Build quality, simplicity of use, great value

No dual zone/record out, remote (as usual), switched outlets

This is a great piece of equipment. For people looking to get quality sound without getting a second mortgage, it's a steal. I split my listening time about 50/50 between straight audio and home theater sources and am quite pleased in both respects. To get something better, you *will* spend more money.

I won't describe how it all sounds to me (e.g. solid/loose bass response, crisp/muddy highs, ethereal/flat ambience, blah blah blah) since A) my equipment is probably different from yours, B) my room is probably different from yours, and C) listening is a personal experience and I won't assume to be able to hear the same as you. All I'll say is that you will likely be as pleased as I am as long as you don't expect miracles from this product (as many people seem to do).

My uses are very simple. Two channel audio, Dolby Pro Logic surround and Dolby Digital surround. I don't play around with the fancy DSP modes since I don't particularly care for what it does to the music. I've tried Night Theater, but it seems to induce what I perceive to be a bit of echo and can be somewhat distracting during quiet scenes. I haven't tried it again with the 1.18C firmware release to verify if this has been "fixed".

Speaking of 1.18C, the ability to upgrade this unit's firmware is a great feature, but to be taken with a grain of salt. It's easy to do, but not foolproof (I upgraded once and the result was that all I got out of the unit was white noise at full volume irrespective of the volume control!) It can fix certain problems with the unit, but can't improve performance beyond the physical hardware it runs on (e.g. channel cross-talk due to electromagnetics is insoluble via a firmware update).

Speaking of crosstalk, I did notice that there is crosstalk between the tuner audio and both the phono and video 3 inputs, but none of the others. I did not perform a comprehensive survey of crosstalk between the rest of the sources. The crosstalk I did hear was only noticeable when there was no audio coming into the input (e.g. phono or video 3), the volume was at -40dB and my ear was literally on the speaker. Of course, at louder volumes you could hear the audio plainly without being on top of the speaker, and in my opinion would be completely burried under any actual audio signal present on those inputs. In any event, this crosstalk is an analog-only issue. So for sources that really matter (CD, DVD, LD), there really should be no problem. However, this does not make it right for Sony.

One curiosity that remains is that microphone input on the back. It's nothing more than a tease to what this unit might be able to do. Most would guess that eventually Sony will release an update that allows the unit to self-calibrate all or most of the functional parameters such as speaker distances and levels. I'll bet we never see that...

As always, my biggest complaint is with the remote control. I sent mine in for the fix, but it didn't seem to get much better. The display is still dismal, which is enough on its own to keep me from using it. The fact that it won't learn just burns me up. But I went and purchased a Philips Pronto, went through some growing pains to figure out how to program the codes, and am now happy with the end result. I find that if I need to adjust the system (which you're likely to do only once or twice, unless you're always rearranging your room or buying new equipment) I'll dust off the remote, do what I need, then retire it to the drawer again.

I miss being able to record one source while listening to another (spoiled by my previous TA-E2000ESD). This was obviously a conscious decision on Sony's part, but far be it from me to understand why they'd want to reduce their product's usefulness (strictly an opinion).

The switched outlet power capacity is quite low (again, I've been spoiled by the TA-E2000ESD with a 720W switching capability). But this is easily gotten around by using a remote switched outlet box (Niles audio makes a quality line of products, http://www.nilesaudio.com). My experience was to get the unit out of the box, connect it all up and then have nothing work! Of course, I blew the fuse (I expected 720W capacity as the TA-E2000ESD had). I spoke with the store about it, who said that I had to return it for servicing. There was no way I was going to wait 2-3 weeks to have someone replace a fuse when I hadn't even used the thing! So I carefully opened the cover, identified the fuse and bought a suitable replacement. My gripe is that the $.10 it would have cost for Sony to put an externally accessible fuse holder in this unit would be well worth it. However, ultimately I'm at fault for being a typical male and not reading the directions (or the back panel for that matter).

