Sony STR DG510 5.1 Channels Receiver
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- Surround Sound: Dolby Digital® DTS® Dolby Pro Logic II Dolby Pro Logic
- Number of Channels: 5.1 Channels
- Type: Receiver
- Stereo Mode Power: 100 Watt @ 8 ohm
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Sony AV Receiver- An Endangered Species? Why do we still need these things?
Pros
Still a place to gather those loose ends but only for Audio. Maybe?
Cons
Outdated concept. Too Darned Many Kinds of Connectors- How about standardizing?
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
The HDMI Connections are the only improvement. The rest of it is inferior to older more versatile models. Imagine, tuning a radio without a knob? That's Progress?
SONY CORPORATION STR-DG510
Multi Channel AV Receiver
WHAT IS IT?
July 2 Update: Revised the note about the 33 1/3 Player/Recorder.
Once the mandatory nerve center of any respectable Home Entertainment System, the AV Receiver or "TUNER" is having a hard time justifying itself because of alternatives now on the consumer market. When I purchased a 42" Flat Panel TV, I automatically reached for a tuner as an essential part of a new system. Although the STR-DG510 is versatile enough, it may be another dinosaur getting ready for the museum. The concept of a "TUNER" or AV Center is a holdover from Audio Hi-Fi days; days which I think are numbered. A friend of mine, who has an impressive built-in music system in his house, snorted at me when I asked about his entertainment center.
"If you mean pushing the TV through a tuner; I have nothing to do with that!"
Oh, sez I, I was only curious. He could afford to build Bentley Coupes into each room of that house of his. But he had raised a valid point. Why, indeed, SHOULD we want to do that? One glance at the hind end of one of those new HDTV models is instructive. Just LOOK at all of those connections. The light slowly dawns.... Why, we could do the video switching INSIDE the TeeVee! We could even attach the Speakers directly to it. And we should. It was some long time ago that I saw a DVD Player built right into the TV Case! Whose idea is all that Sewrrownd Soun' anyhow? Why should we spend a week or two hanging speakers all over the place? So we find a "Sweet Spot", do we? That whole Consumerator idea anchors the LISTENER firmly in a small area of the building but it might not be the best place to WATCH the PICTURE! Because the Sweet Spot might be BEHIND THE TV! Preposterous. You bet your bippy, it is.
Speshul affex? Yes but is there an enduring story up there on the screen? (Assuming you could see it.)
Thought provoking, no? While gearing up for this Epinion, I had to think about what I could (or would) attach to this box.
Join me, please.
---
Basically, with this "AV Receiver", you can do the following:
1. Switch your system from one attached component to another.
2. Receive and deliver AM and/or FM Broadcasts
3. Connect your system to external speakers. (2 to 6. Channels)
4. Control speaker volume/levels
5. Switch from one input mode to another (Auto in, Optical in, or Analog)
6. Bypass the speaker system with a built-in jack for stereo earphones
7. Connect RCA style plugs for Stereo/Mono Audio and Composite Video
8. Connect Fiber Optical Cable
9. Connect S-Video Cable
10. Connect an Analog Video Source to an Analog Television (Monitor Out)
11. Connect Coaxial Audio Cable
12. Connect Component Video Cable
13. Connect AM Loop or FM Antennae
14. Connect HDMI Cable (2 in, 1 out)
15. 'Search' or Allow the radio to select the more powerful AM or FM Stations
While I am at it, here is what you cannot do with this device (Where's that Remote?)
a. Randomly select your favorite Broadcast Station
b. Select a Phonograph (i.e. vinyl record player) component.
c. Power Out: Switched Power to another component from this device.
A supplied Remote enables most functions, including pre-programming favorite broadcast radio stations. It is yet another remote that I do not think was necessary. It is handy if your installation is not at eye level.
---
OPERATIONS How I put it to work
FIRST: I ran the Stereo Audio from my Compact Disk Player to the AV Receiver "SACD/CD" input.
I had a choice of using Optical Cable; which I did. Soon, however, I needed the Optical CABLE (those are very expensive) for another component and pre-empted the CD Player, demoting it to the old Red and White paired stereo cable and connection. There is nothing to be gained by using high falutin' cable for CD Music; after all, it has been working OK for 24 years worldwide with ordinary stereo cables.
