The Sony ES Line "Elevated Standard"

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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,081
    edited December 2008
    I'm happy with my Sony ES as a pre-amp. It was fine as a AVR but was easily fatigued at higher volume levels when tasked with powering the speakers. When I go to 7.1, I won't be buying an ES receiver.

    I also had an ES CD player with the 5 disc carousel. Fantastic sound but had a lot of issues with the carousel failing.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, McIntosh C2300, Marantz AV7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Sim Audio Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited December 2008
    shack wrote: »
    I've never had a single issue with my 2910. I upgraded from a 1910. The overall performance and build quality are just fine IMO. I've owned Denon gear for many years with NO issues with any of it. Sorry to skew your "anyone" example.

    I should clarify the post... anyone with a Denon DVD player made in China can attest to that... If you google "denon optical block" you will get a lot of hits. Their new Blu-Ray players also suffering from optical block failures. My Denon 3930 had to go into repair twice in one year for optical block replacements. After the warranty expired, the unit failed again and I was not going to spend $350 in parts/labor (plus shipping) to repair it just to see it fail again in a few months.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote: »
    The 777ES had a complete forum dedicated to it for years on an audio forum in Australia and the board was "jumping" during the time of the 777's heydey. A second audio forum (JBM Audio) also was dedicated to the 777ES and tweaking it, etc. That too was a very popular forum dedicated solely to the 777ES and then expanded. The 777ES build quality was superior to receivers at the time. The 777ES stood apart from previous Sony models and blew away its stablemates at the time.

    The DA9000ES was/is super rare. I don't know many people who bought the $4500 receiver back in 2004. I believe the low sales figures were the primary reason Sony never brought the 9100ES receiver to the US. FYI the 9000ES and almost all the ES receivers before it had a 4Ohm switch, nothing new on the 9000ES. The difference the 9000ES had over it's ancestors is the S-MASTER Pro digital amplifiers.

    The STR-DA7ES was released after the DA5ES and was a replacement as Sony discontinued the 5ES after the 7ES was put into production. It was not part of the lineup that the 5ES was released in.

    Sony had the STR-DA5ES and its little brother the STR-DA3ES

    They then released the STR-DA7ES and it's little brother the STR-DA4ES replacing the 7ES and 4ES in its lineup for that year.

    The DA5ES had superior build quality over the 7ES, even though it was a previous model.

    Yes Agoraquest has some die hard Sony believers :D

    The 5ES was still sold as new when the 7ES was being marketed. You're correct as to the later lineup. I wouldn't call the build quality of the 5ES superior to the 7ES but we're just splitting hairs. I've owned all 3.

    If calling it rare makes it cooler...go for it. I've seen 3 in my travels and while absolutely not common, I wouldn't put it in my rare bucket. I'd like to own one again, as it's an excellent piece of gear.

    Wow, the 777ES was a hit in Australia....that's a keeper ;)
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote:
    Wow, the 777ES was a hit in Australia....that's a keeper.

    So is Vegemite...
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    The 5ES was still sold as new when the 7ES was being marketed. You're correct as to the later lineup. I wouldn't call the build quality of the 5ES superior to the 7ES but we're just splitting hairs. I've owned all 3.

    What's your point? The 4ES and 7ES were the successors to the 3ES and the 5ES models. The X000ES series were still sold new when the X1000ES series were released. Sony/dealers were selling old stock to make way for the new models.

    If calling it rare makes it cooler...go for it. I've seen 3 in my travels and while absolutely not common, I wouldn't put it in my rare bucket. I'd like to own one again, as it's an excellent piece of gear.

    Assuming you are referring to the DA9000ES, again, at $4500 a pop back on 2004 I would be willing to bet that the unit was VERY low production compared to previous ES products and other receivers of the time. Considering you've only seen 3 in your travels since the unit was released in 2004 that seems pretty rare to me. Since it is not specialized niche audio equipment but instead from a mass market consumer electronics company, seeing three units in almost 5 years, well I'll leave that opinion for the reader to decide :p.

    Wow, the 777ES was a hit in Australia....that's a keeper ;)

    Ahh, the old deflecting sarcasm trick....777ES currently has 216 reviews on audioreview with a 4.68 rating out of a potential 5.00 That's nothing to sneeze at. To reiterate that unit had overwhelming glowing reviews when it was released. (http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/sony/a-v-receivers/str-da777es/PRD_118800_2718crx.aspx)

    Now, I believe that Sony used to put out a quality piece of gear in the ES line few and far between. The receivers I mentioned were the standouts of their respective lines compared to their siblings. There have been some real gems. IMHO the ES gear today is watered down.
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    shack wrote: »
    So is Vegemite...

