Lotsa Inputs. Dolby AC-3 RF Input for Laserdisc.

Hiss (This could be my cheapo sony 5.1 ready reciver though)

I've had this thing for at least a few years. I've always liked the sound in Dolby Digital and Pro-Logic. Yes, I can hear hiss all the time, but I think it may be the amp I have it hooked up to (cheapo Sony 5.1 ready A/V reciever). It was a great starter for Dolby Digital off my DVD's and laserdiscs (yes I said laserdisc). Speaking of which, does anyone know for sure if I could use this merely as an AC-3 RF demodulator for my laserdiscs. I'm planning on getting a new Yamaha HTR-5280 reciever without AC-3 RF. Since this processor has an optical output, wouldnt it theoretically work as a demodulator? I don't think I'll ever be able to watch my Episode I laserdisc in pro-logic again. I need that demodulator.

Similar Products Used:

none

Sony what is going on. This product is totally unusable. I wanted to like this decoder but as others have stated the hiss in all modes was untolerable. I know that the sdpep9es is suposed to be state of the art, but after trying sdpe800 there was no way I was going to try another Sony decoder. I returned the sony and bought the denon avd2000. Man are these units worlds apart. The denon is whisper quiet with wonderful 5.1 decoding. Do yourself a favor and pass on the sony sdpe800.

DD decoding, DAC, equalization on all channels, very well layed out, attractive piece.

No 5.1 inputs for pass through or DTS.

Fortunately, I have not had any hissing or noise problems with this unit. I use it as a stand alone preamp/DD processor for my DVD player, DSS and CD changer.

It is very competent at DD and ProLogic. Except for only 1 set of stereo analog inputs and no S video switching, it is a very full featured good sounding preamp.

I have to give this a five star rating based on performance at price level ($200 direct from Sony Online).

And as far as hissing goes, send the piece back for one that works properly if you run into that problem.

Similar Products Used:

Sony SDP-EP9ES, H/K ADP 303 and Rotel RDA 980.

Lots of digital Inputs, a/d converter, easily fits into reciever with pre-amp in/outs

HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

David Ranada of defunct Stereo Review noted the hissing as a major problem. Basically a nice unit, but the hissing has rendered it unusuable. a much better comparable and cheaper unit is the technics ACH-500D. Too bad.

This unit is known to and does indeed hiss badly on all channels in all modes, with or without DSP processing.Sony, what is the point of all those fancy DSP modes if they can't be heard for the hiss? Oh, boy.

Nice Layout, Full function remote control, AC3 RF input, +3 optical, 1 coax input,

Only 1 analog input, No S-video inputs/switching.

I haven't used this product very long, but from my experience, this is a great unit for the $150 i paid for it. The DD processor itself, is about 10x better than the built in decoder on my Toshiba SD3109 DVD player.
As for those of you who have a hissing problem...well...i haven't noticed any hiss AT ALL from the unit i bought. An excellent buy for those of us with DD ready recievers, and are saving up to buy a top of the line integrated amp.

Dirt cheap decoder

Hiss..... pretty poor stereo preamp

This is a great DD decoder for the price. I did notice the hiss that is a known issue with this unit. However, when I disconnected my cable signal the hiss subsided. I can only hear the hiss now if I go right up to the speakers. It is a great DD decoder for the money (or lack of...). Sounds much better than the decoders that you get on cheap receivers and 10x better than the decoders you get on dvd players.