Sony STR-DG920

The Sony STR-DG920 is a 7.1 channel receiver released in June 2008 for $699 that supercedes the STR-DG910 released in April 2007 for $599. The 920 offers several key upgrades to the 910 including 1) a fourth HDMI input, 2) analog video upscaling to 1080p, 3) Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio decoding, 4) upgrade to the HDMI 1.3 standard, 5) a second zone of audio, and 6) a small increase in audio power to 110 Watts / channel up from 100 in its predecessor. The STR-DG920 support 1080p video signals with a pass-through, and will upscale analog video sources (composite and component) to its HDMI output at 1080p. The step-down model Sony STR-DG820 is $200 cheaper at $400 but won't upscale or transcode to HDMI.

Where to Buy

Sony STR-DG920
MSRP $599.00
Release date June, 2008
Brand Sony
love it
want it
have it
tag it
Pros & Cons15
Reviews13
Details
Buy It
Competitors6
Comments5
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
12 reviews
85
negative
mixed
positive
7 positive
2 mixed
2 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
1080p video pass-through support
+8agreedisagree

•
4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
+8agreedisagree

•
Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
+6agreedisagree

•
Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
+6agreedisagree

•
Good price for the feature-set
+6agreedisagree

•
Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
+6agreedisagree

•
Screw binding post speaker terminals
+5agreedisagree

•
All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
+5agreedisagree

•
Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)
+4agreedisagree

•
Second audio zone
+3agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Any pre amp outputs
+4agreedisagree

•
Manual says you can't use an HDMI-to-DVI cable to your TV.
0agreedisagree

•
Does not appear to have a switched AC outlet (for active subwoofer)
-1agreedisagree

•
No s-video inputs
-1agreedisagree

•
$100 more expensive than 910
-2agreedisagree


13 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Features

  • 7.1 channel receiver with full-support for latest Blu-ray standards
  • 4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs / 1 x HDMI 1.3a output
  • 110 Watts / channel
  • 1080p pass-through support
  • upsacles analog video sources to 1080p HDMI (composite, S-Video, component)
  • decodes high-defintion digital audio formats (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA)
  • second zone of audio (A/B switch)
  • price: $599
  • release date: June 2008

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This report was started March 13, 2008 at 6:12 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring October 28, 2009 at 8:15 pm by VesNL
This page has been viewed 22178 times, with 169 edits by 16 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Sony STR-DG920

• Sony STRDG920 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver

• STR-DG920 Receiver

UPC: 027242729896

EAN: 027242729896

MPN: STRDG920

Competitors

Sony STR-DG920 is ranked 3rd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers »
Yamaha RX-V663

Yamaha RX-V663

MSRP  $550.00    Released  February, 2008
Pros
  • Excellent price - look for it for less than $500
  • High-definition audio decoding/processing: TrueHD, HD-MA, raw LPCM
  • Video transcoding/upconversion to HDMI and component
Cons
  • Only 2 HDMI inputs - competition has 4
  • Does not pass BTB or WTW. However this is the case w/ all Yammie receivers currently out & hoped to be fixed w/ a firmware update.
  • no USB input, so NO firmware update.
ProSCORE
17 reviews
77
Vote! (6 votes)
vote Sony STR-DG920 17% vs. vote Yamaha RX-V663 83%
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K

Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K

MSRP  $599.00    Released  June, 2008
Pros
  • 7.1 channel pre-outs
  • Video upconversion to 1080p
  • Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player
Cons
  • No switched AC outlet
  • Only 96KHz/24bit audio over HDMI. (see manual, bottom of pg 33)
  • No S-Video inputs
ProSCORE
17 reviews
75
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Sony STR-DG920 20% vs. vote Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 80%
Onkyo TX-SR606

Onkyo TX-SR606

MSRP  $500.00    Released  March, 2008
Pros
  • 4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • High definition audio format decoding
  • Video transcoding and upconversion to HDMI
Cons
  • Doesn't upconvert to 1080p, only 1080i
  • Hudson II video processor is a 2D comb filter as compared to 3D comb filter with adaptive motion
  • Does not upscale HDMI inputs, only passes them through.
ProSCORE
23 reviews
68
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Sony STR-DG920 75% vs. vote Onkyo TX-SR606 25%
Denon AVR-1909

