Sony new A/V Receiver STR-DA50ES vs Yamaha DSP-A1
David Ludwig
Has anyone read any reviews or heard the new Sony STR-DA50ES A/V receiver?
Am planning on purchasing the Yamaha DSP-A1, but noticed this new receiver
with DTS support which is almost 1/3rd the price of the Yamaha DSP-A1. Any
specs on this receiver available? I heard several places will have the
receiver in a couple of weeks. I am hesitant buying a new model just off the
assembly line...
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please send email to
lu...@ultranet.com.
Thanks,
Dave
Guy Tann
David Ludwig wrote in message <6svj52$5ua$1...@ligarius.ultra.net>...
Mike Davis
David Ludwig wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Has anyone read any reviews or heard the new Sony STR-DA50ES A/V receiver?
> Am planning on purchasing the Yamaha DSP-A1, but noticed this new receiver
> with DTS support which is almost 1/3rd the price of the Yamaha DSP-A1. Any
> specs on this receiver available? I heard several places will have the
> receiver in a couple of weeks. I am hesitant buying a new model just off the
> assembly line...
>
> Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please send email to
> lu...@ultranet.com.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave
Dave,
This one is really all about how much receiver do you need. The Sony is a
pretty serious piece of gear, but in fairness should not be compared to the
DSP-A1. I can give you a couple of facts and specs, lord knows us gearheads love
those specs <ggg.> I'll just do the important stuff;
Digital inputs (and outputs)-
The big Yami' has 5 toslink digital inputs, 1 out, 3 coax digital inputs,
and RF in for a laser player. That's alot of digital inputs! The Sony has 4
toslink and 1 coax digital input, no laser input, and no digital output.
S-video switching-
The Sony does pretty well here, it has 5 s-video inputs, but one of those is
behind the manual flip front door (they axed the motorized front panel.) The
Yami' has 6 s-video inputs, 1 on front, with 3 s-video out in tape loops. This
is a pretty slick feature.
Preamp outputs (and inputs)-
Both pieces feature preamp outputs for all six channels, although the Yamaha
does have pre-ins to allow for any future decoding scheme that might come along.
Also, the Yamaha is a seven channel plus one (sub) machine where the Sony is the
more conventional five plus one channels.
Power ratings-
The Sony claims 100x5, the Yamaha chimes in at 110x5 rated, plus 35 each for
the two front effect channels. Power should be more than ample for either piece
of gear.
There is the important stuff. The Sony is really a very good buy for the
price. It even has a fancy touchscreen remote. The Yamaha does have alot more
soundfields and such, but some people never really use those things. The
difference is really in the details, digital output, s-video tape loops, and
pre-inputs for all channels on the Yamaha. The big DSP-A1 is really built to be
future proof. Something you could own for a very long time. The Sony provides
alot of features for the money and would make a fine center-piece for just about
anybodies home theater. The debate over cost vs. what you get is one you have to
make up in your own mind. Do you need the extras the Yamaha provides?
Good luck, all the best, Mike
--
Michael S. Davis Creative Media-Works
Computer/Audio/Video Convergence
"from Creative minds spring Creative solutions."
http://www.creativemedia-works.com
webm...@creativemedia-works.com
Member, International Webmasters Association http://iwanet.org
Jeffrey Taylor
How about the Sony DE925 compared to the Sony DA50ES? I am getting
ready to set up a home theater system and have narrowed it down to
these two models. I imagine both models rock. I am just not sure if
Sony's ES series is worth the extra money. BTW, the DA50ES is so new
that I can't even find it on Sony's site, but the DE925 is there.
Any opinion on either of these models is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
Alex
their web-site. I found the 925 on the Sony-Europe web site a week or so
before the US one, but still weeks after it was released.
As for the difference, the primary one will be the quality of the build.
The ES units are much better in that respect and can hold their own against
some of the higher-priced Denon's and Yamaha's. The ES also has a better
warranty (5 years through Sony) when purchased from an authorized dealer.
The next difference is S-video switching. The ES units have it, the 925
doesn't. The 50ES also has a touch-screen remote, the 925 has the same
remote as the 30ES, which is just and LCD display (matter of preference, I
suppose). I really like the 925 remote, but wanted S-video switching and
the better quality, so I went with the 50ES.
