Sony STR-DE697 Audio / Video Receiver (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Just received this from Amazon via FedEx home delivery (2 day service, no extra charge). So far, so good. There are a few minor annoyances (only three optical inputs...not one for the DVD player...it is a coaxial input and my DVD player is optical). Not a major problem since I just hook the optical out on the DVD to the optical in for MD/Tape. Of course, then I can't take advantage of the monitor out video feeds...alas.On the plus side, the sound quality is excellent and the numerous options for the type of theatre sound to be created are great. I am able to connect two Dish Network satellite boxes (one HD, one SD with DVR) through the video inputs and then connect both of those to my DVD-recorder enabling me to record either HD broadcasts (w/ some quality loss) or SD broadcasts. I also transfer DVR events to DVD through these connections so it works quite well from the multiple sources.Overall, I'd say this product is a good entry level home theatre system but beware of the limited optical input options before buying...they are for the Video 2, MD/Tape, and CD...the latter two without video buses.

This is a solid AV receiver which works great. Lots of inputs & outputs and solid build quality.

It don't work

Bad purchase unit did not work at all. Decided not worth sending back. Seller said it was working when he had it

R.Harrison's review indicated:"I run my ... Scott turntable through it, ... There is nothing like hearing the pops and crackles from my record albums with such depth and definition."This would be somewhat difficult to do, as there are no phono inputs on this model.

This is a great receviver,I have hade mine for about 3 months and it will do everything.I have a sony DVD recorder running through it and it makes the whole room move. It's not the best but vary few would be able to tell it.

This is my first digital receiver, and I'm loving it. I just hooked up a Sony center channel speaker (ss-cnk 10 ed), and a sony 8" sub-woofer. I already had 2 cabinet speakers (4 way 6 speakers, 70 watt max power). The sound quality is great, and the speaker setting is detailed but easy. The manual gives helpful hints of how to best surround yourself with sound. If you are more advance in knowing the best set up for your home, the customize portion allows you to arrange set ups the best.Also, I run my Xbox, T.V. (Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV), and Scott turntable through it, which helps not only to localize my components but it does help with clairty on all fronts. There is nothing like hearing the pops and crackles from my record albums with such depth and definition. Playing video games and watching movies are a submerged experience. Before I even bought my subwoofer and center speakers, the two cabinet speakers worked really well for me with producing clear sound. I highly recommend this item not only for beginners into the foray of digital surround sound, but anyone because the price makes the purchase that much sweeter.

I recently purchased this unit to replace a 12 year old Pioneer audio receiver. I have not been able to set it up yet because the manual that comes with it is virtually incomprehensible to a novice audiophile. I do not seem to be able to even set the bass and treble levels without getting an advanced degree in electronics. Whoever wrote this mish-mash of a manual should join the babbel school of tech writing. Shame on Sony.