SONY STR-DA2400/3400/4400/5400/6400ES Anticipation Thread!

[ALMA]

http://www.marcush.de/2008/06/26/neu...-der-es-serie/

Translated with babelfish;

Although still no official press release was published of Sony, now already first details emerged to the coming Sony ES series in various international forums. Supported on preorders of some UK-dealers (e.g. Play.com), a list of the US-Sat-radio-service “Sirius” and a US dealer list, which permits views of the almost complete Sony program for 2008, this year appears beginning starting from June/July the following it devices, whereby to the 2400ES and 4400ES already by emerging the data of English-language manuals admits are:


* STR-DA2400ES
* STR-DA3400ES
* STR-DA4400ES
* STR-DA5400ES
* STR-DA6400ES

Features STR-DA2400ES

* HDMI 4x In / 1x Out
* Faroudja 1080p Upscaler
* 7x 110W
* HDMI 1.3, xvColour, DeepColor
* DD+/TrueHD/DTS-HD + MA
* DCAC (Sony´s Autokalibrierung)
* new GUI
* Bravia Link
* Sony Digital Media Port for USB/iPod/WiFi
* new design like the old QS-Series
* 430 x 157,5 x 388 mm (B/H/T), 12,5 Kg

Features STR-DA4400ES

* HDMI 6x In / 1x Out
* Faroudja 1080p Upscaler
* 7x 130W
* HDMI 1.3, xvColour, DeepColor
* DD+/TrueHD/DTS-HD + MA
* DCAC (Sony´s Autokalibrierung)
* new GUI like XMB of the PS3
* Bravia-Theatre-Link
* Sony Digital Media Port for USB/iPod/WiFi...
* proven it Design of the x200/x300ES-Serie
* 430 x 175 x 430 mm (B/H/T), 16Kg

Release:

* 2400ES Juni
* 3400ES August
* 4400ES July
* 5400ES August
* 6400ES September

To what extent these data are transferable to the European sales politics also, is not well-known yet. With the 4400ES speculates this, how it was with the predecessor 4300ES the case and it is also typical for different international sales politics of the large AV-enterprises, will create possibly not to Europe.
Over the prices can be so far also only speculated. The 2400ES is located at least in the booking in advance list of play.com for clear below to list price proven there Pound English of £500, which would correspond converted to approx. 630 EUR. With the 6400ES over a list price of 2000-2500 EUR one speculates.
Outgoing from this price structuring purely, Sony might place the STR-DA2400ES into direct competition to a Onkyo TX-SR606 or Yamaha RX663, while the new flagship STR-DA6400ES might lie on level of a Denon AVR-4308 or Onkyo TX-SR905.

Beside the new IES-AV-receivers Sony seems to plan a new SACD/CD player of name SCD-XA5400ES on the basis the US dealer list also for this year. Whether this also for Europe is valid is unknown.

In a European English-language forum also first strong speculation to an European introduction of a new ES-Blu-ray-player BDP-ES1 emerged. This is to round the Blu ray model range off upward to the S350 and S550 and appear in December. Data to the first European Sony-ES-BD-player are so far not yet well-known. Profiles 1,1 as well as HDMI 1,3. and a typical high-quality it processing is considered probably than safe. Since the smaller models are able already with a Ethernet connection BD-Live, also this would not be wrong for the ES1. Possibly does Sony bring the first BD-player also off the PS3 with SACD?

More links;

http://whathifi.com/forums/p/9110/54778.aspx
http://www.play.com/Electronics/Elec...archtype=genre
http://www.directedsirius.com/Docs/S...e_Products.pdf
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache...ient=firefox-a

[Har Katir]

They already have manual for the 2400ES

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/3289204411.pdf

[ALMA]

Manual 4400ES;

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/3875807111.pdf

[ALMA]

Pictures of the 2400/3400ES/4400ES

2400ES
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-DA2400ES_lg.jpg
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-...ES_Back_lg.jpg

3400ES
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-DA3400ES_lg.jpg
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-...ES_Back_lg.jpg

4400ES
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-DA4400ES_lg.jpg
http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/STR-...ES_Back_lg.jpg


http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_ro...ase/35860.html

SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2008 – Sony today introduced three new audio/video receivers in its “Elevated Standard” (ES) product line that deliver high-quality sound and video performance.