I got the 50ES at $649 + 30 S/H (currently on order), but have seen teh 925
down at $430 + S/H or there abouts. If you want the better quality and
s-video, think about the 30ES. It's the same as the 50ES, just the 925
remote and less power (80 Watts/ch), but in all other respect identical.
It's all a matter of what you want and what you want to spend for it.
Good luck,
Alex
valkyrie@rocketmail%.com
Remove % to reply
Jeffrey Taylor wrote in message <35f40842....@news.vsat.net>...
joe
several magazines, and it's features define it as such.
It is really unfair to compare a $2600 IA to a receiver costing 1/3 of
the it's price or less.
To add to Mike's comments, the DSP-A1 does use 24 bit D/A and A/D
converters and 128x oversampling, in addition to its 42 DSP modes,
rock-solid build, inputs up the wazoo, built-in RF modulator, and
six-channel input for "future" technology. Easy to use,
distinguishes between DTS LD/CD vs DTS DVD [which I prefer], and near
crystal clean, powerful sound! I will have this baby indefinitely ;-)
---joe
joe
Jeffrey Taylor
wrote:
>I got the 50ES at $649 + 30 S/H (currently on order), but have seen teh 925
>down at $430 + S/H or there abouts. If you want the better quality and
>s-video, think about the 30ES. It's the same as the 50ES, just the 925
>remote and less power (80 Watts/ch), but in all other respect identical.
Thanks for the info.
Where did you find the 50ES for $649? Crutchfield has it for $1,000
(WOW). They also have the 925 for $599, but I found it at
Computability for $449 even though Computability's site says it is
$599. I was planning on paying that $600 at Crutchfield's for the 925
until I found it cheaper at Computability. So, I would probably pay
the extra $50 and get the 50ES. All I need to know is where you
ordered yours from.
Regards,
Jeff
Alex
Hey, on the advice of another poster I called Sound City and did a little
research. Turns out they have a prety much love em/hate em relationship
with most buyers, however I did find out the following:
They double-box and sell only new and authorized equipment (i.e. you get the
full ES 5 year warranty!), plus seem to have it together.
Anyway, I called and they said $699, and I said "hey, this guy I heard on
the net got $649," so he agreed providing I would order today (which I did).
Adding shipping of $30, it's quite reasonable!
Anyway, I spoke with Ron, I believe. He was very cool about everything, and
said they should be in and shipping this week (next at the latest).
Considering I've been waiting 4 months already, it was a no-brainer. :)
Hope this helps anyone.
Alex
valkyrie@rocketmail.%com
Remove % to reply
Jeffrey Taylor wrote in message <35f43df9....@news.vsat.net>...
Greg Castiglione
>
> David Ludwig wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > Has anyone read any reviews or heard the new Sony STR-DA50ES A/V receiver?
> > Am planning on purchasing the Yamaha DSP-A1, but noticed this new receiver
> > with DTS support which is almost 1/3rd the price of the Yamaha DSP-A1. Any
> > specs on this receiver available? I heard several places will have the
> > receiver in a couple of weeks. I am hesitant buying a new model just off the
> > assembly line...
> >
> > Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please send email to
> > lu...@ultranet.com.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Dave
>
> Michael S. Davis Creative Media-Works
> Computer/Audio/Video Convergence
> "from Creative minds spring Creative solutions."
> http://www.creativemedia-works.com
> webm...@creativemedia-works.com
> Member, International Webmasters Association http://iwanet.org
A couple of extra thought's, I run dual center channels. Does the sony
have provisions for dual center channels?? --Greg--
Greg Castiglione
SONY, Is it a learnable?? My current Yamaha remote does EVERYTHING in my
house including all of my gear as well as all of my home automation. I
can activate my fireplace on or off as well as control 7 other lights
with my learning Yamaha remote. Is the Sony 50ES remote learnable??
--Greg--
David Ludwig
How do you like the STR-DA50ES. Did you get it setup and running? Can you
provide a review? How does it sound? Any problem with getting it running?
