The STR-DA80ES is my third Sony ES line receiver since 1989 and it incorporates many of the features that audiophiles are looking for today as well as tomorrow. These include four digital inputs for LD/DVD, TV/DBS, CD, and DAT/MD and 100 watts of power using 5 identical push-pull amplifiers for all channels (look through the top grill and you will see the 5 pairs). Previous ES receivers used two transitors for the front three channels, while only one less expensive transistor for the surrounds.
The DA80ES provides powerful, clean sound and it simple to use and operate. I have compared this receiver to the Pioneer VS-07TX and Onkyo 838 and it's much better. In addition, many other receivers lack the number of digital inputs that this unit has.

I originally purchased the DA90ESG, which is absolutely identical to the DA80ES (despite what some retailers are advertising), but adds the on-screen control. I found with the DA90ESG, that operating everything through the TV was annoying and unnecessary and exchanged the unit for the DA80ES and some cash back.

The only thing I don't like about this receiver is the fact that Sony removed their Soundfield link feature found on other receivers which automatically linked a soundfield to each input. With the 80ES, if you change the input, the soundfield stays which can be annoying. The receiver also lacks a test tone for the subwoofer, although most people, unless they have a sound meter, would be unable to accurately adjust the sound level of a sub to the rest of their speakers.

At this point I would wait for the STR-DA30ES and DA50ES which will be available in September. Both these units have Dolby Digital and DTS decoding which would reduce your risk of having to someday scrap the receiver for a different 5 channel format, and are priced at $800 and $1000 respectively.

I recently got the STR-DA80ES. I was debating between this or the STR-DA90ES.The STR-DA90ES, adds 20 extra watts per channel and video modes. Being My room is small, I did not feel the need for those features. One thing about the STRDA80ES is that it is heavy. It is very heavy to lift and setup. I noticed it comes with banana inputs for all the major speakers. Also you can setup the system to what speakers you have and what speakers you don't have and it will compensate for that. For example, setting up the front speakers, it will ask if they are large (full range) or small speakers, same with rear. One thing this unit is that with just 3 speakers (F,R,C) you can create virtual rear or side speakers with it's DSP mechnisim. I also noticed that it has the ability to set which inputs are to be used or not used. This unit sounds great to me. It has 3 digital inputs for the LD/DVD player, (RF in, Coaxial in, TOS in). Unlike Yamaha where you have to buy a seperate AC3 input box for $100 to listen to your
LD player in AC3. My only grip about this unit is that there are only 2 digital
inputs. The first for the LD/DVD player, and the second for the DSS/TV. You can technically hook up the LD player to the RF in, the DVD player to the coaxial in. But then you lose the ability to switch your video input between the LD player and DVD player, and you would have to do that via your TV. But it would work though. It would have been nicer it Sony had a seperate LD player input and a seperate DVD player input, but I think they are counting on DVD's domminating in the near future. O'well, at least they have a RF in.

I have had nothing but problems with my Sony ES80 A/V receiver. To make a long story short: 1. S-link system is a marketing gimmic, causes problems when used with IR targets, for example if CD player is linked with receiver will cause reciever to switch to CD mode for no apparent reason. 2. No multi-room capablity which is standard for most other brands. 3. Cannot set a default sound mode for each source, example, when swithcing to AM/FM does not go to 2-channel stereo mode, will stay in whatever sound mode it is in at that time. 4. No sub-woofer adjusment via remote. 5. Sony customer service is the pitts too.

I won't give any of the positive comments (any salesman willbe happy to give you that) so here are my complaints:

1. The friggin remote won't learn the codes from my other
devices.

2. There are functions not on the remote that should be and
buttons on the remote that serve absolutely no purpose at
all.

3. I don't like any of the DSP effects. Even if they were
good, only a techno-geek would actually go to the trouble of
changing it on a regular basis. In other words, you should
be able to set a certain device to always use a certain DSP
mode, or maybe four "favorite" modes that remember every
aspect of the configuration.

4. I paid too much - $1100 (plus $140 for a remote that doesn't suck)

I've learned: if you plan on using a system's remote, make
darn sure it'll satisfy you.

