The Snake in a Box
Written: Jul 19 '01 (Updated Aug 13 '01)
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Pros: Good features, DTS Decoding, good inputs for an inexpensive receiver.
Cons: NASTY HISSSSSSSSS remote only glows for about 10 minutes.
The Bottom Line: Avoid this unit. The hiss is really frustrating, spend an extra 50 and get the next model up.
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| loren_bachman's Full Review: Sony STR-DE545 5.1 Channels Receiver |
Ok folks, this was my first opinion and boy did it get some crappy reviews so let・s try this again and see if I can・t settle a few people down.
Sony STR-DE545
Features:
This unit has some decent features on it. Dolby Digital input, DTS sound, quite a few sound modes and good looks. The sound processor works well. The soundtracks are accurately decoded and sent to the speakers, no problems there.
What I like:
Dolby Digital for a low price, you will have a hard time finding a better unit for this cheap of a price. Styling, I have always like the look of the Sony products, just personal preference. This unit also has a decent amount of power.
What I don・t like:
Not enough A/V inputs especially the Digital inputs and S-Video inputs. It also has no component inputs (what do you expect, it costs $175). The remote is hard to read and only glows for about 10 minutes. There are no binding posts for the speakers. There is also no on screen display.
Now, let・s get to the good stuff. This unit puts out a hiss that will drive you mad. If you have the volume turned down or there is a moment of silence in the music or move, you WILL hear it. It・s just a constant hissing static. I use monster cables so it・s not the wiring. I use optical cables from the DVD to the receiver so it・s not from there either. I also use an AC line cleaner so it・s not dirty power. If you read any of the other reviews they will probably mention this as well. I do not recommend this receiver simply for this reason. The rest of the setbacks I could live with but the noise is just too much. When I wrote Sony about it they told me that there was problem with the processors that caused the problem. It will cost me more to fix it than it will to replace it. Next time I will get a Yamaha.
Also, let me answer a couple of questions:
Just to clarify from the comment that was posted on this review, it's not just the rear speakers, it's all of them that hiss. The rears are just more audible because they are closer. As for what speakers I am running I have Bose in the front and B&W's for the rear and centers. I am running a Sony DVD player into it (DVP 330) and they mesh well together. As I stated earlier the dvd player is putting out sound through an optical cable so it should be clean. I was also asked about the remote, the remote is universal but I have not used that feature due to the fact that my pieces are all Sony. If you have Sony already the remote is pre-programmed. The power amplification is a hard one to judge because the hiss mutates the sound. It's difficult to say if it's clean or not when it sounds like snow all the time. And last but not least the AC line conditioner was made by monster cable. I have not heard even a slight bit of difference with it, so it basically is a big expensive surge protector. I hope this clears up any ambiguity, if anyone has anymore questions feel free to let me know.
Now I know that many of the people that will read this review will be upset because I didn't include the specs in the first one so here you go:
Stereo Mode Power Output, both channels driven, 20 - 20,000 Hz, 0.09% THD: 100 w x2 into 8W
Surround Mode Power Output, all channels driven, 1000 Hz, 0.7% THD: 100 w x5 into 8W
4-ohm/8-ohm Switching
Discrete output transistors
Equal Power to 5 Channels
Dolby Digital Decoder
dts Decoder
5.1-Channel Inputs
Dolby Pro Logic Decoder
Fluorescent Display
AM/FM Random Presets: 30
Station Memo display
Pre-Programmed Remote
DVD and Digital Satellite System receiver control
Digital Signal Processing (DSP): 24 bit
DSP Acoustic Environments: 11
Digital Cinema Sound system
Cinema Studio Modes: 3
Virtual Surround Sound: Digital Cinema Sound Virtual 3D
Soundfield Parameters: 8
Variable Delay Time, Level
Variable Surround Effect Level
Audio Inputs/Outputs (excluding Tuner): 3/1
A/V Inputs/Outputs: 3/1
S-Video Inputs/Outputs: 1/-
Video Monitor Output (S-Video): 1 (1)
Optical Digital Inputs/Outputs: 2/-
Coaxial Digital Input: 1
Rear Channel Stereo
Headphone Output
A/B Speaker Connection: Parallel
Control A-1 II Interface
Subwoofer Outputs: 1
Frequency Response: Line: 10 - 50 kHz, +0.5/-2 dB
IHF Sensitivity: 11.2 dBf
50 dB Sensitivity, Mono/ Stereo: 18.3 dBf/38.3 dBf
FM Alternate Ch. Selectivity: 60 dB
FM Frequency Response: 30 - 15 kHz, +0.5/-2dB
FM THD @ 1 kHz, Mono/Stereo: 0.30%/0.50%
FM S/N Ratio, Mono/Stereo: 76 dB/70 dB
17 lbs 6 oz (7.9 kg)
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 200.00
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Epinions.com ID:
loren_bachman
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Location: Fairfax Virginia
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Hind sight is always 20/20, Caveat Emptor-Buyer Beware!
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