NEW Sony STR DG820

[Collectors Set]

UPDATE: First off mad props to CtotheP for bringing that ridiculous low price to our attention. So I went to that website and compared the specs between the 820 and 920. For the 920, it DOES explicitly state for internal decoding capability DTS-HD & Dobly True HD, but NOT for the 820. So then I went back to the SONY website where I originally pasted the content below and now all of a sudden, the specs and layout design for the 820 have totally changed on the SONY website. And I do not see it clearly state for decoding capabilities either DTS-HD or Dolby True HD. Am I missing it?????????

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...&SQS=STR-DG820

So finally I decided to take yet another journey out to CC in person, which by the way cost me $30 in gas. They actually had one on the shelf for display. On the front of it, it does have the DTS-HD and Dolby True HD logos. However no where on the box, does it clearly state anything about actual internal decoding capabilities.

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I have not seen anything like this in terms of capacity, decoding capabilities, outputs, etc. at this price point. If anyone by chance gets one, let us know.

AMAZON should have it in 4 weeks or less. Its priced at $399. CC is starting to get them in their stores and they are also selling them for only $399 [I think]


Sony STR DG820
Audio Video Receiver

7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver
100 Watts X 7 Amplifier Power (8 ohms, 1Khz, 1.0% THD)
Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signal via HDMI™

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding

Accepts up to 8ch Linear PCM through HDMI™ technology
Optimized for Blu-ray Disc™ and other HD Sources2
DIGITAL MEDIA PORT
HDMI Active Intelligence: 4 Inputs/1 output(Video and Audio)
BRAVIA® Sync™ (HDMI CEC)

Portable Audio Enhancer with Front A/V Inputs
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration with setup microphone
Digital Cinema Sound™ Signal Processing
Supports x.v.Color™
XM® Connect and Play™ Ready1 with 5.1 Neural Decoding

Specifications

Channel Power Rating 7.1 Channel Power Rating: 110W x 7 Amp Power (8 ohms, THD 1.0%)
Impedance 8 Ohms
Sound Fields Cinema - 3; Music - 3; Auto Format Decoding - 11; 2 Channel - 1
Tuner Type Auto Tuning, Direct Tuning, Station Name
Zones Single

Digital Cinema Sound™ Technology Yes
Dolby® Digital Decoding Yes
Dolby® Digital EX Decoding Yes
Dolby® Pro Logic® Decoding Yes
Dolby® Pro Logic® II Decoding Yes
Dolby® Pro Logic® IIX Decoding Yes
dts® 96/24 Decoding Yes
dts® Decoding Yes
dts® NEO:6 Decoding Yes
dts®-ES Decoding Yes

AM/FM Memory Presets 30 FM - 30 AM
XM® Connect and Play™ Compatible Yes
XM® Memory Presets 30
A/B Speaker Switch Yes (A / B)
Digital Cinema Auto Calibration Yes (Mic- Mono)
HDMI™ Technology Active Intelligence
Remote Control Yes (Pre Programmed)
AC Outlet 1
Antenna Terminal (AM Loop) 1 (Rear)
Antenna Terminal (FM 75 Ohm) 1 (Rear)
Coaxial Audio Digital Input(s) 1 (Rear)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr ) Input(s) 3 (Rear)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) 1 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s) 4 (1 Front/3 Rear)
Composite Video Output(s) 1 (Rear)
Digital Media Port Yes
HD Component Video Input(s) 3 (Rear)
HD Component Video Output(s) 1 (Rear)
HDMI™ Connection Input(s) 4 (Rear)
HDMI™ Connection Output(s) 1 (Rear)
Headphone Output(s) 1 (Front- Silver)
Optical Audio Input(s) 2 (Rear)
Optical Audio Output(s) 1 (Rear)
RCA Audio Input(s) 7 (3 Dedicated/4 Audio/Video)
RCA Audio Output(s) 2 (1 A/V Output, 1 Output)
Subwoofer Output(s) 1 (Rear)
Power Consumption (in Operation) TBD
Power Consumption (in Standby) TBD
Power Requirements AC120V, 60 Hz
Speaker Terminal Type Screw Binding Posts (A); Spring Lever (B)
Dimensions (Approx.) 16 15/16 x 6 1/4 x 12 1/4" (430 x 157.5 x 310mm)
Weight (Approx.) 17 lbs 10 oz (8Kg)

[JasonR]

I got the 920 preordered for less than $400!

