Got my 2ES yesterday!!! (1 Viewer)

[Bob Kavanaugh]

Well, it finally arrived! I finally replaced my Sony STR-DE475 with a Sony STR-DA2ES.

WOW, What a difference! I could not believe my ears.

First, I calibrated my speakers using my Avia disc and RS SPL meter. Then I put in the pod race scene. My bass was cleaned up substantially. I had to turn it down 3db! Next I played the intro to Jackass the movie, the cannons were great! (I have another thread somewhere around here talking about the audio dropout from the de475 during this scene). I finally calmed down and watched a movie I rented (Stealing Harvard), I noticed the center channel sounded hollow, but i'll play a couple more movies before I start tweaking the EQ.

This was money well spent IMO. Now I have to find a rear center speaker that matches my setup (I have an old 50w surround back there now). Anyone got an extra Energy Take speaker laying around?

Please feel free to share any similar experiences from your receiver upgrades.

 

[Angelo.M]

Glad you like it. I have a 4ES and a 2ES, and this business about the 2ES not being a 'real ES' is hogwash; I could care less. It's a very nice unit.

 

[Greg Peniston]

Does the 2ES have the same EQ capabilities as the 4ES?

 

[Angelo.M]

Greg: as far as I can tell, yes.

 

[Mark Hedges]

Have you done any comparisond for 2 channel stereo music? I am thinking of replacing my STR-DE485 w/ a 4ES, primarily to improve music performance.

Mark

 

[MikeMcGrew]

Mark, I have a DA4ES and I notice a distinct improvement in sound quality over my older Pioneer VSX-D508. IMHO, I think it has to do with a more accurate power rating. My Analog Direct mode on my new DA4ES is way superior to the analog direct mode on the older receiver. Granted, I am comparing a $1000 receiver to a much less expensive one but the difference was definitely clear. Also, the DA4ES is so tweakable. You can set you sound parameters for each channel group (frnt, center, surrounds and sub high and low pass). This greatly helps find a sound that you are comfortable with. It also helps to neutralize the naturally warm or bright sounds that are so characteristic to some receivers. I like the fact that I can listen to two channel music with or without my sub if I want to. The Sony has an option to turn off unused digital and analog circuitry when it is not needed also. I'm just a novice but this seems like a good idea to me. I am not trying to push Sony at you, I only want to share a few of the things that I like so much about my receiver. I shopped receivers for at least six months before pulling the trigger and finally, I am very happy with my purchase. One quick negative though, the remote for the DA4ES sucks! At least IMHO. I have had to spend an extra chunk of change on a decent remote (MX-500) because I was so unhappy with the one that came with the receiver. Overall, I think there are more "musical" receivers than the Sony (H/K comes to mind) but overall, the total package that the DA4ES offers has been a welcome addition to my HT/Music needs. Best of luck. MM

 

[Angelo.M]

Mark: I think you'll notice a substantial difference. The added power, plus the tweakability, should give you better music performance.

I don't believe the stuff about certain receivers being more 'musical' than others (that's a discussion unto itself). Tweaked appropriately, you can make a 'musical' receiver sound terrible, and a 'non-musical' receiver sound much better.

 

[Mark Hedges]

Thanks for the input. One last question - how do the DAC's in the 4ES perform for cd sources? I don't have a good cd player right now (using my DVD player) so I will probably use the DAC's in the reciever.

Mark

 

[Bob Kavanaugh]

My thread has been hijacked!!!

I am just glad to see that there are still Sony fans out there. In my price range, their whole line of products just fit me (Except for their speakers of course). I have noticed an increase of anti-sony posts as of late, and it bothers me a bit, but the main thing is that I am pleased with what I have.

Sorry that i don't have any replies to the questions asked above, i'm afraid to answer them right now because I am still so pumped up about my new receiver and I might over-do the praise.

 

[Craig_Kg]

It'd be interesting to find someone who had tried both the 2ES and the 4ES as prepros to see how much difference there was aside from amplification (and 7.1 inputs vs 6.1).

 

[StevieP]

I'd like to weigh in here!

As a Sony fan, it is un-real that any one that is familiar with all the tweakability that the present Sony's have, can say that any Sony is "bright, neutral, or, otherwise!

You can make it sound any way you want it it too!
With any speakers!
STOP WITH ALL THIS B.S.!!!!!!!!!!!!

FWIW, IMOHP!!!!!! :star: :b :frowning:

 

[Craig_Kg]

What negative posts have there been in this thread, StevieP?

