First of all: no manual! Really! There is not even an extensive online manual for this model - in the range of features that were desirable. For this, I draw ever from a half point.
The basic connection of the receiver is very simple: power, speaker and HDMI cable connect, almost ready ... The screw terminals on the receiver are very close to each other, something Frickelei is announced - or simply use banana plugs.
At startup you have to connect the setup microphone briefly to the receiver, the measurement process then starts by pressing a key on the remote control and is completed in less than 1.5 minutes. I could no serious maladjustments notice; Distances of the boxes as far as consistent and the levels get there too broadly. Here then everyone needs according to his preferences still fine-tuning to make, but that's normal.
The integration in the wireless was not working; possible that the device may not 5GHz or that was another problem with the WLAN; the device by means of existing Ethernet cable worked then but problems.
Is stupid Unfortunately for me, that the subwoofer is addressed only in Surrondmodus; in pure stereo operation, I could not find any setting that let him play with the Fronts. I have relatively good pit that also hammer out so a good sound, but these are more emphasized in the upper bass, making me really deep tones halt supplies only the sub. For this there is another point deduction.
In the context of listening to music there is the next point of criticism: the receiver can not be used without turning on your TV to listen to Internet radio. Unfortunately, the display on the receiver shows the corresponding menu items not so necessarily the TV must be turned on to set an Internet radio station. The crux of the matter is that you can then simply can not turn off his TV when you have these connected via HDMI control to the receiver, since the shutdown of the TV also leads to shutdown of the receiver.
Alternatively, you can still Sony's "Songpal" use app to completely here to control the receiver in order and also to use the Internet Radio. But now seriously: my old Yamaha were the three clicks on the remote control, so cumbersome makes me simply no fun. Even I could not pair the app via RFID to the receiver and the app can be with me on Android incidentally also stubborn not quit, there's only a reboot of the device. Seemingly therefore still room for improvement.
All in all, therefore, thought some awkward and not good in my eyes, the operation of the receiver. For this, I draw from another point.
Is also a bit annoying that when you switch on the receiver (and TV) always the menu of the receiver on the screen, regardless of whether you need it or not.
Now we get to the good stuff:
The sound is great, here Sony has really done everything right! The receiver plays clean down to the basement and back up. The sound is homogeneous and balanced and can be adjusted with different presets to your own tastes. Already on low volumes the sound is full and clear and the home theater, the soundscape is also true at slightly higher levels. Full extend I did not dare, but in volume 20 and the current "Godzilla" -BR shook not only with me the whole living room.
The remote I really like, it is cleaned up and has everything you need in everyday life. Really well thought out and implemented!
The design of the receiver is managed and adapts well at least for me a; Again, Sony has done the homework.
All in all, the device "OK" - but I had expected better of it. Sonically compared to Yamaha slightly better, particularly with regard to the bass range.
Due to the problems with the sub in stereo mode and the complicated operation, the device returns. For currently 372, - to offer me here not really an added value compared to the old Yamaha. I would actually depreciate at 2.5 stars on 2 star, I decided to vote due to the good sound to leave at 3 stars, the which should eventually be the main criterion. Without these teething problems, the receiver would be a good device certainly for me.
