Sherwood S-2770RCP A/V receiver Review

The Sherwood S-2770RCP is a highly versatile am/fm stereo receiver with a wireless remote control. Described as an “audio/video” receiver by its manufacturer, it includes switching and dubbing facilities for several video sources. Beyond its copying function, however, it is not equipped to modify video programs, though its audio and general control features are extensive.

Instead of conventional tone controls, the S-2770RCP has a seven-band graphic equalizer with an adjustment range of ± 10 dB for each band. A memory circuit can store up to four different response settings for instant recall. The equalizer circuit also provides a single (fixed) loudness contour. A multicolored array of illuminated LED bars provides a real-time spectrum-analyzer display of the audible program. At the touch of a button the display switches to show the equalizer response settings.

Another illuminated display window, using colored symbols and words, shows the program source. In addition to the usual audio sources (tuner, CD, phono, tape monitor), the S-2770RCP can be connected to a VCR and another video/audio source, such as a videodisc player (VDP) or a second VCR (for playback only), as well as a TV monitor. Front-panel pushbuttons select the audio program source or one of the video sources, channeling the video outputs to the TV monitor. The audio and video programs from the second video source plug into phono jacks behind a hinged door on the front panel. For video copying, the VCR inputs can be switched to either external source by means of pushbuttons.

The illuminated display shows the status of the receiver at all times.

The digital-synthesis am/fm tuner provides up to sixteen preset channels selected by eight pushbuttons. Each button serves two memory locations, which can be assigned to either band; the preset automatically recalls the correct band as well as the station frequency. The selected channel number is shown on an illuminated display. Other tuner indicators include the frequency, band, relative signal strength, stereo/mono reception, and auto/manual scan mode.

The S-2770RCP can drive two pairs of speakers either individually or simultaneously. Alternatively, in its surround mode the receiver drives rear speakers connected to the second set of outputs with stereo difference signals (L — R to the left speaker and R — L to the right) to produce an enhanced spatial effect on stereo programs. A switchable synthetic-stereo feature for mono programs introduces a slight time delay below 10,000 Hz to create a comb-filter effect, which spreads out the sound.

At the right of the panel is a large volume knob with a bright red led that clearly shows its setting, which is important for remote adjustment using the motorized control. Below the volume knob is a horizontal-slider balance control.

The audio amplifier of the Sherwood S-2770RCP is rated to deliver 70 watts into 8-ohm loads from 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.02 percent total harmonic distortion. The preamplifier section has a switchable subsonic filter rated for a 12-dB-per-octave slope below its 30-Hz cutoff frequency.

The Sherwood S-2770RCP measures 17-1/4 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 5-1/8 inches high. It weighs 21 pounds, 2 ounces. The remote control operates most of the basic functions of the receiver, and it can also control compatible Sherwood components connected to the special control-output jacks on the rear of the receiver. Price: $449.95.

Lab Tests

The fm tuner section of the S-2770RCP had good, though not exceptional, sensitivity and distortion characteristics. Its noise level, however, was impressively low. The measured signal-to-noise ratios, 87 dB in mono and 83 dB in stereo (at inputs of 85 dBf or higher), would be noteworthy in any tuner at any price. Other key measurements were all very good, including the 1.4-dB capture ratio, 73-dB AM rejection, and 70-dB alternate-channel selectivity.

The fm frequency response, though not ruler-flat, was down only 2 dB at the extremes of 30 and 15.000 Hz. Channel separation was 35 to 40 dB over most of the low and middle frequency range, and it was still a good 31 dB at 15,000 Hz. The am tuner section’s frequency response was down 6 dB at 46 and 3.000 Hz.

The equalizer curves were as expected, with a maximum range of about ±13 dB and considerable overlap between them. With the equalizer switched off, the response was flat within +0.3, — 1.0 dB from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The loudness contour, which did not change with the volume setting, provided a moderate boost at both low and high frequencies. The subsonic filter had its — 3-dB response at 27 Hz.

The RIAA phono equalization was flat from 1,000 to 20,000 Hz but sloped off at lower frequencies to — 2 dB at 50 Hz and —4.5 dB at 20 Hz. The high-level sensitivity was 19 millivolts, with noise at —82.3 dB. The phono input overloaded at 153 mV at 1,000 Hz, 235 mV at 20 Hz, and 94 mV at 20,000 Hz.

The audio amplifiers clipped at 88 watts per channel when driving 8-ohm loads at 1,000 Hz. Although the receiver is not rated for operation with lower load impedances, we checked it with 4- and 2-ohm loads, measuring clipping outputs of 108 and 102 watts, respectively. Dynamic power outputs into loads of 2, 4, and 8 ohms were 162, 171, and 126 watts.

The amplifier distortion at the rated 70 watts into 8-ohm loads ranged from 0.004 to 0.01 percent from 20 to 4,000 Hz, rising to 0.045 percent at 20,000 Hz. At one-half and one-tenth rated power the distortion was even lower. The 1,000-Hz distortion into 8 ohms fell from 0.035 percent at 0.1 watt to 0.0045 percent between 10 and 30 watts, rising to 0.01 percent at 80 watts.

Comments

The Sherwood S-2770RCP is clearly a feature-laden stereo receiver that can provide more than enough clean audio power for most people. Its fm tuner has exceptionally low noise and generally very good performance in other respects. Despite the receiver’s flexibility, it is easy to operate and should present no problems to the user.

The built-in graphic equalizer is more versatile than conventional tone controls, but it is necessary to go through a sequence of pushbutton operations to make a response change that would require no more than a twist of a knob with a tone control. The spectrum-analyzer display gives useful readings only at rather high volume levels, and we did not find it particularly helpful.

We were pleased to see the motor-driven volume knob, which in our opinion is far superior to the pushbutton electronic volume controls used in some other receivers. Most of the front-panel displays are clear and informative, although the tuner signal-strength indicator gave full-scale readings on most signals, including some that were only marginally listenable.

The surround-sound system worked well, but there is no provision for adjusting the volume of the rear speakers relative to the front speakers, an important requirement for any multichannel reproducing system. We usually found the rear volume level too high. The problem could have been solved by using individual L-pad or T-pad attenuators in the rear speaker circuits.

Overall, we found the Sherwood S-2770RCP to be a good receiver, above average in versatility and general performance, and it offers good value at its price.

Read all

Sherwood reviews

Read all