One point to note is that this unit runs hot. If you're planning on putting it in a rack, make sure there's sufficient air flow or be preparred to install a fan.

I disagree with parts of Gilbert Morrow's review on 4/25/00. I own a pair of Magnepans (model MG-10) and used to have a pair of MG-Ic's. The problem he has with the speaker's fuse blowing has *very little if anything* to do with the Sony. It has much more to do with the level at which he's playing his source material and the amplifier from which he's driving them. I had the same problem with my MG-Ic's. The amplifier I was using was quite underpowered for the Maggies (which are inherintly inefficient), only about 120W per channel. Whenever I played music at a realistic level, invariably the fuses would pop (my local Radio Shack held a supply of the 1.5A fuses for me personally). The problem was that whenever the *amplifier* began clipping, it would inject a tremendous amount of high frequency noise into the signal going to the speakers, much more than would normally be found in typical musical content. I solved my problems by upgrading to a more powerful amplifier (and tried to be more careful not to play my music so loud!)

I have never had that problem with my MG-10's, but I also have an even better amp. I also tend to not use any major amount of equalization to artifically enhance the sound (e.g. I don't boost the high frequencies and make the situation worse for the Maggies).

If Mr. Morrow is only experiencing this problem when his Sony is being used (everything else remaining the same), then I would suggest that his unit is defective in some manner.

Also (my intention is not to discredit Mr. Morrow but rather to clarify a misconception) his comment on "...[leaving] it in the analog domain it would have sounded great..." is misleading. Most people with this level of product are listening to source material from either DVD's for home theater or CD's for music, both of which are digital sources. I would suggest that the D/A conversion in the CD and DVD players are comparable or worse than what's available in the E9000. Furthermore, any Dolby Digital source material *must* be digitally decoded (that's how it works). Also, in my experience, digital processing of Dolby Pro Logic (e.g. 2 channel PCM or analog source) material typically sounds better (more clarity) than when it is processed via analog means. If I'm wrong, what exactly did you mean?

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Here's what I run with (always building a better system):

Sony TA-E9000ES preamp
Toshiba DVD SD-2109
Sony MDP-210 laserdisc
JVC HR-S4700U VCR
Sony CDP-C545 5-disc changer
Sony MDS-302 minidisc
Sony ST-S550ES Tuner
Sony KV27V42 27" TV
JVC XL-MC100 100 disc CD changer
Counterpoint SA-220 (for front channels)
Adcom GFA-555 II Amplifier (bridged for center channel)
Carver M400t (for rear channels)
Magnepan MG-10's (for the front channels)
Definitive C-1 (for the center channel)
KEF K140's (for the rear channels, not a good choice)
Velodyne F1500 15" subwoofer
Philips Pronto remote control
No $1000/ft. cables, weights, isolation feet, magic sacrificial altars, etc...

Similar Products Used:

TA-E2000ESD

Excellent DSP/sound effects. Excellent sound. Outstanding features.
Customable, upgradable, loveable..
Very well built.

S/N ratio. Volume artefacts.
input crosstalk

Please excuse my bad english, this is not my native language.
After reading this forum, I have bought this very good piece of hardware. Overall, I am satisfied. Though, I want to report some weaknesses not often reported. This unit doesnot deserve 5 stars due to the following :
First, the S/N ratio is not perfect. With volume full up, a very audible humming noise can be heard, much more than my hifi preamp/amplifier (Accuphase E305). Even from a digital input. The analog part of this preamp is not perfect.
Second, the digital i-volume generates some strange artefact noises beetween -20dB and -10dB.
Third, there is some crosstalk between analog & digital inputs. For example, if I switch to a digital input with no signal, I can hear (vith volume full up) another analog input.
Well, I am used to my Accuphase E305 wich is perfect on these points. But I awaited a little more from the Sony.

