Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

I ordered and received my Sony STR-DH500 A/V receiver about 2 months ago and have had plenty of opportunity to use and enjoy it. My home theater set-up is a simple Toshiba 46" flat screen HDTV, this receiver, a Sony BluRay disc (BD) player, a Sony carousel-style CD player, older Sony cube-style speakers (from my previous A/V system) and a new Sony 2500-series powered subwoofer.

First, a few drawbacks:

1. Nowhere in the advertising or literature did it ever mention that you needed to use a powered subwoofer, and I was initially frustrated trying to get my old Sony passive subwoofer (from my previous system) to work. So to make it painfully clear, you will need a powered subwoofer for this receiver.
2. I don't mind having to use Toslink (optical) audio cables, but if you hook up your BD player through this receiver you MUST have the receiver turned on and properly set to get your player to work. OK for me, but a little confusing for my less-than-techie wife.
3. I would want more optical audio inputs for other devices that you could hook up other than the two provided for a satellite receiver and a single BD player. These aren't the only two that would use optical audio (my CD player has it also) but these are the only two optical inputs provided. Oh well, I didn't spend all that much money to complain too loudly.

Now for the positives:

1. Even though my TV is Toshiba and everything else is Sony, switching is still automatic and when I drop a disc into the BD player my receiver and TV automatically switch to the appropriate inputs so there is nothing I have to do except lower the TV's volume so I can listen to the movie from the receiver's speakers.
2. Sound quality is very good for the money I paid. There are enough adjustments to keep you entertained and once you figure out the menu system it's not hard to work with it (get a neighborhood 12-year-old to help you the first time around), but once you get it set to the way you like it you don't ever have to mess with it again.
3. There are illuminated icons on the front panel that display what speakers are in use. This is a very good feature because not all the speakers are used for the many different sound settings, so it's good info to know when you are cycling through the different ones.
4. There are more than enough inputs of all types on the back to comfortably accommodate a basic or middle-level home A/V system, even if some of your equipment is a few generations old and other stuff is brand-new. No, the HDMI inputs and outputs don't carry the audio signals (unfortunately), but a few bucks spent on a Toslink optical cable or two will take care of the issue for your newer equipment such as a Bluray disc player or satellite TV box.
5. Even though the remote is classic Sony style (confusing button layout, non-programmable, and with teeny-tiny lettering that I can barely read) it does control both my new Sony BD player and my older Sony carousel-style CD player allowing me to eliminate those separate remotes.

It is inexpensive and does what it should while sounding great. I would buy it again without question and would recommend it to a friend without hesitation.

Jon651

This 5.1 Receiver Is Very Easy To Set Up & Use. Great Sound Quality Thru The Optical Audio & HDMI Support 1080P 24p But Not Support For Dolby True HD Bitstream.

I had an older Sony receiver/amplifier and had some doubts that a new unit would make a significant difference in sound quality but the price was right and I ordered this unit. I am very glad that I did. The sound is superb. I gave the unit one less star because we had to purchse optical cables for each HDMI connection. They are expensive and we did not understand that they would be needed. A buyer of this unit needs to factor in the cost of these cables ($40) into the decision to purchase.

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Details:

* 90 watts x 5 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD
* Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and Dolby Pro Logic® II decoding
* Digital Cinema Sound modes
* A/V Sync helps align out-of-sync audio and video with digital sources
* Digital Media Port for adding an optional Sony iPod® dock or wireless PC music player
* built-in AM/FM tuner
* A/V remote control
* 16-15/16"W x 6-3/16"H x 12-13/16"D
* warranty: 2 years
* Want more peace of mind? Extended Service Plans Available

Connections:

* HDMI digital video switching (3 in, 1 out) -- pass-through only (a separate cable connection is required for audio)
* component video switching: 2 in, 1 out
* 2 audio/video inputs with composite video connections
* 2 audio-only inputs
* no phono input
* digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial
* iPod® integration (requires optional dock)

I got this receiver because it was cheap with HDMI switching. The sound was pronominal. I've been a sound nut for 20 years now and I know a bad design when I see one. I cose the same brand and higher quality unit. I bought the STR-DH800 from Sony which is far better than this "ill" unit. Same great sound without the hassle of a separate cable connection for audio. If you don't mind this hassle, great buy. This unit has great sound!

2010-02-26

My technical skills are limited, but I had litle problem in setting up the system.