as has been said before very clean sound and built like a tank.

In one word the remote.ok it's not that bad it just could have been better.

sony str-777es has any one seen a review on this unit in any stereo review magazines. All the real world tech stuff.
please write me and tell me which one. I just want to know
how well it did.

Similar Products Used:

pioneer vsx-9300,vsx-9900,D1s also looked at denon ,yamaha and harman kardan.models 3801,Rxv-1000,Avr7000

Sound Quality (especially in Stereo)
Build Quality

No component video switching
No Support of THX, DTS-ES & THX EX (last 2 did come out after the receiver though)

First things first, if you can afford the denon AVC-A1SE, get it! It is quite definately in a class of its own. It thrills and excites like no other all-in-one I've heard can.

Now, I have had this receiver for 7 months now, and during this time I have gone out and listend to other receivers (mentioned above). After doing so, I still believe the Sony gives the best audio output in its class. The soundstage created in Analogue direct is huge and accurate, allowing me to clearly identify what instrument is where on stage. The highs are crisp, the mids have great detail and the lows have great levels of punch and rhythm. Close your eyes......your there. No other receiver I have heard gives me quite this experience. I found the denon AVC-A10SE to be closest, but found the highs not quite reaching the glorious and pronounced levels of the Sony and the sound to be overall too warm for my tastes. The Yamaha was next its bass was well pronounced and punchy, yet seemed to sound artificial. The sound stage set was also not quite to the grand scale of the sony and the highs at times became harsh, particularly in complex classical pieces. The onkyo.......stay away!

In terms of the home cinema experience, the Sony in straight out Dolby Digital and DTS wins hands down. The eerie sounds emmitted during the Haunting were truly frightening and gusts of wind panning left and right and back and front were performed at tremendous speeds, the Sony always ahead of the game, never losing accuracy or detail. Once again you were there. Again, the closest was the Denon, with panning effects being detailed and accurate, yet not being as quick and crisp as the Sony. I found the Denon to be once again too warm sounding for my tastes.The yamah I found to be dissapointing. The atmosphere created seemed very artificial and effects, while being fast, lacked detail and accuracy.

However, put the Denon in THX-EX and the Haunting became that much more engrossing, the atmosphere created amazing and effects more real, whizzing all the way behind and around you. Truly unbelievable. The Yamaha's in-house 6.1 approach didn't come close to the Denon. If only Sony had this in the 777ES as well.*sigh*

If movies are your main attraction, I strongly suggest your also audition Deonon's fantastic AVC-A10SE with the extra external amp required for THX-EX......7.1 really is the future.

Feature wise, contrary to what I have heard by some of the reviews here, I found the Sony to be less equipped than its peers. The lack of component video switching in particular being inexplicable. However, the shortfall in features is more than made for in sound reproduction

So after 7 months, I still think the Sony is best overall in its class, with superior atmospheric creation and panning effects in 5.1 cinema and the competition being left well behind in straight stereo, with a remote I found to be better than any others offerred.

PS: try to audition the Denon AVC-A1SE, then you'll really see what is king of the Receiver hill ;)

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVC-A1SE, Denon AVC-A10SE, Yamaha DSP-AX1, Onkyo TX-DS989

Good clean sound. Highs,Mids, Lows-the Sony amp in this thing is really good. Usability isn't the greatest, but after the system is set up everything is fine for the most part.

That guy below that can't seem to take criticism on his beloved gear. I'm mean, I don't like to have a bad review about my equipment either, but this receiver is definitely not perfect nor is Sony's history with audio equipment.

