Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony STR-DE525 Surround Receiver

I have had my 525 receiver for about six months and I really like it. If I was buying a receiver today, I would probloubly choose to go with the higher model 835 (for its digital/dts decoding built in), but at the time the 525 was perfect, I got my dvd player, also a Sony with the Dolby digital decoder built in, and it works great. The sound will just blow you away. Even with the volume set to 2 out of 10 on the dial it is defeaning. Before I replace this unit I may just add an external dolby digital/dts decoder and get several additional years out of it.

I've had this receiver for almost a year and its not bad. 5.1 in can only be used with a dolby digital decoder, so dont think any dvd player will connect to this. The power is nice and so are the features, but now i would for $100 more get the Str-de835 receiver, a new one with dolby digital and DTS decoding built in and 27 dsp modes, which is worth the extra ben franklin.

Whilst this amplifier offers power for home theatre and surround-sound systems, it unfortunately is plagued by a "feature" called PROTECTOR. What is supposed to happen is that if a short circuit or dangerously high volume level occurs, the system will shut down and go into this protection mode to avoid blowing speakers or damaging other equipment connected to it. What actually happens is that this protection mode will activiate without cause or reason. The internet is full of consumers who have experienced this and complained about it, and Sony's website page (where you can send an email and make a technical inquiry,) even has in their "problem issue" selection list, the "ERROR - P (PROTECTION) MODE" option...which means they know about this problem and though it has been present for years, they clearly have not corrected it. I've most always been happy with Sony components, but I will avoid buying Sony products that offer this "protection" feature.

I just bought this unit to replace my SA-VA10 amplified system, Since My DVD player is already digital out ready I didn't need to spend the extra cash for the digital receiver. My advice: If you already have the decoder in your DVD... GET THIS RECEIVER! Sounds great and great controls, lots of options.

I wouldn't say that this receiver is versatile or high quality, but for the amount that you pay its a bargain. If you are just an average person wanted to see your movies with better sound than your TV, this receiver will give you that. I have to say that this product just met my expectation (which I didn't expect too much).