SONY STR-DH520 7.1-Channel, 3D pass-through 6 HD inputs 4 HDMI HD Cinema Sound A/V Receiver

Pros: Very low price for a 7.1 receiver. HDMI pass through is a plus for those that use their TV speakers occasionally. 4 HDMI inputs for switching between gear is enough for most and eliminates the need for a few pounds of audio cable. Decent features for the cost.

Cons: Coming from a much more expensive but older Yamaha, I can honestly say I was disappointed in the output sound. I've tried every setting and three different sources and can't come close to matching the quality of sound I had with the Yamaha through my reference JBL's. For those with golden ears, you'll want to move along. This unit isn't for you. For those on a budget needing HDMI switching and upgrading from a lower end box surround sound system, you'll probably be happy. I'm not.

Other Thoughts: I contacted Sony support trying to work through some of the configuration settings as the US version doesn't have a mic to auto-tune the speakers. Their chat service was quick, the information helpful and they referred me to a more detailed set of instructions via a link that was way better than the included manual.

Pros: price!

Cons: all the buttons on the front panel are pretty useless if you ask me. all the functionality comes from the remote so if you lose that GG bro.

Other Thoughts: overall very good device. so many functions i cant even comprehend them all. reading the manual explains them but there are so many is crazy. im very happy with my device and it does a good job pushing my 7.2 sound system. i purchased the refurbished unit and it looked and worked like brand new

Pros: Decent features for such a low price. Power output is alright. Simple front panel. Lots of inputs and outputs. Quick response from the remove.

Cons: No upconvert of the video signal. This caused me major frustration as I was setting it up. Basically, this means that if you have an input that is from a component video cable or a standard AV Cable, that video will not get output through the HDMI output, so you have to have an extra set of cables to connect to another input port on the TV. I should have known this, so I don't blame Sony, but it is enough of an issue that I would consider spending extra dollars to get a receiver that can upconvert.

It would be nice to have an on-screen menu, but what do I expect for such a low price?

Other Thoughts: For $150, this was an Amaaaaazingly good deal. I am overall very happy with this receiver.

Pros: It just works, if you can't follow the instructions that are provided then you really just need to Hire or find someone that has a clue!!!!


Replaced a JVC receiver that had lasted for 10 yrs and finally the Sub out just gave up

Cons: No remote Batteries included .... Not a Deal Breaker

Other Thoughts: Literally took me 10 minutes to swap out and setup for my Speaker Config .... Sony Bravia TV saw this receiver immediately and changed to it for sound

Pros: Item arrived without any defects. Looks brand new. I don't know what they had to refurbish.

Cons: Documentation is poorly written. This item has lots of options and the user manual is slightly better than useless. There are many options that are mentioned in the operating instructions, but it does not say how to access them. Sony does not have any manual for the remote on their website. I am going to have to spend a lot of time learning how to set the options and then more time testing them to find what ones are best for me.

Other Thoughts: I bought a set of Polk speakers that Newegg had on sale. I also bought an RCA to RCA cable for the subwoofer. The sound is really good. I just have to figure out how to balance the speakers and what settings are best for my room.

Pros: sound realy realy good bravya sync work well with ps 3 and 73" Mitsubishi tv

Cons: none for the price

Other Thoughts: a bit better cooling would be cool it gets a bit warm for my tastes but thats up realy loud for a long time like 2 hours.

Pros: Great price and works as it should.

Cons: MUST have speakers connected else it shuts off after 20mins.

I'm sure that for most people this wont be a cont but as I was waiting for my speakers to come into the mail i was using the receiver to route all my components to my TV from it.

Pros: Price!! Dolby Digital & DTS Decoding

Cons: No Calibration setup or Calibration Mic

Other Thoughts: I was skeptical after reading some of the reviews it arrived in prefect condition. I hooked up a Sony bdp-s790 blu ray player PS3 and xbox 360 as well as my cable box the Receiver also powers a 9.2 set of Klipsch Icon tho only as 7.1. in a 2 channel setup for music it pumps out 245w but in any of the dolby digital or dts surround it pumps out 945w. Now I didnt test the wattage but i was only able to turn the volume up to 45 before my next door neighbor came over and said his windows were vibrating. Movies & Games in surround just pull you right in. Not many bells & whistles but what it does do it does well and is well worth what i paid

Pros: Looks Good

Cons: This unit is not what they claim. It is not 135 watt per channel. It is right on the case 245 watts total. It is a RIP OFF. It can barely power the speekers

Pros: great price,good reviews,new eggs great service and free shipping

Cons: big dent in the top and the box didn't have any areas that looked like something fell on it,wasn't packed very well,scratches on the front of the receiver,i un packed it and could hear something rattling around inside.New Egg was willing to send me a replacement or give me a credit but wouldn't refund my money because it was a refurbished unit. Reviews are right it isn't very pretty.