Solid device with a very unsightly defect

I had the opportunity to test the Sony STR-DH550 and to compare it directly against a Denon AVR-X1000, which in some of the same slightly higher - equivalent to entry level. I would like to say in advance that cover my impressions essentially with the very good review of DrOctupus.

After unpacking the Sony receiver makes a simple but sophisticated look. The controls are discreetly distributed terminals save space but useful. On frills or visual abnormalities were waived. When Erstverkabelung even a layman is not brought to unbridgeable issues and on the shelf, the device has no obtrusive appearance.

The versatility of connection possibilities to know this quite convincing. You are in sufficient numbers available, let not an essential component missing and are slightly above the average in this price range. In this regard, the Sony offers a lot more than that to the bare essentials restrictive model of Denon. Pluses collects the STR-DH550 also by the possibilities 3D images and 4K video loop through to the TV and the HDMI output has an audio return channel by means of which one can measure the audio signal of the TV directly at no extra cables.

Of the external data storage devices that can be connected via the USB port, the device plays all popular audio files without complaint. A clearer display and sort function would, however, have been encouraging, but corresponds to the standard of most competing products.

When practical test reveals that the sound quality rather for movie fans is a music lover. The tips come across very punchy and results from the effects of a convincing surround sound feeling. For very dynamic music that requires a wide range of sound (ie even closer to classical music than rock), I wanted a little more clarity. Here sometimes lacks the accent and it sounds a bit muddy. When compared with other devices in this segment, however, is still in order.

The most serious drawback is, I think that Sony has the STR-DH550 spendiert no way to connect it to the Internet or home network. It has neither a LAN connection, the possibility to connect it via wireless adapter with a router. The ability to stream music from the computer hard drive to take advantage of Apple's AirPlay to listen to Internet radio or einzuspielen even software updates easily via the Internet, thus falls completely flat. In my eyes, these facilities should today belong to daily standard, especially since these use possibility in the future is more important.

All in all, the Sony STR-DH550 a very solid entry-level model into the world of surround sound, which although may not particularly stand out over the competition, as well as no significant weaknesses revealed. Who wants to be felt more quality, it must also decide for the acquisition in accordance with deeper pockets. For buyers whose claims are covered exactly so, a classic 4-star unit. I personally, however, the lack of Internet interferes so much that I depart for another star.