General Asylum: REVIEW: Sony STR-6800SD Receiver by FRG7SWL

Model:	STR-6800SD
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$150-200
Description:	80 watts-per-channel of pristine audio, coupled with audiophile/dx-quality f.m. tuner & 2 phono inputs for serious vinyl junkies
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Manufacturer URL:	Sony

Review by FRG7SWL ( A ) on February 21, 2004 at 09:42:51
IP Address: 198.81.26.75

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Sony's STR-6800SD was second only to TOTL STR-7800SD in the mid-70s, and became a British audiophile darling. Not hard to see why, considering its pristine 80 watts-per-channel of Darlington audio power, superb dx-capable audiophile f.m. tuner, and two phono inputs for serious vinyl junkies. Adding to the 6800SD's flexibility is a toggle switch accessing two tape monitors, tape-to-tape copying, and an external adapter function which provides amp/pre-amp separation for those desiring auxiliary audio customization. There's also a Dolby F.M. switch, though Dolby F.M. is a distant memory nowadays. For distant reception, though, in some instances it will help clean up noisy signals slightly. Borrowing from Stereo magazine's Fall 1977 review of sibling STR-4800SD: "in addition to the normal bass & treble controls, a three-function 'acoustic compensator' is incorporated that operates in conjunction with the volume control to tailor response. In 'low' position, the effect is similar to that of a loudness contour, but only the low end is boosted(a maximum of 8 1/2 dB @ 20hz with low volume settings, 8dB @ 50hz, 6db @ 100hz, and 3db @ 200hz). In the 'loudness' position, the effect is similar but a bit stronger(9 1/2 dB below 50hz, 8 1/4 dB @ 100hz, and 5 3/4 dB @ 200hz). In addition, there is a gentle high-end boost(1 1/4 dB @ 5khz, 3 1/2 dB @ 10khz, and 5 1/2 dB @ 20khz. In the 'presence' mode, a gentle 3dB boost is imparted to a broad band centered on 1khz. The contour is quite wide, with response @ 200hz and 5khz being accentuated by 1 3/4 dB". Three sets of speakers can be hooked up to the power amp, whose specs Stereo's reviewer found surprising. "Most manufacturers apparently spec their products close to the limit of performance of their better samples. Not so with Sony. The generous margins by which our sample exceeded its specs are indicative of a manufacturing philosophy that decrees that the vast majority of production units will 'at least' meet specs". In the 6800SD's case, that's 80 watts continuous from 20hz to 20khz at no more than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion, 0.1% InterModulation Distortion @ full output. Stereo's conclusion of the 4800SD review also applies to the 6800SD as a "receiver to be reckoned with. It offers some unusual features-FM Dolby and the acoustic compensator; very good FM performance-especially as regards distortion, response, and noise; and a power capability notably superior to its specs. If you are browsing through the thicket of (vintage) receivers in search of one you can love, you owe it to yourself to audition this one".

Product Weakness: Hard rockin' industrial heavy metalers may find the 6800SD's audio a bit too polite
Product Strengths: 80 watts-per-channel of pristine Darlington audio output; dx-quality audiophile F.M. section; two phono pre-amps; extremely flexible functionality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Marantz MR-235
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Dynaco PAT-4
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DCM-450 cd player; Yamaha P-07 turntable
Speakers:	Celestion Vintage 30s
Cables/Interconnects:	Radio Shack Monster Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Blues, Funk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, R-N-B, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 10 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition:	10 years plus
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Hard rockin' industrial heavy metalers may find the 6800SD's audio a bit too polite
Product Strengths:	80 watts-per-channel of pristine Darlington audio output; dx-quality audiophile F.M. section; two phono pre-amps; extremely flexible functionality