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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
76 of 80 people found the following review helpful.
What an incredible system!
By Josh Adams, "Rock Crushes Paper"
Background: I have used the same 1000 watt 5.1 system from Samsung for nearly four years. About two years ago I added the Formula F-12 subwoofer. If you're in the market for a mid-range sub, the F-12 is a STEAL. Long story short, the Samsung system was good for a small room, but quickly lost any punch or "theatre experience" once it was moved into a larger space. I needed something to fill a larger room that is approximately 20'X30'. In replacing the system, I went with the following equipment:
Sony STRDH-830 7.1 Reciever
Sony SS-CN5000 Center Channel
Sony SS-F5000 Floor Standing Speakers (Left and Right front)
Formula F-12 Subwoofer (475 watt)
Sony SS-B3000 Bookshelf Speakers X 4
Media Bridge HDMI's
In the past I have had friends who have spent over twice what I have on a home theater system, but in comparison I'm getting much deeper lows, clear midrange, and crystal clear highs than I've heard out of their Yamaha, Denon, and others.
I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I appreciate what I hear. Here's a very simple pro/con look at the STRDH-830:
PROS:
- Only 1 HDMI connection needed to run to my display. Any connected equipment that is displaying less than 1080P is automatically upconverted.
- The included microphone autobalanced all speakers to my room in less than 10 seconds.
- Everything feels quality, heavy.
- The available sound fields to choose from are many, and all are distinctly different.
- 3D compatibility is a plus, although I have yet to use it.
- Documentation with the unit is clear and easy to understand.
- Inputs are reassignable to other sources. (For example, I assigned one of the composite video channels to the optical audio.)
- The 2 Channel Simulated surround sound for smaller setups is KILLER! It works surprisingly well.
CONS:
- The remote is needlessly confusing and bloated.
- The GUI can be be frustrating, unintuitive, and unforgiving to learn.
- Although the unit has 5 HDMI ins, component inputs, composite input, you can only use 5 input types at anytime.
- Can be a bit expensive when compared to the other 7.1 systems Sony has available, but new tech always is.
Bottom Line: I saved a few bucks to get this receiver over the others Sony has, and am very pleased with my purchase. There are a few things like I mentioned above that can be frustrating, but that's when I turn my system up louder and melt into my seat! Every system has flaws, but for the price and the result I can't give this any less than 5 stars.
[Edit] After some continued usage I'm still very pleased with the STRDH830. But I do have two important things to note. First, the receiver is capable of pumping out 140 watts of power to each of the 7 channels. In comparison to other units like the Yamaha RX V671 that only puts out 90 watts of power per channel (http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V671-7-1-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B004QR56SE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336582481&sr=1-1), you are getting a much more powerful setup for your home theater here with Sony, for much less dough.
The auto-calibration that the system provides is amazing. It detects the size of the speakers used, locations, power, etc. The auto-calibration will NOT set certain preferences automatically, so don't expect the calibration to pick up on your personal tastes. After the calibration I selected "Dynamic" in my surround settings to make up for the poor acoustics in my room and bring a more theater-like experience. I was blown away by the difference once I found this option. (It took me a week to discover this though)
The last thing I'd like to mention is the horrendous USB interface for playing music. If you are planning on playing music from an iPhone/Pod/Pad or any other MP3 source, do yourself a favor and just buy a 1/8" to RCA cable and control your music through the music device and NOT the receiver. The GUI interface for USB music is slow, clunky, and annoying if you have more than 6 artists or albums to scroll through.
I can't recommend this purchase enough if you are tired of dealing with weak "Home Theater Packages" and want a real audial experience.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
Great clear sound
By Gadgets on a budget
I had a pioneer vsx-820k that failed and best buy let me choose a replacement so I got this.
I wanted the newer pioneer model (vsx-822k) however I use 2 optical inputs and the new pioneer receivers all use just 1. Fortunately Sony has 2 and more power,
I set every setting manually and skipped the auto-calibration. The instructions are easy and after set up the sound clarity is really impressive. I could hear greater detail at lower volume due to better power and efficient delivery.
I believe sony receivers have really improved a lot over the last few years. I have a five year old str-dg510 in my bedroom home theater and when I connected my living room speakers (polk rc80i) it was very underwhelming. That's why my old pioneer was a great find. The strdh830 improves the sound even Moore than the pioneer receiver and is actually easier to navigate its features.
Once I try the iPod feature I'll review that function
Update: 11/12/12
I've tested the iPod function using my iPod touch. The reciever accesses the iPod's menus and songs faster than my old pioneer receiver did. It also skips songs in pandora if your playing it through the iPod.
Having an iPod touch connected can make up for the lack of wifi and built in pandora. The sound is good and you can either directly control your iPod manually or with the included remote.
I know audiophiles look down on sony receivers and I was drinking that kool aid til my pioneer started failing after 2 years of ownership. I had to choose my replacement at bestbuy without a lot of researching since I was under the impression my pioneer was repaired and coming home with me.
