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The composite inputs on the front are a huge plus, and all the dials and buttons respond well. It can get substantailly loud without distortion and comes with a great range of settings.The unit is well-built, doesn't get too hot and looks nice. The display is awesome, telling you what you're listening to (2/0, 3/2.1, etc).The only dings: I'd really appreciate a MUTE button on the unit itself (in case I need quick silence and can't find the remote).and, although I have no idea if this feature even exists, it'd be great if you could teach the receiver an 'acceptable' sound plane so you don't get blasted by the DVR, for example, after watching a DVD.I can't speak for the XM feature, or, arguably the most important part, the HDMI. I purchased the Sony DG710 after an older Sony kicked the bucket (to be fair, it was 10 years old).Everyone has their own setups, so here's mine:Wharfedale front channelsAdvent back channelsAR subwooferDVD player component audioDVR component audioPS2 optical audioWii composite audioPC composite audioUnlike most, I prefer to run the video sources straight to the TV so they don't have to use this receiver as a passthrough. Crisp, clear, and good enough to pick up the imperfections in my PC's terrible soundcard. But it does produce great sound. I can't confirm whether this results in a better picture, but I'm guessing it does.Thus, my review is only audio-related.And wow.is it excellent. Which is what matters to me.
Dud. Well, guess what. You need to go with at least the DG810 to get 5.1 PCM audio.
The HDMI audio on this receiver is limited to only 2 channel PCM. After a Sony tech rep told me that, I returned the DG710 and bought an Onkyo. Avoid the Sony STR-DG710 receiver at all costs.
I bought it for my PS3 for Blu-ray playback because my old Sony receiver only had digital optical audio input, and optical is limited to only 2 channel PCM. I owned it for 2 days before returning it. The promo literature says "Optimized for Blu-ray Disc", and that is an outright lie.
Avoid.
But the 710 with it's full HD 1080P compatibility, it's handling of the audio through the HDMI cable, the auxiliary AV inputs on the front panel, the power, and the quality sound gave me all reasons I needed to upgrade. Coupled with a Harmony remote which allows me to pre-program all the features I want with one button -- watch cable/dvr, watch blue ray videos, play PS3 games, view video cassettes (I know, what are they). I had the advantage of hearing a 710 which my son had purchased so I was pre-sold but I didn't have the correct model number when I first ordered which meant a return and reorder.Amazon was great with the transaction. or listen to music. They sent me the return confirmation number immediately, provided the printed label on-line for the repacked unit and I sent it back via UPS. They gave me a full refund and I am completely satisfied with both the new receiver and with Amazon's excellent customer service.This receiver costs more than the first one I ordered (nearly double) but it really delivers and for this price is still a value in my view. This receiver is perfect for my needs.
That's not a knock on the 510 because for the money it's a great value. That's why I gave it 5 stars. I purchased this unit after returning a STR-DG510 because I made a poor choice originally. The Harmony sends the signal and the 710 responds beautifully.As usual, I'll probably still do some tweaking down the road but for now, I'm extremely pleased with my purchase.Dave
I purchased a Blue-Ray dvd player and it arrived yesterday. The unit is still sitting in the box. Needless to say, I did not purchase a Sony. I purchased this Sony product with plans to connect a Blu-Ray to it. The Sony circuits would not support this type of connection, and would have to use a component type of connection. I connected it directly into my TV using the HDMI to DVI adapter and had no problem. After speaking with the Sony customer tech suuport, I was told that the HDMI connections could not be used for either of the input-outputs because I have to hook it into my tv using a HDMI to DVI adapter. Sony needs to use a little more forethought when designing a product.
Currently I am using just a pair of Bose 301(series I) and a new Yamaha subwoofer but, the sound is very, very good. My only very minor comment(not complaint) is that there are no s-video jacks. Although I have not used it to it's full capacity (6.1 setup), I am very happy with the product. Even my MP3 player sounds great. Does not produce much heat (a good thing). It's many features allow an almost customized listening experience. I would buy it again and again.
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