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I got the 920 preordered for less than $400!

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I got the 920 preordered for less than $400!

Well you are definitely future proofed. What are you doing for speaker wire ?? 16 gauge?? Are you using banana plugs? I also need to get a couple of new HDMI 1.3 cables.

[nezff]

IMHO, I would not get a sony receiver. THD very high, and doesnt put out the wattage it claims.

Denon 4308
Rated: 140 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 171 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 111 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Denon 2307
Rated: 100 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 140 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 74 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Pioneer VSX-94TXH
Rated: 100 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 178 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 61 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Onkyo 605
Rated: 90 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 144 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 80 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Onkyo 875
Rated: 140 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 201 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 128 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Yamaha RX-V2600
Rated: 130 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 158 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 55 watts


Yamaha RX-V1800
Rated: 100 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 196 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 119 watts - 6 channels driven
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Yamaha RX-V661
Rated: 90 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 151 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 53 watts - 6 channels driven
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Sony DG910
Rated: 100 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 84 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 30 watts - and that's only with 5 channels driven
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Cambridge 640R
Rated: 100 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 166 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 91 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Integra DTR-7.6
Rated: 105 watts per channel
Output with 1 channel driven (8 ohms): 148 watts
Output with all channels driven (8 ohms): 44 watts
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...ers-page2.html

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by nezff

IMHO, I would not get a sony receiver. THD very high, and doesnt put out the wattage it claims.

Interesting. Thanks for your post. On this grocery list do we know if the Onkyo 605, was that for 5 or 6 channels driven?? I am kind of still torn. I have a Onkyo 505 that I can sell easily and it would be free money for me. I was looking hard again at the Onkyo 705 because I really like the THX certification along with the future proofing and having all the codecs covered. The only other receiver in this price range and functionality is this new Sony. The depth size on the 705 is at 14 13/16's is really pushing my custom fitted glass shelves cabinet. The 605 is about the same depth, but surprisingly the price is still high. Its still practically like $100 cheaper than the 705. The depth on that new SONY 820 is actually ideal for my situation.

[nezff]

Originally Posted by Collectors Set

Interesting. Thanks for your post. On this grocery list do we know if the Onkyo 605, was that for 5 or 6 channels driven?? I am kind of still torn. I have a Onkyo 505 that I can sell easily and it would be free money for me. I was looking hard again at the Onkyo 705 because I really like the THX certification along with the future proofing and having all the codecs covered. The only other receiver in this price range and functionality is this new Sony. The depth size on the 705 is at 14 13/16's is really pushing my custom fitted glass shelves cabinet. The 605 is about the same depth, but surprisingly the price is still high. Its still practically like $100 cheaper than the 705. The depth on that new SONY 820 is actually ideal for my situation.

let me ask this, what speakers are you driving? Also, you get what you pay for with receivers.

[Barnum]

Originally Posted by Collectors Set

Interesting. Thanks for your post. On this grocery list do we know if the Onkyo 605, was that for 5 or 6 channels driven?? I am kind of still torn. I have a Onkyo 505 that I can sell easily and it would be free money for me. I was looking hard again at the Onkyo 705 because I really like the THX certification along with the future proofing and having all the codecs covered. The only other receiver in this price range and functionality is this new Sony. The depth size on the 705 is at 14 13/16's is really pushing my custom fitted glass shelves cabinet. The 605 is about the same depth, but surprisingly the price is still high. Its still practically like $100 cheaper than the 705. The depth on that new SONY 820 is actually ideal for my situation.

