Video Asylum

Posted by Rt on August 24, 1999 at 11:55:48:

In Reply to: Is Sony TA-9000ES good as a stereo pre????? posted by Kev on August 10, 1999 at 09:30:10:

IF one were to want an excellent HT and stereo setup, then they should consider using a Sony TA9000ES (or even a Sherwood) plus a separate integrated amp. Consider that if a person were to have a budget of around $3500 for a preamp or amp, they could purchase a Sony TA9000ES plus plinius 8150 integrated amp for around $3400 from the right sources (all new with full factory warranty). This is in lieu of buying a preamp and a dedicated amp only, say of the caliber of a bryston 4BST, duel 3BSTs, McCormick, or even Llano ST100. This way, you have the immense processing power and extremely flexible setup options of the Sony (which I own and it is phenomenal for HT and very good for stereo), and the direct input for high-end two channel with the plinius. THe plinius 8150 allows the user to bypass the preamp section to simply use the amp (for home theater) or for stereo listening with the preamp engaged. You would plug your best CD player/DAC combo into the plinius and not the Sony. A cheaper alternative would be to use the Classe CAP151 to the same effect. By this method, one can have exemplary HT and stereo for years to come. THe new SACD units are two channel and you would never need to upgrade the Plinius any time soon. I have my doubts about the sound quality of 5 channels at 20 or 24 bit samples, or even by sonys SACD 1-bit technology. I don't need high resolution on all surround channels for music. WHo needs 24 bit wall reflection information? I think your money is best spent on a good integrated amp to help avoid obsolescence.
Obviously, I hope to buy a plinius 8150 for this very setup if I don't decide to upgrade equipment in my video editing/digital audio project studio at home. You think stereo is expensive, try putting together an good NLE system with nice camera and audio without a second mortgage on the house.

I have compared the DACS in my Sony to direct input to my amp (B&K EX4420) with a JVC1050 CD player. This player is older, but a good performer. I couldn't hear significant differences between the two (using the JVC1050 also as a transport into the Sony). Therefore, I have concluded that the DACs in the Sony are average to very good in quality, though not setting any industry standards. This same sentiment was mentioned in the Audio magazine review earlier this year. So, for a person really seeking an audiophile experience at the cheapest, perhaps a sherwood plus classe CAP151 would be the way to go, using DVD players with external DACs or the upcoming audio formats down the road. However, why worry so much about the DACs in the Sherwood or Sony when you can have a stunning integrated also, with very high quality, though temporary, audio from even a simple $500 DVD player? Very little obsolescence at this point and relatively cheap. My money will be for the plinius 8150 and Sony TA9000ES (currently own) with either Gershman RX-20s (I currently own) or Norh 7.0/subwoofer setup. I'd be smiling.