    Don't forget Olivia Newton John and Kylie Minogue.
    :p:D:p
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote:
    Ahh, the old deflecting sarcasm trick....777ES currently has 216 reviews on audioreview with a 4.68 rating out of a potential 5.00 That's nothing to sneeze at.

    I sneeze at them all the time. Audioreview is one of the more useless drivels of a website on the net. I actually used to read some of the reviews until I realized they were done by fanboys or haters and rarely anything "honest" in between.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    Audio Review is your backup? L O L
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Audio Review is your backup? L O L

    Not my backup, just an example.

    Any monkey can google <insert product here> for results.

    The OP asked for feedback on ES products. The 777ES is just one example of fine ES product development and the overwhelming conclusion is the majority of owners, reviewers etc loved that specific product.

    What exactly are you contributing other than sarcasm and opinionated rhetoric such as calling Sony ES junk in your previous post?
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    You're absolutely right.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    You're absolutely right.

    LOL, geeze I was hoping for a factual retort about the ES products I mentioned being "junk" and not a white flag. :p

    Send me all your Sony ES "junk" if you have any more!

    Happy New Year!
    :D
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote: »
    What exactly are you contributing other than sarcasm and opinionated rhetoric such as calling Sony ES junk in your previous post?
    Pretty much the only contributions this guy has made about anything since I came here. With 16,000 post, I'd hoped at one time long ago he was useful somehow now he just makes noise.
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    Just use the ignore feature and you'll never see me again. See? It's easier than you thought.

    I'm going to cry myself to sleep later and save the shotgun blast for tomorrow.

    Happy Listening!
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    Igo wrote:
    Pretty much the only contributions this guy has made about anything since I came here. With 16,000 post, I'd hoped at one time long ago he was useful somehow now he just makes noise.

    He has contributed more to this forum in more ways than you can imagine. Even if you are here for years you would not be able to match his contributions here. To some extent he has "earned" the right to his sarcasm.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    OK. But he's still a horses ****. : )
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    shack wrote: »
    He has contributed more to this forum in more ways than you can imagine. Even if you are here for years you would not be able to match his contributions here. To some extent he has "earned" the right to his sarcasm.

    No disrespect to you or Dorokusai, but if you are going to pontificate about contributions and status here in the forums based on length of time here and/or post count, then start acting like it vs. responding with baseless responses.

    The OP asked for feedback on Sony ES gear and got "it's junk" without anything to back it up.

    At the very least if an individual is going to comment on something, cite reasons why.

    I didn't realize there was a "caste" system here on Polk Forums based on post count and/or when you signed up.

    I've got high five figure$ in Polk and Sony ES gear, but less than a gazillion posts so I guess that is meaningless according to your logic. :confused:

    A person could post thousands of "me too" replies and accrue a high post count, I guess that's the secret.

    :p
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    In their defense, I've been a little ornery lately so it's ok.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote: »
    No disrespect to you or Dorokusai, but if you are going to pontificate about contributions and status here in the forums based on length of time here and/or post count, then start acting like it vs. responding with baseless responses.

    The OP asked for feedback on Sony ES gear and got "it's junk" without anything to back it up.

    At least if you are going to comment negatively on something, cite reasons why.

    I didn't realize there was a "caste" system here on Polk Forums based on post count and/or when you signed up.

    I've got high five figure$ in Polk and Sony ES gear, but less than a gazillion posts so I guess that is meaningless according to your logic. :confused:

    A person could post thousands of "me too" replies and accrue a high post count, I guess that's the secret.
    :p

    If my short and to the point comments don't please you or others, that happens man. If I wanted to pontificate about the mediocrity of the newer Sony AVR's....I might have but I didn't feel like it and bore easily. Since when did every post have to be an exercise in word smithing and sentence structure? It was my opinion of that gear, simple. Read as much or as little into it as you see fit. I'm guessing...the latter.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    If my short and to the point comments don't please you or others, that happens man. If I wanted to pontificate about the mediocrity of the newer Sony AVR's....I might have but I didn't feel like it and bore easily. Since when did every post have to be an exercise in word smithing and sentence structure? It was my opinion of that gear, simple. Read as much or as little into as you see fit. I'm guessing...the latter.

    No worries man, another man's junk is another man's treasure.