Engineered for high-end home theaters, the new STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema® technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI™ to a compatible high-definition television.

The ES receivers are all designed around a unique construction platform, digital board and a wide band power amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.

“The rapid evolution of audio and video has generated increased demand for connectivity and high-performance components,” said Tyler Ishida, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “This new line of ES receivers delivers the fidelity, build quality and connectivity expected for an outstanding cinematic experience in the home.”

The new models utilize a xross media bar™-inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation, Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup, and BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components.

Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately). The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready.

The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. The model will be available in August for about $1,500.

The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It will be available in August for around $1,000.

The STR-DA2400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), a basic icon-driven graphic user interface and four HDMI inputs. The model will be available next month for about $800.

All ES receivers are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty and will be available online through www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores nationwide and at authorized Sony dealers across the country.

[netcivilian]

Any info on the 5400ES?

[deusxanime]

Other then the 5 year warranty, is there any reason to get a 2400ES over a DG920? I don't need the pre-outs, so I'm thinking it's not worth the extra couple hundred dollars.

[Shadow Lord]

Usually not. But the 5 year warranty is great and is good piece of mind.

[Audiguy3]

No mention of HD Radio on any of the models yet

[RWetmore]

Originally Posted by deusxanime

Other then the 5 year warranty, is there any reason to get a 2400ES over a DG920? I don't need the pre-outs, so I'm thinking it's not worth the extra couple hundred dollars.

The 2400ES has a better amplifier section and build quality.

[Har Katir]

You dont count on build quality if it comes from the same manufacturer, it should be the same.

[ALMA]

Also DSD-Decoding for SACD through HDMI! Fine! Now we need the new ES-BD-Player BDP-ES1 to get SACD!

But where are the press release of the STR-DA5400/6400ES and SCD-XA5400ES? Is this coming with the press release of the new BD players or with the European ES press release before the IFA 08 in September?

[jmdajr]

I'm glad I waited!

[tvdrew]

Originally Posted by Har Katir

You dont count on build quality if it comes from the same manufacturer, it should be the same.

Not necessarily -- for example, a company could outsource production of a large amount of the components for a lower-end model but not the higher end. Not saying that's true here, just that you can't assume one way or the other.

[MordredKLB]

Originally Posted by Har Katir

You dont count on build quality if it comes from the same manufacturer, it should be the same.

It's not the same. The build quality is drastically different and that's usually the case for companies in ANY industry that have an entry level consumer line and a high-end line.


The DG920 has a THD of 1.0% which would is considered pretty high.
Their X300ES line (and I'm sure these as well) has a THD of 0.09%. And yes, you could probably tell the difference.

Sony is notorious for using crappy power supplies in their DG line. They don't cheap out at all in their ES line on that front, which is why I own one... and looking to possibly replace it with something in the X400ES line.

[MordredKLB]

Originally Posted by deusxanime

Other then the 5 year warranty, is there any reason to get a 2400ES over a DG920? I don't need the pre-outs, so I'm thinking it's not worth the extra couple hundred dollars.

There's the warranty, the build quality is better (I would assume... sometimes the low end ES isn't all that much different from the top of the line consumer), the power supply is better, less THD, what looks like a much more informative front panel display and the ES line uses Faroudja chips for upscaling video to 1080p which should give DRASTICALLY better results than the 920 (which I wouldn't be surprised if it did nothing but just simply scale without any kind of intelligence).