THX certification means nothing if the rest of the equipment and the room do not match the spec. I see this as more of a marketing ploy than anything else.

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by nezff

let me ask this, what speakers are you driving? Also, you get what you pay for with receivers.

That is definitely true. Right now I have an Onkyo 505 that I got for free as a gift from a relative who upgraded his setup, so I dumped the extra cash saved into speaker acquisitions. I will be making this final decision in the next 48 hours, but its gonna either be the Polk Monitor 70's or Venturi D84's for fronts, Polk CS2 or Venturi equivalent for center, and the Polk PSW125 or the Venturi V1220 which is actually superior to the Polk sub and a heck of allot cheaper.

I guess worst case scenario I could just stay put and use analog 5.1 with my BR player which will interally decode any codec except for DTS-HD MA.

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by Barnum

THX certification means nothing if the rest of the equipment and the room do not match the spec. I see this as more of a marketing ploy than anything else.

Thats a good point. So in reality, the 605 would most likely suffice, but since I have the 505 already

I guess I just do not like the feeling of missing out on a codec for audio, but maybe I will just keep things simple and not worry about trading up for a better receiver. The way my setup is right now, I will be able to get any codec via my BR player and analog 5.1 connection [thanks crack] except for one. So is it really worth spending all those bucks just so I can pick up DTS-HD MA decoding

[miked924]

Have this one on pre-order from Vanns.com for $349 w/ no tax and free shipping, should be shipping within the next month I imagine.

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by miked924

Have this one on pre-order from Vanns.com for $349 w/ no tax and free shipping, should be shipping within the next month I imagine.

That is a great price. Keep us posted with a little mini-review if you like. Thanks

[Mr. Cinema]

I'm glad this receiver is FINALLY showing up at retail. I've had no problem with Sony gear in the past. I'm looking for a cheap way to get lossless audio, and this receiver fits my budget.

[CtotheP]

Just purchased this last night from TechDepot for $277 + shipping + tax for $322 total. Should ship this week. Now I've just got to decide on speakers

[bdrex28]

I'm holding out for the Pioneer 1018, that comes out any day now.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Collectors Set

Well you are definitely future proofed. What are you doing for speaker wire ?? 16 gauge?? Are you using banana plugs? I also need to get a couple of new HDMI 1.3 cables.

I ordered 100 ft. of 12AWG speaker cable off of Amazon when I got my Polks. I will get banana plugs later, just for cosmetics. I ordered the extra HDMI I will need from Monoprice.

[hagar852]

get the bananas from monoprice also.. cheap and work great...

[Collectors Set]

UPDATE: First off mad props to CtotheP for bringing that ridiculous low price to our attention. So I went to that website and compared the specs between the 820 and 920. For the 920, it DOES explicitly state for internal decoding capability DTS-HD & Dobly True HD, but NOT for the 820. So then I went back to the SONY website where I originally pasted the content below and now all of a sudden, the specs and layout design for the 820 have totally changed on the SONY website. And I do not see it clearly state for decoding capabilities either DTS-HD or Dolby True HD. Am I missing it?????????

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...&SQS=STR-DG820

So finally I decided to take yet another journey out to CC in person, which by the way cost me $30 in gas. They actually had one on the shelf for display. On the front of it, it does have the DTS-HD and Dolby True HD logos. However no where on the box, does it clearly state anything about actual internal decoding capabilities.

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by CtotheP

Just purchased this last night from TechDepot for $277 + shipping + tax for $322 total. Should ship this week. Now I've just got to decide on speakers

Check out my update - what do you think??

[JasonR]

http://129.33.22.12/release/STRDG820_EN.pdf

Here is the manual, it states in there it decodes the formats. If it is on the front panel, it should do the decoding.

Pg 23

Sony's site just sucks.