Similar Products Used:

-

Heavier than some power amps. Sweet sound...but it needs version 1.18 software to be its best...or it just is merely good.

didn't have 1.18 in it already

A Pre amplifier that does a mile of good with the right bits that don't Byte the sound. Yes that is version 1.18 available on the Sony customer service. My Shefield Labs Amanda Mcbroom takes on a warmth and poingancy that was not possible before. Goosebump city here. Making the music is exciting. Playing it back faithfully is every "bit" exciting. Anyone who is even considering the Sony TAE-9000es preamplier/processor, owes it to him/herself to upgrade this wonderful piece of engineering. V.C.

You need:

Version .4 flashware for the TAE9000es
Version 1.18.bin
DB 9 null modem RS232 cable and about a 1 meg space on your hard drive. Do not save on the floppy.

About 5 to 10 minutes of your time.

The best time one could spend on this wonderful preamplifier. V.C.

Similar Products Used:

NAD,Sony ES,Nakamichi,Tandberg

WHAT CAN I SAY BUT WOW.GREAT ALL THE WAY AROUND, NO FLAWS,DOES ALL DECODING GREAT.

REMOTE,REMOTE,REMOTE HAD IT UPGRADED WORKS FINE, NO PROBLEMS BATTERY LIFE IS MUCH LONGER.

CAN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. MAYBE A THETA OR LEXICON BUT FOR THE PRICE CAN'T BEAT IT.

Similar Products Used:

H/K SIGNATURE 2.0

Sound Quality, Construction of main unit, clean design

It needs a better remote

This is a great product. I have been using it since last July. Probably I was lucky enough to get the updated remote along with the unit because I changed the batteries only once last December. The system is used almost daily and I have only two complaints with the remote. The panel is not bright enough and there is no easy way update it or design your own menus through a RS-232 or USB !!! port. I have upgraded the system firmware to v 1.18C and the most evident change is the lower noise floor. The sound quality has improved also. This is a highly recommended product for the price and I hope SONY will continue to refine the software. I am not interested in Dolby EX since I think 5.1 channels are enough for quality surround sound reproduction but I would like to see the mic input to be utilized for room equalization.

System

SONY CDP-X303ES CD player as transport
SONY DVP-S725D DVD player
SONY MDS-JE500 MD player
SONY TA-E9000ES Pre/Pro
ROTEL RB-993 3ch amp
LUXMAN M-03B 2ch amp
B&W 802 NAUTILUS main speakers
KEF 100C Center speaker
B&W DS6 Surround dipoles

Future upgrades
LUXMAN power amp -> ROTEL RB-1090
KEF center speaker -> B&W Nautilus HTM2.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha

Sound, performance, Ergonomics, S/W upgrades, Look, Build quality , Price and many more.

Sony customer service (when needed for the remote). And the remote.

After seeing Roger note about the 1.18 upgrade, I could not wait any longer, dowloaded the S/W and installed it.
UNREAL, is a good statement about the sound performace. First thing you note is the channel separation and details.
True improvement. I had the 1.10 before, don't wait, go for it.
I love this product, I think it is up there with the very best which cost X2 X3 or more. If you listened in the past to this product with other than the 1.10C or the 1.18C S/W I strongly suggest that you give it anotehr try with these ones.
I never had any problem with it other than the remote that I do not like so much, but who care about the remote when the sound this product produce is so great.

Similar Products Used:

B&K ref20, ACTIII

many

too many

I have had it with this Sony product. Due to the extremely poor customer service, software and hardware problems, I am sending back this unit and replacing it with a B&K Reference 20. (I now have a cross-talk problem). I will be paying about $800 dollars more but I will not need to buy a remote or tuner and at the same time I will get much better support (hardware and software), stereo sound, resale value, and piece of mind. Its too bad…the Sony does have the best surround modes in the business and they do have the ability to leverage their awesome manufacturing, research, and purchasing might to produce a very good product, but they simply do not serve the high-end market which is used to being pampered with quick, responsive service.

All you Sony lovers, beware…the TA-E9000ES is being heavily discounted for a reason. I have seen slightly used ones selling for less than $900 on Ebay. I am getting a brand new Ref. 20 for $1832 delivered. The dealer where I purchased my Sony is saying that it has too many problems and agreed the remote is a major distracter.

