Sony STR-DE197 2 Channels Receiver

Here is your simple, uncomplicated unit. It operates easily, and quite intuitively.
Want to store a channel in memory, and assign it to a preset number? No problem, just tune to the station, push the memory button, then push the preset number of your choice. Don't have to hold it any certain length of time, or wait for a beep, or turn off the memory function. Basic, straight-forward two channel sound.

It's a receiver that will accept a VCR, tape unit, CD player, MD player, heck, even 2 VCRs if you want. Record player? Ain't gonna happen! Doesn't have a record player input. Yes, you need an actual record player input, you can't use something else. Turntables need their own special type of input.
Kind of strange on a stereo receiver. That's about the only quirky thing I found however.

It's cheap, nice looking, small, and has a remote with just about every function on it. You can identify the stations you preset in memory, by naming them, and reassign the various inputs to devices of your own choosing.

It's got 30 station memory, bass boost, good dynamic range, clean output and very little headroom. In other words, if you want a wide range of volume between the loudest and softest passages on your records, again, it ain't gonna happen. Other than that, it's a nice electronic component.

Has a sleep timer, will drive 2 sets of speakers, and let's you tune by punching in the actual station frequency. Kind of a putsy way to tune, but there it is. Manual tuning is done by up-down buttons. Want a subwoofer output? Once again, ain't gonna happen.

This is good, cheap Sony quality, with no frills, and nothing to offer for a home theater system. That's the point I suppose. Some folks still like stereo, and that's all they need. Ever listen to a CD on a multi speaker home theater system? They can sound pretty strange actually. The vast majority of CDs are recorded in stereo, not DVD audio or some other high-faluting such thing. Don't need home theater, don't buy a unit that has it. Get stereo- the old fashioned way to listen to music.

Here's a quick list of the specs:
100 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD
direct access tuning
30 AM/FM presets
4 audio inputs
no phono input
front-panel switching for 2 pairs of main speakers
remote control
headphone jack
16-7/8"W x 5-1/4"H x 12-15/16"D
warranty: 2 years
muting control

I have bought Sony components for years, and have Sony exclusively for my stereo setup. I even have a very old Sony turntable that is functioning perfectly after more than 25 years. Granted, everything else I have (CD player, tape deck, turntable) were the best that Sony made at the time. This unit should be serviceable and reliable for many years, given Sony's reputation.

Funny story actually, about how this came to be used with my stereo setup. I had bought this receiver as a gift, in December. Got around to helping get it installed in August. Found out when I was getting ready to hook up the 5 speakers that it was stereo, not surround-sound. It was now too late to return it for a credit, so I kept it for myself, and replaced a very nice, but very complicated Harmon Kardon 5-channel unit with it. Got tired of trying to figure out how to use the many options for surround sound, when I just really wanted stereo.
Told you it was a funny story.

I have 4 speakers hooked up, and have a non-powered sub woofer in the loop also. Bass is quite soft, but noticeable, and not at all overwhelming. With the bass boost it sounds great. If you have a powered sub it won't work, unless you have speakers inputs on the sub itself. If it's intended to be driven by only a low frequency cable, this amplifier won't do it. If you have questions about that let me know. Seriously, I'll explain it in more detail.

In summary, I recommend this one, and am pleased with it, even if I did come by it by default. Want to buy a nice Harmon Kardon?