Sony Debuts New Receiver Lineup

By Ian Bell March 9, 2005

Leading the 2005 line is Sony’s STR-DE998 7.1 channel audio/video receiver with 110 watts per channel and a 32-bit digital signal processor. Digital Cinema Sound (Cinema Studio EX) processing also adds outstanding sound quality while delivering stunning, realistic theater sound. Based on the expertise of Sony Pictures, this sound system was engineered to reproduce three-dimensional sound the way it is heard in a modern movie theater allowing home viewers to experience cinematic sound the way the director intended.

The unit features the latest in surround sound formats including Dolby Digital Surround EXÂ®, DTS ES (NEO 6), Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS 96/24, providing maximum surround format compatibility. Offering broad connectivity to digital devices such as Sony progressive scan DVD players and high definition televisions, the unit features four optical digital inputs, two coaxial digital inputs, two assignable HD component video inputs, and one component output.

The STR-DE998 will be available in the spring for about $500.

STR-DE898 – With 100 watts and 7.1 channels of power, this versatile model incorporates many of the step-up features found in the STR-DE998 including Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS-ES, S-video up conversion, 2 zone/2 room audio, 32-bit digital signal processor and Digital Cinema Sound

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A pair of Beats Pill speakers.

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Ifi Audio Zen Blue 3 DAC (front).

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The 2024 Beats Pill and an aging Sonos Play:1.

If I were to build an outdoor stereo in 2024, I'd do it with a pair of portable Beats Pills instead of Sonos speakers. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

In 2017, after more than a decade in our home, my wife and I added a pool. With it came a covered deck, making what basically was a new outdoor room. Not uncommon at all in Florida, but new to us.