Being a Denon fan I didn't expect much from the Sony receiver. I listened to the 333ES and the 555ES and they sounded nearly identical to me: weak midrange. Then I finally got around to the 777ES. This receiver is definitely a cut above the other Sony's and perhaps some other brands of receivers. I was really impressed with the dynamics I heard in the show room. Before I made my final decision I tested out some of the newer Denons. I thought I had my mind set on the 3300. I really liked the future readiness and the sound A LOT. If it wasn't for the 50/50 chance of me getting a good 3300 I would've walked out with one. So, I listened to the Sony again and made up my mind. I wanted a receiver THAT day and one with a good track record. I have to stop and congratulate those that have a 3300 that has had nothing go wrong with it though: it really is one heck of a receiver at a modest price. I have other Denon gear and have been very happy with it, but I just couldn't afford the 5800 or stretch for the 4800. The Sony represented about the maximum I was willing to shovel out so I bought it.
I really like my Sony 777ES, yet I wish it just had some of the features the Denons have or even some of the newer Onkyos have. The Denons have the wonderful 5 channel stereo and they remember all your settings for each input. The Onkyo 989-well has everything, same with the Denon 5800, but both of these receivers cost about 3X as much as the Sony and it really just boils down to sound quality which I really can't find fault with in the 777ES. So, in conclusion, if you're looking in the $1000-$1500 range take a look at the 777ES. It may not have every little convenience or future proof feature available, but it has GREAT sound which I think can surprise many Sony doubters.

I'd say 3 1/2 for value because the Denon has the Sony beat in some areas for less money. (Round to 4)
I'd give the Sony a 4 overall, because there are better receivers, but the Sony's sound is up there with the cost no object Denons, Onkyos, and Yamahas.

Similar Products Used:

Denon

None at All.

This is a big pile of Junk

If you think this is high quality then you must have moved up from a Awia receiver. What does everyone find so great about this unit? I had this for a month and could not stand it. I should of put in front of my house on the curb with the trash. This is where it should be! The eq is junk, what ever happened to simple functions like bass and treb. It runs hotter than the hooker next door to me on a Friday night.I just can't understand what you people think is good. Have you ever found a professional review on it? No! That's because no one will waste their time with it. Good sound quality? That's what everyone else says, Right? compared to what? The Awia they once owned? YUP! No matter how hard you try to convince yourself this receiver will never sound like an amp/preamp setup. So just do your self a favor and don't buy this unit, Unless you find another use for it. I use it to hold down my trash lid to keep the neighborhood dogs from getting into it.

Similar Products Used:

To many to list

sound quality, build quality, flexibility

terse manual, no volume knob light

This will repeat alot that has been said in previous reviews, but I just had to say how impressed I am with this receiver.

Last summer I bought the 555ES to replace a 900ES that was pro-logic only. The 900 had a great power-amp section: separate filter caps for the three front channels (6 big caps in all!) and 4-transistor per channel push/pull power stage. It was great for stereo listening - very dynamic and sweet-sounding. The sister model (the 800ES - with the same amp section - different pro-logic decoder) had gotten rave reviews in Stereophile for its musical sound.

But then one of video inputs broke (d**m Monster interconnects) and I wanted to upgrade to Dolby Digital. I bought the 555 to replace it. The 555 is nicely built, with a clean design, thick alumninum faceplate, and extruded aluminum heatsinks. However, I have to say I was somewhat dissapointed with the sound quality. The 555 is very powerful and the Dolby Digital processing is excellent, but I found the sound to be somewhat grainy and edgy. Although it threw a decent sound stage, there was a veiled, congested quality. This suprised me because, as others on this forum have noted, the parts specified for this unit are very high quality (SanKen SAP15 darlington transistors, large transformer and filter caps). I was also less than thrilled with the remote: although the touchscreen is a good idea, I found it hard to read in some lighting conditions, and it had no learning capabilities.

Therefore I was quite interested in 777ES when it came out. It seemed like the answer to my problems: better power amp and learning remote. However, I still wasn't sure if it was worth it to upgrade. Then one of my friends bought one for his whole-house built-in audio system (he wanted the 2nd room line output.) I quickly volunteered to help him set up his new system :) I could tell just from opening the box that Sony was going for a tour-de-force with this receiver. Peering inside I saw a beautiful clean layout with huge filter caps and power transformer, twin extruded heatsinks with the "s-fin" design, extra-thick faceplate and copper screws used throughout. I don't know whether those s-fin heatsinks improve the sound, but they certainly look cool! The other thing I noticed was that the remote was much easier to read than the one from my 555. Interestingly, this model is made in Japan, instead of Malaysia like the other ES equipment I've purchased.