Do you like the remote? I tried the Kenwood 2080 remote and did not like it
since it was difficult to use. I also noticed I usually do not look at the
remote when I use it and you have to with the Kenwood.
Any additional information would be appreciated! Thanks for everyones
feedback so far!
Dave
Alex wrote in message <6t1csf$vdm$1...@nntp1.u.washington.edu>...
>Sony (and any other manufacturer) are always behind the times in updating
>their web-site. I found the 925 on the Sony-Europe web site a week or so
>before the US one, but still weeks after it was released.
>
>As for the difference, the primary one will be the quality of the build.
>The ES units are much better in that respect and can hold their own against
>some of the higher-priced Denon's and Yamaha's. The ES also has a better
>warranty (5 years through Sony) when purchased from an authorized dealer.
>
>The next difference is S-video switching. The ES units have it, the 925
>doesn't. The 50ES also has a touch-screen remote, the 925 has the same
>remote as the 30ES, which is just and LCD display (matter of preference, I
>suppose). I really like the 925 remote, but wanted S-video switching and
>the better quality, so I went with the 50ES.
>
>I got the 50ES at $649 + 30 S/H (currently on order), but have seen teh 925
>down at $430 + S/H or there abouts. If you want the better quality and
>s-video, think about the 30ES. It's the same as the 50ES, just the 925
>remote and less power (80 Watts/ch), but in all other respect identical.
>
>It's all a matter of what you want and what you want to spend for it.
>
>Good luck,
>
>Alex
>valkyrie@rocketmail%.com
>
>Remove % to reply
>
>
Alex
Don't have it yet, may be a week or so, but I'll post a review as soon as I
do. You have a good point about the remote, but maybe I'll change my habits
a little after seeing the Sony. I suppose I could always order the 925/30ES
remote if I wanted to take that step back, too. I've played with the 925
remote in the store, and it's very easy to use.
Anyway, I'll post a review ASAP.
Alex
David Ludwig wrote in message <6t3n3m$jjl$1...@ligarius.ultra.net>...
Steve Snodgrass
> This one is really all about how much receiver do you need. The Sony is a
> pretty serious piece of gear, but in fairness should not be compared to the
> DSP-A1. I can give you a couple of facts and specs, lord knows us gearheads love
> those specs <ggg.> I'll just do the important stuff;
Mike,
Where did you manage to find this info? I haven't been able to find specs
on the 50ES anywhere. One question: do you know if the 50ES is rated to
handle 6 Ohm loads? Thanks for any info you can provide.
--
Steve Snodgrass * ssno...@fore.com * Crazed FORE Systems Unix Administrator
Quake/IRC ID: Pheran --- Geek Code: GCS/E s: a- C++ U++++$ L+ w PS+ b++ y+*
** Visit Pheran's DVD Review Index at http://trfn.clpgh.org/~ssnodgra/dvd/ **
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." --Semisonic
bp...@my-dejanews.com
Call. Thanks
"Alex" <valkyrie@rocketmail%.com> wrote:
> Jeff,
>
> Hey, on the advice of another poster I called Sound City and did a little
> research. Turns out they have a prety much love em/hate em relationship
> with most buyers, however I did find out the following:
>
> They double-box and sell only new and authorized equipment (i.e. you get the
> full ES 5 year warranty!), plus seem to have it together.
>
> Anyway, I called and they said $699, and I said "hey, this guy I heard on
> the net got $649," so he agreed providing I would order today (which I did).
> Adding shipping of $30, it's quite reasonable!
>
> Anyway, I spoke with Ron, I believe. He was very cool about everything, and
> said they should be in and shipping this week (next at the latest).
> Considering I've been waiting 4 months already, it was a no-brainer. :)
>
> Hope this helps anyone.
>
> Alex
> valkyrie@rocketmail.%com
>
> Remove % to reply
>
> Jeffrey Taylor wrote in message <35f43df9....@news.vsat.net>...
> >On Mon, 7 Sep 1998 12:37:15 -0700, "Alex" <valkyrie@rocketmail%.com>
> >wrote:
> >
> >>I got the 50ES at $649 + 30 S/H (currently on order), but have seen teh
> 925
> >>down at $430 + S/H or there abouts. If you want the better quality and
> >>s-video, think about the 30ES. It's the same as the 50ES, just the 925
> >>remote and less power (80 Watts/ch), but in all other respect identical.
