High-end sound for pennies. Makes an excellent DAC and preamp in a 2 channel mode or 5.1 Dolby Digital.
This is a Sony EP9ES Dolby Digital surround sound processor / preamp that was part of the SONY prestigious ES Line. As a developer and champion of digital audio, Sony was at the forefront of the technology and was issuing State Of The Art digital products in the late 80s and early 90s. This processor is one of those products.
Featuring:
> 2 CH operation or Dolby Digital 5.1 channel operation with multiple, customizable synthetic surround modes.
> Comprehensive bass management with user selectable high and low- pass filters at 60/80/100/120/150/200 hertz, separately adjustable for the front, middle and rear channels.
> 2 bands of quasi parametric EQ for all channels except .1 subwoofer. 21 shelved turn-over points in band 1 from 100hz to 1000hz and band 2 from 1000hz to 8600hz. Both bands + / - 10db of adjustment in .5 db increments .
> All functions, including volume, EQ and all channel balances, are easily remote controllable from the listening position. The unit is easy to operate and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.
It has 4 digital and 1 AC3 inputs and analog pass through. The volume control does not affect the analog pass through signal. The unit is a great DAC and it can also can be used in 2 channel mode which switches off all surround processing, but still retains the remote control of the volume, balance and EQ functions. All processing can be switched off for purist 2 channel listening.
I have 3 of these available. They all operate flawlessly and all come with the remote controls and manuals.
#1> Front panel looks perfect. There is some indentation and scuffing of the top panel where a rather heavy amp was placed. $110.
#2> Front panel looks perfect. There is a scraped and slightly indented rear corner and a tiny, almost invisible indentation on the top for $135.
#3> Front Panel looks perfect. Probably as close to mint as you will find one of these, in the original box and packing for $175.
I can send pictures of any of these units you would like including close ups of the cosmetic issues. I don’t think this model was ever offered with wood side panels like some of the earlier ES models and none of the 3 units I have for sale have wood side panels. Also, all 3 are black.
These sold for $600 in the early 90s. That would be around $1200 in todays dollars and I am unaware of any preamp at any price that offers all the features this Sony has. I hate to let these go, but I need to thin the herd. For this reason, sorry, no trades. Local pick-up in the Florence Oregon area is welcome. If it’s being shipped. I’ll absorb the PayPal fees and buyer pays the shipping. Shipping via USPS with your choice of Priority Mail, 1st Class or Parcel Post. It has to ship to a PayPal verified address. To calculate shipping, go to usps.com. The box is 21 X 18 X 7 and weighs 18 pounds. Shipping from 97439. Add the insurance fee. Contact me with any questions. The photos are too large to attach, but send me your email addy and I'll forward them. Thanks!