SECOND I considered running the TV Sound through on the "TV" input. I had never done that and did not do it here for reasons below.
THIRD Next could have been the Satellite TV Box Signals, both Analog Video and Audio. Did not do it, however. Our HD TV has an input (Video 1) dedicated to those Cable/Satellite inputs so I used that connection, with an S-Video Cable and Stereo Pair RCA Plugs.
FOURTH Next on the back panel is "VIDEO 1"; which, from the double pairing has to be for a Video Recorder (VHS or DVD-R). The associated two pairs of Audio Jacks are labeled "Video 1", In and Out. I own a Combo VCR/DVD/CD player; the VCR output of which I connected using a 3 Wire RCA Plug Cable. I had a choice of sending the VCR Video/Audio to the Tuner rear panel (Video 1) or directly to the TV "Video 2" port; which shortcut I took until I could solve other problems. Any Analog Video signals sent to the Tuner must be sent to a TV via "Monitor"/Video Out. Problem: I had no vacant analog input on the TV except the already mentioned Video 2 Jacks (meant for a portable Video Camera or Digital Camera connection).
There is a vacant Component Video Input (CVI) on the TV but the TV CVI is already occupied by the DVD portion of that Combo player.
FIFTH I had noted those strange Jacks up along the top of the Tuner, labeled "HDMI" (High Definition Multi-Media Interface). There were the "missing" output jacks.
There were some of those Jacks on the new TV. To use them meant buying into the latest Home Entertainment profit center; another Epinionator had tipped me off about affordable HDMI cables, 9 footers made by RCA and sold at Target and Wal*Mart for $9.99, so I had one ready.
Next, I had to find a DVD Player with HDMI interface Jacks. After 3 tries (2 with DVD Recorders), I had one ready to install. And I did. The compartment for that DVD Player sure looks empty, one Cable and the 120V power cord.
SIXTH Already noted is the lone Digital Optical input on the STR-DG510. I used that Optical Fibre Cable 'borrowed' from the CD Player to connect the Optical Out behind the new HDTV with this input. By muting the TV sound, I can pump the HDMI audio back into the Tuner and thencely to the Speakers.
SEVENTH Connect the speakers - I use only two of them, connected as the "L&R Fronts" and run the 'Tuner" in "2 CH" Mode. Surround sound does not entrance me.I still resent the changeover to Stereo; which, we are assured, emulates 'front row Center' listening. I have been to many a live performance and can say that stereo is a gimmick that adds little to the Movie Experience.
HEADPHONES I have some (Sony CD350) and they work fine.
I did not try the "Control" devices; preferring the Universal Remote approach to multiple component operations.
OUTCOME I could have run the HDMI cables into and out of the Tuner but believe in the 'shortest distance' school of circuitry and McDonell's Theory of multiple connection vs. potential for failure. I actually ran CVI through the Receiver with those annoying audio cables; all to no good effect. I see, from my HDMI experiences that CVI is likely going to disappear.
When, oh when, will these designers learn to use contrasting text labels for their controls? And legible ones, big enough to read? We own one of those LED Flashlights that carries one label: MADE IN CHINA No kidding. Huge typefont, too.
Although I am not interested in the Surround Sound Effects, I do note that the connectors for the Speaker Wires are the PRESS type, not the Wind up and Break Design. My two speakers (Yamaha $74/pair) are adequate for our needs. I own a Center Speaker but have no place to mount it.
Note: We already have a similar device made by Pioneer - VSX-A55. Dates from 2003, has more inputs and more manual controls. Much superior to the Sony Entry. The VSX-A55 has a Turntable jack, and we have the 1984 era Technics Direct Drive L-6 turntable to go with it.
RECOMMENDATION Don't do it.
I would put the cost of the nearly superfluous 'AV Receiver' into a new and better equipped HDTV model with 6 to 10 inputs.
End of Review
---
NOTE: I saw an interesting thing the other day: It was a very nice looking wooden case. Oak, with a lid. When opened, it revealed a by-gosh RECORD PLAYER. For those 33 1/3 Vinyl platters. So?