> >
> >Thanks for the info.
> >Where did you find the 50ES for $649? Crutchfield has it for $1,000
> >(WOW). They also have the 925 for $599, but I found it at
> >Computability for $449 even though Computability's site says it is
> >$599. I was planning on paying that $600 at Crutchfield's for the 925
> >until I found it cheaper at Computability. So, I would probably pay
> >the extra $50 and get the 50ES. All I need to know is where you
> >ordered yours from.
> >
> >Regards,
> >Jeff
> >
>
>
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum
Dolores Brower
Alex
gear is some of the best available in the mid-to-high market. If you have
5K to spend on a receiver, you'll obviously do better, but for $1500 or
less, they're some of the best.
This is a $1000 retail receiver that decodes DD and DTS. Does the HK decode
either, or is it just Dolby Pro Logic? It may do DD, but it doesn't do DTS,
which isn't a big thing if you don't have a DVD player or DTS Cd player.
The HK's are good, don't get me wrong, but I waited 4 months for this
receiver (I bought a Kenwood DD receiver, just to use in the interim)
because I thought it would be the best I could afford.
Turns out I may have little left over for an MD player, too... :)
bp...@my-dejanews.com wrote in message <6t4545$fe0$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
Robert Morein
>
> 6 Ohm should be no problem. The ratings are 2 x 100 Watt/4 Ohm Front and 2
> x 100 W/8 Ohm Rear and 1x 100W/4 Ohm Center. Rearratings are only for 8
> Ohm speaker, but 6 Ohm is not dangerous for the amp.
However, these ratings are not FTC RMS values. So they should not be used to compare relative
output with another piece the ratings of which are given per FTC spec.
> -
> http://www.hifi-pawlak.de (HiFi Spezialist Werner Pawlak)
> Following sig is only valid in newsgroups with english lanngueage, ähh yu know what i mean;-)
> Just english for Runaways, my German is a lot better (hope so):-))
> -
Rainer Behrendt
>Mike Davis <webm...@creativemedia-works.com> wrote:
>> This one is really all about how much receiver do you need. The Sony is a
>> pretty serious piece of gear, but in fairness should not be compared to the
>> DSP-A1. I can give you a couple of facts and specs, lord knows us gearheads love
>> those specs <ggg.> I'll just do the important stuff;
>
>Mike,
>
>Where did you manage to find this info? I haven't been able to find specs
>on the 50ES anywhere. One question: do you know if the 50ES is rated to
>handle 6 Ohm loads? Thanks for any info you can provide.
6 Ohm should be no problem. The ratings are 2 x 100 Watt/4 Ohm Front and 2
x 100 W/8 Ohm Rear and 1x 100W/4 Ohm Center. Rearratings are only for 8
Ohm speaker, but 6 Ohm is not dangerous for the amp.
If you want specs, i can translate the specs from the newest german Sony
catalogue. Picture are also not a problem.
Rainer
thean...@hotmail.com
It should have no problem. It has a 8 - 4 ohm switch in the rear.
The only specs I have read are in the latest Crutchfield catalog. I
don't believe they have anything on their web page though. Go to
their web page www.crutchfield.com and request a catalog or get their
800 number and call them.
Dwight
Steve Snodgrass <ssno...@fore.com> wrote:
>Mike Davis <webm...@creativemedia-works.com> wrote:
>> This one is really all about how much receiver do you need. The Sony is a
>> pretty serious piece of gear, but in fairness should not be compared to the
>> DSP-A1. I can give you a couple of facts and specs, lord knows us gearheads love
>> those specs <ggg.> I'll just do the important stuff;
>
>Mike,
>
>Where did you manage to find this info? I haven't been able to find specs
>on the 50ES anywhere. One question: do you know if the 50ES is rated to
>handle 6 Ohm loads? Thanks for any info you can provide.
