|
Review 3 of 5 Summary:
I sure wish Sony would pump out quality like this on a regular basis. Maybe that would give them a decent reputation in the US market. It seems that Sony sells their better low and mid-fi components only outside the US, as if those consumers are more savy (and maybe they are right!). What the hell do they think they are doing? I understand the bad reputation received as a direct result of the DE series commonly found at mass consumer electronics depots.
So enough of the Sony rant. Besides, the 707 always was high-end for Sony. As far as I can tell, it represented the second most expensive stereo integrated amp offered by Sony for several consecutive years in the mid 90's.
Here are a few things I love about my TA-F707ES:
- EVERY switch in the analog chain is a physical switch; not one of them uses an IC to do the work.
- Their is an electronic source switching panel with small green leds above the active source selection. Although that design implies that an IC would be performing this switching, that is not the case. This contact switch set actually controls a internal, motorized, source selector which once again performs a physical contact switch between source inputs. Now that is cool in my book.
- You don't have to turn it on to use it as a record out selector switch for other connected components! That is handy for me because I like using multiple amp/speaker combinations with the same source components. Running things to this component first, allows me to cold switch and replicate the signal to 3 and 4 other destinations simultaneously. That reduces the overall number of interconnects while retaining amazing systems integration and flexibility.
- It just 'sounds' better than my Denon 5700, and the Denon is no slouch. That Denon has AL24 processing along with the finest Burr-Brown DACS, and when I play CDs through the Denon, I use only digital connects from my CD player. In my opinion, that should more than give the 5700 an edge. The poor 707 has to make due with the low end DAC output straight from the CD player. It took me a while to conclude that I prefer the 707's sound to that of the 5700. I think it was the mental barrier created by the hugh price difference of these units (I paid <600 for the 707, but >2000 for the 5700).
- The attenuator has never (and I expect never will) be affected by dust build-up. My older Sony receiver (not a DE) had a nasty habit of producing a scratching sound when adjusting the volume, but was otherwise nice enough.
- This 90watts per channel into 8ohm stereo amp has massive transformers, which I think account for most of the 43+ pounds. If weight is an indicator of quality, this thing has some to spare.
I think my only real gripe is that there is no pre-amp inputs to be found. That limits what I might do with this beast in the future. :(
I can't wait to see how this thing does with the new Magnepan MMG's I just ordered! The MMG's will be an upgrade from the current B&W 601's.
Anybody know where I can find another of these beauties in new condition? If so, email me!
Sony, please make more of this sort of component...or else! (It's your head.)
I kinda hate giving anything 5/5. In all too many cases, that sends the 'its perfect' message. I don't know of any 'perfect' device. Nevertheless, I must jump off the 5/5 bridge since everyone else is doing it! :P
Selah. Strengths:
Smooth and pleasing over long listening periods; tank-like build; seperate MOS-FET drive and power stages; totally analog design. Weaknesses:
No complaints! - its my most flexible component and probably one of the only ones I would immediately purchase a second time. Similar Products Used:
No direct competitors really, but lots in the lower end and my Denon 5700.
| 
5 of 5
