Sony STRV444ES Surround Sound Receiver

Considering buying this unit, any one in the know have any thoughts pros/cons.

I heard about some temperature problems with this unit. In my opinion, I will go to the new Sony STR-DB1070, is the new model of the Sony STR-DB940 (I have this), with 6.1 "real" channels, component videoswitching and more. This line borrow technology and design from their high-end "ES" line. Look at [Link: crutchfield.com]

Hope this helps.

Rodrigo.

i'll second that!!! i have a 940 as well, hell-of-a piece of machinery!!!

extremely nice looking as well. very es looking, very clean.

SanMan

ps lots of POWER!!!

Junebug,

Don't do it!

My experiences with this unit was documented a few months back.

Two of them in a custom installation were a disaster and summarily replaced.

I had the overheat problem on one of them (the more ventilated one). S-vid switching was very irregular on one and the composite-vid switching did not work at all on the other. Digital sources did not always lock = video, no audio.

A total and humiliating diaster.

I found that there were IR sequences that I could make to make things happen more dependably, but that just led to other problems.

Did I mention the Volume and Mute problem? This unit does not unmute when you ramp the volume. Does this spell blown speakers or what?

OK. I would not have such a huge problem with these things myself if I was the user, but as the integrator and the one who has to answer the phone....the stink!

Thanks All.... some good advise.

I do want an amp with true 6.1, not the "virtual matrix" thing and any overheating probs pretty much eliminate this unit form consideration.

BTW, I have a Sony ES 5.1 ready amp now and it has the same volume/mute issues.

So does the ES555 have the overheating probs ?

I have had less experience with the 555; I have heard others refer to mysterious switching anomolies. This is hearsay, of course, and not admissible as evidence.

I just bought the STR-DE1075...seems to be a pretty good unit so far. It has 6 independent channels with rear center channel. It has a GUI interface so you can set it up on your TV...pretty cool. The remote is not too fancy but has learning capabilities. I went with it over the ES555.