I couldn't really tell how the unit sounded, because my friend had in-wall speakers and a rather mediocre JBL center channel. However, after reading reviews on this site and others where the sonics were compared favorably to units like the Denon 4800 and higer-end Yamahas, I decided to take a chance and get one. I first hooked up the front speakers (NHT Super Twos) and CD player (Sony CDP-X90ES) to make sure everything worked. I turned on the "Analog Direct" mode and started listening. I just sat there for an hour or two playing CD after CD, stunned at the improvement in sound quality over the 555ES.

The edgy, congested sound of the 555 was replaced with remarkable clarity, dynamics and precision. Bass control is noticably tighter on the 777, giving percussion based music a sense of drive and power. Vocals are much cleaner, with almost no grain or glassiness. Resolution of low-level details is amazing: horns, strings and guiter have a richly textured sound. The 777 throws up a warm and generous soundstage, with precision placment of vocals. The sound is more on the analytic side than round or fat, but not cold or harsh by any measure. I did hear a very slight amount of grain and hollowness in vocals which is probably due to my speakers (the Super Twos are known to be more analytical then lush). The sound was similar with both the DAC in my CD player and the internal DACs fed from a DVD player (Sony DVP-S530D).

Performance was excellent on Dolby Digital material as well. Although the 555 also had good Dolby performance, the warmer, smoother 777 gives soundtracks a lusher, more textured sound. For example, in the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only", Sheena Easton's vocals in the title song were a bit edgy with the 555 but smooth and natural on the 777. The horns and strings in the soundtrack seem more detailed but also warmer.

I have tried only the standard decoding because my rear speaker placement is sub-optimal (on the floor behind the sofa :( ) so I can't really comment on the effectiveness of the Cinema EX modes. As others have noted, the 777 has very flexible bass-management, although this is not really an issue for me since I don't have a subwoofer (I live in an apartment.) In addition there are extensive options for customization of the soundfields, including parametric equalizers for each channel and for the soundfield as a whole. There are also nice touches such as the ability to have the test tones automatically cycle or lock to a particular channel, and a choice of pink or white noise, ability to set absolute polarity, etc.

Although many people have critized the remote, I actually like it and although it looks the same as the one from the 555ES and 50ES it is a big improvement. Sony seems to have used a different LCD type in this remote because it is much easier to see. The backlight is now only needed in a very dim or dark room. I think the learning capability works very well. The only thing lacking is the ability to assign a learned code to one of the standard buttons - all learned codes are shown on a separate set of screens. However, the benefit of this is that the user buttons can be labeled - a little keyboard is shown where you can edit the text that appears in the button. It would be nice, however, if Sony included buttons in the standard screens for CD megachangers. The bottom line for me is that I can now use one simple, sleek remote to control everything in my system.

The only complaints I have with this receiver are very minor. It would have been nice if they included an LED on the volume knob - don't know what they were thinking there. I find it hard to believe it was a cost-cutting move since they lavished so much attention on everything else. The manual is a bit terse. I figured everything out eventually, but I was already knowledgable about home theater. A novice would probably be pretty overwhelmed. There is no component video switching, although that is not an issue for me. There is also no Dolby EX decoding, which is not suprising given the price.

All in all this is a superb receiver. The quality and flexibility of the processor and amplifiers are the standout features of this unit. In addition it is beautifully designed and built. This model nicely fills a niche between receivers like the Denon 3300 and high-end units like the 4800/5600 and Yamaha RX-V1. For the price (around $1200 USD) I doubt it can be beat. It is ideal for someone who wants top-notch Dolby decoding without compromising stereo music performance.

