Solid construction and high end performance

No 4 channel stereo

This is a great processor for the price. I was very disappointed to learn that Sony didn't program a 4 channel stereo preset on a preamp of this caliber. There was a lot of HOOPLA regarding ease of upgrades but Sony has been far too protective of this software. How am I supposed to know exactly what the upgrade will effect? I took my model into the service center in June of 1999 and again in August of 1999 for the latest upgrades. They could not provide me with a description of the upgrade. I have version 1.04A and I'd like to know if I should even bother upgrading. If Sony wanted to eliminate any competition they should be more up front about the upgrades and provide a list of options that the owner can choose from based on their preferences. For example, I would love to have 4 channel stereo which should be a simple programming upgrade. I know there are a lot of other owners out there that would also like to have 4 channel stereo. Why can't Sony provide a list of upgrades that would give us the choice? I would be willing to pay for that upgrade. If anyone could suggest a solution I would be happy to hear it.

Similar Products Used:

DVP-S7700
ATI 1505

Truly excellent stereo & multichannel DVC,Processor & DAC

If you want DVD-A, SACD etc. you'll need the P9000ES as well ( if you can find one ). I can't stress enough Sony "Support" although a good audio dealer will render this less of a issue.

I think it is a good idea to reinforce how true the comments about 2.01 & 2-channel mode, made by the previous reviewer, are.

Although I've had the 2.01 upgrade for a while now I haven't had too much time to check out "Reference" material for a detailed "review".

Now I have, and I'm awestruck. This is now possibly the best value Digital-Preamp for CD's & DVD's in the world. Nothing even comes CLOSE for price:performance for your existing material. Until the Digital Lens 2 ( upsampler, jitter-reduction etc. ) appears I think this is as good as it gets for any sensible price, and even then the E9000ES will be perfect for that 24/96Khz stream.

Here are some of the words that went though my mind as I listened to "Forever Flying" by Sharkey ( on React recordings BTW ):

Holographic, tight, natural, expressive, refined-and-defined, liquid, enveloping, uncolored, exciting, non-fatiguing, dynamic, powerful and balanced.

It is hard to describe this, since it is paradoxial in nature, but somehow there is a sense that it is louder AND quieter at the same time. Despite the stupid SPL levels attainable, it never actually SOUNDS very loud sice it is so uncompressed and not strained at all. A lot of times "loud" can = painful; bright, compressed and shrill even. Here "loud" allows you to fully appreciate the layers in the music, the E9000ES' ability to track rythmns and support the upper-registers so well. Bass is now so defined and deep that some tracks nearly induce vomiting :)

Anyone who uses a Transport w/ the E9000ES for CD's and DOESN'T have this upgrade has wasted a lot of money IMNSHO.

You're so close.... yet so far.

BTW anyone who can assist me in bi-amping the front-pair ( the centre is easy since there are already 2 outputs ) from the E9000ES will earn my eternal gratitude and admiration :)

D.Jay

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I haven't used the new Musical Fidelity model yet :)

Superb sound

Lack of Component inputs/outputs; Lack of SuperAudio CD inputs.

Superb sound and quality all around. Easy to upgrade with new firmware. I currently have the 1.18C, but want to upgrade to the v. 1.22, which has 6.1 capability. Check the following sites for info re the 1.22 upgrade:

http://pub7.ezboard.com/faussiedvdandhtforumsonytae9000esinformationforum.showMessage?topicID=58.topic

Also, the following site has a photo of the upgrade kit:

http://pub7.ezboard.com/faussiedvdandhtforumsonytae9000esinformationforum.showMessage?topicID=61.topic

ALL USERS SHOULD EMAIL SONY CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET THEM TO RELEASE THE 1.22 UPGRADE HERE IN THE USA. THE ONLY WAY THEY WILL LISTEN IS IF ENOUGH OF US USERS CONTACT THEM, SO THAT THEY WILL REALIZE THE DEMAND HERE IN THE USA IS VERY LARGE.

ALL USERS CAN EMAIL SONY AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/feedback.shtml

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TAE1000 and 2000 preamps.