I'm pretty new to the whole audiophile scene and hope to attain a better appreciation in listening distinction throughout my audio expereince. It's crucial that one has friends or good acquaintances in the A/V industry in order to get sound advice when first purchasing the right equipment. You also must do your own research--for you are your own best judge of sound quality. I've been lucky enough to listen to multiple esoteric home theater systems running up to 10 to 15-grand. Fortunately, I've also had past expereince with other types of department store-quality A/V equipment; and have found that most pieces have the same construction, limitations, and sound presentation. Which, in certain, includes some of the Sony brand models (the brand "in review"). Although, Sony, for the past few years has dedicated itself to manufacturing a line of plainly superior components...the "ES".Just to get this first bit of info out of the way, the STR-DA80ES (or just DA80) is a tad pricey for the 'line level' audio enthusiast, coming in around US$1000 (MSRP$1199) street priced. Good.
Talking about construction, go to Circuit City and physically lift their "top-of-the-line" home theater receiver. At most you maybe lifting about 20lbs. But the DA80 tips the scales at over 35lbs! The sturdy metal construction feel like it's honed out of a solid block of steel. But in truth it is the guts of the DA80 that make up it's heft. Unlike comparative models, it has a very simplified and 'minimal' appearance even with the motorized control panel in the down position.
The amplification section is common to other high-end Dolby Digital (DD) recvrs at 100x5 in surround mode and is rated to 100x2 in stereo (200W RMS). The DA80 has PreAmp outs for all channels, if you plan on using a separate amp. But bypassing Sony's Class A amplifier section would be a shame. The sonic quality is representative of higher priced separate amps.
All inputs are gold plated: 10 Video (coax digital/AC-3 RF/5 optical digital inputs for DVD/LaserDisc, TV, S-Video/VCR) and 6 Audio (optical/coax for CD, Tape, DAT/MiniDisc, Turntable). It also has an auto-detect/direct 5.1 program soruce input for DD 5.1 encoded programs. DD 5.1 programs have discrete full-range channels (left-front, right-front, center, left-rear, right-rear, and separate sub signal...thus the 5.1). But unlike other DD recvrs, the DA80 will fully drive all speakers and not roll-off your side/rear surrounds at 80 or 100Hz. So you have to be careful when you connect sides/rears, make sure to run through the DA80's Set-Up function hookup. The DA80 uses an intuitive approach to installing it as the 'brains' of your custom home system, with a built-in Set-Up control function.
The DA80 has full remote control over the Digital Processor Control (DPC) functions. The Digital Sound Processor (DSP) section in the DA80 has 27 built-in sound fields--all fully changeable to your own prefs. Also the DA80 adds a parametric equalizer to control the bass and treble signal levels and frequency.
Of course there is a FM/AM tuner section with excellent stereo sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios.
The learning remote takes full control of the DA80 but is not backlit--one of the very few (if not only) complaints.
All together, the DA80ES makes home theater for anyone--casual listener through audio enthusiast (maybe even "audiophile")--a pure pleasure in your own listening expereince. It will also provide you with years of good use even with all the competing formats in the A/V realm.
I've used the DA80ES now for 2 months. It drives/controls: Definitive Tech(DF) 2002 (mains), DF C/L/R1000 (center), DF BP2X (sides/rears); Rotel Planet CD transport; a Sony DVPS7000 (the best DVD and CD player out there); two stereo VCR's; and a 32" TV...with Kimber Kable all around.
If a fellow owner of a DA80 has run into problems please post your quams at this site, I'd like to stay informed. Thanks.

I love the product, good Price and sound great.

I purchased the Sony STR-DA80ES in December 1997. I have been enjoying thesound in Direct Mode for 7 months. Direct Mode bypasses all soundfields and
gives a purer sound, especially with cd's. I have had no problems with the
remote as described by another reviewer. Curtco Home Theater buyers guide
trashed this receiver in their Winter issue. I don't know WHAT they were
hearing, but I am totally satisfied, especially in 2 channel stereo. This
was very important to me as I previously had separate components.(Hafler,
Marantz, AR 3a, Empire, Shure, ETC) In spite of Home Theater's trashing, I
went with my own instincts and judgement, and purchased the STR-DA80ES
anyway. I'M glad I did. By the way, Stereophile Home Theater Guide reviewed
the STR-DA90ES, which is identical to the DA80ES in performance and the
reviewer claimed it was the best sounding receiver he has ever heard.
Bottom Line, GO WITH WHAT YOU LIKE, TRUST YOUR EARS. Use reviews as a tool,
not as the last word.

A former roommate of mine is responsible for getting me into home theater. After a few years of living without one, I recently decided to jump in. I got a Sony DVP-S300, a set of Polk satellites/sub, and for AC-3 I bought the Sony STR-DA80ES. It's a wonderful machine!
It has all of the optical/coaxial inputs you could possibly want, lots of s-video in/out, powerful and clean sound, easy to use menus, a clean remote, and an elegant 'feel.' The only downside to this unit that I can see is in it's use of a powered 'door' to access some of the less-used features on the unit (mostly dealing with set-up). It just seems like one more item that could possibly become worn out and faulty. Other than that, I highly recommend this unit, especially for home theater!

I have owned the DA80ES for about a year now. I had to take the unit to get it worked on due to a blown circuit. The unit had overheated. It does run pretty hot and needs plenty of ventilation. I am pleased with the unit because it is very user friendly for everyday use It is, however, a pain in the neck to use as a tuner and to change some of the setups, since they are not located on the remote. I haven't figured out yet what role the three sub outs play. I have tried all configurations. The center sub out seems to have a dimmer signal sent to it, but I'm not sure.
I am going to be switching to separates soon because the DA80ES is a little muddy. There isn't as much clarity and detail when compared to some of Yamaha's receivers and the B&K AV202 (but the B&K is too bright-sounding and doesn't have an EQ). I may buy the new Sony separates the TA-E9000ES pre/pro and TA-N9000ES amp. What are your opinions? The reason that I have went with Sony so far is because my father works for a company that has a Sony retail store for it's employees. I got the DA80ES for $650 and can get the two 9000ES units for about $1,700.

Well all I have to say is, Wow, this thing rocks. I loved it at the store and I love it at my house. Yes I have tried the Yamaha and the Denon, the Denon was pretty damn good but I like the way the Sony sounds. It fits my music perfectly. Highly recommended....Dont judge this by my review, you might like the Denon or Yamaha, just listen what sounds best to you.... =)