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Features
5 x 100 watts RMS power.
Dolby Digital.
DTS surround.
Digital Cinema Sound
Cinema Studio EX
96kHz/24-Bit processing.
27 acoustic modes.
Pros
Stylish silver finish.
Good tally of features.
Useable surround processing.
Cons
No Dolby Pro Logic II.
Ratings
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Distributor
Sony Australia
Tel: 02 - 9887 6666 |
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Sony STR-DB870S
Dolby Digital AV surround sound receiver
Recommended retail price: $1399
(inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
The STR-DB870 is located in the middle of Sony's AV receiver range. It's a stylish and attractive product whose silver finish is right up there in the contemporary consumer electronics design stakes.
The unit generates 100 watts x 5 , 8 Ohms 1 kHz 0.7% THD (90 Watts x 5, 8 Ohms 20-20KHz 0.09 per cent THD) in surround mode and 100 watts x 2, 4 Ohms 1kHz 0.7 per cent THD.
Importantly, the unit is SACD compatible in terms of the receiver's operating frequency range. SACD requires more bandwidth than conventional CD and Sony is a prime mover in SACD technology, so this all makes perfect sense and can be applauded.
Dolby Digital and DTS Decoders are standard and built in. They use high-bit (32-bit) processing techniques. There's also Dolby Pro Logic decoding for replay of with older movies. And 5-Channel Digital Signal Processing with a claimed 27 acoustic environments. For those people who like playing with acoustic environments this will doubtlessly be appealing.
In addition there's Sony's proprietary Digital Cinema Sound which uses high-bit digital signal processing to provide acoustic enhancement in your home based on measurements made at Sony Pictures Studios movie production facilities. It's one of those thoroughly researched and implemented yet intangible features whose merit is in the ears of the beholder.
Like most Sony AV receiver, the DB870S (the 'S' stand for silver and 'B' means black finish) is a mini tour de force of connection possibilities, offering everything for home theatre and then some - for tinkering and the like (such as it is in a digital world). When listening in an analogue environment (normal CDs for example) you can switch unwanted circuitry out of the signal path, eliminate interference as a result and improve .
On the front panel most of the least used function controls are located beneath a hinged panel. This helps to give the unit a sleek appearance when the lid is closed. Connection is quite simple and the input options are quite productively clustered. There should be no lacking of facilities here. The tuner section has station call sign naming facilities and a healthy array of preset and tuning facilities.
The STR-DB870 is appropriately priced in line with its competition. It's a tough area of the market where we expect a little bit more than entry level performance and facilities and the unit delivers. You'll be happy with the level of performance from this receiver it belies its asking price.
No Pro Logic II on board, but whether or not that's a factor for you is a personal matter. The receiver can create creates healthy amounts of room-filling sound that'll make your movie viewing experience a hoot, and that's most important.
There's plenty of sonic expanse and both dynamic and inner detail and this helps create solid, believable sound fields in Dolby Digital surround sound. Directional effects are well translated and overall delineation is good for the class of receiver. I really like the silver finish (shades of the late '70s).
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