[elche1]

I looked at the specs and it seems that the 4400es approaces the old 5300, more than replacing the 4300es (the 3400 seems closer.). Has anyone figured out the key differences in the new line versus the old one? Does the 5300 offer anything the 3400 or 4400 don't?
thanks,
marc

[RWetmore]

Originally Posted by elche1

I looked at the specs and it seems that the 4400es approaces the old 5300, more than replacing the 4300es (the 3400 seems closer.). Has anyone figured out the key differences in the new line versus the old one? Does the 5300 offer anything the 3400 or 4400 don't?
thanks,
marc

The 4400ES has been beefed up to 16kg and has more powerful amplifier section than the 5300ES.

[Breedbeyond]

There seems to be very little information coming from sony on these recievers. Shouldn't some of them be out by now or very soon?

[RWetmore]

The 2400ES is due out this month I believe. The others to follow in August and September.

[deusxanime]

Originally Posted by MordredKLB

There's the warranty, the build quality is better (I would assume... sometimes the low end ES isn't all that much different from the top of the line consumer), the power supply is better, less THD, what looks like a much more informative front panel display and the ES line uses Faroudja chips for upscaling video to 1080p which should give DRASTICALLY better results than the 920 (which I wouldn't be surprised if it did nothing but just simply scale without any kind of intelligence).

From what I've read (and that is just other threads here so it obviously could be wrong), the guts are going to be basically the same between the 920 and the 2400es. The images of the front of the 920 show the Faroudja logo, so I assume that's what it will use as the scaler. Since they are both supposed to be out anytime, I guess I'll wait and let some other people tear into them before I order anything. Besides I'm going to get a new Samsung LN52A650 first I think, so I'll need to save a bit of money. =)

[RWetmore]

The guts of the 920 and 2400ES are not the same.

[samsurd2]

^^^And you know this how??

[RWetmore]

Originally Posted by samsurd2

^^^And you know this how??

The specs. Specifically the power ratings and weight of the unit.

[ALMA]

First purely audio player with expense HDMI (audio) that it will play disks CD and SACD is prepared announces Sony. It is the SCD-XA5400ES that will have digital exit HDMI so that it can be connected with the new line of amplifiers AV of company. Sony incorporated in the SCD-XA5400ES possibility H.A.T.S (High Quality Digital Audio Transmission System) for interconnection HDMI. Thus it might be transported with comfort [polykanalo] signal DSD from the player in amplifier with the help one and only cable, the HDMI. While becomes use of local memories ([mpafer]) for the control of flow of digital signal. Amplifier AV, via the HDMI, will send information in the player in order to it slows down or it accelerates catering with musical signal.

http://www.hifi-forum.de/extURL.php?...-end&Itemid=51

The SCD XA5400ES is the first CD/SACD-Player (no DVD) with HDMI and DSD-Decoding!

The STR-DA5400ES will cost more than the 5300ES;

http://whathifi.com/News/Sony-reveal...eceiver-range/

Following an exclusive, and extensive, product briefing from Sony here at What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, we can now lavish you with more information on Sony's 2008 range of receivers and hopefully sort out any model confusion in the process.

There are five models in the new line-up, and in a nutshell the UK will be receiving:

STR-DG520 - £180 - available end of July
STR-DG820 - £300 - available end of July

STR-DA2400ES - £500 - available August
STR-DA3400ES - £700 - available August
STR-DA5400ES - £1500 - available August

Sony's representatives were kind enough to drop off a review sample of the STR-DG820, which is now warming up in our listening rooms. So visitors to whathifi.com will be able to read our exclusive online review next week.

As we mentioned in an earlier news story, the STR-DG820 is a 7.1 channel receiver boasting 100w per channel. It's armed with four HDMI inputs and one output. It also supports all HD audio formats, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And, after our briefing, we can also reveal:

All the new receivers have been built from scratch with brand new components - even the solder used in the circuitboards has been changed.

Extra effort has been made to reduce the effects of internal vibrations on the new chassis.

