I have bought the ES90 about a year ago $735, Good Guys. I love the sound and I have all Sony components including camcorder which it will control. The "TV" thing does not bother me that much. I have a program (not Sony) that will allow me to program my computer (Sony) to choose the order of Jukebox play, which also displays on the TV and is operated by a wireless keyboard (not Sony). The computer automatically searches a database for CD titles and tracks so I don't have to key them in. If I am listening for many hours I do shut off the TV. Many of the features can be operated from the deck itself. I love gadgets and toys, and to have them built in to a great sounding system is better. I like the idea of having channel up and down and a few other buttons, but I am happy

Power, Design, Quality

No DTS (if that's your thing), No Pre-Amp In, limited future upgradabilty

I know it's not relevant to discuss this product but I had to redeem the Sony STR-DA90ES's name after having read harsh reviews. This receiver is like having a Clydesdale horse that can tip-toe on rice paper. So much raw power that is executed so exquisitely. Unbelievable guts in this number. I tend to like my music/movies loud. I've not been able to turn the dial even half way in over 3 years of use. This thing screams. Audio is crystal clear at any level.

There is the issue that plagues so many regarding this receiver. "Oh, that darn remote! I hate it!" That's the response that seems to permeate most reviews. I think that the STR-DA90ES's remote works quite well for most functions. It's easy to use and the GUI is well thought out and planned. I've seen worse. I've seen much worse. Aside from that, any critique is being nit picky.

Now, since the time in which I've purchased the Sony STR-DA90ES many revolutions have come to home theater/audio. The purpose of a company is to make new products and develop new technologies to prod the consumer to forget that 6 months ago they just shelled out a grand on a new receiver. So, obviously, we are all aware of the fact that one receiver is never going to be able to keep up with the times. When I purchased this receiver DTS was in it's infancy, nothing over 5.1 was heard of, DVD was new - much less DVD-Audio or anything else, and so on. DTS would be a turning point for some people but I still feel satisfied with the STR-DA90ES and I still stand behind this prize fighter of a A/V receiver.

I hope my future receiver will be able to live up to the extremely high standards set by the STR-DA90ES.

SYSTEM:
Receiver: Sony STR-DA90ES
Television: Sony KV-32V68
DVD: Sony DVP-C650D
VCR: Sony SLV-779HF
Power Conditioner: Monster Cable HTS3000
Main Speakers: Klipsch KG 4.5
Center Chanel: Klipsch KV1
Rear Speakers: Klipsch KG 1.5
Subwoofer: Klipsch KSW-12
Cabling: All Monster Cable - Z series and Video 3

This is without a doubt the best receiver you can buy for under a thousand dollars (I got it for $999 at Uncle Stereo) The receiver is a learning unit so it can learn ANY IR signal. The only complaint I have is the manuel is poorly written. Five stars all the way baby!

I am really displeased with this receiver. Sounds good, but the ergonomics really stinks. The remote is not friendly - the TV needs to be on at all times - No DTS - The list goes on and on...Should have never bought it...Paid 800.00 through a sony employee...even with the discount, the receiver is not worth it... it someone wants to purchase for cheap, please email me. Again, the sound is very very good, but the ergonomics is not for me...I know others who are very pleased...Maybe i am just picky.

Digital

No DTS

I would recommend this product to anyone. The sound is fantastic compare to Denon 2800 and Onyko 777.

Only bad thing is no DTS.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 2800, Onyko 777, Integra line

Sound, Build, Flexibility

Remote Control

I do not consider myself an expert. Far from it but I will tell you this. I have had this receiver for over a year and it sound as great as the first day I brought it. All my products are Sony and work great together. The only item I wish they would have made better would have been the remote control for this unit. It plain sucks.

It has a special sode that learning remotes can not learn.

Otherwise this unit screams quality and does not slack at any time

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon, Onkyo

S-Video Inputs, Digital Inputs, Multiple Audio/Video inputs

Remote, TV graphics

I was looking at the new Harmon Kardon AVR 500. I stepped into Sound Advice and saw the Sony 90ESG unit for $645.00.
This was a floor model, the last one they had. Unit once went for $ 1600.00. I looked at the back right away. 5.1 input for future products (DVD-Audio). Multiple inputs, digital inputs. Pre amp for adding an external amplifier.

It does not have DTS but considering the amount of software out for DTS no loss. The sound is truly amazing. The build is impeccable. Very powerful.

I have always had Harmon Kardon products, but this has changed my mind. I will seriously start to look into Sony's ES line. I would not really buy their regular line. I heard they have a new line the STR-DB which is between their regular line and the ES.

I am extremely happy.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon upper series, Onyko Integra

I read all the reviews I could find before buying the STR-DA90ES.My opinion is that this is a great piece of equipment. The sound is fantastic, I cannot believe how wonderful it sounds. It is not difficult to set up--if you read the instructions. The on screen programming is an asset rather than a liability--it is much easier than looking at a tiny display. Frankly, I cannot understand some of the negative comments I read.

I purchased my STR-DA90ESG from Sound City and am quite satisfied with the performance and build quality of this unit. I am using all top of the line XLO, Audioquest and Monster interconnects. The generous amount of dynamic headroom is quite impressive for an integrated piece of equipment. I did not have any trouble at all adapting to the GUI, and the receiver can be operated very easily without having the TV on. The soundfields (all of which are infinitely adjustable) are quite good, but a few of them (Church, Stadium and Arena) had clearly too much reverbation out of the box, but that's just my taste. I also have a SONY DVD player (the 550) and am pleased with the "S-Link" technology, enough so that I am contemplating assembling a "total-SONY" system.

Recent posts in "general" forum have reminded me that I forgot to include associated system components with my review of the Sony STRDA90ES. Speakers are B&W DM 603s with CC6 center. At the momtent, surrounds are Boston Acoustic Surround Stats , until new B&W WP-1 outdoor speakers arrive( same drivers as CC6). DVD is Panasonic A110, and CD player is 5 year old Sony ES changer. LD player is Pioneer 704 and VCRs are Panasonic 8664 and JVC 7500 SVHS. I also have tha Sony hooked up to an Adcom speaker switcher that's connected to Boston Acoustic Voyager outdoor speakers and in-wall 2way speakers in kitchen. Subwoofer is Velodyne FSR-12. TV is 46" Sony XBR. This SONY receiver operates all this equipment with it's remote.