Price Paid:  $1100.00

Summary:
surprised to find this old chestnut listed with contemporary gear. . . what may be even more surprising is that it is still a viable part of my A/V system after some 14 years!. . . you really wouldn't want to buy it new; it has too many features for an audio pre-amp, and too few for an A/V pre-pro. . . as described in the reviews below, sound quality is amazingly clean, precise , neutral. . . not in the same league as a Levinson or Balanced Audio, but you'd be hard pressed to find a competitive pre for $1k. . . built like a tank. . . in contrast to the the reviews below, i find the video section of the 77 to be very good, with only the slightest trace of degradation (compared to source direct to tv). . . indeed, my 77 has been the savior thru which all S-video is routed in my complex frankenstein system (the Marantz receiver's video routing is abysmal). . . tried the internal DACs a long time ago; found them to be adequate, but could always be bettered by modestly-priced outboard DACs; and after 14 years, the 77's are simply outdated. . . one day i'll move up to proper A/V separates (Bryston or Anthem), but for now the 77 is indispensable as a video and analog audio router. . . i'll likely keep it forever, and use it in a second 2-ch system. . . if you find one used at a right price, jump on it.

Strengths:
audio quality. . . build quality. . . noise-free. . . great connectivity. . . solid video routing (S-video and composite). . . a surprisingly musical pre from Sony. . . great for 2-ch systems with many components and recording needs.

Weaknesses:
antiquated DACs, no surround processing at all (hey, it's 14 yrs old). . . phono section failed (hey, you mean it HAD a phono section?).

Similar Products Used:
Marantz. . . a/d/s/. . . Rotel. . . Carver.

Summary:
I Have owned three of these early 1990 Sony pre-amps over several years. I keep trying to find something that can replace it but can't. This 40 pound pre-amp is clean, dynamic and smooth sounding. It will add dynamics to any system. It has a heavy black chassis and aluminum face with dark wood sides. It has a ton of inputs and two pre outputs. One coax digital in and out for its built in DAC. Its phono section is ok but not audiophile quality. Front controls cover any kind of directing or switching one will ever need. It has a "direct" switch to eliminate tone controls. Although it is considered a audio/video pre-amp, its video section is its weakest link. In all three units I owned, I found they each produced noise when video sources were mixed or combined with audio. Since I don't use this as a video pre-amp, no problem. As a stereo pre-amp - its great! Its built in DAC is mounted in an isolated metal enclosure on the underside of the chassis. Its performance is as good as many outboard DACs. The original remote is learnable and will operate most everything you own. Overall, if you are looking for a high quality clean stereo pre-amp with plenty of inputs, the TAE77ESD is a steal at the price you can buy one for on the used market.

Strengths:
Excellent Stereo pre-amp!

Weaknesses:
Video section

Summary:
although this unit is a older version of the newer sonys thats about all that it shares this is a true preamp,not a video center switcher the music is clear precise and total,operation is simple the built in da converter sounds like a separate theta and should since this part of the unit was a joint effort.i compared this to my other pres especially my ar tube and beleve it or not it out performed them,i am embarass to say that i spent so much on sound and got so little,i have decided to replace my pre with the sony .if you are into 2 channel audio i beleive this is one of the ten best pre made for under $2000,and now they are used they should be had at reasonable price