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June 15, 2009 10:21 AM PDT

Sony STR-DH700 does 7.1 for cheap, but lacks sweet sonics

by Matthew Moskovciak

Even for savvy home theater enthusiasts, buying an AV receiver can be a chore, requiring hours hunched over spec sheets trying to figure out what each model offers. From a general perspective, the Sony STR-DH700 looks to offer a good value, as a 7.1 AV receiver with three HDMI inputs, widely available for under $300.

However, the details aren't quite so kind to Sony's receiver, as it lacks onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio and an onscreen display--both of which are available on Pioneer's VSX-819H, which has a street price only slightly higher.

We could have overlooked this if the STR-DH700 performed better than average for its price, but we were mostly underwhelmed by its sonics, although it's a decent choice for movies as long as you don't crank it too loud. While the STR-DH700 is a perfectly capable AV receiver at a budget price, we think most buyers will be better served by alternatives.

Die-hard Sony fans, meanwhile, will need to spend more for one of the better-appointed receivers in the company's 2009 line-up.

Read the full review of the Sony STR-DH700.

The following product mentioned is available.

On Sale Now: $210.59 - $299.97
View the latest prices for Sony STR-DH700

Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters. E-mail Matthew or follow him on Twitter @cnetmoskovciak.
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by celticbrewer June 15, 2009 12:16 PM PDT
I have a similar model that I bought over a year and a half ago and at the same price point. 7.1, no internal decoding. It fits my need perfectly. I have two HDMI sources (Sat Box, and PS3). The PS3 will decode DTSHD, TrueHD and all that jazz onboard so this will work fine for you guys.

I have 7.1 and I do like watching my movies loud. I have no complaints on the performance of my receiver.

Again, this isn't the model I have, but it's similar- There are two things I dislike. While you get 3 HDMI in and 1 out to the TV, on my model, if you have a component in (Say, a Wii) it goes to component out. There's no way to send it through HDMI, so you still need to switch inputs on your TV.

Second, there's always a volume difference when watching HD TV and you get a 5.1 program (normal vol) versus a 2.0 commercial (loud). I don't know if that's the fault of the DVR or the Receiver or just a fact of life.

Overall, for the price, it's a great buy if you don't need the native decoding.
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