On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 09:02:23 -0500, "Arny Krueger"
wrote:


IME most of the money is often taken from places that don't appreciably hurt
sound quality. Corners are cut, but they often represent well-thought-out
insights into what it really takes to make good sound.

If that reflects the design philosophy, I am all for it. That would
make one of these receivers a perfect match for my needs.

You can get a 5.1 receiver for close to $100.

Speakers will be closed-box KEF B200+T27 (KEF Choral?), and output
power is not an issue, anything is enough.

IME spending the bigger bucks on quality speakers is a wise move.

I know, but the KEF:s has to serve a little bit more. As I said, they
are not used for any critical listening, some opera DVDs being the
most demanding. A part for ZZ Top wehen vacuuming, of course!

The Sony STR-DE695 and 495 are good examples of what I am looking at.

Most of my experience with cheap receivers is with Pioneer equipment. The
Sony equipment I've bought has often disappointed me on the grounds of
durability and longetivity. I have only one piece in long-term use at this
time.

I often hear Americans here say this, but to me Sony represents a very
good quality brand! All Sony equipment we own are still working after
in one case 20 years of service! Nothing beats Sony in my opinion when
it comes to small portables: Walkman WM6DC, SWF-1 muliti-band portable
radio, the first CD Walkman (D-50?), my kids *very* sturdy "My First
Sony" portable cassette recorder, etc. All of this equipment still in
use. Sony do have a quality ring to its brand here. Perhaps Sony has
to work on it brand in the US?

Per.