Refurb Sherwood Newcastle R-972 7.1ch Receiver $299, FS @ 1saleaday

Not bad, just keep in mind it has HDMI 1.3a and not HDMI 1.4 so you won't be able to do 3D pass through. Correct me if I'm wrong and I'll jump on it!

Oh wait, now I'm confused "This receiver has full support for HDMI 1.4" says in the descriptions. But the title says 1.3. Looks like it can do 3D pass through. I pulled the trigger and got one. Very scared! We'll see how it is.

Looks like no 3D support

What I Liked About the Sherwood Newcastle R-972

1. Very good build quality. At 46 pounds care should be given when lifting or moving.
2. Trinnov Optimizer provides accurate speaker setup measurements and soundfield processing options.

3. Firmware upgradable via USB and RS-232 connections.

4. Two remote controls provided for both main and 2nd/3rd zone operation.

5. Main Remote is both RF and IR compatible.

What I Didn't Like About the Sherwood Newcastle R-972

1. Video upscaling at the 1080p setting is not functional. As explained in detail in the video performance section of this review, Sherwood has a definite problem with the video processing section of this receiver that needs to be addressed.

2. No home network or internet connectivity. An increasing number of home theater receiver, especially in this price range, are incorporating features such as Internet Radio, audio streaming, and/or home network connectivity for retrieving audio, photo, and music files from a PC.

3. No Dedicated input for phono/turntable.

4. No front panel HDMI input. This in not a deal-breaker, but having adding an HDMI connection on the front panel would add convenience for temporary high definition sources.

5. User Manual is comprehensive, but not always clear. Not for the novice.

6. Main remote control sometimes difficult to use.

Final Take

In summing up the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 Home Theater Receiver, I must say that it has a definite case of split personality.


Sherwood Newcastle R-972 - Remote Controls

Photo (C) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
On one hand, the R-972 is a landmark product that offers the most comprehensive speaker setup system available on a home theater receiver up to this point, and the overall audio performance does not disappoint.
On the other hand, the R-972 fails in video performance. This, despite the fact that it features the very reputable IDT HQV Reon processor that is known for excellent video upscaling. I usually include a video performance photo gallery for products that feature video upscaling, but with not being able to access the 1080p scaling function on the R-972, it was not feasible for this review.

Taking the combination of features, audio performance, and video performance into consideration, I can only come up with a star rating of 2.5 out of 5.

To put it bluntly, the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 still needs more refinement to be considered an acceptable option as a complete audio/video home theater receiver. If the R-972 was a receiver that was not intended to include video upscaling capability, or if the included video processing would have worked properly, the star rating would have been higher.

However, that being said, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Sherwood assisted me in this review on a timely basis by providing a second R-972 sample to work with after encountering the video upscaling problems. Unfortunately, the second sample also exhibited similar video performance issues.

For an additional look at the physical features and the operation of the Sherwood Newcastle R-972, including the Trinnov Optimizer, check out my Photo Gallery.

Review Date: 2/19/10

I wonder if it comes with the calibration microphone...they only say a remote but also a retail box.

This is critical. The 972 requires a proprietary mike with 4 elements and an ethernet hookup.

See Here. [about.com]

Without the mike the Trinnov circuits will not even work.

Very very good point. I've emailed 1SaleADay to find out. I'll let you all know if I hear anything back.

you people are all idiots that think this thing does not one with the mic...
just saying...

I've been saying that it does one with or does not one with the mic, but no one listens..

Then again, maybe its because, like conklin, I don't check my text for typos..