My system:
Receiver: Sony STR-DA777ES (duh!)
CD Player: Sony CDP-CX90ES daisy chained to a Sony CX70ES
Cassette Deck: Sony TC-KA2ES
DVD Player: Sony DVP-S530D
SVHS VCR: Sony SLV-R1000
Hi-8 VCR: Sony Sony EV-S5000
Satellite TV: Dish Network 2700
TV: Sony Wega KV-36XBR250
Front Speakers: NHT Super Two
Center Speaker: NHT Super Center
Rear Speakers: NHT Super One

Similar Products Used:

Sony STR-DA900ES, Sony STR-DA555ES

Clean smooth sound, numerous customization options, reassuring heft , level of control, 5 year warranty, very elegant looks, binding posts on all speakers, optical and coaxial inputs.

Documentation

When I got this unit, the most noticeable thing was the WEIGHT. THis thing is a monster! I noticed during the playback of my first DVD with this Receiver that the sound was very smooth and the coherency of the sound as the movie played was very good. All in all, this is a very wothwhile receiver and I am very satisfied with it. I highly recommend it to anyone. As mentioned, this unit has loads of power, is very flexible, offers control over EVERYTHING! And as for the remote, there are some drawbacks, but what I like about it is that you never have to leave your seat to 'tweak' the system and it is a learning remote, so it is very flexible. Now that this is no longer being produced, you can get great deals on it. Overall, this really shows that Sony is serious about the ES line. Get one.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha, Sony , Sansui

Power 120X5, Studio EX sound, TP503 Remote, RS232 upgrade port, TRUE 96/24 DAC'S 5 year warranty

No component video inputs "if you care"

This is the best receiver Sony has ever built. A prior post stated this is
just a modded strda555es unit. I think that is wrong. The 777 Weights 53 pounds and the
555 weights 35 pound which is a 18 pound difference. The transformer in the 777 is twice
the size of the 555 which is only a little bit bigger than the 333 the Caps are much larger as
well. Their is no comparison is power between a 555 and 777... As far a sound the studio
EX sound is incredible it makes the movies feel more live not echo or artificial but, more
like you are in the center of what is happening. The new TP503 remote is finally a remote
worth talking about vs. the past two remote which were dogged very badly on this site.
You can read at all angles it does not drain you batteries and has macros and learning
features. This unit is not a 555 in any way it is a merger between their TA-E9000 pre-amp and their TA-N9000 5channel amp. It's got a lot more control for your sound as well. Subwoofer roll off controls and EQ as well. 24bit processing as well sony own 32bit processor. This is a unit worth looking at.In it's price range it is hard to beat.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RXV2095, Denon 3300, Denon 5700

I received an update via e-mail stating that it was the v2.02, with matrix 6.1 can anyone confirm such upgrade...

see below............


SONY VUCD-777A Upgrade Kit
===========================

This is a Version 2.0 Upgrade Kit specially designed for the software
equipped in the STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES integrated amplifier.
This disk contains the following files:

1. UPGRADE.EXE: an overwrite program to upgrade the amplifier unit.
2. V777V202.BIN: Version 2.0 firmware (binary data)
3. V777V108.BIN: The newest mass-produced firmware (binary data)
4. README_J.TXT: The "read me" file in Japanese
5. README_E.TXT: The "read me" file in English

In order to perform the upgrade, please note the following requirements:

1. IBM PC/AT or compatible PC installed with Windows 95/98/98SE/Me/NT3.51/NT4/2000.
(The RS232-C(COM) Port and the CD-ROM drive must be available for use.)
2. The STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES integrated amplifier to be upgraded.

Before performing the upgrade, please make sure to read the Software
Conditions For Use contract.

When performing the upgrade, make sure you have read carefully the
VUCD-777A upgrade kit operation manual, and are ready to follow the
instructions in the proper order.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAUTIONS:
Before performing the upgrade, please disconnect the speakers and the power
amplifier from STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES. If the upgrade is performed
while the speakers and the power amplifier are in operation, noise will be
produced which can damage the speakers or the power amplifier.

