Price.

????

Sorry in advance that this is not a review... This is the only website I know of with active TA-E9000ES users...

I am writing here looking for advice. I am either going to buy the Sony TA-E9000ES or the Adcom GTP-750.

I have a question about the Sony:

According to Sony's product specs, they say this unit has "24-Bit/ 96 kHz Digital Audio Capability". What does this mean?

Can the TA-E9000ES convert composite video to S-video and vice versa?

Any comments would be great.... Thanks!

Current Setup:
---------------
Adcom GTP-600 (ProLogic PreAmp)
Adcom GDD1 (Dolby Digital Decoder)
Adcom GFA-7000 (120wpc 5-channel amp)

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP-750

Awesome soundstage

The remote and bass management

Current Software: 1.18A (I know I need to upgrade, but I am not spending money to do it).

This is indeed a powerful processor, however, it is not the dream system that everyone makes it out to be. I purchased an awesome 5-channel amplifier and have spent the past 6-months trying to find a processor for under $2k that is worth a damn. I avoided the Sony at first because it has 3 year old technology and I figured something else must be out there in my price range. I tried the ones that were (Anthem and Acurus among the few), and I confess, I was mistaken. Since most of the Processors in this price range are not up to par, I am now considering purchasing a A/V Receiver such as the Denon 3801, and using it as my processor. The Denon has an updated version of the floating 32-bit processor that Sony has in this unit. The reason for Sony using three is because it is an older chip and not as powerful as the newer single unit in the Denon 3801.

I know it sounds crazy to think about using a Reciever for a Pre-Amp, but the firmware in Recievers is considerably better than the Processors I have tested, not to mention they usually are flawless. My complaints about the Sony, as follows:

1) The sub-woofer is turned of in two channel and most DSP modes when the front speakers are set to large. This is annoying as I have a very musical, well blended sub and awesome hand built large speakers, both from RBH-Sound.

2) The remote is a joke! What in the world was Sony thinking. You can't read it, and by the time you find what you are looking for, it blinks out!

3) You can not adjust the crossover to the sub and Sony claims it is set to 120Hz. I don't know about you, but I don't want 120Hz or even 80Hz going to my sub regardless for what Dolby and THX say.

4) Most of the Cinema and Virtual DSP Modes are useless and a waste of processing power.

Things I do like about the unit are as follows:

1) Analog Movies and Concert Videos are awesome. I don't know what they are doing to process these old Analog sounds, but they definately sound better than I have ever heard them.

2) The unit is virtually noise free.

3) DVD Movies are awesome. It really does know how to process well.


Now for another issue, regarding the upgradabilty. None of the reviews I have read about this unit fess up to the fact that Sony only posts version 1.18C on their internet site. I also called Sony's technical support directly and asked what their latest, authorized version of Software is and I was told by Sony's tech support that it is version 1.18C. I was also told that any other version beyond 1.18C is not authorized by Sony and if used, Sony is not liable and your warranty if voided. I don't know about you, but I will keep my $200 instead of sending it to an unknown firmware hacker that could be posting all the reviews about how awesome his 2.01 version is. Sony tells me that 1.18C is it and that settles it!!!!!!!

The guy in tech support also told me unofficially that Sony does not plan to support this unit any longer, so you will not see them do any other upgrades.

Call me crazy, but the Denon 3801 Receiver seems like a better alternative for a Processor to me. It has a much better user interface, awesome multi use remote control, and allows you to control the Sub-woofer in DSP modes. I know it is a receiver, but it has 5-channel outputs that will work nicely with my Sherborn Amp, along with the latest electronics and firmware.

Personally, I think the reign of ruling for the 900ES is over!

Happy listening!

Similar Products Used:

Anthem II (total crap)

features, ease of use, & sound quality

what else, the remote

I wasn't terribly impressed with the sound of this preamp (running it through Infinity satelite/sub/center system w/ dipole surrounds) until I tried doing a frequency sweep of my listening room. I used a Radio Shack SPL meter, along with an audio frequency generator, and a digital multimeter. I hooked the freq gen to unused inputs on the preamp and used the DMM to keep the gen's output constant while I varied the frequency acorss the audible range and recorded the sound level on the meter. I plotted the data and saw where my major peaks and dips were. I used the front and center channel equalizers to cut and boost where necessary and tweaked those paper setting with another sweep. I found out that the settings I originally made with the preamp's pink noise gen and the SPL meter were only a start. Subwoofer setting were way too low and the upper freqs were way too high. I boosted a dip in the mid-range also. (narrow on the setting was way too narrow, approx 1K Hz wide. Middle was about right at 2-3 K Hz wide). I haven't done the rears yet because I haven't figured a way to route an essentially mono signal from the freq gen to the rear. I wish this preamp had discrete inputs for each channel!
AND WHEN WILL THE 6.1 FIRMWARE BE AVAILABLE (OR IS THIS JUST A RUMOR)?

