sony str-de985 can I do better with $400

fgr41 · January 2004

I currently have a sony str-de985 . [specs for str-de985]. I have had it just over a year now and am considering getting a new receiver. My question is can I get a "better" receiver for a max of $400 or would I be better off keeping what I got?

Here is what I use it for.

90% HT 10% music

I want a receiver with front A/B to drive some speakers on the patio. Would be nice if you can drive A+B at the same time. The sony str-de985 can only drive A or B.

Need at least 2 optical inputs for SAT and DVD. Must do at least 6.1

Today I found a Dennon AVR-1803 for $350 NIB and almost pulled the trigger. After coming home and reading up on it I found it does not have the A+B functionality if I am running a 6.1 setup.

Suggestions

walk · January 2004

I got an Onkyo 700 for $450 shipped from Onecall.com - refurbed, but they are a Onk dealer, so you get a 1-year factory warranty. Check them out, they might still have some 700's left (110wpc) or might have some 600 or 601 refurbs. Highly recommended, mine is in perfect factory-new condition.

fireshoes · January 2004

I'd drop the 4 bills on an amp.

fgr41 · January 2004

Will look at onecall.

If I don't get a receiver than my $ goes down by up to $200 because I'm planning on selling the sony. Can you still get a worthy amp for $200?

tonyv1 · January 2004

Checkout the Panasonic SA-X25S Digital Receiver for $269.99 at Best Buy.

gmorris · January 2004

http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/products/product_detail.asp?Inventory=2757

Funny you should ask. Just today at 10 AM I ordered the Onkyo TX-SR601. The price listed on the page is $499, but the price they sell it for is $399, with FREE SHIPPING. If you live in Ohio, like I do, you'll have to pay tax in the amount of $26.93. If you don't live in Ohio, they will send it to you via UPS for $399.

Check out the Onkyo, I think it has all the capabilities you are looking for. I choose the Onkyo over comparable models from Denon, Marantz, Yamaha ect. because the Onkyo has a learning remote. I found this to be a great feature. You can manually program the remote to any function from any other remote, even if you can't use the code.

It is also 6.1, powered zone 2 (which I think is what you wanted), as well as pre-outs for zone 2. The site for which I provided the link is an AUTHORIZE ONKYO RETAILER, so the 5 year Onkyo warantee is still valid.

Give it a look.

Late,
Greg

fgr41 · January 2004

Ok looked around a bit and see the onkyo 601 for $399 at 2 places. It sounds like it would be what I am looking for but I am wondering about the sound of it compaird to the sony I already have. I'm trying to figure out if the $ for the Onkyo would be justifiable over what I have now.

VR3 · January 2004

Adcom GFA-535, 535 II for 170 shipped on ebay, all efffffffffffin day. Possibly you can find a 545 also if your lucky. Have fun!

franklin harlan · January 2004

I found this on e-bay from a authorized dealer with a great feedback[3541]at 98.6%.item #307149803.comes with 1 year warr.and from the reviews i've read denon,without going to separates, is the way to go with receivers. this ones 6.1 channel. I hope this helps and rock on!

fireshoes · January 2004

I'm with Trey on this one. The 601 is a nice receiver and an upgrade from your 985, but I think an Adcom would make an even bigger difference. The two receivers are basically in the same class. The amp notches it up and maybe later on you can higher end receiver or preamp to go with it.

sony str-de985 can I do better with $400

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