electronicsme - Electronics / Audio Components made easy
Electronics made easy
Audio Components
You are here home / electronics / audio components Search
Bookmark and Share  Back     Print this page

Sony STR-DG820: Review

Posted to Audio Components 2009-01-06


Sony STR-DG820: Review
If you are looking to upgrade your "old technology" receiver one that supports more of the new Dolby formats, and you don't want to spend a fortune for the "high end" brands, then you may want to check out the Sony STR-DG820. The STR-DG820 provides comparable high quality audio at a price point you can afford.

The STR-DG820 may not be the most expensive receiver available on the market, but it packs a lot of punch for its budget friendly price. Measuring approximately 16.9 in x 12.25 in x 12.25 and weighing 17 lbs 10 oz, the STR-DG820 packs a lot of functionality into one package. With the combination of Linear PCM support and 4 HDMI inputs that support up to 1080p, the STR-DG820 supports the high quality video the equipment in your home theater can provide. It also offers the user accessibility to the popular Dolby audio formats without breaking the bank. The STR-DG820 supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIX, DTS 96/24, DTS, DTS Neo:6, and DTS-ES.


Rating:  3.8 out of 5

Value

The STR-DG820 is by no means the most expensive receiver of the bunch, but the value you get for the money does not disappoint. Sony has improved the chassis of the STR-DG820, making it stronger, an improved internal quality that is geared towards controlling vibration that could affect audio/video quality. The STR-DG820 offers 7 channels at 110 watts a channel, 4 HDMI inputs and 3 HD Component Video inputs. It also offers 2 Optical audio inputs and a coaxial audio digital input, the STR-DG820 does not disappoint in the number of inputs it provides for the money.

Features

The STR-DG820 offers quality audio features in an affordable package. With Sony's Digital Media Port you have the ability to play music from compatible Walkman players and iPods. A compatible adapter accessory that will work with your specific music player will need to be purchased in order to use this function. Still on the music front, the STR-DG820 offers the ability to play XM Radio stations via your receiver. If you would like to use this functionality, you need to have an XM subscription and you will need to purchase the Connect-and-Play accessory for this functionality to become usable. Sony also offers users the ease of calibration for optimal sound quality for your room type with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration function. All you need to do is place the included microphone in your listening position and the system does all the rest. Speaker placement, distance and delay are all calibrated for you, guaranteeing the best sound regardless of your room type.

Summary

In conclusion, the Sony STR-DG820 may not be the most expensive receiver of the bunch, but it does give you the best bang for your buck. If you are looking for a quality performance without breaking the bank then the Sony STR-DG820 is the way to go.

Read more reviews from electronicsme? audio components reviews

Pros

  • 4 HDMI Inputs
  • Digital Cinema Auto Calibration with microphone
  • XM Radio capabilities
  • Walkman/ iPod connectivity with optional dock
  • Quality video support

Cons

  • There are no cons for this product

Related Links

Sony CDPCE375:
5-Disc CD Carousel Player

Sony MDRNC60:
Noise Cancelling Headphones providing 16.5dB noise reduction

Klipsch Quintet SL Home Theater System:
magnetically shielded five-channel surround sound package

electronicsme is electronics made easy - www.electronicsme.com
© 2005 electronicsme Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.