Is the DA5ES a noticable upgrade from the DB840? (1 Viewer)

[Matt Stone]

I'm currently saving up for a new TV (for now, everything's centered around a 27" Wega), but my parents gave me an interesting proposition...you see, they are in the process of moving into a new house and want me to set them up with a Home Theater. They are willing to give me the exact price that I payed for my DB840 (400). I've seen that the DA3ES can be had for around 570 online...would the upgrade be worth it...for the extra 170 that I'd have to shell out? I normally would just take them up since it would allow me to upgrade...but in this case, I am literally saving all my money for a Tosh 57H82. I'm livin' on Raman Noodles and RC Cola here
Thx for the help guys!

 

[Dan Joy]

Matt, I am a bit confused. DA5 or DA3. I have the DA5es and I had the STRDE-835 and the difference is night and day.
You won't be dissapointed!

 

[Matt Stone]

Ooooops, crap...finger slipped. I meant the DA3ES...if any admins out there in admin-land would be kindly enough to change the title for me, I'd be much obliged.
Sorry for the confusion...

 

[Matt Stone]

Anybody?

I need to know soon.

 

[Dan Joy]

Matt, have you done a search on DA3ES. I am sure I have read previous post about them. Again, I do not know the diff between the two but I am VERY fond of my DA5ES.

 

[Matt Stone]

Oh yes...I've done a search, but I'm not looking for people to tell me how good the DA3ES is...I'm looking for someone to tell me if it is worth the ~170 that I'd have to pay to upgrade it.

 

[Angelo_Petralba]

no DPLII and a little less power for the Da3ES vs the 5ES.
My 5ES is going STRONG and seems to keep on getting better as it ages (2-3 months now)! Maybe Im just getting "accustomed" to the sound or my Speakers are FINALLY fully broke-in!
I think for $170, it's WAY WORTH IT!!

 

[Matt Stone]

Sorry for the confusion, but again...I'm not talking about the DA5ES...only the DA3ES vs DB840.

 

[Newton]

Actually the DA3ES can be had for a little less than $570. I just picked up the DA3ES from Oade for $525+$25 shipping to Illinois, so shipping should be the same for you in Indiana. So now your price diff is only $150. And for $150, I would do the upgrade. I think the ES has better DACs, component video, adds a 7.1 input, 5 yr warranty, etc.

PS
I wanted to add that Oade was great to deal with. I got my Fed Ex tracking info by email the next day after ordering. And it came double boxed too. Gotta appreciate that.

 

[Matt Stone]

I actually just found that out. I ordered my last reciever from the Oade Bros, so I emailed them about the DA3ES last night, and they got back to me a couple of minutes ago.

I definitely think I'm going to upgrade now...

 

[John Garcia]

Do it. You won't regret it. The DB series has better quality amps from the ES line, but still has the weak processing of the DE line. The 3ES should sound noticably better.

 

[Matt Stone]

Okay, Kewl...I'll order it ASAP!

 

[John Garcia]

One word of caution, there are about a MILLION configurable items on the 3 and 5ES receivers. That is good and bad, flexibility=good, but troubleshooting becomes more complicated. Once you have it all setup though, I think they are very good receivers. (I setup a 3ES for a friend recently)

 

[Matt Stone]

HOLY CRAP!

I didn't realize the damn thing was almost 20 inches deep. It won't fit in my entertainment center, unless I cut out a portion of the back panel.

It's 5 inches deeper than my DB840! Yowza!

 

[John Garcia]

So cut it out! Don't forget about wiring. That heat needs to go somewhere anyway...

 

[Matt Stone]

Oh don't worry...I will, it just blew my mind that it's so big

 

[Matt Stone]

It just came...and I must say holy shit balls!

I haven't even calibrated it yet...but wow. The quality has offically blown me away.

Thank you guys for the urging!

 

[KeithH]

Matt, I am not at all surprised by your observations. Back in September 2000, I replaced a Sony STR-DB930 (predecessor to the 'DB840) with a Sony STR-V444ES (predecessor to your 'DA5ES), and I was blown away by the difference. The 'V444ES was especially better with music. Let's just say that the difference was not subtle. From what I have read here, the 'DA5ES beats the 'V444ES, so you must have yourself a very fine receiver. Congrats. on the purchase and enjoy it!