I have be a long-time fan of Sony , so it be my first choice when I begin look for a ht system . I buy the 740 and set it up with little trouble - love the compact size of the satellite speaker .  i crank it up and the disappointment begin . even with the power sub turn up full , the bass response be dismal , and leave it on full produce a hiss . the sound be send heavily -lrb- it sound like 60 % - 70 % -rrb- to the center channel speaker , which greatly reduce the surround effect . you be also very limit in you ability to redirect sound or set level for the surround speaker ; essentially you set they level by set they distance from the viewer . the catch be that the reciever limit the range of distance you can set . if you set the front speaker at 15 ' , you can not set the rear speaker at 5 ' . basically all distance must be within 5 ' of each other , which keep all speaker level about the same . I wind up hear very little out of the rear channel speaker , even when play cd . when I choose one of the music setting , like jazz , concert or hall , the center channel problem be avoid , because it would not be utilize , but the sound out of the other speaker be tinny and flat .  i give the system 2 1\/2 month to win I over . in the end , I break the ladder back out , take the whole system down , and return it to the store . I know I have not pay a ton for this system , but I expect more than I get . I find it mediocre at best .