The DH800 was not available when I started shopping for a new receiver a few months ago. Even if it was 700 is greatly reduced at the time, had enough, the 800 features the next generation (DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital + THX and a few modes) induce me to wait a while. And it was worth it. This is an incredible value for a receiver midrange. Once you manual configuration (it's okay for a room) seemed incredibly complex. They had the possibility of electronic positioning of each speaker (remember, the balance control!). Then I found the section that explains what was the little microphone. Wire all mixed. Turn it on. Place the microphone, where are your ears and press "Go". Your system looks like an Atari video game for about 20 seconds and you're done. Remarkable.

Part of my motivation to stay with Sony is that Sony is so well-branded components through Bravia Sync. My DH800 is a screen XBR and will be joined by a BDP-S560 Blu-ray, if it ships this summer. Yes, I am inclined to Sony-biased. I turn off the TV production and worked for many years and now a lot of time in Oregon, the first (and still the best, IMHO) HDTV spend in the studio. On the cameras, mixers, and shows clearly the figures of the Sony nameplate. As for DH800 and XBR screen, it has been proven is still characterized by comfort, consistency and design interface logic.

The rest of the system is a bit like a hybrid (I'm) not a big fan of Sony speakers. My primary front speakers are old and venerable, (Canoga Park-era) Infinity 2500's, B & W VM-1 surrounds, HTM-61 Center and a really fabulous Hsu Research VTF-1 subwoofer. However, self-calibration mixture menagerie seamlessly together.

The only point that I found so far is that the back (especially the large group of right speaker terminals) is full, the nose and the speaker is usually a little sticky and annoying. Sony seems to be a little on the candles, they chose saved. In addition, it is very well designed and executed component that will really set in the next generation Sony Blu-Ray shine.

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