Similar Products Used:

B&K Reference 20

Sound quality, build and value.

Remote, but who cares for this price.

First, I apologize to the administrator of this site for continuing to post reviews of this product, but this is the only effective means to advised interested individuals regarding this product's improvements.

Second, its true. Yes, Sony has corrected the upgrade as the previous reviewer stated, and I have just returned from home after installing it during lunch. The pre-amp now correctly displays 1.18c. The sound improvement is unreal. Expect even better bass response, better channel separation, improved and more detailed sound in the midrange and highs and a more musical sound in 2 channel music. Additionally, all the soundfields have been improved and the sound has been improved from 5.1 DD to 5.1 DTS. Who needs THX or EX. This unit is simply phenominal. My equipment consist of the 9000 as well as a Krell KAV-500 5 channel amp, HGS-18 sub and Infinity Composition Prelude speakers. This unit now sounds so good, I can't stand it.:-) All who own this unit should feel fortunate because we probably got the best value in home theatre or home audio period. With these improvements from the new software, Sony could increase its price, and still be competitive. Lets be thankful and not go off on the deep end when minor things happen. Chaulk it off as going into the nothing is perfect category.

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon DC-2, Sony TA-E2000ESD, and Parasound 2500

EXCELLENT MULTICHANNEL SOUND DECODING

I NEVER USED THE REMOTE ANYMORE!

VERSION 1.10C OR IS IT VERSION 1.18C?

Sony's latest post of Firmware upgrade for the TA-E9000ES shown as VERSION 1.18C but displays as 1.10C once installed is true or a premature release?

ON THE UNIT'S DISPLAY:

The intermittent wrong display of Pro Logic when it's not really Pro Logic on Auto Format is corrected showing only the correct mode. (i.e. Analog stereo, PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, Pro Logic etc) This was evident when you had to switch from auto format to any of the DSP modes and vice versa, the wrong display is gone.

Any of the five equalizers preset settings when not edited will not light up when pressed. When the equalizer setting is changed choosing it will light the corresponding equalizer button set up. This was not the case before.

ON THE UNIT'S SOUND:

The sound to me has better and deeper sounding bass in any mode with or without the equalizer. There are more details on mid and higher notes which to me are great enhancement.

The most significant improvement is when listening (viewing) multi channel surround sounds like Dolby Digital movies. The sounds tend to be coming from speakers farther away than where you placed them. This improvement mimic the Dolby Digital EX mode. DOLBY SURROUND EX is a new Cinema Studio EX DSP Mode. This process enlarges the room size "psychoacoustically" in order to increase the perceived distance between the listener and the speakers. This new mode decoding is not displayed on the new upgrade but it sounds like it now has it.

The forgoing are my observations and you may not agree with me in part or in whole. The display incorrectly shows the current version but it does show improvement on sound quality and increased spaciousness with Dolby Digital surround.

Upgrading the 8mb flash BIOS of the TA-E9000ES is 3 parts. First the DISPLAY which was not correctly updated, second is the CONTROL and third is the DECODER which showed improved performance on sound.

Similar Products Used:

SONY TA-1000ESD, TA-2000ES

Sound quality

Of course the remote. I now use the pronto!

After reading all the reviews for the past year, (and I did learn a lot) I found the ultimate tweek. I thought the sound on my 9000 was good, but I never knew what people were talking about when they refered to depth of sound and sound stage. UREAKA!!! I now figured it out. I have added to my system the Tice solo AV power conditioner to my pre/pro and all my other components. All of a sudden (in 2ch mode) I could close my eyes and hear music coming from all over the room I can see the brass sec to the left the percusion to the right the wood wins in the center. I was surrounded by music. I did not get this effect prior to adding the power conditioner. and It's a lot cheaper then the ps300. I paid $356 delivered about the price of a good interconnect. Now I can live in peace.