Sony's budget-priced STR-DE698 7.1-channel receiver

Sony's STR-DE698 7.1-channel receiver doesn't hit the market for another month, but CNET's got an early review for would-be home theatre junkies on a budget. With a $299 list price the STR-DE698 is the cheapest 7.1 receiver around but it seems you get what you pay for. While the specs hit all the right marks, it looks like it delivers sound quality that falls well short of even just slightly more expensive models. They also don't dig the styling and "low-rent"
buttons and faceplate.  Ouch.