Archived Expert Review


This review is from our archive. The manufacturer has informed us that this model has been discontinued. However, it might still be available for sale. The MSRP and warranty were valid at the time the model was discontinued. We hope you'll find our other A/V Receivers reviews and pricing useful.



Click here to go back to normal view!


Expert Review
Sony STR-DE598 A/V receiver

Enlarge Image

CG Award:  (what's this?)




Expert Rating:  4  (what's this?)

Expert Review

Sony STR-DE598 A/V receiver

Date Published: 1/8/08

While it may come with a budget price, the Sony STR-DE598 is anything but a bargain-basement home theater receiver.

With a six-channel amplifier producing 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms, as well as a pre-amp output for a powered subwoofer, the STR-DE598 is certainly no lightweight audio/video receiver. This model has built-in processing for Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx, in addition to the usual 5.1 formats.

Just some of the advanced features on the STR-DE598's include component video switching, with two component inputs and one component output. There is an analog 5.1 connection for the output from SACD and DVD-Audio content. The STR-DE598 has four A/V inputs, including one conveniently located on the front panel, but there is no dedicated phono input.

A second set of main speaker outputs lets one set of speakers be dedicated to a home theater system and another reserved for stereo music. There are presets for 30 AM and FM stations.

Don't just pay attention to the bargain price, because the Sony STR-DE598 is a very good home theater receiver.



Warranty
2 years



Expert Rating Scale

 
   Value
   Is it appropriately priced?
   Performance
   How well does it work?
   Ease of Use
   How easy is it to operate?
   Features
   What's included?
   Overall
   What does Consumer Guide® think?




Product Specs

Width
17 in.
Height
6-1/5 in.
Depth
12-1/5 in.
Weight
17.6 lbs.
Nbr. of AM/FM presets
30 total
Remote control
yes
Watts per channel
90 watts X6
Dolby Digital sound
yes
DVI/HDMI interface
no
Nbr. of channels
6 plus subwoofer pre-amp
DTS sound
yes








Magic Debugger

release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 259495
type: review
category: l4-cp-a-v-receivers

brws title: Sony STR-DE598 A/V receiver Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

meta d: Sony STR-DE598 A/V receivers offer advanced features at a budget price. Compare features on home theater receivers and shop smarter with Consumer Guide's reviews.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Teac-AG-H380-Receiver/productId=109658061