Sony STR-DE595 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel
Maximize the sound you hear from your CDs and DVDs with Sony's STR-DE595 Receiver. Boasting a 5 Channel Power Rating: 100W Per Channel x 5 (8 ohms 1 kHz, THD 0.7%), Dolby Digital, dts, Dolby Pro Logic II Decoding, an A & B / A or B Speaker Switch, 2 Component Video Inputs: HD Pass (80 MHz), and a 5.1 Multi-Channel Analog Input, this receiver delivers the incredible sound you've been searching for. Utilize the Sound Field Modes and the UniCommander Remote Control to command your entertainment with ease. Let the sound soar - choose the STR-DE595.
This full-featured surround receiver is ready to take on media of today and tomorrow. The STR-DE595 pumps out 100 watts per channel across five main channels (left, right, center, left/right surround) and has a dedicated subwoofer output for a seventh. You get everything from Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding to Dolby Pro Logic II processing (creating 5.1 channels from two) and 5.1-channel analog inputs to accommodate the latest high-resolution audio formats. The receiver includes an FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM) and three video inputs to simplify switching between components and your television. Two of the inputs are for standard composite-video (yellow RCA jack), while the third is ready for wide bandwidth (80 MHz) high-definition component-video signals. There's no phono input, but the unit's two stereo and one multichannel analog audio inputs simplify hookup of, for instance, a cassette deck, a VCR, and a high-resolution audio device that decodes formats like SACD and DVD-Audio. Three digital-audio inputs (two optical and one coaxial) accept bitstream feeds from DVD players, CD players, and other digital devices. An additional "B" speaker output lets you enjoy music or movie sound in a room other than your central listening area (speaker cable not included). What's in the Box
Receiver, UniCommander preprogrammed remote control, 2 AA batteries, AM loop antenna, FM wire antenna, a sheet on correct loudspeaker connections, owner registration card, user's manual, and warranty information.
Sony STR-DE595 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel Accessories
Sony STR-DE595 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel Reviews
First, never play the Receiver above relatively low volumes. Particularly the sound of crashing drum symbols employed by rock musicians distorts badly enough to make me cringe. However, it does handle all, but the newest types of surround formats (excepting the exotic THX 10 channel). The bass setting can be adjusted by both the bass "Tone" setting, the subwoofer output level, and setting L/R speaker sizes. However, you'll probably have to lower the tone and/or output to the sub in the setup menu when listening to recordings with high levels of bass. Well-recorded movie tracks sound outstanding.
The overall sound tends to be tinny or lacking a warm, fully present sound. Despite the plethora of adjustments, the only adjustment to treble is to increase or decrease the "Tone" setting. Tuning the bass tone control to its highest setting in 2-channel modes will produce adequate levels on only the most bass drenched recordings. In summary, I would recommend checking out Yamaha's RX-V363 before purchasing this unit. Forget notions that these problems are a matter of minor adjustment or the peccadilloes of a pretentious listener. For those that can afford to spend about twice the price, I recommend that you start looking for AV Receivers that will handle the newer High Definition formats, which will offer amazing surround effects. In addition, I have owned mid-priced rack systems as well as upper-end audio components, and therefore have a pretty good eye and ear for Stereo component evaluation.
If needed, the listener can select the surround settings manually, or choose the "Multi-in" setting for the other assortment of "surround" formats. This receiver is the worst I have ever owned when evaluated for tonal quality and bass output. For those that listen to music other than the various forms of rock and want a good surround receiver, then the STR-DE595 is a capable receiver. Again, the Carver amp using the same speakers as the Sony sounds great regardless of the music genre. Not a bad Surround Receiver for movie watchers on a budget and music playback at lower volume levels, but steer clear audio enthusiasts.
The manual is dog-eared and stained with Gin, Wine, Bourbon, and many other non-alcoholic drinks that are less memorable. The DE595's most glaring deficiencies are its lack of bass output in 2-channel stereo modes and its treble distortion during pop/rock music playback. In fact, the Sony's bass level when employing a 100-watt, active subwoofer and an equalizer is higher, but the quality is nowhere near the level of the Carver. The Receiver can and should be adjusted for optimum surround playback using the Setup menu. It will automatically detect whether the incoming signals are DTS, Dolby, or EX and switch to the appropriate surround mode. The treble produced by the unit is sketchy at best with some recordings sounding great, but others analogous to fingernails on a chalkboard. Having owned the Receiver for about four years, I have tweaked it for every decibel along every sound field, dynamic range, compressed and uncompressed kHz that the black box can deliver. In all three, use of an active sub is a given.
