Sony STR-DE497 5.1

I’ve using this amp for around 13 years now still going like new. I was using the wrong omh speakers and did so for a very long time and did the job. But I’ve just recently invested in Cambridge Audio Minx 22 my set up is 6.1.2 and now the sound is really like at the movies feel and even better when you use the pre installed Sony pictures sounds (3 modes) all I can say is it beats Bose.

It could have done with a third optical input And not the loudest

Have this amp from new and use with satellite, Blueray, DVD, digital/internet sources. TOSlink is brilliant and no synchronization issues. Dolby theater for surround is awesome. Has a lot of features I havent used, so still room for growth.

Has a multitude of inputs - analogue and digital. No HDMI but keeps working flawlessly. Not the loudest amp, but seldom distorts. Setup is simple and easy controls.

I had no problems with the remote which has survived a number of child induced accidents! I also had a situation where a child shorted one speaker wire - the amp just shutdown with no damage whew!

I have a Logitech programmable remote that works a treat - just press one button and it sets everything to the right sequence/settings etc.

I also use the amp to feed music outdoors (using the A+B) function to outdoor Audiolab speakers - runs those perfectly.

FM/AM radio is fair, but to be honest mine is working with a wire hanging out of the back of the stereo cabinet - not even a proper antenna.

Have had this system for 8 years, and its still going strong.

Fanatastic sound, thumping subby.

Sure it has no HDMI, but it will accept straight digital audio with Optical via Toslink ors.pdif) or digital coaxial. I currently have it accepting input from a PS3, and Blurays sound amazing. And there is no audio sync issues, some thing my 60" Pana 60ST60 is known for over HDMI.

I now have it paired up with EB Acoustics speakers, and playing back in 2 channel stereo puts a smile on my face.

It does get hot if played on high volume so give it plenty of ventilation

i've purchase this amplifier, gonna get 4 years now, personally i found it very nice, the only problem is tht the remote is a bit stuborn and freezes, if the amplifier have some power more i wouldn't change it

I bought this Sony STR-DE497 5.1 amp second hand, but in perfect condition etc, and it was one of the biggest bargains ever!

Sound quality is spot on; for music it comes very close to the quality of my £1000 Yamaha hifi amp.

I can't reccommend this amp enough, it has enough inputs for most people. The only downside is, being an older amp, it has no HDMI or component, but this isnt really a big problem for me.

Composite video switching - no loss of picture quality or anything...

Overall, this amp is brilliant, and I wouldnt hesitate to reccommend it to anyone! (I use it with a pair of Jamo Studio 110, Tannoy mC Centre, Mordaunt short MS302 rears, and a Yamaha YST Sub)

I found this product very satisfying, it's really good for both stereo and surround, and the pro logic 2 features works really great if u wanna send stereo to 5.1. Over all a really good buy, and its worth the money for sure.

I have had very few problems with the Sony STR-DE497 5.1 receiver. One problem was that the remote broke after two months, and also the heat resulting from the amp being at a higher volume. But overall, it is very good.