With a surprisingly low retail price, the Sherwood RD-7502 is a good choice for those looking to get into a home theater receiver without shelling out a lot of money, but also those who need some HDMI switching capability.

With features such as Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx, DTS ES, DTS 96/24 and Neo-6, the RD-7502 has plenty of DSP power to enjoy most every movie format made today. Along with a 7.1 analog input, this receiver is also future-proof for those that may want to venture into HD at some point. This is a good, easy-to-use, starter receiver that focuses on the basics and gets them right. Other features include 192 kHz/24 bit DACs for all channels, automatic speaker set-up with supplied microphone, room EQ, four DSP Surround modes (Theater, Hall, Church, Matrix), and Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone. The receiver also contains Cinema EQ and multistage dynamic range control.

The RD-7502 also comes equipped with enough inputs to get one started as well. There are two HDMI switching inputs and one output, two component video inputs and one output, two S-video inputs and one output, two optical digital inputs and one output, and two coaxial digital inputs, three analog audio inputs and one analog audio output. Also included is an XM Connect and Play input.

Rated at a generous 100 watts in seven channels of discrete amplification, this receiver should be plenty enough for most modest speaker systems. One thing we were disappointed with was the lack of real binding posts. At this price level there really is no excuse for spring clip terminals, but Sherwood seems to be reliving the past a bit here. The use of any wire larger than 14ga will prove to be difficult with this receiver.

Binding posts not withstanding, the build quality is decent for a receiver in this class and the unit has a solid feel, weighing in at a stout 22.3 lbs. The front panel is nice and clean (read: simple) and the remote is also simple and easy to use. However, some may find the lack of an on-screen setup menu to be a bit cumbersome and it requires visual contact with the front panel. The manual will be of help in this regard as it is well laid out and easy to follow. It should be noted that the lack of an on-screen setup menu is common for receivers in this price range, but recent models from competing manufacturers are changing this. Overall this receiver is a case of give-and-take, putting it generally in line with others in its class.

For those on a budget needing a surround sound receiver, the Sherwood RD-7502 is a something to consider--especially for those fans of the Sherwood brand. Unlike some others at this price, the 7.1 analogue input makes the RD-7502 nearly future proof.

Pros: HDMI switching, Decent power rating at this price, 7.1 analog input, 92 kHz/24 bit audio DACs for all channels.
Cons: Spring clip speaker terminals, lack of on screen setup menu

Warranty
2 years