A/V receivers 
By John P. Falcone (March 8, 2005) 
Sony's 2005 A/V receiver lineup emphasizes value. All but one offer 7.1-channel amplification and the latest surround processing modes, including Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS ES. The company's top-of-the-line STR-DA7100ES even includes HDMI switching, which dovetails perfectly with the increased prominence of the state-of-the-art, all-digital connection in most of its DVD players and HDTVs. Sony's also dipping its toe in the streaming networked audio market with the NAS-CZ1.

Model	Price & availability	Specifications	What's cool about it
Sony STR-DE598  Check prices	$200 Spring 2005	6.1-channel A/V receiver; 100 watts per channel; Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES (Neo:6), and DTS 96/24 surround modes; two assignable component-video inputs; 5.1-channel SACD/DVD-Audio input	Sony's entry-level receiver packs serious power and features at a price anyone can afford.
Sony STR-DE698  Check prices	$300 Spring 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 100 watts per channel; Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES (Neo:6), and DTS 96/24 surround modes, plus Sony's Digital Cinema Sound processor; two assignable component-video inputs	The STR-DE698 will become the most affordable 7.1-channel receiver available when it hits the market in April. See how it performs in CNET's exclusive hands-on review.
Sony STR-DE898  Check prices	$400 Spring 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 100 watts per channel; Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES (Neo:6), and DTS 96/24 surround modes, plus Sony's Digital Cinema Sound/Cinema Studio EX processor; two-zone, two-room audio; composite to S-Video upconversion	For an extra $100, the DE898 adds two-room, two-zone capability and S-Video upconversion to the DE698's already impressive feature set.
Sony STR-DE998  Check prices	$500 Spring 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 110 watts per channel; Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES (Neo:6), and DTS 96/24 surround modes, plus Sony's Digital Cinema Sound/Cinema Studio EX processor; two-zone, two-room audio; composite/S-Video to component-video upconversion; 5.1- and 7.1-channel analog inputs; four optical and two coaxial digital audio inputs; LCD remote control	The flagship receiver in Sony's non-ES lineup, the DE998 features a wealth of connectivity options, upconverts all incoming video sources to component output, and ships with an LCD remote control.
Sony STR-DA2100ES  Check prices	$800 Spring 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 110 watts per channel; two assignable component-video inputs; composite/S-Video to component-video upconversion; second-zone A/V input; lip-sync adjustment; RS-232 interface; three 12-volt triggers; one IR input and two outputs	The entry-level AV receiver in Sony's premium ES (Elevated Standard) lineup includes home integrator-friendly RS-232 and infrared connections in addition to its impressive array of surround-sound and audio/video features.
Sony STR-DA3100ES  Check prices	$1,000 Spring 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 120 watts per channel; two assignable component-video inputs; composite/S-Video to component-video upconversion; second-zone A/V input; third-zone audio-only input; lip-sync adjustment; onscreen display; RS-232 interface; three 12-volt triggers; one IR input and two outputs	The DA3100ES improves upon its little brother with 10 additional watts of power per channel and an onscreen display to make setup easier.
Sony STR-DA7100ES  Check prices	$2,000 Summer 2005	7.1-channel A/V receiver; 170 watts per channel; HDMI interface with source upconversion and switching for two analog sources; second-zone A/V input; third-zone audio-only input; lip-sync adjustment; five optical and three coaxial digital inputs; two component inputs, one output; five composite/S-Video inputs, two outputs; RS-232 interface; three 12-volt triggers; one IR input and two outputs; LCD and multizone remotes	Sony's top-of-the-line ES receiver adds HDMI capability for state-of-the-art single-wire connectivity to the latest digital HDTVs.
Sony NAS-CZ1  Check prices	$250 June 2005	Network digital audio receiver; Ethernet connectivity; LCD; built-in speakers	Sony's sexy digital audio receiver includes built-in forward- and rear-firing speakers and an LCD to show the song's title and artist info. (A USB adapter adds wireless support, but it's sold separately.)