Opinions on Sony STR-DE897

eluth
eluth Posts: 4
edited July 2005 in Electronics
Are they any opinions on the Sony STR-DE897? I found a local store which is discounting it for $200 instead of the $400 MSRP.

I'm not looking for a 7.1 system, but primarily a receiver with digital inputs to hook up to two small Polk R15 to listen in Stereo.

Your advices/comments are appreciated.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    honestly- you should avoid Sony- at any price.

    Save a little bit of money up and get you something that's going to last and sound infintely better.

    Harman Kardon or Denon.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,778
    edited July 2005
    Sony ES or no Sony.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    If you can't move into the Sony ES line, I agree, move along. The ES line is much better than the stock US market DE line.

    Aaharvel - We know you don't like Sony, due to the fact we have to read about it every 3 posts.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    Aaharvel - We know you don't like Sony, due to the fact we have to read about it every 3 posts.

    Eluth doesn't know it- he's new. It's called friendly advice.

    and Dorokusai- I know you think my opinion isn't worth anything on these forums.

    Get over it. :D
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
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    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited July 2005
    I agree with the others about Sony:

    Look at Sony ES or check out other brands.
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    Aaharvel - I assure you that you barely exist to me, but to say your opinion isn't worth anything is self deprecating. An informed opinion is friendly advice while a clearly biased, unsubstantiated opinion is useless.

    Happy Listening!
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited July 2005
    Can I get an Amen?
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited July 2005
    Nope.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    Aaharvel - I assure you that you barely exist to me, but to say your opinion isn't worth anything is self deprecating. An informed opinion is friendly advice while a clearly biased, unsubstantiated opinion is useless.

    Happy Listening!

    An unsubstantiated opinion? Whatever Dorkusai. I, like others on here, have owned my fair share of Sony & ES receivers. I'm familiar with how they sound- especially when compared to other makes and models. So when someone asks for advice and opinions on Sony receivers- then I have the right to give my advice and opinions on Sony receivers.

    No- the problem with you Mark is that you are singling me out for expressing the same opinion that countless others on here agree with and express themselves. You have done so ever since I came to this forum- and quite frankly you are the only one; Which suggests to me that you take your rank & file here waaaay too seriously. If I barely exist to you, then prove it. STOP TROLLING MY POSTS! It's that f--king simple. You don't like my opinion on something? Fine. God knows you wouldn't be the first-but what separates you from others on here is your total inability to come across as 'Respectful' when making your point be known.
    :D
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
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    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,778
    edited July 2005
    Is your AC not working today?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    Is your AC not working today?

    I'm sorry F1. It's just that most everyone on here is always nice and respectful to me- except this cat. We're all on here to meet friends and to help others- and i'm pretty certain that this qualifies for most everyone else on the forum as well. I may not be the "audiophile" Dorokusai is but so what? I am sick to death of his trolling, and his attempts to antagonize posters on these forums- particularly myself; and I promise you that I am not the only one on this forum who feels this way.

    Once again, I sincerely apologize to all those whom are offended- but sometimes you have to call a spade a spade. There's something definitely wrong here, and it's a damn shame that a guy who has over 6,000 posts to his name doesn't know what it is.

    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
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    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    Aaharvel - Don't get upset because you were challenged on your opinion, it happens to all of us. We had this discussion in another thread and your Sony experience, regardless of owning 3 units is simply limited, just like mine is on alot of other gear....say for instance Yamaha or Kenwood.

    The vintage Sony Esprit, Sony ES and the new Qualia lines are well worth the money....well, maybe not the Qualia, but you get my point. They are high end Sony, not generic cookie cutter Sony, fact.

    I have never, nor will I support the purchase of the DE line, period, so we actually agree if you'd take the time to look closer. You want to group everything made by Sony into a singular statement, which is simply not factual.

    The difference between you and I is that I don't bash gear, I comment or do not comment at all.

    You may, and whomever else can say what they will, it just doesn't matter. This is only a forum and only words, we all have opinions and we can't always agree.

    I've been in arguments with my best buddy F1Nut on this place, but he hasn't poured sugar in my gas tank....or told me to go F myself....just said when he's coming over for dinner that week. I don't always agree with TroyD, Madmax, Russman, Hoosier21, EarlyB, BobMcG and a host of others....but no problems are reported, no feathers are ruffled.

    I'm not respectful? I don't like to help? I troll and antagonize? Oki Doki, whatever you say, that's fine by me. I don't apologize for anything, it reads like it reads.

    I don't dislike you, I just disagree with you....see, it's easy and I'm sure BOTH of us will sleep just fine.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    ok
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Jeffrey_B
    Jeffrey_B Posts: 21
    edited July 2005
    dorokusai:

    I have a 6-year old Sony ES30 receiver (80w/channel) and am considering moving to a separate 5-channel amp and use the pre-outs on the Sony (for now). There are a number of new pre/pros coming out so I'd rather not commit to one yet. Have you had any experiences with ES stuff being used as a pre/pro? JEFF
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  • bknauss
    bknauss Posts: 1,441
    edited July 2005
    I saw an article in this month's Sound and Vision... 3 bang for the buck receivers, and although the Sony DE model put out more power with 1-2 channels driven (somewhere around 180W IIRC), it dropped to a measely 30-35W/channel with 5-7 channels driven. The Marantz and Pioneer in the same article were in the 130W range with 1-2 channels driven, and stayed around 100W per channel with 5-7 channels driven.
    Brian Knauss
    ex-Electrical Engineer for Polk
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  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by bknauss
    I saw an article in this month's Sound and Vision... 3 bang for the buck receivers, and although the Sony DE model put out more power with 1-2 channels driven (somewhere around 180W IIRC), it dropped to a measely 30-35W/channel with 5-7 channels driven. The Marantz and Pioneer in the same article were in the 130W range with 1-2 channels driven, and stayed around 100W per channel with 5-7 channels driven.

