I am not sure how Cnet ranked the sound Quality as it uses the same DSP and internals as Denons High end stuff. Also well regarded by budget couscous audiophiles. I have this receiver matched to a 5.1 6ohm 140w Subsonic Speaker system and it blows my old Pioneer out of the water in terms of sound quality on the same speaker system. Stereo sources also sound fantastic and the receiver also has DTS Neo audio and Dolby PLIIz. Read more