Sony STR-DH100 2-Channel Audio Receiver (Black)

I have been using a similar model Sony stereo audio amplifier (an STR-DE310) in my living room for many years, with excellent performance and perfect reliability. I wanted a second similar unit for my bedroom. So far, so good. This amplifier functions well, but the FM tuner does not seem to pull in stations nearly as well as the older unit, despite the fact that they have identical dipole antennas and are only 15 feet apart at the same elevation. However, I live in an apartment with a lot of radio frequency noise from the neighbors. I have not tried switching the positions of the 2 tuners to see if the difference is in the tuners or their positions. I will get back to you (and maybe this Sony will earn its 5th star)....

I bought this stereo receiver to replace a malfunc-
ting integrated amp and tuner. It is a good fit with
my Sony Dvd/Cd player and my Sony Mini Disc player.
Though I have to admit I seldom use the mini disc
player. Mp3's on CD or Dvd offer hours of good
listening while surfing the net. I'm very pleased.
The price was cheaper than I could get locally.

Like many out there, I had a receiver/amp that was over 20 years old that died (mine was a Nikko NR-750). I wanted something basic with no fancy frills to replace the solid features of my old amp. After pricing them all and knowing that I am now listening to my stereo in the basement rec room (which is not optimal conditions anyway), I decided to try the very inexpensive, no-frills Sony here. Compared to my old Nikko, it isn't even close. The frequencies are flatter, and the only adjustments you can make are a 1-10 Bass and Treble control which don't shape the sound out very much at all. I am also not thrilled with the input abbreviations (the CD one has SA/CD/blah, blah, there is no Phono, Cassette has MD or something...anyway, it is all a bit off-putting for us middle-aged dudes, but once you get your codes down you will be okay), but that is minor.

All that being said, look one more time at the price, and you can give this unit a break, realizing you get what you pay for. It is quite a serviceable receiver that, while not bringing the potential out of my speakers, doesn't make them sound like vomit. For a little over a hundred dollars (and free shipping) you will get a unit that works pretty well (but that really needs an equalizer). I am going to keep it because for my situation the price difference isn't worth getting a higher-end unit, but if you are a real audiophile and have a sound room with proper dynamics you probably shouldn't be looking at the cheapees like this one, anyway. One more note--this, like many newer amps, does not have a built in amp for the phono jack. Fortunately my turntable is only a few years old (since my old one died) and most new ones come with a switch built in for pre-amp or none. Just beware that if you are running an old turntable without this option you will need to hook up a separate pre-amp between the turntable and the receiver.

All in all, I debated 3-stars or 4, but gave it the 4 because I should have figured that for the price I was not going to get something to equal my old receiver, and overall it is a pretty good deal.

This is a good basic tuner/amp. Easy to operate, good power. It only has two channels, but for music its all you need. Input switching is silent, tuner is good, remote is easy to figure out. Its worked great so far.

Sony has always put out a quality product in my opinion. This reciever was purchased to replace a twenty plus year old unit that gave me great service. If you are shopping for the old school reciever, you've probally figured that there is not much to choose from ...especially in a decent price range. This unit is as plain as can be. The main volume knob on mine doesn't rotate feely, but is rather stiff, almost as if it might be damaged. It's features are very basic...no frills. I purchased this with the recommended matching bookshelf speakers. The sound was somewhat dissapointing. The eq (bass and treble) really doesn't tweek it enough for my taste. Overall, the audio is somewhat lacking. I've tried the unit with my bose speakers and still can not get enough sound quality to make me say wow. It is just ok. I'm keeping it because I don't want to bother with the return. I'll probally end up giving it to my teenage son for his room. In the meantime, I'll keep looking for something that gives me great audio quality that makes me want to listen to it all the time. Again, it's not that it is bad... it's just not all that great.