However, there are three solutions to the Sony's bass dilemma. None of these settings will directly influence the tonal quality. The unit provides no amplification to its subwoofer output jack. I have used the same Bose 301 speakers (8" woofer) with both the STR-DE595 and a 100W two-channel Carver integrated amp. Sound fields only create ambience, location, and movement of sound. Worse yet is the distortion of the treble in the upper sound range. Do not buy this receiver, if you intend to use it primarily for music playback.
However, I wouldn't let the lack of HDMI connections steer you away from the Sony necessarily. The only solution to the treble problem has been to use an equalizer or keep the volume down. As opposed to Rock, Country, and Pop genres, the STR-DE595 generally shines during playback of Classical and some Jazz albums. The unit starts to redeem itself while viewing moves. Also, the Onkyo TX-SR505 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver appears to be a good buy with, again, more features. Second, for those who plan to use small L/R channel speakers, no bigger than 4", set the Receiver's speaker size setting to "small", which will then employ the subwoofer in two-channel mode. Let me break it down.
When playing Beethoven's famous symphonies or directing surround sound during action scenes the unit can sometimes sound impressive, as long as there are no mid to upper range crashing sounds. Bass output was excellent with the Carver amp. The third solution, for those who use large speakers, set music in AFD 2.1 or 5.1 channel modes, which also employ the subwoofer. I haven't listened to the Yamaha (the ultimate litmus test for any audio product), but it appears to offer much more for the same price. This means that you can almost forget about using Hall, Jazz, and Concert settings. Obviously, the lack of consistent quality can be a big problem for music lovers, and primarily for those listening to the variety of rock and roll genres.
Do not employ this receiver without an active (amplified) subwoofer connected to the Receiver's subwoofer output.
Music sounds absolutely fantastic through it, as long as you don't try to use any setting other than "PLII Mus" or "Auto AFD" (which plays your main speakers and subwoofer simultaneously). For the original purchase price of $200, nothing comes close. And by the way, you shouldn't have to adjust the bass or treble on your music, the bass you get is the bass you get; main speakers are not meant to give overwhelming bass, that's what a subwoofer is for. It has far more inputs than most people with only $200 to spend on a receiver likely have things to plug into it. The Jazz and Concert settings etc. On numerous occasions i have put it up to the MAX volume setting and ran it through my 150W pioneer speakers (they don't sound fantastic, but they can handle a lot of power) and it sounded clean, and you could hear it all the way down the block. They are extremely minor points, everything that has to work works flawlessly. Noobs.
To be honest, i sort of abuse this thing and it has shown absolutely no signs of wear and tear in the slightest. None. This unit has way more features than comparably priced units, and, despite what others have said, it's quality lives up to the Sony reputation. Whoever said that their music sounds poor through this has absolutely no idea what they're talking about. The remote is great, it works well, and, while not extremely important, the unit itself is quite handsome. Okay well, i have had this receiver since it first came out, i really play the hell out of this thing, i have everything in my room running through it, DVD, computer, TV, CD player, everything. That, and the fact that the Tone adjustments are virtually useless, only allowing 1 bass and 1 treble point to be adjusted ± 6dB are the ONLY complaints i have. are worthless, don't even bother.
I've had the system for three years & have had no problems. I am an audio professional, but not overly obsessed w/ my home audio. Once you adjust the levels to each speaker & set the distance of each, your music will sound very good & your movies even better.
One must adjust the settings in setup. There are other systems on par w/ this one & better, but this one is very good for the price. This is a very good system for the price.
A search online shows it's common for ppl to neglect to adjust the setup & complain ab audio from sony receivers like this one. I had to call customer support once to use another sony remote & they were extremely helpful w/ that. Leaving the settings all at the default will result in flat low audio for music.
I actually have some old AIWA Speakers hooked up to this system, and a Sony Subwoofer which realy gives this system some power, I have tested it with all the great movies ( Lord of the rings, Star Wars, Matrix etc ) and it kicks butt. Music from either CD or Digital cable sounds good, especially when I have the Dolby Pro-Logic II on music setting. This receiver i bought last year, so far I have had no problems and I enjoy all the features that it has. I paid $150.00 for this and was worth every penny. My digital cable box which receives Dolby Digital signal also sounds great.
I had this receiver for about 2 years before it died. I didn't know how good my JBL speakers could sound until I bought a new receiver to replace this one (only 2yrs old.). My biggest complaint with this thing was that it completely died after ~2yrs of using it ~1hr per day. Do yourself a favor and purchase a Pioneer or Yamaha receiver that will not only sound better but they should last for 10+ years. Movies sounded fine with this however the clarity of sound was poor (characteristic of SONY).
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