Sony STR-DG520 5.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 16.9 x 6.2 inches ; 17.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0015HPYD0
• Item model number: STR-DG520
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,989 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

90 watts x 5 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD. Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and Dolby Pro Logic® II processing. Digital Cinema Sound modes. Digital Media Port for adding an optional Sony iPod dock or wireless PC music player. HDMI digital video switching (2 in, 1 out) -- pass-through only (a separate cable connection is required for audio).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars HDMI largely useless for audio, November 19, 2008

By 

Marc F. Berezin (Soldotna, AK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony STR-DG520 5.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black (Electronics)

I bought this receiver, along with a Blu-Ray player, for its HDMI inputs. Hidden in the fine print of the product description are the words "pass-through", which apparently means it can "pass through" audio to a TV via HDMI, but not to speakers which are connected to the receiver. Further research revealed that I'd need to buy the STR-DG820 or 920 to get this internal audio-processing capability. Uh, what's the point of the receiver if it can't utilize the audio via HDMI? Yes, I could connect an optical digital or coaxial cable (in my case, I could only do that for either my satellite receiver OR the Blu-Ray player but not both, but that's another story). I sent it back.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up for Sony, June 4, 2008

By 

Michelle T. "I love to give homemade gifts...... (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony STR-DG520 5.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black (Electronics)

Up until a month ago my "home theater" consisted of a 15 year old 32" tube television with a KOSS home entertainment/DVD system. So forgive me, but this is all new to me. We were going to get an LCD TV, but we got a DLP projector and a Blu-Ray player instead. I had cables all over the place, running to the hi-def cable box and the Blu-Ray player as well as power for it all. What a mess. Never mind that I had to use three different remotes just to change the channel, raise/lower the volume, etc. Plus, all of the equipment was behind us so it would reach the projector. Not fun when you're trying to change the channel. Finally frustrated, I bought this Sony A/V receiver so I could a) hook up all of my equipment to it, b) reduce the amount of cables running up the wall/ceiling to the projector, c) hook up my KOSS surround sound speakers to something since they were sitting off to the side, not in use and d) move everything back to the front of the room. Well, this device took on everything like a champ. I've got my hi-def cable, Blu-Ray player and even my PS2 hooked up to it and everything plays on the projector perfectly. The KOSS speakers hooked up easily, except for the sub-woofer. I'm still trying to figure that one out. (Something to do with the cable for the SW, not a receiver issue)

Like a previous reviewer, I am not an audiophile. I don't know much about frequencies, THD, bells & whistles. I can tell you this much though...when the T-Rex roars in Jurassic Park on the 112" screen, my whole house vibrates! It's pretty awesome. Additionally, I've still got a free video input and two free HDMI ports to add more stuff and it's got a DMPort to hook up my portable music too. One last thing to point out, when I had problems with the picture on the PS2, I called Sony for support and the guy on the phone was so good. He walked me through everything step-by-step, was kind and courteous and in the end, told me that "I" did a good job! Two thumbs up to Sony for the equipment and their exemplary customer service! Yes, I am sure there are better devices out there for you audiophiles, but if you're an average housewife like me, don't know much about this stuff and aren't looking to spend a fortune, this device does not disappoint in the least.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Option, May 19, 2008

By 

G. Jones (Marblehead, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony STR-DG520 5.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black (Electronics)

I do own this product and am not an audiophile per se. I bought this receiver to replace an older HTIB after I purchased a new Sony Bravia LCD TV. Is it the best receiver out there? No. Is it a good receiver for the money? You bet. I paired this receiver with Harman/Kardon surround sound speakers and a Samsung Upconvert DVD player. Guess what? Sounds great. Still figuring out the set up and such but if you do your own research and this receiver is on your list than I don't believe you will be disappointed. As for technical aspects of this receiver you will have to do your own research because I am not qualified to explain all the bells and whistles. But suffice it to say I am quite pleased with my recent purchase.