Similar Products Used:

TA-E1000SD

Exelent performance... Micro details in surround as well as in stereo. Let's you do all the adjustments, and see all the parameters-setup menu, on the remote.

If you turn the volume up to max at a analogue input, you may hear other analogue signals at other inputs...

What makes this a great surround decoder is that, if you are able to set all speaker levels and get all the phace's of all speakers to match. --------THEN IT WILL SOUND JUST AS GREAT IN SURROUND AS IN STEREO. NO DETAILS DISAPEAR!!!!

It has many dsp-modes, witch let's you shape the music or surround effects to where you want it. Some are better than others, but it has a huge variaty.

It is easy to make all the adjustment from the listeningposision. The remote takes some getting use to, and is not something to show off- (probably the reason why people dont like it). But it is all you need, and belive me it is gooood.

This unit will sound as good as you let it, only your ability to adjust the system, the speakers you connect and the quality of the recordings limits the sound-quality...
-(Even a cheep cd player with a digital output will sound great hooked up to this pre-amp)!!!

Buy it...... You can't faile!

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha Dsp-a1, Sony xe7es

see prior review

Hello every one I just thought I would let everyone here know that the update 2.01 only works with the new remote so it will not be posted on the Sony web site. I did the update Saturday 12-02-00 and I like it a lot especially the matrix 6.1 option. I was watching the football game with the 6.1 and I thought I was in the stands. There is a bunch of other options like the depth of speaker option and a few others. All in all I would recomend it but I think Sony could have done it without making it essential to buy the new remote. For anyone getting one of these pre-amps for Christmass make sure you get the new update hardware with out having to fork out an additional 150.00$ P.S. The noise floor apears to have been lowered again. I had the volume at almost 12 o clock without noticeable digital noise, but I really need to experiment more with the new upgrade. I will let anyone know if they E-mail me, because this forums is for only posting once.

great dimentional multi-channel theater sound with awsome dynamics

none

I have compared many processors side by side with the sony ta-e9000es, including those who consider themselves as standard reference, and the theater like sound is unprecedented by the Sony. Used with the 32 bit multi-dimentional cinema chips, the sound pans naturally from one area to the next exactly where the action is happening, beyond where the walls and speakers are placed.
Unlike the more exotic decoders, that reviewers just cannot be perfectly honest, that when you hear harsh grainy sound come abruptly from each speaker, they just mix their words; don't blame the messenger. Though the very first Ta-e9000es that came out before the upgrades was somewhat bright with so much resolution, Sony has refined this very powerful processor into nothing less than professional digital sound.
When the Sony Ta-e9000es is set up properly there is no 6.1 necessary, especially with bipole, dipole rear speakers; the sound extends beyond the speakers coming directly behind where the action is happening. Except for DTS 6.1, Dolby Digital's version of 6.1 is a step back turning your surround and center rear speakers into pro-logic. And maybe because the Sony Ta-e9000es is superior to the more exotic processors, there is no argument that DTS is superior to Dolby Digital in sound quality, though Dolby Digital can be really great when it wants to. You can hear every detail clear and concise with the Sony.

Similar Products Used:

theta lexicon krell

Processing, Sound, Ease of Use, Upgradeability, Value

Remote, lack of separate record output

After almost two years with this unit, I feel there are still very few preamps that can match the performance, functionality and value of this preamp. I use the Pronto in place of the supplied remote and the combined price is still an excellent deal.

My only complaint is the lack of separate record out so I can record a DAT while watching TV, or listen to another source in a different room.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Adcom, NAD, Pioneer, Lexicon, etc.

The 1.22 upgrade comes with a new remote which likely will incorporate access to any new features provided on the CD with this new firmware. It may well be worth the $200 or so, expense.

In any case, 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

Sound and Construction Quality

Lack of Adequate Customer Support; Remote Control; Lack of DVD Audio capability.

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
Ass noted in my other review, there IS a firmware upgrade to 1.22 available in Japan, and it comes packaged with a NEW remote, perhaps incorporating 6.1 capability.

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

Sound and value

Remote

Not being critical, but those who cannot tell a sonic difference in the last two software upgrades most likely either have a hearing problem as far as discerning detail or maybe their other equipment is not revealing enough to hear the sonic improvements both 1.10c and 1.18c software upgrades offered. My system consist of the 9000 along with a Krell KAV-500 amp, Infinity Composition Prelude speakers and a Sony ES DVD player. The sonic improvements I heard were immediately heard by me and others when each software was downloaded into the unit. The improvements were in bass response, channel seperation, even geater detail, sweeter and more analog like sound in all frequency ranges, better imaging etc. I concur with D. Jay from the U.K. -:)

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon, Krell, Casanova and many many others,