Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sony AVD-S50ES Other by jonbee

Model:	AVD-S50ES
Category:	Other
Suggested Retail Price:	$800
Description:	Integrated SACD/CD/DVD/Digital Amp Receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on September 21, 2005 at 19:48:04
IP Address: 24.19.41.189

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for the AVD-S50ES

I don't do home theater, so this opinion is based solely on 2 ch. mode.
This model came out around 2002, and there are a number currently available on ebay and elsewhere for $400-500. I bought mine for about half that used, in perfect condition. I felt at that price I had little to use. My big rig is powered by PS Audio pca2/ modded HCA2 stack, and I have a PannyDV47-> Monarchy DIP upsampler-> Panny XR50, so I've stuck more than a toe into digital amplification.
This 5 channel receiver/sacd/cd/dvd player is interesting because it maintains the signal fully in the digital domain, and is perhaps a view into the future. I understand it uses the Tripath modules.
First off, upon fire up, the sound is striking for its transparency, openess, and lack of coloration. It is a very clean sonic window, indeed, with depth and soundstage delineation that is within striking distance of very good high amps of any stripe. Very nice indeed, although the PS Audio at 5x the price is better. The weaknesses are at the very top, where there is a trace of edge, similar to the Panny stack that I use, and the bass below 60 hz. or so, while very defined and controlled, is nonetheless recessed and lacks real authority. The Panny seems the other way; not as tight, even a bit woolly at the bottom, but with a smidge extra energy from 30-60 hz. or so. The Panny also seems a bit less focused at the top.
I'm very pleased with this unit. It is very compact, considering that it is an all in one unit; and the sound is very nice indeed. The price is a steal, IMO.
I feel it is better than the Panny without the Monarchy, smoother and more coherent; with the Monarchy in place it is a bit of a tossup. Compared to the NADs I've had in these systems, the C340, 7155, 7140, and others, it is no match. The Sony makes them sound colored, muffled and slow by comparison.
I may use it in one of my office systems, or it may displace the Panny from my bedroom system, but is definitely a keeper.
In a main system, using it w/ a powered sub may well solve the bottom end leanness, and with smooth, uncolored speakers this unit might well be enough for many music and movie lovers who aren't quite ready for the Asylum.

Product Weakness: A bit of hardness at the very top end; lacking in dynamic power at the bottom.
Product Strengths: Fast, transparent, uncolored. Great soundstage depth. Compact and very inexpensive. Nicely made.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	see review
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	see review
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	see review
Speakers:	Onix Ref 1 mk ii
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	mostly jazz and classical;diana Krall (bedroom use only!)
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 16 x 8
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	adcom 515
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A bit of hardness at the very top end; lacking in dynamic power at the bottom.
Product Strengths:	Fast, transparent, uncolored. Great soundstage depth. Compact and very inexpensive. Nicely made.