer greater apparent distance from listener to screen and a full array of 10 additional virtual surround speakers.
Sound Field Link applies the last-selected sound field to an input whenever you select the input. For example, if you select STADIUM for the CD input, change to a different input, then return to CD, the receiver will automatically apply the STADIUM sound field.
Other features include a pair of switched rear-panel AC power outlets for additional components, a gold-plated .25-inch headphone jack, bass and treble tone controls, and discrete circuit devices for the best possible sound from the receiver's amplifiers.
What's in the Box
STR-DE898 receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, and instruction manual.
Customer Reviews
A Decent Receiver But Could Be Better
For the most part, this receiver does its job well. It provides plenty of power and has an overall quality build and feel to it. One feature I really like is that, when listening to music, you can set it to multi stereo mode, which distributes stereo sound equally through all the speakers in your home theater system. Many receivers will only play CDs or radio signals in 2 channel mode, essentially shutting off the center channel speaker, surround speakers and, in some cases, the subwoofer. If you listen to a lot of music, you will really appreciate this feature.
However, I do have a few criticisms. For one, I wish it allowed more extensive equalizer controls. As it is, you can just do basic adjustments to the bass and treble. . . nothing in the mid range. It does have preset sound fields for Hall, Jazz Club, or Live Concert effects. Unfortunately, these don't apply when you are using the headphones. The owner's manual could do a more thorough job of explaining some of the features. It devotes many pages to how to hook up your components, which will be self explanatory for most people, but devotes little space to the unit's unique features and quirks . . . or how to decipher the sub par remote control. The remote's buttons are small, cramped, and laid out in a confusing manner. Many of the buttons have different functions, which means you have to push one button in order to perform a specific function with another button. The buttons and labeling on the main unit itself are also small and hard to see from more than 6 inches away. But, overall, this is a good receiver for the money. With Sony, you can't really go wrong.
Excellent, especially considering the price.
I wanted a receiver that let me aggregate all input, have only one output to TV, and provided decent sound for my living room - and STR-DE898 fit the bill. Its ability to upconvert composite and S-video to component will come in handy once I upgrade to HDTV.
Unlike other reviewers, I found directions very legible, and the remote is also very easy to program and get used to. Though I can see how it might frustrate people with oversize hands. I had no problem getting the remote to drive my DVD player, cable box, and 2 VCRs. Any functionality that is not covered by entering a manufacturer code can be learned via by-the-button programming. One caveat: you need to switch to needed source via remote. If you switch to say, DVD using dial on the receiver, remote will not know you are in 'DVD mode'. You'll need to press 'DVD' on remote in order for it to control DVD - and so on.
A couple gripes: first, seeing how it has only two coax digital inputs, it is frustrating that you cannot assign a coax to an input that's covered by optical. I.E. my cable box has only coax digital out, but receiver has only optical digital in for TV/SAT, and you cannot assign the CD coax in over to TV/SAT. I ended up getting a coax-to-optical converter. Another: would love a bit more extensive equalizer. But seeing how I got this for just $265, I hardly have reasons to complain.
Good stereo receiver with confusing directions
This was the only receiver I could find with all the features I desired and at an affordable price. The sound is wonderful. I can't emphasize enough the difference in sound between our old stereo receiver (which was expensive in its day) and this one.
This one has a plug for phono (hurray!), a subwoofer hookup, dolby sound, surround sound, and a whole bunch of other features I have yet to explore. You can switch to analog for your phonograph. In fact, there are so many sound options that it's a bit overwhelming. I just flip around listening to good, better, best, and then leave it there. Quite unprofessional, I know, but it works for me.
I took a star away from this great product just for its directions. It may have been a long time since I bought a receiver (my old one still has dials on it and no remote control), but I couldn't even understand what this instruction book was talking about let alone what it wanted me to do. Nevertheless, my instinctual desire to enjoy music took over, and I was able to get it all set up.