 

[Angelo.M]

It'd be interesting to find someone who had tried both the 2ES and the 4ES as prepros...

I'm that someone. I couldn't tell any difference. Moreover, using their own amplification, there was not a huge difference between the 2 and the 4. Yes, there was a difference, but not huge.

At the prices you can snag the 4 for nowadays (well under $700), it's a no-brainer over the 2. Grab 'em now: they're going the way of the dodo.

 

[AaronBatiuk]

...how do the DAC's in the 4ES perform for cd sources? I don't have a good cd player right now (using my DVD player) so I will probably use the DAC's in the reciever.

I use the DACs in my 4ES, which is connected through TOSLINK to my CD changer. I am impressed by the improvement over the CD changer's DACs.

You mentioned that you are using a DVD player, and are worried about its analog audio quality. Many DVD players make excellent CD audio players. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of DVD players use good quality 192 kHz 24 bit (capable) DACs, which can often outperform those in a lower- to mid-end CD player. Try both ways: analog connection (and analog direct mode on the receiver) and digital connection. If you are using the receiver's EQ or any DSP modes (including DPL-II, etc.), then use only the digital connection, to avoid an extra generation of D/A-A/D conversion.

 

[Mark Hedges]

If you are using the receiver's EQ or any DSP modes (including DPL-II, etc.), then use only the digital connection, to avoid an extra generation of D/A-A/D conversion.

Thats why I currently use my DVD player as a transport only. My mains are JBL S36II's which don't really have enough bass to be used w/o a sub. I may get some S38's though which I think are OK w/o a sub, in which case I will try the DVD players DAC's.

Mark

 

[Alex Dydula]

Bob,

Congrats on you SONY 2ES, I own a 4ES and its been a really great piece of stereo / HT equipment. It just works so very well.

The 2ES is a very capable system and it should give you years of service.

I have not played with the Equilzer functions at all, and am running a pair of Dahlquist QX10's for my HT fronts and 2ch stereo speakers...very bright, very revealing...they work well with the SONY.

I also have had many high end pieces of gear in the last 30 years and the SONY ES line has really stood out very well in the mix of stuff thats out there.....a wonderful price performer.....

The only issue i really have is the remote, and it is tolerable just a pain at times...(smile).

Alex

 

[Bob Kavanaugh]

Yeah the remote is terrible, but i am ok with it. Most of my components happen to be sony, so my receiver remote is all i need. I am quite used to where the buttons are now, and the little joystick is growing on me.

 

[Craig_Kg]

At the prices you can snag the 4 for nowadays (well under $700), it's a no-brainer over the 2. Grab 'em now: they're going the way of the dodo.

I bought our equivalent of the 2ES to use as a prepro as it cost half as much (~US$500) as the 4ES equivalent (~$US1000) I could get at discount rates. You guys have it good over there as our version are stripped down a bit too.

 

[MikeMcGrew]

As far as the remote is concerned, I just couldn't take it. I just got a Home Theater Master MX-500 and I can't begin to tell you how much more I am enjoying my set up. The remote with the DA4ES even made it difficult to teach commands to my new remote but I am finally done (for now). It's my opinion that Sony really dropped the ball with this controller. As far as stereo sound, I have JBL S312's up front and they have never sounded better. I had a H/K PA2000 hooked up to my mains for a little while (friend out of town) and I honestly liked the sound of the receiver by itself better. I think the ES line is pretty darned accurate with its power ratings (even though testing with all channels driven has yet to be published to my knowledge). IMHO, that really makes all the difference when it comes to the "sound" of a receiver9especially in direct modes). Not to mention five different EQ banks (not that you really need any) and individually tweakable channels. I got my DA4ES for $600.00 US and I can't imagine a better deal at that price.
Mark, I see you're running JBL's. How do you like them? If your space constraints are not too bad, consider the S312's. The towers really sound great with this receiver. I have had mine for about six months now and they seem to improve continuously. I am debating the S38's or the S36's for surrounds. The difference between those two are really like night and day huh?
Bob, sorry about hijacking your thread. I'm just happy to have the chance to talk to a group of people who can actually appreciate the same product as I without all the negative rhetoric and debate that often accompanies this sort of conversation. Enjoy your new equipment. MM

 

[Angelo.M]

I agree w/ Mike about the 4ES. This thing is absolutely incredible. I have a JBL N38 setup and a S38 setup, and have tried the 4ES in each, and it really drives both sets of speakers well.

Absolutely the best receiver under $1000.