Sone ES3000 still a good buy?

[P-Dub]

I have a local store that has last years Sony ES3000 on a demo price of C$788 or about US$650.



I figure if I don't like the digital amps, I can always run it as a pre/pro and make use of my HK PA5800!

Why I like this unit.

• Digital Amps
• DTS(which I don't have right now), ES and PL II
• 7.1
• Upconvert to component
• 7.1 preouts
• RS-232 interface
• It's a Sony ES Unit
• adjustable crossovers for speakers in 10 Hz increments, 40 - 160 Hz
• learning remote

There is a few more likes of this receiver that I don't have off the top of my head, but I have the manual at home.

Price is an issue, as well as bringing home a new receiver when I don't 'really' need one. I need to 'get rid' of one receiver before I bring home another.

I don't know what else is out there these days.

I have an old Yamaha 595 with Energy eXL16 speakers for my HT setup. This is the old Yamaha which people felt were too bright for their liking, but I don't mind it. I find it very detailed.

My speaker positioning is not ideal, and I know the Sony has positioning adjustments as well.

So what else is out there in the sub C$800 or US$650 range that will give me some great bang for buck?

Also note that one of my must have is pre-outs for min 5.1!

[aud19]

If you don't need the amps, maybe see if you can find a used pre/pro Rotel/Outlaw etc on Audiogon/Canuck Audio Mart...?

Otherwise I'd say you could probably do better with a Yamaha/Denon or maybe Pioneer Elite....?

[Shane Martin]

It lacks PLIIX and HDMI which is coming in that price range.
If you can wait for atleast 6 months, you can get a significantly better receiver(in terms of features) for the same money.

Right now, the Pioneer 1015tx is better. It also has a room EQ which the Sony doesn't have. An HK 635 can be found for CLOSE to that price. Onecall and J&R had them for $700US just recently.

Keep in mind I own an ES receiver right now. I do like it but I know they moved away from the digital amps just this year. It was a trial that failed for them. You might also search audioreview to see what kind of reviews you see. I had heard about some major QC issues they have.

To get this feature:
Upconvert to component

You'll need to buy new for a pre pro if you go that route. The ones you would find in your price range won't.

[aud19]

Even a new Yamaha RXV657Ti/B seems to be in that price range with better features including their YPAO room correction PLIIx etc.

http://www.yamaha.ca/av/Receivers/RXV657Ti.jsp

[P-Dub]

Wow, I am out of touch!

I don't know, my wife might like you guys.

Do you know if the Yamaha has changed to an adjustable crossover? I know the old units and most of the later ones had a 90 Hz crossover.

Hot damn, they have adjustable, 40, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 160, 200.

How much are the Yamaha's?

[aud19]

I saw that model online for just under $700Ca so you should be able to get it for just above that in store and brand new

[P-Dub]

Hmm, lots of options. I think I'll have to do some auditioning soon. Time to find my CD's, or should I say unpack my CD's.

I probably will have to look at the Denon's and Pioneers and Marantz as well.

This should be fun!