--- Under that player was (shhhh!) what looked like a CD RECORDER. One could convert Vinyl to DVD/CD (?). Now you remember that TV that contained a DVD Player? There is hope for us.
---
To observe how much things have changed since 2004:
--- See my review on Sony STR-DE695.6.1 6 Channel Receiver
http://www.epinions.com/content_120690085508
Multi Channel AV Receiver
WHAT IS IT?
July 2 Update: Revised the note about the 33 1/3 Player/Recorder.
Once the mandatory nerve center of any respectable Home Entertainment System, the AV Receiver or "TUNER" is having a hard time justifying itself because of alternatives now on the consumer market. When I purchased a 42" Flat Panel TV, I automatically reached for a tuner as an essential part of a new system. Although the STR-DG510 is versatile enough, it may be another dinosaur getting ready for the museum. The concept of a "TUNER" or AV Center is a holdover from Audio Hi-Fi days; days which I think are numbered. A friend of mine, who has an impressive built-in music system in his house, snorted at me when I asked about his entertainment center.
"If you mean pushing the TV through a tuner; I have nothing to do with that!"
Oh, sez I, I was only curious. He could afford to build Bentley Coupes into each room of that house of his. But he had raised a valid point. Why, indeed, SHOULD we want to do that? One glance at the hind end of one of those new HDTV models is instructive. Just LOOK at all of those connections. The light slowly dawns.... Why, we could do the video switching INSIDE the TeeVee! We could even attach the Speakers directly to it. And we should. It was some long time ago that I saw a DVD Player built right into the TV Case! Whose idea is all that Sewrrownd Soun' anyhow? Why should we spend a week or two hanging speakers all over the place? So we find a "Sweet Spot", do we? That whole Consumerator idea anchors the LISTENER firmly in a small area of the building but it might not be the best place to WATCH the PICTURE! Because the Sweet Spot might be BEHIND THE TV! Preposterous. You bet your bippy, it is.
Speshul affex? Yes but is there an enduring story up there on the screen? (Assuming you could see it.)
Thought provoking, no? While gearing up for this Epinion, I had to think about what I could (or would) attach to this box.
Join me, please.
---
Basically, with this "AV Receiver", you can do the following:
1. Switch your system from one attached component to another.
2. Receive and deliver AM and/or FM Broadcasts
3. Connect your system to external speakers. (2 to 6. Channels)
4. Control speaker volume/levels
5. Switch from one input mode to another (Auto in, Optical in, or Analog)
6. Bypass the speaker system with a built-in jack for stereo earphones
7. Connect RCA style plugs for Stereo/Mono Audio and Composite Video
8. Connect Fiber Optical Cable
9. Connect S-Video Cable
10. Connect an Analog Video Source to an Analog Television (Monitor Out)
11. Connect Coaxial Audio Cable
12. Connect Component Video Cable
13. Connect AM Loop or FM Antennae
14. Connect HDMI Cable (2 in, 1 out)
15. 'Search' or Allow the radio to select the more powerful AM or FM Stations
While I am at it, here is what you cannot do with this device (Where's that Remote?)
a. Randomly select your favorite Broadcast Station
b. Select a Phonograph (i.e. vinyl record player) component.
c. Power Out: Switched Power to another component from this device.
A supplied Remote enables most functions, including pre-programming favorite broadcast radio stations. It is yet another remote that I do not think was necessary. It is handy if your installation is not at eye level.
---
OPERATIONS How I put it to work
FIRST: I ran the Stereo Audio from my Compact Disk Player to the AV Receiver "SACD/CD" input.
I had a choice of using Optical Cable; which I did. Soon, however, I needed the Optical CABLE (those are very expensive) for another component and pre-empted the CD Player, demoting it to the old Red and White paired stereo cable and connection. There is nothing to be gained by using high falutin' cable for CD Music; after all, it has been working OK for 24 years worldwide with ordinary stereo cables.
SECOND I considered running the TV Sound through on the "TV" input. I had never done that and did not do it here for reasons below.
THIRD Next could have been the Satellite TV Box Signals, both Analog Video and Audio. Did not do it, however. Our HD TV has an input (Video 1) dedicated to those Cable/Satellite inputs so I used that connection, with an S-Video Cable and Stereo Pair RCA Plugs.
