The Many Modes of The STR-DA4ES

Once again, Sony offers a plethora of Modes, more than the average user can handle. As with the 9000ES, there are some good and some that will get very little use. Instead of expanding on each one, I will compare the same modes as the ones mentioned above, and toward the end of this section, include a write-up on the new DSP modes found in the 4ES offers. It is important to point out that the new 4ES and 7ES both offer 7.1, which means the addition of two rear center speakers. Although these two rear centers have their own, discrete amplifiers, they are NOT discrete channels. The signal sent to the two rear centers are in mono. The purpose of having the two rear centers really only comes into play with extremely large/wide rooms. If you are in a typical 18’ wide or less room, two rear centers may be a bit overkill.

As indicated earlier, the STR-DA4ES, 7ES do not use a SHARC Processor as do the 9000ES and the 5ES. Although the trend is to believe that the SHARC is a ‘better’ processor, it is not to say that Sony hasn’t improved on this RISC system by optimizing their firmware to this technology. Debating the SHARC vs RISC processing system is beyond the scope of this article and is something that can be done within the appropriate Audioholics forums.

Jazz Mode

Once again, this mode satisfies my 2-channel CD playing needs, but all in all, it lacks the sound quality of that produced in the 9000ES. This difference can be attributed to the SHARC vs. RISC debate, and/or it can be a function of a lesser quality pre-amplifier. The nice feature about the Jazz Mode, even on the 4ES, is that it does not over saturate effects into the sound stage of the music. Instead, it offers an ambiance of surround by including the rears as part of the music, not as an echo maker. It remains one of my favorite modes in the 4ES even thought it lacks some of the vibrancy found in the 9000ES.

Disco Mode

Yes, it still exists, and still has the same name. There is really not much to say about this mode, as music fidelity goes out the window. Simply put, this Mode allows every speaker is alive with power and sound. Once again, it’s a great mode for parties and gatherings where you want to maximize the music in your room.

Dolby Pro Logic II Movie and Music

These new modes are sought after by many Audioholics. They are used for processing 2-channel movies/music into an apparent 5.1 channel sound. Although these modes are effective in this reproduction, it is my opinion that the Virtual Matrix 6.1 Mode found in the 9000ES does a much better job. I find the Dolby Pro Logic II modes a bit fake sounding in their 5.1 sound recreation with an over abundance of echo.

DTS Neo Cinema and Neo Music

Once again, these modes are also sort after by those seeking to make the best of their 2-channel recording. The DTS Neo modes do sound a bit more accurate in sound stage then the Dolby Pro Logic II, as the echo, and acoustics seem more natural. But again, if you consider the Virtual Matrix 6.1 found in the TA-E9000ES, although the name is different, the processing ability is far beyond the DTS Neo and Pro Logic II found in the 4ES.

Other Modes and Settings

Natural Surround, Auto Format, 2-channel stereo and other modes/settings, are very similar in functionality between the STR-DA4ES and TA-E-9000ES. For that reason, I will not elaborate on them in detail as the DSP Table< provides a good overview.