Sony receivers?

[PhantomOG]

I've never given Sony receivers much thought compared to the low-mid range Onkyo and Denons. However they just announced new receivers that seem to have great features for the money. I pretty much expect to buy a new receiver when I eventually get a BR player/PS3 and was set to stick with Onkyo to upgrade my ancient TX SR600, but the STR-DG820 for $400 seems like a steal. 4 HDMI inputs!!! Would look real purty under my Sony Bravia LCD :D

copied from AVS forums

The STR-DG520
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080225/STR-DG520.jpg
Key features of the Sony STR-DG520:

5.1 channels, 100 watts of power
Two HDMI inputs
Supports 1080p pass-through at 60 and 24 frames per second
Available in March for about $200


The STR-DG720
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080225/STR-DG720.jpg
Step-up features on the STR-DG720:

7.1 channels, 105 watts of power
Three HDMI inputs
Can handle eight channels of LPCM audio
XM-ready
Available in March for about $300


The STR-DG820
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080225/STR-DG820.jpg
Step-up features on the STR-DG820:

7.1 channels, 110 watts of power
Four HDMI inputs
Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio
Supports x.v.Color
XM-ready with Neural Surround Sound
Includes a Sony Digital Media Port
Available in May for about $400


The STR-DG920
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080225/STR-DG920.jpg
Step-up features on the STR-DG920:

Upscales analog signals up to 1080p over its HDMI output
Features icon-driven menu system, possibly similar to what we've seen on the STR-DA5300ES
Supports x.v.Color and Deep Color
Available in June for about $600

[PhantomOG]

hmm... if the current gen receivers are any indication, none of these will have pre-outs. I guess that's one gotcha.

[Sherardp]

If youre buying a Sony AVR step up to the ES lineup

[cambir]

If you need/want all-channel pre-outs, probably go with another brand.

If you can afford to step up to the ES, by all means step up.

If not, you may be just fine with the Sony option. I have the DG800 and it works great for my needs. No, it probably doesn't sound like a multi-thousand-dollar unit, but I don't need it to. It is a good budget-minded receiver that performs well for my purposes (HT & music - RT800i, RT35, CS300, JBL sub).

Just try to go check it out in-person and compare it to the others you are considering.