The STR-DG820 features 1080p/24fps passthrough, upconversion to HDMI but no video upscaling. The receiver also supports Deep Colour and x.v.Colour technology.

The remote control is similar in look and feel to that of the W series LCD TVs.

An on-screen display is provided, but there's no display output to your TV or projector.

The entry-level STR-DG520 has very basic specification (not surprising, given its highly-affordable price) and some of the main differences between it and the STR-DG820 are:

No A+B speaker selection
No AV input on the front
Two HDMI inputs as opposed to four on the STR-DG820
No HD audio decoding or LPCM via HDMI
No Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24 decoding, just standard Dolby Digital and DTS
No Deep Colour x.vColour compatibility

We're just waiting for the specification of the ES models to come through, but as soon as we have them to hand we'll get the information posted on the website.

One last thing. Sony dropped off another piece of kit that we're sure you'll be interested in. But can you guess what it is? We'll be divulging top-secret information on this product on August 1st. So, be sure to check the website for another What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision exclusive.

I guess the new highlight is the SCD-XA5400ES or STR-DA6400ES or BDP-ES1!

[crashtopher]

I am in need of a new A/V reciever and am considering the Sony 4300ES, though I am wondering if I should wait for the 3400ES to come out this fall. Suggestions?

UPDATE: I'm going to wait as the better warranty and the 4th DVi input will break the tie.

[ALMA]

More details, STR-DA5400ES with 2 HDMI-outputs!

http://whathifi.com/News/UPDATED-Son...eceiver-range/

UPDATE – Well, we’ve been going through the specifications of Sony’s new ES receivers with a fine-toothed comb and we’ve finally compiled a list of the main specs for each of the new models.

Strangely there's no mention of multichannel analogue inputs, but we'd surprised if the new models didn't at least offer 5.1 analogue inputs.

Needless to say, we can’t wait to get our hands on them. In the meantime, stay tuned for an in-depth review of the £300 STR-DG820. We’ll post it online in the next couple of days.

STR-DA5400ES £1500 (EU prices are higher than in the US...)

6 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
Auto AV Sync with some Bravia TVs – automatically delays sound so you get picture and sound simultaneously
31Band Graphic Equaliser and stereo mic for auto-calibration
120W x 7 channels
Upconverts
Upscales to 1080p
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) compatibility for use with an SACD player
Top-Grade GUI
GUI blending up to HDMI
2nd room GUI
Multi-language GUI
Two Digital Media Ports
Digital audio up-sampling to 192kHz
Upscales to 1080p
Upconverts
Bravia Sync
Portable Audio Enhancer Plus
Learning remote control

STR-DA3400ES £700

100W x 7 channels
Supports all HD Audio formats
Upscales to 1080p
Upconverts
4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output
Top-Grade GUI
Multi-language GUI
GUI blending up to component video
Bravia Sync
Portable Audio Enhancer Plus
Learning remote control

STR-DA2400ES £500

100W x 7 channels
Upconverts
Upscales to 1080p
Supports all HD Audio formats
4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output
New GUI
GUI blending up to component video
Digital Media Port
Bravia Sync
Standard remote
Portable Audio Enhancer Plus
Learning remote control

[MordredKLB]

None of those whathifi posts mention the 4400ES. I'm wondering if it's not going to be sold in the UK. That's actually the model I'm most interested in because it looks like the 5400 has more than I need and the 3400 doesn't have all the features I want. Hopefully the 4400 will be a good compromise.

[RWetmore]

The 4400ES also has a significantly higher build quality and power specs compared to the 3400ES and 2400ES. It weighs 8lbs more.

[Kalani]

The 4400es definitely looks like the most appealing of the bunch to me. Once I finally upgrade to an HDMI set from my current component-based HDTV, I'm all over upgrading to the 4400!

[Don Borvio]

I wonder what's upgraded from the 5300ES to the 5400ES? I can get a killer discount for the 5300ES (new for $680 plus tax). Would you do it, or wait, or find something else?