Sony DA5ES as pre/pro vs Outlaw 950 (1 Viewer)

[flenn]

Any thoughts on this comparison? As strictly a pre/pro, doesn't the Sony hang with (and maybe surpass) the Outlaw in features/performance? To be honest, I've been out of the HT game for a couple of years but a lightning strike to my equipment has brought me back. I'd be interested in your comments on this subject. TIA

 

[Kevin Alexander]

To many here, the Sony makes an even more attractive pre/pro than the Outlaw when used for that purpose.

 

[Will]

If you want a pre/pro get a pre/pro. Don't get a receiver. While a receiver can be used as a pre/pro, a pre/pro is designed from the get-go to be one, without compromises. Of course, if you already have a receiver and want to go into separates, then lots of people use their old receiver as a pre/pro. But then most people will probably eventually want to replace it in a few years, with a real pre/pro. If you're starting from scratch, and want a pre/pro, I think you should get a pre/pro. Like the Outlaw. Or the Rotel.

 

[flenn]

Will, I appreciate your comments, but if a receiver offers more features or performance than a dedicated pre/pro, why shouldn't I consider it? Just because it's a receiver?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the Sony offers more than the Outlaw, I'm actually asking that question. I figure that there may be people on this board that have already looked into this, and may have a compelling reason to go with one over the other.

 

[AntonS]

a pre/pro is designed from the get-go to be one, without compromises

Hm... To me the Outlaw has more compromises than the Sony. Both the Outlaw and the Sony have 192kHz/24 bit DACs, but Sony runs processing on 3 separate 32-bit DSPs comparing to Outlaw's one. Maybe that's why it can do more than the Outlaw which ran out of mips to do even separate delays. So, can you specify exactly where the compromises in Sony are (providing build in amps will not be used)?

Btw Sony can be bought for about $800 online. Very attractive...

 

[Kevin Deacon]

If you go with a receiver for a pre/pro be sure you can use the internal amps for other purposes, like second zones, or rear/center speakers in a 6.1 or 7.1 config. No reason to waste this power usage. Can the Sony do this?

 

[Dan Joy]

Did you search other threads, I remember some with additional ampage, but maybe not prepro. Try a search if you have'nt already. I can say that I got the DA5ES and intent to use it as pre pro in the future when I can afford it. I can always send it to the bedroom if I upgrade to a specified pre pro at a later time. I think the flexibility is hard to beat!

 

[DanielKim]

I am currently using the Da5es as a pre/pro and it is awesome. I have a 5 channel Parasound powering my 5.1 setup. If I decide to go with 7.1 which the Sony does, I can use a combination of the Para and Sony's internal amps to power all the speakers. 7.1 AND have amps to power other zones. I think this unit is great as a pre/pro considering I bought it for under $700 delivered to my door. Hehe. Friends with hookups are cool...

Dan

 

[Kevin Deacon]

Now you got me wondering about the outlaw 950 and a receiver. With the Outlaw I would need to purchase more amplification. Choices, choices...

 

[Will]

One advantage of a receiver is you don't have to purchase amplication. Another is it takes less room.

A few year ago many people got the (then) top of the line Denon 5700/5800 receivers. Some people on HTF subsequently purchased amplification to go with their Denon receiver, relagating the Denon to a pre/pro. Some used the Denon's internal amps to power their surround channels only, at first, and used the external amp for the main channels. Over the years, some of these people replaced or are now in the process of replacing their (then) top of the line Denon receiver with a pre/pro.

 

[Kevin Deacon]

I hear you Will. Where does it end???

 

[Angelo_Petralba]

Apparently IT DOES NOT END there. My SONY 5ES WILL be my pre-pro after i get my amps. For how long? Who knows! This is a VERY sick (and expensive) hobby ( I could just imagine how much those folks with TOP END pre-pros spend on their gear!) and Im infected with it (recently) and hopefully I will be able to recover and enjoy before I get completely depleted (money wise).
whew!