FOURTH Next on the back panel is "VIDEO 1"; which, from the double pairing has to be for a Video Recorder (VHS or DVD-R). The associated two pairs of Audio Jacks are labeled "Video 1", In and Out. I own a Combo VCR/DVD/CD player; the VCR output of which I connected using a 3 Wire RCA Plug Cable. I had a choice of sending the VCR Video/Audio to the Tuner rear panel (Video 1) or directly to the TV "Video 2" port; which shortcut I took until I could solve other problems. Any Analog Video signals sent to the Tuner must be sent to a TV via "Monitor"/Video Out. Problem: I had no vacant analog input on the TV except the already mentioned Video 2 Jacks (meant for a portable Video Camera or Digital Camera connection).
There is a vacant Component Video Input (CVI) on the TV but the TV CVI is already occupied by the DVD portion of that Combo player.
FIFTH I had noted those strange Jacks up along the top of the Tuner, labeled "HDMI" (High Definition Multi-Media Interface). There were the "missing" output jacks.
There were some of those Jacks on the new TV. To use them meant buying into the latest Home Entertainment profit center; another Epinionator had tipped me off about affordable HDMI cables, 9 footers made by RCA and sold at Target and Wal*Mart for $9.99, so I had one ready.
Next, I had to find a DVD Player with HDMI interface Jacks. After 3 tries (2 with DVD Recorders), I had one ready to install. And I did. The compartment for that DVD Player sure looks empty, one Cable and the 120V power cord.
SIXTH Already noted is the lone Digital Optical input on the STR-DG510. I used that Optical Fibre Cable 'borrowed' from the CD Player to connect the Optical Out behind the new HDTV with this input. By muting the TV sound, I can pump the HDMI audio back into the Tuner and thencely to the Speakers.
SEVENTH Connect the speakers - I use only two of them, connected as the "L&R Fronts" and run the 'Tuner" in "2 CH" Mode. Surround sound does not entrance me.I still resent the changeover to Stereo; which, we are assured, emulates 'front row Center' listening. I have been to many a live performance and can say that stereo is a gimmick that adds little to the Movie Experience.
HEADPHONES I have some (Sony CD350) and they work fine.
I did not try the "Control" devices; preferring the Universal Remote approach to multiple component operations.
OUTCOME I could have run the HDMI cables into and out of the Tuner but believe in the 'shortest distance' school of circuitry and McDonell's Theory of multiple connection vs. potential for failure. I actually ran CVI through the Receiver with those annoying audio cables; all to no good effect. I see, from my HDMI experiences that CVI is likely going to disappear.
When, oh when, will these designers learn to use contrasting text labels for their controls? And legible ones, big enough to read? We own one of those LED Flashlights that carries one label: MADE IN CHINA No kidding. Huge typefont, too.
Although I am not interested in the Surround Sound Effects, I do note that the connectors for the Speaker Wires are the PRESS type, not the Wind up and Break Design. My two speakers (Yamaha $74/pair) are adequate for our needs. I own a Center Speaker but have no place to mount it.
Note: We already have a similar device made by Pioneer - VSX-A55. Dates from 2003, has more inputs and more manual controls. Much superior to the Sony Entry. The VSX-A55 has a Turntable jack, and we have the 1984 era Technics Direct Drive L-6 turntable to go with it.
RECOMMENDATION Don't do it.
I would put the cost of the nearly superfluous 'AV Receiver' into a new and better equipped HDTV model with 6 to 10 inputs.
End of Review
---
NOTE: I saw an interesting thing the other day: It was a very nice looking wooden case. Oak, with a lid. When opened, it revealed a by-gosh RECORD PLAYER. For those 33 1/3 Vinyl platters. So?
--- Under that player was (shhhh!) what looked like a CD RECORDER. One could convert Vinyl to DVD/CD (?). Now you remember that TV that contained a DVD Player? There is hope for us.
---
To observe how much things have changed since 2004:
--- See my review on Sony STR-DE695.6.1 6 Channel Receiver
http://www.epinions.com/content_120690085508
