Key Features and Inputs/Outputs

This downloadable Table depicts the key features of each unit side by side for comparison.

Main Assembly Board IC Guide

These downloadable Tables offer an item-by-item description and detail of the DSP chips and DA Converters found in both units. In some cases, where there are dashes (-), it means the information is not available or is proprietary to the Manufacturer and not discernable during our intensive investigation. These Tables may be revised in the future as Audioholic’s uncovers more information.

Sony TA-E9000ES

It is worth pointing out that the TA-E9000ES uses three 32 Bit Floating Point Processors for it’s DSP multi-channel digital audio decoding. These units are identified in this table.

Sony STR-DA4ES

This receiver employs two 32-bit processors for decoding Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 and Dolby Pro Logic II, and Sony's Digital Cinema Sound modes.

Input/Output of Front and Rear Panels

Comparing Inputs and Outputs

TA-E9000ES

The Sony TA-E9000Es supports 5 audio source products and 6 video source products. The control amplifier supports both composite and s-video switching on all video product inputs.

Input and Output Notes

Audio products: Phono, Tuner, CD, MD/DAT, Tape
Video products: TV, DVD, LD, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3
Digital audio inputs: CD (optical/coax), MD/DAT (optical), TV (optical), DVD (optical/coax), LD (optical coax)
Digital audio outputs: MD/DAT (optical)
AC-3/RF input: for Dolby Digital from LD
Analyzer/Mic input: (not supported yet)
RS-232C connector for firmware upgrades
Video Processor in/out loop
Pre out: Front (left/right), Rear (left/right), center (2x) and subwoofer (2x)

STR-DA4ES / STR-DA7ES

Sony uses a new 'trap door' design for the optical connections in the 4ES and 7ES.  Although this form of connecting is easier then pulling out the plug in the older style, I question it's reliability.

Sony switched to what I like to call a ‘Trap Door.’ Although, upon first glance, this ‘Trap Door’ appears to be easier to use (i.e., you just put the cable in, the door opens, and the cable is attached), care must be used during installation of the cable.   Unfortunately, the door itself is required for compressing onto the cable and holding it in place. If you are like me and connect/disconnect your Optical Cables more than one time per year, you stand an extremely high risk of breaking off the very cheaply/poorly made ‘Trap Door.’ I have done this on my Sony SAT-T60 TiVo Satellite Tuner, so I know it to be true. Once that ‘Trap Door’ is gone, the Cable has no support and therefore, falls out from it’s own weight. That being the case, the Digital Output with the broken door is no longer useable.

I don’t understand why Sony, and other manufacturers are switching to this method of connection, unless it is driven by cost. Unfortunately the 4ES only offers two Coaxial Digital Connections but there are a number of these Optical ‘Trap Door’ connections running down the back panel of this unit.  Since this design is becoming unavoidable, be careful when installing and uninstalling your cables.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

On-screen Display: The on-screen display is not passed through the component video monitor output, only the S-video and composite video monitor outputs.
Speaker Outputs: There are binding post connectors for the left front A, right front A, left front B, right front B, center, left surround, right surround, left surround back, and right surround back speakers. The binding posts are not 5-way because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs.
Control A1 II: The Control A1 II Control System was designed to simplify the operation of audio systems composed of separate Sony components. Control A1 II connections provide a path for the transmission of control signals, which enable automatic operation and control features usually associated with integrated systems. This receiver has a single Control A1 II mini-jack output.
Control S: This receiver has two Control S mini-jack outputs and two mini-jack inputs for use with compatible Sony components.
RS-232C Port: This unit features an RS-232C port for software upgrades.
Two 12V Triggers: The two 12V trigger outputs, labeled Main Room and 2nd Room, allow you to send a 12V turn-on signal to compatible components in your system.
IR Repeater: The one mini-jack input and 2 mini-jack outputs allow you to connect optional IR repeaters to this receiver.