Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers hands-on

Sony's ES line of AV receivers has been growing for months now, but it was the CEDIA-announced STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES that we were most interested in. As predicted, these buggers were pretty beefy, but it's hard to gripe with all those ports around back. We thought the no-frills styling looked pretty sophisticated in person, and when we got real close, we could almost feel those seven channels of amplification just emanating. You know the drill -- peep the gallery below when you're good and ready.

Sony's STR-DA6400ES and STR-DA5400ES receivers hands-on

[Galley Posted Sep 5th 2008 9:16AM]

Does anyone use analog jacks anymore?

[Byrdman Posted Sep 5th 2008 9:20AM]

Sony Recievers = FAIL!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 2:21AM]

If you're talking about regular Sony receivers, then I'd agree.

But, these receivers are from Sony's Elevated Standard line. The ES line is excellent and they compared rather well with Denon, Onkyo (including their Integra line), Harman/Kardon, Pioneer ELITE, and Outlaw Audio.

And ES components are backed by a five year parts and labor warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.

Perhaps you should try ES gear yourself before you pass judgement.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2008 10:57AM]

I know s-video is a bit out date (okay, a LOT out of date), but what up with absolutely NO s-video inputs?

[spin cycle Posted Sep 5th 2008 12:37PM]

I'd say more people use S-video inputs than use switched outlets. They should have dumped those and kept the S-video inputs.

I bet there is one S-video input on the front.

I have a 5300ES and I don't use any of my S-video inputs (or composite), but I wouldn't want to give them up.

[spin cycle Posted Sep 5th 2008 1:02PM]

I found a quick start guide which shows the video inputs behind the front panel.

The good news: it has an HDMI connector on the front! Awesome!

The bad news: it doesn't have an s-video connector on the front. So that does mean it has zero total.