Playback Quality, Construction, Size, Color

No digital output for SACD, No standby power on unit.

I have been waiting a long time for Sony to add playback memory to their reference DVD player, since the 7000 was introduced. Because of that, this is my first DVD player. I decided at the beginning of my A/V (electronic) system purchases to go with products from one manufacturer. This unit suites my needs for top quality playback performance and convenience.

Although this player is spec'd not to play CD-R's, I have read that it will play Fuji blue CD-R's. Also, I have read that CD-RW reflectivity is close to video CD and has the potential to work. I need to test these items to confirm they work and present them only for your information.

Similar Products Used:

None

It is a Sony.

The price.

This is post to convince the adaministrator to remove the previous review posted by "Ken". That guy certainly doesn't know about anything about SACD but quote lack of SACD digital out as this DVD player's weakness.

For Ken's information, due to copyright protection reasons, there is no offboard DACs for SACD decoding, so there is no processor that could decode SACD digital output either. Suppose this 9000ES DVD player does have a digital output, what are you gonna do about it. It is also true about DVD-A. This is sad, but not hardware vendor's fault.

Thus, please learn and know what you are trying to say before post.

Good styling, great video & audio performance

Can’t play CD-R that is 700MB (80 min)

Well, after waiting for so long I finally got this Sony DVP S9000ES DVD player, which will replace my Pioneer DV-S9. I was making decision on either the Toshiba SD9200 and the Sony, unfortunately the Toshiba is over priced in HK, also two latest Japanese HiVi magazine rated the Sony higher than the Toshiba, so … the choice is easy.

Let me start with the CD-R issue first, after reading so much about this problem, I was eager to check it out, and I got a mixed result, why ? The blank discs I used were of similar quality (TDK and Imation, both non audio type), then I discovered that one is 740MB and the other is 800MB ! I then tried different brand of 800MB, NO ! 800MB (80min) CD-R won’t work on this machine. I hope other reviewers can confirm this.

Now, comes to the video section. I did some comparison between the 9000ES and DV-S9, and was very surprised that DV-S9 is not to be outdone. Overall, the 9000ES is a tag better, especially using progressive output, but on some movies, the DV-S9 seems to be smoother, and the 9000ES is too saturated. Also, I found by switching from interlace to progressive, the brightness drops, will it be the TV that I am using ? (Sony 36 HD-F9)

About audio capability, the 9000ES is better than the DV-S9, especially on sound staging. But since I got a pair of dCS Purcell + Delius and a very good CD transport, the 9000ES falls far behind, but what can you expect from this price ? About SACD, I found it to be very clear, yet individual instruments are not well integrated and thus less involving.

Overall, what I can say about the DVD technology ? Apart from the progressive output, it has not improved by much (the DV-S9 is more than 2 years old)

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer DV-S9

ESTO ESTA DEDICADO AL IDIOTA QUE HA QUITADO EL COMENTARIO ESCRITO EN ESPAÑOL.
HAS QUITADO EL COMENTARIO PORQUE ESTABA EN ESPAÑOL O PORQUE NO ERA FAVORABLE AL PRODUCTO ¿?.
SEGURAMENTE ES PORQUE ESTA EN UN IDIOMA QUE NO ES EL INGLES. NO CREO QUE SEAS CAPAZ DE ENTENDER NADA DE LO QUE LEAS AUNQUE ESTE EN ENGLISH.

BEST REGARDS.

Sound, Especially with regular audio CDs, picture quality, very quiet opperation, ES mark, design. CD R-W and some CD-R compatibility. Nice menus.

problems playing some CD-Rs.

