I am currently using my Sony SDP EP9ES as a digital preamp until I can get a nice line level preamp with separate DAC for stereo purposes.
On Dolby Digital, it performs impeccably! The Sony EP9ES immerses the viewer in the film! It is a definite improvement from my entry level Technics DD decoder and superior to the Marantz DP870. When compared to receivers with built-in decoders, this unit also shines against the likes of Marantz AV550, Harman Kardon AV35, and many others that I have heard in this price range. For $750 list and about $350-$450 used/demo, it is the BEST in its price range and compares with decoder double its value.

When using it as a DAC, the stereo performance is very respectable, though not great. It does not sound much better than the Analog outputs of my Sony 88ES CD changer. (I assume that they probably use the same internal DACs).

I have also used this decoder for connecting my Sony DSS and the various sound fields can be fun to use when watching different things such as sport events, conecerts, mono movies, etc...

This is a highly recommended product for those looking to improve their current Dolby Digital decoder/receiver.

Great Dolby Digital Processor

No DTS but the unit was inexpensive.

The Sony EP9ES is a stellar Dolby Digital Processor that is extremely inexpensive. It is primarily for those with preamps lacking dolby digital capabilities. It still sounds great after two years and sounds better than my other sony pre-amp, the TA-E2000ESD. I have, however, placed both units in the bedroom.

Similar Products Used:

Sony TA-E2000ESD and Sony TA-E9000ES

Just a quick review to say how much I like this unit. I prefer the quality and flexibility of separate components. I have a system running on Rotel amps and an RSP-980 5.1 surround sound preamp, Millenium 2.4.6 DTS box and a combination of Klipsch Heresy and Monitor Audio speakers.

The system is compelling and I really enjoy the ability to tweak the sound levels and roll-over at any time. Again, fantastic sound and flexibility and when I pop on a DTS disc, the signal gets passed through seemlessly to the most excellent Millenium 2.4.6.

I bought mine for $275 delivered, so there ARE deals out there if you look for them. Troll the newsgroups is my tip. You may catch someone ready to sell without having to overbid on Ebay.

What can I say.For the price it's great.Only gripe is the menus are a bit cumbersome to get through.

quality of the electronics and sound that results from it.

confusing menu, lack of user control over the setting of the soundfields( where they are desirable), like the slope the eq. setttings.

Exceptional sound quality in terms of transperent sound and details

Similar Products Used:

Sony Tae 200esd, Kenwood KC-X1, Technics dd/dts processor

I bought this DSP in London to complement my TA-VA8ES pro logic amp.The difference between the Belgian and UK price financed my trip to London :-))

Pro :
- good value
- dense dynamic soundfield
- impressive setup options, but a bit different from the 8ES menus
- outperforms the local theatre :-)
- dts upgrade PATH

Con :
- the differences between the multiple cinema studio modes is rather subtle
- plain pro logic decoding sounds more 'cinematic' on the 8ES + analog out on the encore than using the 9ES as pro logic processor + SPDIF digital connection to the encore.
- MSB tech won't ship the DTS board overseas (they only accept sending the whole unit :-(

A great unit if you already own a good prologic amp.

System :

Sony 32fx60 wega widescreen
Encore DXR2 dvdrom
Celestion Ditton 33 front speakers
Yamaha YST SW 80 sub
Yamaha NS AC 200 center
KEF Q15 as rear speakers
Monitor Silver Surround && Qed Qudos speaker cable