Sony and Pioneer receivers edge out the competition in CNET shootout

Top of the (midpriced) heap: Sony STR-DG920

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET Networks)

Back in November, I asked the question, "What's the best midpriced AV receiver?"--but had to confess that we hadn't reviewed as many as we would've liked. Since then, Senior Associate Editor Matt Moskovciak and resident Audiophiliac Steve Guttenberg sequestered themselves in the CNET listening room and put several models to the test.

When the smoke cleared, the Sony STR-DG920 was at the top of the heap, with the Pioneer VSX-1018AH and Onkyo TX-SR606 impressing us as well. The Denon AVR-1909 sounded great and was packed with features, but that model's confusing remote control and Sisyphean setup duties relegates it to advanced AV nerds with plenty of patience. Rounding things out was the Yamaha RX-V663, with only two HDMI inputs and subpar video conversion. We recommend avoiding the Panasonic SA-BX500 altogether--even selling at a discounted price, it's far too underfeatured compared to the other receivers listed here. (We tried to get our hands on the Harman Kardon AVR 254, but a review sample wasn't available.) Check out our full comparison for the head-to-head ratings, links to the reviews, and hands-on videos.

All of the receivers tested were 2008 models. For 2009, Pioneer is the only major name that's announced its product lineup, but we're expecting news from Yamaha and Sony in the very near future. That should be followed up in the spring by new model announcements from Onkyo, HK, and Denon. Receivers will be a priority in 2009, so we're looking forward to reviewing the next crop of models as soon as we can. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the current reviews, and what you're looking forward to in the AV receiver realm for 2009.

[MadLyb]

First, thanks for doing this, but you think you need to update your compare list. You devote two lines to whether it has S-Video I/O, but not a single line to how many HDMI inputs its has. Likewise, this piece of information is missing from the full specs and I had to go the actual individual review to find it.

You aren't reviewing 2003 models, it's 2008 and the big thing we are all looking for is to move up to receivers that fully support HDMI and I am glad to finally see models in this price range with 4 HDMI inputs and switching.

Looking forward to seeing a 2009 shootout.

[jpfalcone]

Unfortunately, the specs chart on that comparison is controlled by our catalog team and not really under editorial control. That's why we put our own specs charts within the actual reviews. But I'll kick your criticism up the chain of command. Also, in the future we'll try to link out to a Google Spreadsheet we keep that has a much more useful color-coded comparison of relevant specs.

[k9jdk]

Just checked the Sony site and the DG920 is no longer there. Read that it has been discontinued. Didn't appear to have a replacement, like a 925. Wonder what the "real" story is there.

Hmm... it's a shame that the Sony STR-DG920 has been discontinued with no current successor. That makes me very weary of this particular model (and a bit weary of this "shootout" as well). =/

[pofarrell--2008]

This is a good review - it needs to be quickly updated after all the 2009 models are finalised, because currently it is a bit a of mix.

Also in the chart why all the "Info unavailable" against thing like THX or S-Video? Mostly this info is a 100% available but it just make the chart all the more confusing. Please fix.