The only thing better about the pioneer in my opinion is that all the speaker connections were binding posts instead of the clips found in this Sony. Aside from that I'm satisfied with this receiver and look forward to plenty of music and movies to come with it!
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
First Look...
By Thinker
Good unit, not too hard to learn if you can read the little book. Does have onscreen GUI mode, but no overlay. Bidirectional HDMI works well with Sharp TV. Turn off TV and receiver goes off too.
WARNING: When working with HDMI turn off everything when you plug and unplug cables. If you don't things go black.
The automated calibration and set up is easy with the included mic.
Sony PS3 was easy to hook up and works well with the new Amazon Prime Instant Video. Great HD Video.
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Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Sony STR-DH830 7.1 Channel 3D AV Receiver, Black
- 7.1 Channel 980W A/V Receiver (140W x7 @ 8 ohms 1kHz 0.9% THD)
- iPod/iPhone video and music playback with included dock5
- 7 HD inputs (5 HDMI, 2 Component)
- Upconvert/Upscale from analog to 1080i via HDMI(FaroudjaDCDiEdge)3
- HD Digital Cinema Sound with Front-High speakers(HD DCS)
- 3D pass-through
- Advanced On-screen graphical user interface
- Dolby TrueHD, Pro logic IIz and dts HD Enhanced Audio Codecs2
- Digital Cinema Audio Calibration for Quick Set-Up
- Standby pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
- BRAVIA Sync for multi-device control w/ one remote4
- 24p True Cinema pass-through
Amplify your living room with 980 watts8 of legendary Sony sound. When you fill your space with 7.1 channels of blistering audio, every soundtrack comes alive like never before. Connect 7 HD components and let Dolby TrueHD, Pro logic IIz and dts HD Enhanced Audio Codecs transform your experience to an unforgettable one.
The Latest Technology
7 HD Inputs
Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Five HDMI inputs (up to 1080/24p capable) let you connect a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, any 2 other HDMI-capable devices, for high definition video and audio.6 Two component inputs (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity and versatility.
3D Pass-through
Compatible with Blu-ray 3DT movies, video games and other 3D content1
Smart Design, Smart Features
iPod/iPhone video and music playback with included dock
Listen to music and watch video stored on your iPod or iPhone while charging your device with the included dock.5
Upconvert/Upscale video signal to near HD via HDMI
Improve image quality of analog connected devices to near HD.3 Analog connected device signals are converted to digital and output via HDMI, making one cable connection from the receiver to the HDMI-enabled TV possible. 5
HD Digital Cinema Sound and Front High Speakers
Optimize your receiver to mimic the sound characteristics of movie theaters. Front Height mode enables vocal height and 3D effects for better positioning of effects giving added depth to visuals and concerts.
On-screen graphical user interface
Set-up and control the A/V receiver with intuitive on-screen graphical user interface. Change inputs, adjust settings and confirm volume levels on-screen.
Advanced Blu-ray Disc Audio Decoding
Experience sound closer to the way it was captured with LPCM, Dolby trueHD, ProLogic IIz and dts-HD master audio codecs.2
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration - Quick Speaker Set Up
Ensure you get the best sound experience from your A/V receiver and speakers with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration. Simply place the included microphone where you will be seated and settings are automatically optimized based on the distance, delays and placement of your speakers.
Audio Return Channel
Eliminate the need for extra cables connected to your TV. This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible TV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your TV.7
Standby pass-through of Audio and Video
Conveniently access all your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the receiver.
Assignable digital audio and video inputs
Get the most out of each audio and video input with the ability to reassign inputs to support connected devices.
BRAVIA Sync Capable
Conveniently operate and control select Sony BRAVIA Sync devices with one remote including: Sony Blu-ray Disc Players, BRAVIA HDTVs, Sony home theater products.4
24p True Cinema (pass-through)
Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in their native frame rate (24 frames per second) when paired with a 24p HDTV and playback device like a Blu-ray Disc Player or PlayStation3 gaming console via HDMI cable.6
1Requires 3D content, 3D HDTV, 3D glasses, 3D emitter, and HDMI® cable (at least 10.2 Gbps).
2Requires HDMI cable and LPCM capable receiver.
3Requires HDTV with equivalent display and HDMI cable sold sep.
4Syncs with BRAVIA Sync or Theatre Sync products.
5iPod support is limited to the following players: iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano 1st, 2nd & 3rd generation, iPod 4th& 5th generation & iPod mini and iPhone 3G, 3Gs and 4G models.
6Requires HDMI cables sold sep.
7Requires HDTV and HDMI® cable sold sep.
8980 Watts Total System power (140W x 7 @ 8 ohms 1kHz 0.95% THD).
Product Specifications
| Watts/Channel: | 140 x 7 |
| Warranty: | 2 Years |
| 3D Pass-through Ready?: | Yes |
| Remote Included: | Yes, IR Wireless |
| Advanced Audio Formats: | |
| Tuner: | Sirius/XM/AM/FM |
| Inputs: | |
| Outputs: | |
| Amplifier Features: | |
| Dimensions/Weight: | 16.9 x 6.2 x 12.7 Inches/18.2 lb |
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