[TIC]

Hey gang,

I just bought the Sony STR-DA5000ES digital receiver and I must say, it is really nice and sounds good. I got a killer deal at AudiogoN on an "A" designated unit, which was an updated unit from the factory, supposedly fixing some issues from the origial version.

Anyway, it sounds pretty good and I'm considering using it as my 2-channel amp driving a pair of Reference 3A MM Decapos (using the A-speaker output), as well as using it for my HT system, driving my 5.1 on-wall setup (using the B-speaker output for L&R mains).

I need a good universal player to use as a redbook transport ( the Sony STR-DA5000ES is known to have an excellent DAC), DVD-video player and multi-channel DVD-A and/or SACD would be a plus.

I would like a unit that is a great DVD-video deck as well as a great transport. Multi-channel formats are just icing on the cake.

I would possibly consider a professional mod to a reasonably priced unit as it would still be less expensive than buying a dedicated transport and a DVD player. Units that interest me are Sony DVP-NS999ES (now $499 on Audiogon), Sony DVP-NC555ES (great cosmetic match to the receiver), Philips 963, Sherwood Newcastle SD860, Onkyo 502, etc.

What other players should I consider for under about $500-600? Also, is there an exceptional mod'd unit for transport and video? I know folks used to really like the mod'd Pioneers for transport duty. Have these units been replaced by something better now?

I could spend a bit more for a stock unit if it it really exceptional. If it works out really well, I could sell off my excellent Quad 99 CDP and get back some shelf space.

Thanks and enjoy,

TIC

[jermmd]

Tic,

Weren't you a big fan of the Pioneer digital receivers (the vsx 1014 or 1015)? What made you go Sony?

[TIC]

Joe,

Yep, I have a Pioneer VSX-1014TK and I think it is a killer receiver for the $350 I paid for it brand new. It sounds good, has excellent video switching, great build quality, THX select certification, a great universal remote and that killer MCACC auto-calibration.

However, I really wanted the Sony STR-DA5000ES, but couldn't justify the $1200+ that it originally cost. But I started reading some stuff about the Sony S-Master Pro based digital receivers and how some folks replaced $3000+ seperates with the Sony. When I saw one on AudiogoN for a rediculously low price, from a respectable seller, I jumped on it.

The Pioneer VSX-1014TK may be the best value around for an HT receiver, especially if it is used primarily for movies/TV. However, the Sony is a different beast. The Sony might actually be good enough to replace my 2-channel rig and my current HT rig and not give up anything in either department. Well, I don't like the remote, but I can live with it.

So, I've read that the Sony Digital receivers have excellent 2-channel DACs built-in, and that they benefit from a great redbook transport. However, I don't want to have a dedicated 2-channel transport and a DVD player, so I'm looking for a good universal player that works well as a redbook transport.

Anyone? Beuller? Anyone?


Enjoy,

TIC

[rbrb]

I would check out the Sony DVPNS975V.  I actually preferred it over the 999ES with both picture and sound quality.

[PhilNYC]

I recently picked up a used Denon 2900 for $500 and had the opportunity to compare it to a Sony NS999ES; to my ears, the 2900 has a more engaging sound (only played Redbook on it), while the 999ES might be more detailed.  Picture-quality-wise on DVDs, the 2900 smokes...

Also, as a transport, the 2900 outperforms a Toshiba 3950 and Pioneer 563A by a long shot (into a Denon 3801 receiver using Focus Audio FS78SE speakers)...but that's not surprising...

[TIC]

rbrb,

I own the DVP-NS775 which is supposedly nearly the same as the 975, but without HDMI output. As a transport, I haven't found it to be anything special when compared to my Quad 99 CDP. I also don't like the build quality of the 775.

Phil,

Did you use the 999ES as a transport? I would be using the DAC in the 5000ES, so analog playback from the source isn't particularly important to me.

Thanks for any additional replys. And enjoy!

TIC