    It just makes you more credible with a better thought out response, for those that haven't been here for eons and have a gajillion posts under their belt.

    By the way, nobody criticized your "wordsmithing or sentence structure"

    There is a HUGE difference between "it's junk" vs. replying "Sony ES is lacking in quality in recent times, versus the gear they put out a couple years ago, you might want to look at ebay for good deals on solid, used equipment that is built better than the recent stuff, and here are the cites on why <insert link here>"

    Have a good one.
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote: »
    No disrespect to you or Dorokusai, but if you are going to pontificate about contributions and status here in the forums based on length of time here and/or post count, then start acting like it vs. responding with baseless responses.

    The OP asked for feedback on Sony ES gear and got "it's junk" without anything to back it up.

    At the very least if an individual is going to comment on something, cite reasons why.

    I didn't realize there was a "caste" system here on Polk Forums based on post count and/or when you signed up.

    I've got high five figure$ in Polk and Sony ES gear, but less than a gazillion posts so I guess that is meaningless according to your logic. :confused:

    A person could post thousands of "me too" replies and accrue a high post count, I guess that's the secret.

    :p

    It has NOTHING to do with post count and everything to do with the contributions he has made to countless members on this forum. He has pretty much put together two massive Polkfests in MD at Polk HQ. I dare say anyone who has been on this forum for any length of time owns a piece of gear doro sold (or gave) to them at a fraction of it's value. You think you have a lot of ES gear. He probably moves more gear through his basement in a few months than you have in a lifetime. He know his audio gear...because he has owned more than any individual I know (excluding George Grand). He does not need me to defend him...but I will anyway. Like he said...if you don't like him put him on ignore. It easy. Me too if you like. I could care less.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    I know you didn't criticize, just a comment. All that other stuff has been said at some point here...and perhaps I'm just tired of typing or reading it.

    Where are my pills?.....hmmmm
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • manman
    manman Posts: 256
    edited December 2008
    If somebody thinks a product is junk, what is the problem with them saying that? They shouldn't have to soften it up or add a bunch of extra verbage to make other people feel better about not sharing the same opinion. Everyone's opinion is their own- if you don't share it there isn't any need to get offended about it...
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    OK, before this turns for the worse....love ya Shack, thanks brother.

    XJR & Igo - Rock on, enjoy the music, stay awhile. This is a great forum.

    Manman - AMEN!

    Please feel free to send all hate mail and messages to me privately....I collect them.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    In their defense, I've been a little ornery lately so it's ok.
    I'm good.
    I do have to admit that my ES is wonderful sounding but I'm missing something. A guy should stay away from places like this if it's going to cost him $5000 every 6 months to stay. Hahahaha
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    Actually, Igo should have his thread....let's talk about Sony ES guys.

    I LOVED my 4ES when I first got it years ago, hell I've even ran SDA's off it. 4ohm SDA's too....OMG, is that even possible! As far as transports go, they are easy to find used, built well, great prices and easy to modify. What more can you ask for?

    I still have a modded SCD-C555ES that will leave my cold dead hands. It's one of the best changers I've owned over the years. I like Sony for source choices because I don't think they do anything to the sound at all...they're absolutely sterile with no flavor or life. Perfect. I can warm that right up or change the characteristics with a nice valve and pre-amp....amp or most importantly...speaker. Give me a component that just reproduces the music, as recorded, and I'll move on from there.

    You can split hairs about the recording but I don't overthink this hobby much....alot do.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • XJRGUY
    XJRGUY Posts: 258
    edited December 2008
    The warranties are/were excellent too.

    5 years "bumper to bumper" on the entire rig. (not sure if they still offer that 5 year though)

    One thing sony stinks on is shipping to/from Laredo repair depot if a component ever breaks down. Luckily I haven't had to partake in that.

    I've read that they pack poorly and many have had their repaired gear come back broken.

    Usually they make it right, but it's still an inconvenience all the same.

    I've been using Sony ES and non ES gear since 1987 and I've never had a problem with any of the components I've purchased except for one piece, new or used.

    The 9000ES I bought was second hand (and I got a hell of a deal on it) and also the three TA-N9000ES amps I am using to power my main system were bought from ebay and dealers across the country.

    Recently (non ES related) our SXRD television developed the dreaded "green blob" and that was covered under an extended warranty (due to many consumers in California putting together a class action lawsuit, LOL) but it was fixed free of charge regardless. The optical block had to be replaced but now the television works as new and is still under warranty for that problem until mid 2009.

    I think ES gear gives the working man a taste of mid (and sometimes mid/high end) gear at a price lower than niche equipment.

