Solid Design

No AC-3 Decoder, Surround Sound module broke and was repaired and just broke down again after the 3 year warranty. Going to cost $199 to fix it at the service center.

Make sure your future ES product comes with a 5 year warranty. Apparently not all ES models have 5 year warranty.

Similar Products Used:

Sony STRDE2020

Many inputs(5 S-video in, 3 out;2 tape loops;5.1 in;pre-outs), good digital domain Pro-Logic processor, parametric EQ...too much to list

Amp section, though pretty good, is a bit soft in treble and slightly grainy over all

I wasn't in the market for an A/V receiver, but in July '99 Crutchfield was selling the GA8ES/EP9ES combo for $700. This deal was too good to pass up. When I was shopping for an AC-3 pre-amp for my main system a few years back, the best price I could find locally on the EP9ES was $690, so $700 for that AND the GA8ES was hard to resist. Now on to the review topic.

This was Sony's flagship ES receiver in '96 and originally listed for $950. I don't believe it is still in production but it is listed in AUDIO's 1999 equipment directory. Since I purchased it with no audition I had a few concerns. The first was how the amps were rated: 120 wpc @ 8 ohms, 3 channels driven, full bandwith with .05% THD...this looked fine but then the surrounds; 50 wpc @ 8 ohms, @ 1kHz with .7% THD. Where's the "Elevated Standard" for the surround amps? I must admit that they sound fine with Dolby Digital and (ofcourse) Pro-Logic, but will reserve judgement for DVD-A or multi-channel SACD. My other worry was there are no analog tone controls. Normally I use the "Direct" mode anyway but not all recordings are mixed in good taste. The parametric EQ is pretty useful, though why the highest frequency you can alter is centered at only 8 kHz is beyond me. As you would expect, the A/D-D/A chain is not transparent, though not to the degree to out-weigh the benefits for the recordings that could use some help.

But how does it sound? Pretty damned good. As mentioned above it is a bit rolled-off (polite?) in the highs. It is also very slightly grainy. Compared to my Marantz amp it is a little congested, there is less "air" around each instrument and the extention at both ends is not as reaching. The Marantz "feels" more powerful and is smoother. But hell, I paid $400 for the Sony. I am being very critical. A friend of mine has the much more expensive Denon AVR-2800 and the GA8ES is just as good.

Feature-wise this thing is loaded. The many DSP modes offer a vast range of tweeks (even wall material) but I don't use them much. You can use it in a second zone and the remote is able to learn a limited amount of commands.

If you can find it at anywhere near the price I paid, I highly recommend it.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz PM-68 integrated amp,Yamaha DSP-E492 3-Channel integrated amp/processor,Denon AVD-2000 AC-3 pre-amp, Sony SDP-EP9ES AC-3 pre-amp, Onkyo TX-900 stereo receiver

High power output, excellent complement of video inputs/out

TERRIBLE FM tuner (low sensitivity, subject to all matter of interference), confusing to the point of useless controls

For the cost ($950 MSRP) and apparent sturdy construction (weighs 35#), this receiver has disappointed in several areas. The tuner section is the worst; no interference rejection or even shielding and poor sensitivity. The ProLogic circuitry does not have the separation or accuracy compared to the Philips units. It is powerful, flexible and HUGE. How long will Sony attempt to rest on it's name without producing value oriented products????

Similar Products Used:

Philips FR930MkII
Marantz 4000 dolby digital

Good array of video inputs/outputs, power build quality

No DD decoder built in

I also purchased this unit with the Sony DD decoder, All in all a very good unit for the price. The seperate DD decoder makes this unit perform. Contols are a bit crowded but not a real issue once you get use to it.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 515pro