Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

I have used a Sony STR DA5000 ES receiver with B&W 805's and matching center channel for several years. I would like to replace the unit due to changes in technology - particularly HDMI. I split my time between theater and listening to LP's and CD's. The newer Sony receivers don't have its power (170 x 7) and I would sincerely love some suggestions on an adequate replacement. Thanks for any help.

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

Interestingly, B&W recommend using between 50 and 120 watts per channel for the 805s and HTM4S. Perhaps Sony was exaggerating?

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

I don't know exactly how Sony measures the output but I am careful with the volume. Probably a tribute to the speakers that I've had no problems.

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

A good 120 Watt amp that can drive a 4 ohm load, and either a receiver with pre-outs, or a pre-pro.

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

Jeremy, I've looked at several separates and, having been out of the market for while, am a little confused. I've looked at the Outlaw and Emotiva brands. One issue on the processors seems to be their HDMI connectivity and the ability to decode Dolby HD, etc. Any thoughts? Ed

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

OK, thee are several levels of HDMI:

Video Switching Only-- this just allows you to use your receiver to switch HDMI video signals. Boring, really.

HDMI Audio-- the HDMI signal can carry up to 8 channels of high bitrate digital audio. Many late model receivers and maybe a preamp or two can decode this. You'll have to read the specs carefully

HDMI 1.3/DTS Master Audio/TrueHD. A few receivers will decode the new formats internally, if fed a properly formatted bitstream. There are some advantages to this, and some disadvantages to this. The main advantage is that some cheaper players will not decode dts-Master Audio.

The one HDMI-1.3 preamp that I know of is the Integra DTC-9.8.

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

Thanks Jeremy. That's very helpful. I'm going to go check out the Integra. Is that Denon's upscale line? Ed

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

nah, it's Onkyo's.

Re: Replacing a Sony STRDA5000 ES

I recomend the Denon line up as a possibility. The more I keep hearing about the Onkyo's and there problems and the translation into the Integra's. The less I want to consider them. It that dam Reon chip that I do not want to give up as an option. And I am wishing that the Onkyo 905 did not have its issues as the feature set and the toridal for $2k seems like a good deal to me. I have not heard the 905 yet but the Integra 7.8 sounded really good so maybe the WRATT technology is starting to win me over.

But for what the Deon AVR-3808ci is selling for it packs alot of bang for the buck. And the Audyssey can be upgraded to Audyssey Pro as well with the Denon. I do not think that can be done with the Onkyo. But the Onkyo is a really nice looking peice. Looks do not count for much if the product is not trustworthy and has issues.



I am inclined to agree that the Integra pre/pro would most likely be the cats meow. But from what I am hearing and this may not be totally acurate. That the Reon chip in the Onkyo's is what is generating the majority of the heat. And that back corner of the Integra pre/pro may still end up generating alot of heat just like its Onkyo counterparts? The big difference is that you can hook up the Integra pre/pro to a nice high end power amp or amps and that solution should kick ass over any receiver out on the market.