Sony STR-DA5200ES as pre/pro...

Grimster74

Okay forum members, been tossing the idea around about getting a new pre/pro here lately that has the ability of HDMI switching and LPCM via HDMI but everything is so expensive. Well this weekend I ran across a deal on a STR-DA5200ES receiver for almost half of what it was new less than a year ago. This receiver is brand new factory sealed with the 5 year ES warranty. I know there are alot of Sony haters out there but I myself have never had a problem with them. I will NOT be using the amplifier section of the receiver but instead I will be using the Outlaw 7700 amplifier. I know of one person that uses a Sony STR-DA7100ES (Sherardp) and he loves it as a pre/pro but I was wondering if there are any others out there using a Sony receiver as a pre/pro. If so, what are your thoughts. This Sony will probaly be only temporary until Outlaw gets on a ball with there new pre/pro but if I like the Sony as a pre/pro, my Outlaw 990 and my Zektor MAS7.1 switch will be up for sale soon (Hint, Hint). I'm not to concerned about the upscaling abilitys of the 5200 but I've heard good and bads about the scaler. I will be sending my Directv H20 satellite box (1080I), my Sony BDP-S1 Blu-Ray player (1080P) and my Toshiba HD-XA2 HD-DVD player (1080P) to the 5200 via HDMI and my X-box 360 (1080I) via component video and all going to the Epson 1080P projector via HDMI. Sherardp is pretty sure I'll be happy with this arrangement but it would just be nice to see what others have to say, let the flaming begin. Don't get me wrong, love, absolutely love the 990 but for what every reason, just tired of so many switch's that work when they wanna work.

millerman 3732

Wait, Outlaw will put something out soon enough and then you can compare the two and see which one you like better plus the price on the sony your looking at will only go down maybe get it aliitle cheaper. BTW I see you went ahead and picked up that XA2, what do you think of the SD DVD upconversion, since I can't tell the difference in 1080p and 1080i that would be the only reason I would udgrade my A1 right now.

millerman 3732

And back to the new Outlaw Pre, doesn't Gonk keeping hinting around that maybe the first of next year there will be a replacement for the 990

Grimster74

The last I heard was he said he wouldn't be surprised if it was late in 2008, though I could very well be wrong.

Sherardp

5200 was a great performer when it came out. I know we've talked on this before and I personally think for the price it would give you what youre looking for and then some. You'd be bypassing the amplification so I would think you'd get the sound of the Outlaw. So with the price the units are going for it would definitely hold you, should you upgrade later on down the road. I myself had just bought the 7100ES when I knew nothing but Sony, but for everything I throw at it, I would say it does a great job handling the processing. I say go for it.

Millerman, the XA2 is a superb unit, I jumped on mine right at the same time as Grimster and couldnt be much happier, in other words it doesnt get any better than this guy. I went from the A1 as you and there is a considerable difference in PQ, and SQ. I would definitely say that the SD DVD upconversion is among the best I have seen. I demoed Star Wars Ep I and the pod races never looked this good on my A1. For the price you guys stateside can get them its a no brainer, BB has them mid 400 range, and its very well worth it, pull the trigger you wont regret it.

millerman 3732

Could you tell a difference in HD DVD playback also?

Sherardp

millerman 3732 wrote: »

Could you tell a difference in HD DVD playback also?

Definitely better PQ/SQ even with HD DVD. Go check one out, download the 12% percent off coupon from BB website, you can get into one for 400-450 with the free movies to boot.

cyberhazard

I'm using a Sony 5200 with a Outlaw amp. Click my sig. for pictures. It works well with my HT setup and I dig the slick GUI.

Grimster74

cyberhazard wrote: »

I'm using a Sony 5200 with a Outlaw amp. Click my sig. for pictures. It works well with my HT setup and I dig the slick GUI.

I'll ask you this question then, I know you can rename the inputs but can you rename the HDMI inputs. Everyone else that owns this receiver as well as Sony states they CAN NOT be renamed.

cyberhazard

This is true, you can not rename the HDMI inputs. But I'll add, in use this is hardly an issue. On my remote, I can name them anything I want. Like TiVo and PS3.