Denon AVR-1909

MSRP  $649.00    Released  July, 2008
Pros
  • Decodes high-definition audio formats
  • Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ
  • You can rename inputs up to 8 characters
Cons
  • No upscaling of HDMI sources
  • Only 2 digital optical and 2 digital coaxial inputs
  • Setting up receiver is very tedious and manual is not user friendly
ProSCORE
8 reviews
79
Vote! (2 votes)
vote Sony STR-DG920 100% vs. vote Denon AVR-1909 0%
Marantz SR5003

Marantz SR5003

MSRP  $800.00    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • quality internal components and circuit design
  • decodes high-definition audio formats: Dolby TrueHD, dts HD MA
  • Upscales to 1080p
  • 90W is powerful enough for the majority of speakers and room sizes
Cons
  • With an abundance of customization and tons of feature, it is not be the best receiver for a non technical person
  • Only two coax inputs
ProSCORE
7 reviews
93
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Sony STR-DG920 100% vs. vote Marantz SR5003 0%
Yamaha HTR-6150

Yamaha HTR-6150

MSRP  $450.00    Released  January, 2008
Pros
  • Analog video upconversion
  • Front a/v inputs
  • Bi-ampable stereo front speakers
Cons
  • Doesn't decode high-def audio (TrueHD, HD-MA)
  • Only 2 HDMI inputs - competitors have 4
  • Only 3 digital audio inputs
ProSCORE
1 review
44
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Sony STR-DG920   vs. vote Yamaha HTR-6150  

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

Wow. In researching the DG-910 I came across the 920. It may be the first receiver that challenges the most-loved Onkyo TX-SR605. Pound for pound, it may just beat the good ole 605 when it comes out in June.
Mar 13, 2008 6:44pm
2.  avatar cdonner said:

Unfortunately, Sony has not published the stand-by power requirements for any of the x20 models on their site, but the 910 beat the Onkyo's hands-down in at least the discipline of intelligent use of energy. The 920 should be in the low single-digit Watt range as well.
May 12, 2008 10:21pm
3.  avatar steviebeef said:

Say what you want about Sony, they are clever in their vertical integration of products. I bought the 920 to pair to my newly purchased 52" Bravia LCD with Bravia sync, and wouldn't you know it but my 10 year old Sony CD Jukebox with Sony link is compatible. Nuts ! I have a 2000 Vaio which I am authoring this E on and same thing, a port for everything including stuff that never made it out of a marketers dream.

I can control the LCD, 920, Blue Ray, Cd Jukebox,Sirius, DVD, and if wanted VHS on 1 remote. Outragious.

The 920's only drawbacks is understanding all the features and for me, no S-Video output. BTW I wired using 10 gauge, should have used 12, terminals too small and bananas don't handle that diameter. My mistake.

FYI-- Male 54 y.o. tech "semi savvy" , cost not an issue, value is.
Jun 04, 2008 10:01pm
4.  avatar VesNL said:

Too bad this boy has not been released in europe, this was the one receiver i really wanted with a decent budget
Aug 26, 2008 3:14pm
5.  avatar tmoreau said:

I was extremely impressed that Sony actually thought of the budget audiophile for this go-around. I have always been a Yamaha-guy, but since it seems that Yamaha ignored the budget HT enthusiast this year, I opted for a company I dont usually think of. I bit the bullet, and was extremely impressed at the simplicity of set-up, ease of use, so on and so forth. Granted this model is now discontinued, which I ended up getting the difference back a few days later, this will definetley do me good until I start saving money for my Xtreme HT.

I did not enjoy the fact that it will not decode DOLBY TRUEHD, or DTS-MASTER audio from a PS3. But after about 2 hours of googling, searching and getting stranded on the desert wasteland we call the interwebz, I found a good workaround which gets me that true HD sound that I purchased this product for. Granted the display will not say DTS-HDMA, or HD Master/Lossless Audio, however, after watching Top Gun on Blu-ray, and having watched that film twice a year since it came out in the 80's, I could most certainly hear a difference. If you are on a budget and can get this receiver for a good price, bite, you wont regret it.

26 y.o. male, moderate knowledge of low-mid-range systems.

