Sherwood RX-4105 2-Channel 100-Watt Stereo Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This Sherwood (noted brand years ago, now mysterious) might be a decent bargain for twice the money. It's stripped down by present standards -- two channels only, no phonograph input. It's dead quiet and extremely clean sounding. I can't hear any emphases or dead spots in the frequencies. The tuner is exceptionally good; I am surprised at the success I'm having with it in a poor reception area, with only the antennas that are supplied. Appearance and quality are fine: nice black steel case, solid buttons, one big old volume knob. It was all I needed, so I'm very pleased. Going to get another for a computer amp.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sherwood RX-4105 2-Channel 100-Watt Stereo Receiver

Sherwood's incredibly affordable RX-4105 offers integrated preamplification and amplification, inputs for numerous audio source components, and advanced radio tuning and station access. The receiver delivers 100 watts RMS per channel x 2 for strong, clear sound across the audible spectrum--even at low listening levels. The company has lowered the amplifier's distortion relative to the previous model (the RX-4105), to less than 0.08 percent, while also giving the receiver a new layout borrowed from its higher-end components.The RX-4105 uses totally discrete amplifiers for all channels (TDAS) to maintain its high power and low distortion. Use the receiver's A and B clip-type speaker outputs to power 2 different rooms, or to biwire a pair of speakers for more efficient amplification (with A outputs driving the woofers, for instance, and the B outputs driving the tweeters--make sure your speakers are compatible if this is a key feature for you).The receiver also offers a handy 25-key remote control and switching for 2 pair of loudspeakers. Audio inputs switch between and amplify up to 4 additional components, including 2 requiring both inputs and outputs (such as a cassette deck and a VCR). The built-in AM/FM tuner features 30 station presets and auto station setup.Other features include bass and treble tone controls, a dimmable fluorescent display, and a .25-inch headphone jack for private listening.What's in the Box Sherwood RX-4105 receiver, remote control, AC power supply cord, FM indoor antenna, AM loop antenna set, and owner's manual.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Sherwood RX-4105 2-Channel 100-Watt Stereo Receiver

Read More...

Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a 30-year-old, top-of-line Marantz that gave up the ghost altogether after the internal lights started fading. Much as I liked it, the cost of repair was considerably higher than this Onkyo (the internet lists plenty of repair places to send units like the Marantz to), and I no longer use my stereo nearly as much as I used to (I wonder how often the surround-sound, 5-speaker audiophiles actually remain seated in their sonic cocoons).
Anyone with experience with audio knows that manufacturer wattage claims are variable, often essentially meaningless, even when listed as RMS, and that 50 watts is more than adequate for all but the most low-efficiency speakers (Acoustic Research, Bose). So I decided to forego the extra pound and a half and save a few bucks, because the features are practically identical with the 100 watt Onkyo. The latter has a few additional frills (brightness dimmer, effects bypass, FM character naming) along with provisions on back for a studio geek to plug in 3 addition pieces of equipment.
Both Onkyos have a convenient volume knob, but I miss the other knobs and the gyroscope tuning, which was more accurate than digital tuning. Also, the Marantz had a third, mid-range tone control (useful for bringing out vocals), both a loudness and a volume control, and numerous filters that were useful for "smoothing-out" the sound of some old LP records. The handiest feature of the Marantz was two additional phone plug inputs on the front of the machine, intended for plugging in tape recorders for dubbing or musical instruments for recording and monitoring. Most of us don't place units such as this in cabinets where it's convenient or even practical to plug and unplug other equipment to the rear of the machine on a continual basis. And as is the case with most Japanese manufacturers, including Sony, the machine is not actually assembled in Japan (try Malaysia).
The biggest annoyance of both this receiver and the more powerful one is an ill-conceived switch that doubles as both an input and a tape monitor switch. You must avoid even touching the switch (more difficult than it sounds) or you'll activate the monitor function and mute all devices connected to the receiver. (I even placed temporary masking tape over the switch to "quarantine" it from my fingers.) Nevertheless, the 8222 is a fine performer and a top brand (I don't recall ever seeing Onkyo producing cheap, low-end product and catering to the masses, as is frequently the case with Sony and Panasonic). But I'm hanging on to the Marantz in case I decide to get cash-careless and go all-out retro.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver

Onkyo 50 Watt Stereo Receiver TX8222

Click here for more information about Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver

Read More...

Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've wondered at times about some of the glowing reviews I've read online over the years for various products: Are these real folks or PR plants from manufacturers? (Hey, it happens all the time in the hotel biz.)
So... if you share my suspicions, no, despite what follows, I don't work for Onkyo in any way shape or form--but I have been involved with audio in various capacities for many years. And... the last time I got this excited about a piece of electronics Ronald Reagan was president...
In short, if you're considering replacing an older receiver (or any receiver you're not currently totally in love with) and you aren't looking for surround sound or lots of bells and whistles, this is your amp. It has a rich, lush (very tube like) sound, and it doesn't sweat driving 4 ohm speakers very loudly (trust me, I know.)
But let's stay respectful: If you're looking to fart out bass at 130db, please don't waste your time with this receiver. Consider 10 o'clock the maximum volume setting for most digital sources. There are cheaper models on the market you can abuse. Please do.
Power. Clarity. Smoothness and functionality. Especially for well under $200 I doubt this receiver will ever meet its match.
post script: Since I wrote this review some time ago, I've noted a few criticisms regarding the sound of this receiver. Ok, here's the deal: It ain't a Krell or a Mark Levinson, but for a fraction of the cost you're getting, to me, the best sound available for a few hundred bucks--and quite often for multiples of that figure. Add in a cheap but fair sounding EQ and you suddenly have yourself fidelity that can very much approach audiophile standards. Under $1000 per unit, the number one problem I've found in so-called "mid-fi" gear is trouble in the 1K range. So if you can cheaply attenuate that, again, you've got yourself some very respectable sound at a bargain. But "off the rack," I've never found anything that approaches the sound of this unit at anywhere near the price. It was especially rewarding to read from so many folks (older ones in particular) how they and others were able rediscover the simple pleasure of listening to music again thanks to this cheap Onkyo receiver--and isn't that what good audio is all about?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver

If you want your receiver to focus purely on two-channel audio, the TX-8255 could be just the answer. It`s perfect for your living room, or anywhere else you like to sit back and soak up your music.The TX-8255`s rock-solid construction incorporates a heavy-duty extruded aluminum heat sink to ensure cooler operation.The whole unit is housed in a rigid, reinforced chassis-finished off with a hairline-brushed aluminum front panel-to help eliminate vibrations. Add compatibility with RI dock for the iPod(R), and you have a superb stereo solution that brings out the power and dynamism of your audio sources.

Click here for more information about Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver

Read More...

Yamaha RX-396 - Receiver - black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This receiver was sold to me as a unit the would give me clear, natural non-distorted sound, even though the output wattage is not as high as some other receivers. On all these fronts Yamaha delivers! It's slightly lower wattage sounds louder than an equivalent receiver of another brand. If you want to hear loud music, you will have to turn the volume control just past half-way, but the sound is still crystal clear. I have had this for about four years and have used high quality Boston Acoustic large bookshelf speakers. - Simple, effecient stereo receiver with awesome sound and some nice features (sleep, remote with volume control, input plugs for two sets of speaker and more... no subwoofer input, though, but the sound delivers a lot of bass on regular speakers.)


Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha RX-396 - Receiver - black

The Yamaha RX-396 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver is a perfect way to start putting together a stereo component system for your child or for a second room at home. Deciding to create your own component audio system is a wise choice because it's an investment that you can constantly upgrade and grow with. Yamaha delivers clean power and reliable assurance that the RX-396 will be a solid foundation and will offer years of wonderful listening pleasure.Versatile binding posts for convenient, easy speaker connectivity (Speakers and Wire not included)Includes wireless remore control

Click here for more information about Yamaha RX-396 - Receiver - black

Read More...

Panasonic SA-HE70K Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We bought this based on a rating from an independent consumer reporting magazine. Hooked up all our components to this unit and we have been very satisfied with the results. The remote has more buttons for functions that I will never use, but otherwise it's a very solid unit with great sound output and the ability to handle all the audio/visual inputs we could throw at it. Unless you have some really exotic stuff, you should be pleased with this receiver/amp.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic SA-HE70K Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Experience your favorite music and movies in a whole new light with this home theater receiver from Panasonic. The built-in Dolby Digital/DTS decoder and Dolby Pro Logic II surround will wrap you in unbelievable sound. And with 3 S-Video inputs, you can hook up your high-resolution components, like DVD and satellite.

Click here for more information about Panasonic SA-HE70K Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Read More...