    If you do your research and purchase a certain piece with a good reputation you'll do just fine.

    Is there better stuff out there, sure and does Sony release ES gear that is mediocre most definitely but in my experience with the products I've owned over the years I couldn't be happier with the electronics and feature set offered.

    I am contemplating replacing the 3xTA-N9000ES amp stack with a single Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature or an Adcom GFA-7807 though, so there is no tunnel vision in regards to what else is out there.

    There are tons of "modders" out there too that will juice up Sony gear.

    I've heard that for a modest price you can have a Sony CD/SACD transport modified to make it sound better than most "reference" gear, not to mention a while back an individual used to take TA-N9000's and replace all the caps with much higher spec. You could basically have champagne taste gear on a beer budget, comparatively speaking. Kinda like a hot rod lincoln with a huge engine and blower under the hood!
    http://www.laspeedgarage.com
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited December 2008
    XJRGUY wrote: »
    The warranties are/were excellent too.

    5 years "bumper to bumper" on the entire rig. (not sure if they still offer that 5 year though)

    One thing sony stinks on is shipping to/from Laredo repair depot if a component ever breaks down. Luckily I haven't had to partake in that.

    I've read that they pack poorly and many have had their repaired gear come back broken.

    Yes they still have 5 year warrenties on ES.

    Let me tell my Laredo story about repairs and returns.

    I purchased a new NS3100ES DVD/SACD player from Crutchfield, and saved the original box, styrofoam, etc. The unit was perfectly sealed as it would be if it just left the factory. After hooking it up I was very happy with the video and audio quality. In fact, I can easily argue that the sound of the 3100ES got me reinterested in music.

    About 1 month later, there was no video, but the audio was still fine. At that point I had a choice, send it back to Crutchfield for free and get a new unit, or pay for shipping and send it to Laredo for warrenty work. I chose Laredo since I felt that if there were any firmware upgrades then that would also get done during the repair process.

    Anyway, a week or two later I get an email from them saying that they were voiding the warrenty because an unauthorized repair had been performed on the unit. I told them it was brand new, I only had it one month, and no work had been done on the unit. They said to bad, and it will cost $600 to repair, which was more than it cost.

    By now I am going crazy, and even after talking to Sony custmoer service reps around the country they would not budge. So, I said ship it back.

    Well, I shipped it in the original carton with all the styrofoam holding it in place. It was returned in a plain, oversize box, with the unit single wrapped in bubble paper, and bouncing around inside the box.

    I gave Sony as much bad press as I possibly could at that time to anyone who would listen.

    Fortunately, after I told Crutchfield what happened they exchanged the unit at no cost to me. However, I wonder what Crutchfiled would have done if that problem occurred two-three years into the 5 year warrenty, instead of after one month.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    The warranty is solid at 5 years, no doubt.

    The pickup in my SCD-C555ES has died twice in 5 years and was replaced thru Tweeter the first time...which was simply a drop-off. The second time, like Bluefox, I read about the horror stories of Laredo'd gear.

    I added these comments to my original RMA request: I requested that "...OEM packaging or it's equivalent be used in the return of the unit. If that wasn't possible, the original packaging be used." My packaging of course, was awesome, since this is my hobby and promptly received the repaired CDC in brick shithouse packaging. I never had original packaging and the return condition was enough to keep in the attic for a later failure.

    YMMV, but sometimes you gotta ask....or demand....nicely suggest or get buck.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    When I bought ES I had nothing more to go on than the fact it was accessible in rural South Georgia, some on-line revues liked them and it surely had to be a step up from something, even the best something sold at the local wall-mart. And I could only speculate that it was considerably better than anything at Wal-wart. This is when the net was very young and I had never met (and still haven't) met another audiophile. OK. Maybe I can't call myself an audiophile, especially when I can't afford really hi end gear AND I've never actually been exposed to any equipment better than what I own but for years I've done everything I can do with placement, room acoustics, tuning and the like as best my education will allow and I have, without a doubt, gotten just about everything a guy can get out of a set of Polk speakers and a stock new line ES. LOL. I've certainly learned enough, and on my own/by myself to know that there is an entire art form built on the idea that one can triple the audio quality of the exact same gear if he makes an extended effort to learn something of the science/art of audio and acoustics.
    Now, I'm seriously thinking about looking into the first level up from here. Maybe a simple pre and 5 channel amp? Maybe?
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited December 2008
    What exactly are you running now....or did I miss it?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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