Video Asylum

Posted by Arnel (A) on March 26, 2002 at 22:17:42

I've heard a lot of good stuff about the VA777ES, which alas is now discontinued. Now I'm looking for something similar, so I figured the DA5ES / VA555ES is the way to go, being Sony's current flagship ES receiver.

Why I choose Sony, and not Denon, Marantz or others?

1. Value: I think Sony, being the biggest company (that I know of) that makes a high-end receiver, is obviously capable of producing the same quality receiver for less price than other brands. The fact that it doesn't bear the "THX" logo also means I save some more cost overhead.

2. Unique Cinema DSP Processing: Being an audio purist, I detest any embellishment in musical reproduction. However, for home theater, where both picture and sound are "larger than life", a little DSP wouldn't hurt WHEN PROPERLY APPLIED. With Sony receivers, I like the simulation of different Sony Pictures studios, which is unique to the marque. For now, I don't care much about 6.1, and less so about 7.1 surround.

3. Configuration Options: I like the bass management flexibility that allows finer adjustment of subwoofer crossover than any other receivers I know. I also like the EQ which acts like a digital parametric EQ, which can be used to ameliorate specific room frequency-response anomalies.

4. Sound: Even if the Sony is not as expensive as other high-end receivers, I think its sound quality is comparable to Denon and Marantz models costing $3000 and up, except that it has less power and current capability. This is, of course, assuming you use reasonably sensitive, 8-ohm-nominal speakers. And IMO, Sony ES sound is not bright like many receivers out there. I also appreciate the "Analog Direct" mode, for use when I want to listen to pure CD or SACD.

5. Build Quality: This receiver is heavy and well-built. Alas, with the DA5ES I will miss the motorised front panel, as well as the PDA-like remote of the VA777ES. However, I appreciate Sony finally made the power cord detachable, so enthusiasts (but not me) can use their garden-hose fat power cables.