This player is amazing. I am listening my old CDs again and again. It is almost as it is comming new sound out of them.
The music "picture" is 3dimensional, and the instruments very life-like. I am not so imprest with the SACD, the diference between SACD and CD is not what i expected, maybe because the SACDs i own are not recorded very well.
Even if it stands in the manual, that the player sould not be compatible with CD-Rs, the player can play most of them, but you have to choose CD-R´s of high quality (Basf Ceram Guard is my best choice).
It has no problem at all with CD RWs.
Be soure to use high quality cables with this player.
The picture is also amaizing, it isl like looking on a PC monitor :)

Similar Products Used:

Metz DE 81, pioneer 717, pioneer 515, pioneer LVD 909.

There are two new high-end reviews of this unit in The Perfect Vision (print copy) and Audiophile Audition (www.audaud.com). Both reviews (both praiseworthy) focus on the 9000ES's audio capabilities. The Audiophile Audition review is particularly good, and emphasizes the need for proper burn-in of both the redbook CD and SACD sections in order for the unit to sound its best.

This unit is made to work with the Sony VVega XBR tv's. I have this unit hooked up to my 36 XBR and the quality is like nothing i've ever seen. Yay progressive scan! However, on a side by side comparison over at Bryn Mawr stereo, a simple interlaced $600 system made a better picture on the pioneer elite TV than it did on the XBR of the same size (opwards of 55 inches). The progressive scan is perfection with the XBR and i dare anyone to say otherwise. In interlaced mode, it performs on an even keel with the $300-600 range players. But I don't think that's why anyone is buying it. Unless you've got an HD XBR or similar in the toshiba then go for it. However, if you've got a pioneer elite, stick with the interlaced players.

Build quality,picture and audio,price

none at this time

I just purchased this machine and love it. The picture quality is superb. At first I had decided to wait and get the Denon 2800 until problems set in for this unit. At this point a delay in getting these players out took hold. I just purchased a Mitsubishi model 55857 HD upgradeable TV last weekend, so you can imagine how much I wanted a progressive scan dvd player. All I can tell you is I did'nt make a mistake going with this player. The picture is theatrical quality and so is the sound, cannot believe it.
Trust me,the reviews on this player are a good indication of the quality Sony has gone through to build this DVD player. To me I could not have gotten a better player even if I would have spent more money, I could'nt be happier. A little bonus also plays SACD if this is your cup of tea.

Progressive Scan, SACD, better transport capabilities

Canadian price, front buttons seems too small / hard to read

Please excuse my use of this review column for a question, but I find most of us using the review area more helpful than the types hanging out in the AudioChat room. No offense if you are moon lighting.

Question: How much more of a difference should I see using the new ES 9000 vs the older 7700?

Question: I use a new Toshiba 40H80 TV. It has a built in line doubler. My dealer tells me I don't require a progressive scan DVD to get the best of my Toshiba set and should only see a nominal upgrade in video performance from my Sony 7700.

Is this true? Do I need a Progressive Scan DVD player if I have a Progressive Scan TV?

Thanks in advance,

Great reviews here, really appreciate those who took the time.

Cary
Toronto

P.S. Answers can be emailed : caryw@sympatico.ca or cary.warden@canada.sun.com

Similar Products Used:

own Sony 7700, have used Pioneer DVD's

Built like a tank, plays SACD and incredible Progressive DVD picture. FIVE Year Warranty!!!!!!

Does not play DVD-A Discs.

I can't put into words how incredible this player is. First off it's built like a tank, I have never seen a machine that is build so well. I've seen heavier but not better.

The progressive playback on this machine is fablulous. It also gives you the option of playing back 4:3 DVDs in 4:3. As well as having an option to turn the component video outputs output in interlace so I can zoom up on my non-anamorphic dvds on my Mits TV.

One of the opening scenes in Fantasia 2000 (when all the butterflies are flying) always seem to give the Toshiba some problems with breakups. None to be seen in the Sony.

The menus on this player are also classic Sony menus, in other words, useful and easy to read. Also the access time on this player is excellent, it seems like once you hit the close door, the disc starts.

I had the Toshiba SD5109 for over a year, that player convinced me that DVD in progressive is the only way to go. The Sony has convinced me that it can still be done better.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD5109