Jul 25, 2009 6:45pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Erik

avatar
May 9, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
83
negative
mixed
positive
10 pros
2 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
  • Good price for the feature-set
  • Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
  • Screw binding post speaker terminals
  • All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
  • Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)
  • Second audio zone

Cons

  • Does not appear to have a switched AC outlet (for active subwoofer)
  • $100 more expensive than 910

Comments

"Wow. In researching the DG-910 I came across the 920. It may be the first receiver that challenges the most-loved Onkyo TX-SR605. Pound for pound, it may just beat the good ole 605 when it comes out in June."

Competitors

Erik prefers Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K, Yamaha RX-V663 over Sony STR-DG920
Erik prefers Sony STR-DG920 over Onkyo TX-SR606
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

tmoreau

avatar
July 25, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
91
negative
mixed
positive
10 pros
1 con
have ithave it
love itlove it
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
  • Good price for the feature-set
  • Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
  • Screw binding post speaker terminals
  • All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
  • Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)
  • Second audio zone

Cons

  • Any pre amp outputs

Comments

"

I was extremely impressed that Sony actually thought of the budget audiophile for this go-around. I have always been a Yamaha-guy, but since it seems that Yamaha ignored the budget HT enthusiast this year, I opted for a company I dont usually think of. I bit the bullet, and was extremely impressed at the simplicity of set-up, ease of use, so on and so forth. Granted this model is now discontinued, which I ended up getting the difference back a few days later, this will definetley do me good until I start saving money for my Xtreme HT.

I did not enjoy the fact that it will not decode DOLBY TRUEHD, or DTS-MASTER audio from a PS3. But after about 2 hours of googling, searching and getting stranded on the desert wasteland we call the interwebz, I found a good workaround which gets me that true HD sound that I purchased this product for. Granted the display will not say DTS-HDMA, or HD Master/Lossless Audio, however, after watching Top Gun on Blu-ray, and having watched that film twice a year since it came out in the 80's, I could most certainly hear a difference. If you are on a budget and can get this receiver for a good price, bite, you wont regret it.

26 y.o. male, moderate knowledge of low-mid-range systems.

"

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

steviebeef

avatar
June 4, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
10 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
  • Good price for the feature-set
  • Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
  • Screw binding post speaker terminals
  • All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
  • Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)
  • Second audio zone

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"Say what you want about Sony, they are clever in their vertical integration of products. I bought the 920 to pair to my newly purchased 52" Bravia LCD with Bravia sync, and wouldn't you know it but my 10 year old Sony CD Jukebox with Sony link is compatible. Nuts ! I have a 2000 Vaio which I am authoring this E on and same thing, a port for everything including stuff that never made it out of a marketers dream.

I can control the LCD, 920, Blue Ray, Cd Jukebox,Sirius, DVD, and if wanted VHS on 1 remote. Outragious.

The 920's only drawbacks is understanding all the features and for me, no S-Video output. BTW I wired using 10 gauge, should have used 12, terminals too small and bananas don't handle that diameter. My mistake.

FYI-- Male 54 y.o. tech "semi savvy" , cost not an issue, value is."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

cdonner

avatar
May 12, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
1 con
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)

Cons

  • Does not appear to have a switched AC outlet (for active subwoofer)

Comments

"Unfortunately, Sony has not published the stand-by power requirements for any of the x20 models on their site, but the 910 beat the Onkyo's hands-down in at least the discipline of intelligent use of energy. The 920 should be in the low single-digit Watt range as well."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

miked924

avatar
April 1, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
0 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
  • Good price for the feature-set
  • Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Syzygy

avatar
October 24, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
2 cons

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs

Cons

  • Manual says you can't use an HDMI-to-DVI cable to your TV.
  • $100 more expensive than 910

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

dmuino

avatar
April 23, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

dalegg

avatar
April 7, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
  • Screw binding post speaker terminals
  • All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
  • Second audio zone

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

VesNL

avatar
October 28, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 1080p video pass-through support
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Good price for the feature-set

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"Too bad this boy has not been released in europe, this was the one receiver i really wanted with a decent budget"
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

zero

avatar
June 7, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
2 cons

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Any pre amp outputs
  • No s-video inputs

Competitors

zero prefers Sony STR-DG920 over Onkyo TX-SR606
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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This product is also known as:

STR, DG, 920, STRDG, DG920, STRDG920