>
thean...@hotmail.com
was going to bitch about Alex getting the 50ES for only $50 more, but
I wasn't in the mood since I had no intention of placing an order
today. I suspect that they will probably drop the price to $549,
which I will snatch up in a second in a week or two. Otherwise, I'll
spend the $50 and take the extra 20 watts and touchscreen remote.
If anyone gets a good price on the 30ES please post where and the
salesperson's name.
And Alex, thanks for all your info.
Dwight
"Alex" <valkyrie@rocketmail%.com> wrote:
>>>I got the 50ES at $649 + 30 S/H (currently on order), but have seen teh
>925
>>>down at $430 + S/H or there abouts. If you want the better quality and
>>>s-video, think about the 30ES. It's the same as the 50ES, just the 925
>>>remote and less power (80 Watts/ch), but in all other respect identical.
>>>
>>>It's all a matter of what you want and what you want to spend for it.
>>>
>>>Good luck,
>>>
>>>Alex
>>>valkyrie@rocketmail%.com
>>>
>>>Remove % to reply
>>>
>>>
joe_b_...@amoco.com
soon. Thanks for any help that you can give me.
Joe
In article <6t1csf$vdm$1...@nntp1.u.washington.edu>,
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
Manuel Ceja
After visiting Sound City's web site and reading information from others
in this thread I decided to place an order for the STR-DA50ES receiver
with Sound City.
---------------
WARNING!!
---------------
My Sales Rep is Gary (Ext. 710). Gary clearly indicated that the unit
was NOT currently available but that I could place a back-order for the
unit. Gary further indicated that the unit would be available within
1-2 weeks from today, (9/10).
I was told that my Credit Card would *not* be charged until the unit was
shipped.
Caution:
========
I checked my bank today, and noticed that I have already been charged
for the order!!! This means one of two things: 1). My order is on the
way, :) or 2). Gary lied to me and Sound City is not a reputable
dealer.
I was quoted and received a price of $649.00 plus S&H.
If you are considering purchasing from Sound City please WAIT!
I plan on contacting Gary tomorrow (9/11/98), and try to find out some
more informtaion on the situation. In any case I will post my final
experience with Sound City here in this thread.
Maybe I'm being a bit panicky, but I have a bad feeling about my order
with Sound City.
I wrote several e-mail messages to thread members before figuring out
how to use the newsgroup service, asking about their experience with
Sound City -- If you have previous experiences with purchases from Sound
City please share your thoughts and/or input.
Thanks in advance.
-Manuel C. Ceja
mcc...@earthlink.net
Jeff T. -- Soory for the posting plea but it looks like I figured it
out. Thanks.
M. Lee Huffaker
experience.
Lee
Manuel Ceja wrote in message <35F8CC...@earthlink.net>...
randall...@my-dejanews.com
for the STR-DA50es.
No picture of the touch screen remote but it shows the unit clearly.
http://www.sony.de/press/ticker/cebithome98_en/980826_10.html
randallc
Perry
input) It says the 925 has one also. Are they all this way or just the
German versions or is this page just plain wrong?
- Perry
davebert
happy. On the phone I was quoted a price lower than in their print ads, and
when I was billed, it was even lower than the quote. The rack shipped on
time and in good condition.
Maybe this was the exception and not the rule.
David
thean...@hotmail.com
Perry, the 925 is not the STR-DE925 for sale in the US and elsewhere.
It is a new line of receivers called the QS. The 925 definately does
not have 6 channel inputs or s-video.
Dwight
David Van Dromme
>Perry, the 925 is not the STR-DE925 for sale in the US and elsewhere.
>It is a new line of receivers called the QS. The 925 definately does
>not have 6 channel inputs or s-video.
I have a recent European tech spec sheet of the STR-DB925QS here and
it shows:
- Video in/outs: 5/3
- 5.1 Input is marked as being present
As I'm looking around to buy a "reasonably" DD/DTS receiver myself (to
replace my Denon AVC 1530) I'm looking to buy this one or that new
50ES or 30ES myself (depending on their availability and how much they
'll cost)
krom...@my-dejanews.com
Now then, how do I get it, being in North America?
Will I need a voltage converter to use a German model over here? Will there
be issues with video switching/on-screen display?
Thanks,
Andy K.
In article <35fc00d1...@news.turboline.be>,
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----