    I was reading this also...

    The Sony just dies out fast with all channels driven

    Sony test report:
    1/2 channels: 141/122 watts (21.5/20.75 dBW)
    5/7 channels: 35/31 watts (15.5/14.75 dBW)

    OUCH!! a 6db drop!! with all channels driven

    Marantz:
    1/2 channels: 118/98 watts (20.75/20.0 dBW)
    5/7 channels: 76/64 watts (18.75/18.0 dBW)

    Pioneer:
    1/2 channels: 110/95 watts (20.5/19.75 dBW)
    5/7 channels: 70/61 watts (18.5/17.75 dBW)
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Jeffrey_B
    dorokusai:

    I have a 6-year old Sony ES30 receiver (80w/channel) and am considering moving to a separate 5-channel amp and use the pre-outs on the Sony (for now). There are a number of new pre/pros coming out so I'd rather not commit to one yet. Have you had any experiences with ES stuff being used as a pre/pro? JEFF

    It wouldn't be a problem. Jtgranby uses an ES pre-amp...and I think DarqueKnight also uses ES processors in his rig.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by bknauss
    I saw an article in this month's Sound and Vision... 3 bang for the buck receivers, and although the Sony DE model put out more power with 1-2 channels driven (somewhere around 180W IIRC), it dropped to a measely 30-35W/channel with 5-7 channels driven. The Marantz and Pioneer in the same article were in the 130W range with 1-2 channels driven, and stayed around 100W per channel with 5-7 channels driven.

    The DE series is simply generic, no new news on that front. Keep in mind, most people don't even notice let alone care.

    We are the crazy people who get angry about this stuff :)
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited July 2005
    do you need a new door stop or a new receiver?
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Toxis
    do you need a new door stop or a new receiver?

    lol jesus
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
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    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by aaharvel
    lol jesus
    WHERE???
    *looks around rapidly*
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • eluth
    eluth Posts: 4
    edited July 2005
    OK. You convinced me.
    I'm returning the DE897 to the store tonight. I found a refurb HK AVR-135 for same price range.
    (Btw, I already own a AVR-320 for my home theater, I just didn't want to go the road of an overkill system, just for some stereo).
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by eluth
    OK. You convinced me. I'm returning the DE897 to the store tonight.

    one more soul saved.

    and eluth- if it's just stereo you're looking for then look at the Harman Kardon 2ch. receivers maybe? For the $ you'll get better, more powerful amplification from a 2ch. receiver than you normally would from a multi-channel receiver. Also- don't stop with Harman Kardon. Take a look at Denon, Marantz, maybe even Onkyo.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • marker
    marker Posts: 1,084
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by eluth
    OK. You convinced me.
    I'm returning the DE897 to the store tonight. I found a refurb HK AVR-135 for same price range.
    (Btw, I already own a AVR-320 for my home theater, I just didn't want to go the road of an overkill system, just for some stereo).

    Good move! I also agree with AAH about a 2 channel stereo receiver. You can pick up refurbed HK, Denon, or Onkyos for a good price.

    Integrateds are an even better option for stereo. There are also good refurbed deals to be had on NAD int. amps too.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,778
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by eluth

    (Btw, I already own a AVR-320 for my home theater, I just didn't want to go the road of an overkill system, just for some stereo).

    Oh boy! :rolleyes: There isn't a receiver or AVR made that will come anywhere close to overkill for a 2 channel set up. If you had a killer 2 channel set up you'd quickly realize that it's much better than surround sound.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    Oh boy! :rolleyes: There isn't a receiver or AVR made that will come anywhere close to overkill for a 2 channel set up. If you had a killer 2 channel set up you'd quickly realize that it's much better than surround sound.

    I must stop you there....just because, for example, someone recently decides that the 2CH arena is acceptable for multi-channel formats, doesn't mean the mass agenda complies.... the masses are against that school of thought. Fact.

    I'm happy that folks find what they want in audio, but don't generalize.

    Who are you to say that someone doesn't have a killer setup already? Just because they have an AVR makes them morons and not "audiophiles"?

    If that's the case, then you must be calling me a moron as well. Yea, I know "I never said anyone was a moron" but the statement "If you had a killer 2CH setup...." speaks volumes.

    I bet if Jolida made a 7.1 AVR you'd be onboard 100%.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,778
    edited July 2005
    .
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2005
    .
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited July 2005
    just wondering about the 2posts above me. looks like i missed something interesting.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited July 2005
    awww man.....I missed it.......*sigh*....
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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