Angelo_Petralba
Second Unit
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2002
- Messages
- 366
- Real Name
- Angelo
Here’s my Review on the new Sony STR-DA5ES receiver I got last Monday.
Features:
Most all of my “NEEDS” for an AV Receiver was met with the Sony. My main upgrade concerns were Video Switching, DTE-ES, DD-EX, DPL II, and at least 6 channels of amplification. The added bonus was the robust and powerful Bass Management and EQ for EACH channel. It really helped a lot in Tuning/Tweaking (tweakers dream AV) the settings to my taste.
Working with the features:
Learning to use the features did not take me long at all (probably 2-3 hours tops). I could see how this could be a problem for the “new HT enthusiast” because it does have QUITE A BIT of settings to tinker with. However, after all is said and done, I’m very comfortable with it and find it quite entertaining (no pun intended) to do.
The video switching works perfectly and although I have not tried the Component Set because I’m waiting on my cables to arrive.
Bass Management / EQ:
This has got to be ONE OF THE BETTER ONES out there on the AV world. Imagine having control of EACH speaker including distance control (delay for others), whether you want the surround set to High on the walls or Ear Level, you can do it. The Bass cut-off for each speaker is available and adjustable.
Remote Control and OSD (On Screen Display):
The remote control and OSD can be more User Friendly especially for the newbies but I found them to be VERY useful and does what it is supposed to do. The remote does
feel kinda cheap for a Flagship receiver compared to my MX500.
The OSD is VERY helpful especially for the Visual Folks who likes to see what they are doing. I found that the Display on the Remote itself is not very intuitive nor is it useful. Use the OSD instead.
The ALL-important Sound Quality:
Like most of the Owners I found the HT Performance SUPERB! Outstanding! And Completely Satisfying! The quality of the sound, separation and DETAIL is ALL THERE, at lower volume however, it sounded kinda lacking (probably because of my speakers). Music is NOT as BAD as what others have said, but I must say that my old HK AVR 110 sounded slightly better even at the 50 watts per channel. The HK had MORE presence if I had to compare both. I have not tried DVD-Audio so I will update as soon as I get the chance.
Rate from 1-10: is 8.5
My Set-up:
Hitachi 53SDX01B RPTV: Yamaha LD Player: Toshiba SD5700: Dish Network DTV.
Speakers: Wharfedale Modus 1.6 Mains: Modus Music Center: Wharfedale Diamonds Anniversary 8 Side surrounds and Infinity RS1000 Rear Surround (old speakers).
Subwoofer: DIY Tempest Sonosub in a 210 Liter tube with dual 3” flared ports tuned to 16HZ with Adire AV250 Amp.
I hope this helps and I will update as I go along.
Thanks for reading.
Angelo
Features:
Most all of my “NEEDS” for an AV Receiver was met with the Sony. My main upgrade concerns were Video Switching, DTE-ES, DD-EX, DPL II, and at least 6 channels of amplification. The added bonus was the robust and powerful Bass Management and EQ for EACH channel. It really helped a lot in Tuning/Tweaking (tweakers dream AV) the settings to my taste.
Working with the features:
Learning to use the features did not take me long at all (probably 2-3 hours tops). I could see how this could be a problem for the “new HT enthusiast” because it does have QUITE A BIT of settings to tinker with. However, after all is said and done, I’m very comfortable with it and find it quite entertaining (no pun intended) to do.
The video switching works perfectly and although I have not tried the Component Set because I’m waiting on my cables to arrive.
Bass Management / EQ:
This has got to be ONE OF THE BETTER ONES out there on the AV world. Imagine having control of EACH speaker including distance control (delay for others), whether you want the surround set to High on the walls or Ear Level, you can do it. The Bass cut-off for each speaker is available and adjustable.
Remote Control and OSD (On Screen Display):
The remote control and OSD can be more User Friendly especially for the newbies but I found them to be VERY useful and does what it is supposed to do. The remote does
feel kinda cheap for a Flagship receiver compared to my MX500.
The OSD is VERY helpful especially for the Visual Folks who likes to see what they are doing. I found that the Display on the Remote itself is not very intuitive nor is it useful. Use the OSD instead.
The ALL-important Sound Quality:
Like most of the Owners I found the HT Performance SUPERB! Outstanding! And Completely Satisfying! The quality of the sound, separation and DETAIL is ALL THERE, at lower volume however, it sounded kinda lacking (probably because of my speakers). Music is NOT as BAD as what others have said, but I must say that my old HK AVR 110 sounded slightly better even at the 50 watts per channel. The HK had MORE presence if I had to compare both. I have not tried DVD-Audio so I will update as soon as I get the chance.
Rate from 1-10: is 8.5
My Set-up:
Hitachi 53SDX01B RPTV: Yamaha LD Player: Toshiba SD5700: Dish Network DTV.
Speakers: Wharfedale Modus 1.6 Mains: Modus Music Center: Wharfedale Diamonds Anniversary 8 Side surrounds and Infinity RS1000 Rear Surround (old speakers).
Subwoofer: DIY Tempest Sonosub in a 210 Liter tube with dual 3” flared ports tuned to 16HZ with Adire AV250 Amp.
I hope this helps and I will update as I go along.
Thanks for reading.
Angelo
