Friends, I've listened to some pretty fancy processors (Halo Parasound, Integra DTC 9.4, etc.), I've used some fancy receivers as front end processors, but this $500 new (B Stock) processor absolutely blew me away.



The Magnificent Sony TA-E9000ES 5.1 Channel Processor

I know someone who bought one from this ebay seller, arrived well packaged and safe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14978&item=5707809534

I have no connection with this outfit and no financial interest in Sony.

The sound quality of this processor is unbelievable. If anyone out there thinks all processors are basically the same, this Sony will open your eyes!

Sound quality is simply magnificent.

Limitations of this Sony -

1. no amplification, of course, it's a processor

2. no multichannel inputs, but SACD/DVD A sound so good you will melt.

3. 5.1 channel outputs only, so if you need 6.1 or 7.1 capabilities, this jewel is not for you.

4. You need a PC to immediately upgrade the firmware from Sony download [VER 1.18C] in order to obtain truly majestic sound quality.

5. This unit is black instead of the darn good looking champagne finish Sony also put out.

6. Sony will end production of this unit pretty soon, if it hasn't already.

BTW - MSRP on this unit is $1,700.00.

Sony warranty is 5 years on this ES effort.

I'm just in a sharing mood.

I'm curious as to how it has no multi-channel inputs, but still plays SACD and DVDA's?

2.1, pure SACD, or you can play them through normal surround optical/coax, I use optical.

2x6-i had a acurus act-3 on order before i picked up this sony.the acurus release date kept getting pushed back so i started looking at other processors.as much as i didnt want to put a sony in my rack this thing blew the doors off anything near its price range.....did you try the church mode reverb just for fun?.....ron

Matt, to expand a bit on the answer to your question, it can't play either SACD or DVD-A material. If the SACD is a "hybrid" with a CD layer, then the redbook CD data will be output. A DVD-A will have a DD or DTS 5.1 track which would be output. So, although the sound may melt, it isn't DVD-A/SACD.

At $500, that's definately a steal... but it probably won't be available once I can afford it :/

I don't know. I did a quick google and it looks like the TA E9000ES may downconvert the DSD stream to PCM. I haven't done much high res listening with the 9000ES, so I dunno. What I do know is that the 9000ES is spectacularly musical with any source - from a digital cable box, to DVD/DTS music, or CD and I would recommend it as a front end to anyone who loves music especially if you can live without multichannel inputs and true SACD/DVD A.

It's also spectacular with movies, but again it only has 5.1 multichannel output.

The TA-E9000ES is very similar to the receiver I have, the Sony STR-DA777ES. Same processor, touch-screen remote, RS-232 port and more, but with 5x120 amplification. They are scarce, but can be found on eBay for $500-$700. I've had mine 4 years along with my Infinity Overture 2s, CC3, RS3s, and a Hsu VTF-2 sub. Yeah, it's only 5.1 capable. Find the website and you can download the 6.1 Virtual Matrix into the receiver from your computer via its RS-232 port--FOR FREE!! 5.1 inputs, two optical inputs (I use mine for DVD and satellite) and one coax-digital input.

Yes, I paid $1000+ for it 4 years ago ($1500 MSRP). But even then I thought it was a bargain. I can't put anymore speakers in the living room--not enough room. 5.1 is all I need. So I don't need to "upgrade" my processor yet.

And when I can afford to, I'll sell my Infinitys, keep the Hsu and buy my bang-for-the-buck Axiom M60s, VP150, and QS8s!!

Until then...

Todd