Video Asylum

Posted by Johnnyboy (A) on July 06, 2002 at 22:35:20

In Reply to: Re: Sony TAE9000ES still in production posted by Daleda on July 02, 2002 at 07:22:21:

Hi Daleda,

Thanks for the imput. I've had a look a the TAE forum, thanks for the link. It's hard knowing just where to jump. I'm feeling a bit easier, as the TAE/TAN combo does appear to be contiuning on in production for a while yet. So I don't feel too pressured re making a choice.

Since my Post,(sorry about late reply) been running around trying to audition gear. Heard the Denon 3802, Rotel 1065 new receiver, also managed an AB with STRV-A555ES v's TAE with two Meridian stereo amps; which comfortably surpassed the 555ES, but also just managed to hear TAE/TAN combo, and very clear, detailed, smooth etc, BUT, slightly disappointing in that the sound lacked if you will pace, speed etc, in that a very laid back, almost lazy sound. Software version was current as supplied 1.18, so wonder if that may be the reason. The 555ES had a lot more 'life' but nowhere near as detailed, clarity etc. Again don't know if this was due the later processing in that unit, or perhaps it's the sonic signature of the TAN? Anyway, thanks for the input. If you've got any thoughts re this 'slowness' please lets know what you think.

Thanks also Michael for your input. Are you the same person who's posts of read on the Sony TAE forum, re NZ plinius amps and such. They are extremely good, better than Rotel I would think, but I'm not sure if they're readily, or easily available in OZ. They were around many years ago when I had a NZ made amp called a Rait - basically a copy of a Radford design, and the early plinius had a very similar sound. Unfortunately the proprietor of the company passed away at a early age, and the HiFi side of things ceased after that, sadly, however Plinius of course, continued. An excellent product, but not often heard of, although I belive they do well in the US. BTW, I take it your from NZ? Great place. Anyway, getting a bit of the subject, do you think the Rotel combo you've mentioned would better the Sony Combo sound wise. If I'm correct in assuming you're the same 'poster' as the Sony forum, you weren't overly impressed with the TAN. I like the Rotel, but think the Sony is conspicuously better in build, has great bass management and equalisation features that will really help in a mixed (front/v's/rears) speaker configeration I'd be using. Also whilst the sound is not as 'dark as the Rotel receiver that I heard, it is very detailed and clear, and thought possibly better dynamics than the Rotel, which is very important, as I will be integrating this with my 2 chan HiFi to add DD processing etc, via an input from processor preouts to 2chan pre, thus using it and power amp to drive main l&R, and using the TAN in 3channel mode to drive center and rears, thus giving me 5.1, and leaving my 2chan well alone for serious music listening. You'll understand why dynamics is important if I mention that I use Naim Audio, quite a strong seller in NZ I believe, although like most things HiFi, not to everyones taste. Anyway, thanks once again for your input, and am most interested in any further comments,

Cheers,

John.