The Many Modes of The TA-E9000ES
The DSP Table highlights the extensive number of Processing Modes available on the 9000ES with the Sony VUCD-E9000A upgrade V2.01. Its important to point out that even though Sony created the VUCD-E9000A upgrade (including the firmware and remote), they are oblivious to its existence. If you doubt it, call Sony Style and ask for this kit, and they deny it exists. Yet, when you order it, and receive it, it’s clearly marked, “Sony” all over the box, remote control, CD and everything else the kit includes. Go figure! This upgrade kit is well worth the investment for any Sony TA-E9000ES user, and it can be acquired on-line at a reasonable price (around $150).
In general, as with any other Processor or Receiver, the average user will hardly use most of these DSP modes. The reason being is they are extremely dependent on room acoustics and some of the modes have such subtle differences, that the average echo-room will prevent the listener from discerning the differences. That being the case, I will elaborate on what I consider to be the ‘best’ and most useful modes found with this Processor.
Jazz Mode
For normal two channel CD’s, my personal favorite DSP Mode is the ‘Jazz Mode.’ Just about every Receiver/Processor offers some form of ‘Jazz Mode’, but to me, the 9000ES does a tremendous job of adding life, vibrancy and ambiance to any ordinary 2-channel CD. Even though the 9000ES does not allow you to have the subwoofer on in this Mode when the fronts are set to large, it’s OK. With a powerful amplifier and quality speakers, I don’t always want a sub when listening to my favorite 2-channel recordings. Besides, if I want a sub in a DSP mode with large speaker settings, it’s easy to just switch to ‘Disco Club Mode.’
Disco Club Mode
As much as I dislike the name, this Mode has its usefulness. For example, when you are having a party and not really concerned with the overall fidelity as much as the amount of sound, this Mode is perfect. It increases the music coming from the rears to about the same volume as the fronts, and allows for the subwoofer to be on with the fronts set to large. It’s perfect for filling a large room with music, even though you may wish to cover up the ‘Disco’ name on the front panel.
Virtual Matrix 6.1 Mode
To me, the Virtual Matrix 6.1 Mode makes the 9000ES Processor. The Marketing description in the table above does no justice in explaining the usefulness of this additional Mode. If you own a Digital Satellite or have “Digital” Cable, and watch a number of movies that are broadcasted in 2-channel stereo or Dolby Surround, then this Mode is ideal. Because of the enormous processing power of the 9000ES, it is capable of taking that 2-channel, stereo/surround signal and splitting it up into near separate 5.1 channels. It is so good that for movies, voices appear to come clearly from the center channel and effects noticeably originate in the rears, as if they were produced in 5.1 Channel. I have impressed a number of Audioholic’s with this mode when watching 2-channel Movie Channels on TV. There are times when most people believe it is actually a Dolby Digital Source before realizing it’s really a result of the enormous processing power of the 9000ES creating the separation.
Natural Surround; Non-DSP
The Natural Surround Mode minimizes the processing of the original source. The end result is as close to a perfect representation of the source as achievable with any Home Theater Equipment. When this Mode is selected, the Processor automatically detects the signal and defaults it to Dolby Digital, DTS or Dolby Pro-logic for two channel recordings. Very rarely do I ever leave this Mode when watching DVD Movies or DVD Concerts, as the minimal processing leaving the sound track unaltered and pristine.
2-Channel Stereo; Non-processed
In 2-channel stereo, the stereo signal completely bypasses the sound field processing and multi-channel surround formats and are down-mixed to 2-channel. The end result is a clean, pristine, unaltered 2-channel signal that does perfect justice to any quality 2-channel source. It is important to point out that when in 2-channel stereo, the subwoofer is not available when the front speakers are set to large. Once again, this isn’t a problem as most Audioholic’s listen to 2-channel stereo without a sub anyway. Besides, Sony does compensate for sub in 2-channel as listed in the following mode.
Auto Format
Even though this is not a mode per se, it is an awesome feature easily overlooked in most of Sony users. Auto Format allows the Processor to default the signal to it’s native format, albeit Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro-logic or 2-Channel Stereo. What interests me most about Auto Format is that it allows the subwoofer to be on in 2-channel stereo (listed as Audio Decode) when the speakers are set to large. So those who still wish to use a sub with a 2-channel source have the option when selecting Auto Format.
