A few thoughts regarding the STR DE 197

I purchased this SONY unit because I have a wonderful collection of classical records, a great Pioneer turntable with a brand new needle and the man at Best Buy said it would work.

So as I attempted to hook everything up, I noticed the lack of a phono hookup, so I used the 'tape' connection. The volume had to be up all the way (74) in order to hear at just 'normal' sound. Of course, we don't 'blast' classical music, so my interest was more fidelity and volume.

I then tried the headphones and found that even at maximum volume, the sound was soft, but clear and undistorted. I paid $120 for a floor sample. Unfortunately, it was the only two channel receiver at the store.