Heaven in my little black box
Written: Apr 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great features at a really nice price
Cons: nothing major
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| Mordred's Full Review: Sony STR-DE525 |
For those who really must know this review isn't about the STR-DE525. It's about the previous years model, the STR-DE515. If that's enough to turn you off, then you've been warned and you don't have to read the rest of this.
I'm going to run through the pros and cons with this bad boy, and then highlight what the differences are between the 525 and the 515.
Pros:
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Output - The output of the 515 is 100 Watts per channel (that's RMS NOT peak) in stereo and impressively, 100 Watts per channel x 5 in Surround mode. The sound is VERY impressive and makes you want to turn up everything you play. I don't have a Sub yet, so I can't accurately evaluate that yet.
Inputs - The 515 and 525 are both loaded with inputs. Let me give you an example of my hookup. I have a CD-player going in. A DVD player with 5.1 audio is going in as well. Stereo hookups from my computer going in through the tape inputs. I have my VCR hooked up to my TV with the audio outs from the TV hooked in to the receiver. At one time or another I had the video and audio from the VCR running through the machine and out to the TV, but I had to alter that configuration. Basically anyway you can think of to hook up your stuff is possible here. If you don't have enough Video inputs on your TV, you can use the video inputs on the receiver to take multiple singles then pipe just the video out. This is pretty standard fare for a high level receiver, but I was impressed with just how much the mid-end 515 was able to handle.
Extra Jack - My 515 (and I think the 525) has a standard wall jack on the back of the box. This means you can plug your CD/DVD/whatever player into the back of the receiver so whenever it has power, your player has power. A great feature and saves an extra space on the powerstrip/wall socket. It's the little touches like that that make Sony a trusted name in my house.
Full Featured Remote - This remote controls just about everything on the box! It's got tons of buttons and a pretty good layout. The only problem with it is that it reuses buttons depending on which mode you are in. The labeling on the buttons can also get a little tricky to figure out. This requires looking at the remote a little more than I'd like. Also on the 515, the remote can't start playing my DVD. This is really annoying because if it did, I'd only need one remote.
Cons
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5.1/DVD - This is a very minor complaint, but it seems almost like 5.1/DVD control was an afterthought with this machine. It has 6 major functions/settings which use wide buttons, but switching to 5.1 mode is done via a very small button off to the side. On the remote, you are required to hold down the Phonograph and Tape buttons together (I think) to switch. I know the remote was crowded, but come on, one more button couldn't have hurt TOO much. As far as I can tell, this problem has been rectified with the 525 though.
Switching modes - When switching to/from a Surround mode to Stereo the receiver emits a very audible thunk/click sound. It's pretty quick, but not exactly the nicest sound you want to hear. This probably doesn't happen in higher end models, but I'm guessing it still exists in the 525.
Heat - This shouldn't be a deterring factor, but this baby gets hot (as all good receivers should). The box is relatively open on the top, but be sure to leave some space around it in your entertainment center. Also be sure you don't place VHS tapes/chocolate on top otherwise you run the risk of ruining something.
FM Reception - The antenna included with the box isn't the best so FM Reception is a little lacking. It sounds a lot better than my clock radio, but I've heard better before, although it could just be the area where I live. If you absolutely live off of radio, you may want to get a booster.
Comparison
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The 525 has a new and improved front panel and a new remote. Personally, I like the 515s front panel a little better, but the 525 offers easier access to all the different functions/modes.
The remote that comes with the 525 offers glow in the dark menu buttons for some features. I like this feature, and it's really great on my DVD player, so I'm guessing it works well here.
The 525 offers a bunch of new soundstages that the 515 didn't have. Personally I don't think this is a big deal as I never bother to play with the soundstage, but for those who really want more of an EQ feel without actually buying an EQ, you probably won't be disappointed.
Other than those minor issues, the 525 and the 515 should be pretty much identical internally as the specs seem to be exactly the same.
Conclusion
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This is a great receiver for the money. I've had mine for two years and never had a single problem with it. Sound quality is excellent and the features for the price are second to none. I paid $279 for mine and you can probably find the 525 for about the same price. If you can't afford something from the Sony ES line, this is where you probably want to put your money.
On overall quality I give it 4 stars.
On price vs. performance I give it 5.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Mordred
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Member: Kevin
Location: Austin, TX
Reviews written: 162
Trusted by: 151 members
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