After the upgrade is finished, be sure to disconnect the RS232C cable before
turning on the power of the STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES. If the cable is
left connected, when the power to the PC is turned on and off, there is a
possibility that the RS232C port will become unstable, the STR-DA777ES/STR
-V777ES/TA-VA777ES will stop operating, the display will malfunction, or noise
or distortion may be produced which could damage the power amplifier and the
speakers connected to it.

When running the upgrade program, do not turn off the power to the STR-DA777ES/
STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES as the internal flash memory in the amplifier section
could become damaged.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Functions in Version 2.0 for the STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/TA-VA777ES

1. "VIRTUAL MATRIX 6.1" Digital Cinema Sound Function addition

2. Surround Setup Menu Function additions
>> SCREEN DEPTH OFF/ON (*1)
>> 6.1 MATRIX ON/OFF (*1)
*1: Operative for Virtual Matrix 6.1.

3. TEST TONE all channel output function addition

4. When the power is turned on, the new version number is displayed.

NOTE: The new functions which have been added cannot be operated with the
two-way remote controller originally supplied with the STR-DA777ES/STR-V777ES/
TA-VA777ES. (Please use the remote controller supplied with the VUCD-777A
Upgrade Kit for the operation of the new functions.)

For further details, please refer to the supplied operation manual.

(c) 2001 Sony Corporation

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Microsoft", "MS", "MS-DOS", and "Windows" are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in United States and the other countries.

Sound quality. Flexibility.

Size/weight? Is that a negative?

I bought the floor model from Tweeter (no remote, box or manual) at a very good price. I was replacing a Pioneer Elite receiver which I was very happy with. When I got it home the first thing I noticed is the heft of this thing. It didn't even fit in the rack I had the Pioneer in. Obviously at near 60 lbs this thing has some power. The sonic differences were immediately noticeable. The overall power of the sound was much stronger. The bass was tighter, stronger and deeper and the detail was very good. Not was warm as the Pioneer but my room is very soft anyways so it probably is better this way. The Sony has no trouble powering my PSB Stratus Gold's. In fact Gladiator in DTS is at movie theater levels at just the 3 position.

After a few months I'm still discovering some of the features of this thing that were concealed in various control menus. I guess it helps to thoroughly read the manual (which I downloaded from the internet). I am very pleased with the flexibility of this receiver. Upgradable with the RS-232 port, many inputs including a 5.1 input and tons of options for bass management, crossover points,etc.

Overall I can not imagine anyone getting a better value from a $500 investment. Great sound 2 channel, multi-channel, DVD-Audio, etc. Combined with a great amount of control and features and you have a real winner.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-14

Sound quality. Flexibility.

Size/weight? Is that a negative?

I bought the floor model from Tweeter (no remote, box or manual) at a very good price. I was replacing a Pioneer Elite receiver which I was very happy with. When I got it home the first thing I noticed is the heft of this thing. It didn't even fit in the rack I had the Pioneer in. Obviously at near 60 lbs this thing has some power. The sonic differences were immediately noticeable. The overall power of the sound was much stronger. The bass was tighter, stronger and deeper and the detail was very good. Not was warm as the Pioneer but my room is very soft anyways so it probably is better this way. The Sony has no trouble powering my PSB Stratus Gold's. In fact Gladiator in DTS is at movie theater levels at just the 3 position.

After a few months I'm still discovering some of the features of this thing that were concealed in various control menus. I guess it helps to thoroughly read the manual (which I downloaded from the internet). I am very pleased with the flexibility of this receiver. Upgradable with the RS-232 port, many inputs including a 5.1 input and tons of options for bass management, crossover points,etc.

Overall I can not imagine anyone getting a better value from a $500 investment. Great sound 2 channel, multi-channel, DVD-Audio, etc. Combined with a great amount of control and features and you have a real winner.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-14