A Sony E1000ESD or E2000ESD preamp, and an N55ES amp - fair price?

[andx0r]

I'm thinking of going back to Sony ES gear, but with something a lot more modest than my previous Sony ES setup.

I've narrowed it down to that amp and those preamps. They're pretty nice but are far less dear than the 77ES/80ES/90ES flagship amp/preamp combos.

E1000ESD
TA-N55ES

Looking on ebay gives me the usual problem when I go there for price reference - seemingly all of the final prices were loaded into a shotgun and blasted randomly, showing no real cohesion between condition and final selling price.

What says you, AK?

 

[jberger]

I had an E2000ESD, and loved it, except for 1 thing; it had lots of inputs, but it didn't have 5.1 inputs. However, it had the most flexible soundspace tuning I've experienced. They also don't do higher sampling rates through the digital inputs. I'd say around $100-150.

 

[SoCal Sam]

All capable models but not valuable. $150 or maybe a touch higher if in mint(y) condition.

 

[Doomlord_uk]

Competent pre-amps with a plethora of features. Nice remote and if you can get the rare Control-S cables you can run a matching CDP and tuner and I don't know what else from the same remote. The power amp is capable and pretty decent. I can't comment on values but these are not rare so you shouldn't have to pay too much. Note the 55 can be run as a mono amp too, so if you want more power you can run a pair of them. Or four...

Surprised you are downgrading from your pictured system though!

 

[andx0r]

I sold that stuff quite a while ago to run a different setup and fund some other hobbies of mine. It was a great sounding setup though!

I guess I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for these preamps and amps on BT and ebay!

 

[Galaxie65]

I'd highly recommend the 55es and have been looking for some myself. After I sold off the n77 I really missed the 55s. I use to have a pair driving some l200s and they did a great job. A lot of people like the amps to run direct and skip the pre since it has volume controls on the front.

I picked up a TA-F808 and that is one nice piece. The Sony STR-GX series 9/10 and top tier pieces that are reasonable for receivers. Really nice pieces too

 

[andx0r]

The old Sony ES receivers and integrateds are really cool. I'd rock one of the 120-150 wpc ones. But I really like these wild preamps Sony did too

BTW Galaxie, your old Galaxy Commander is currently pulling bedroom duty for me. I love that thing.

 

[Galaxie65]

Well I'm glad the ol' Galaxy is still chugging away. I really liked that piece and felt it was one that would never get old on the cool factor

 

[hammr7]

I had an E2000ESD, and loved it, except for 1 thing; it had lots of inputs, but it didn't have 5.1 inputs. However, it had the most flexible soundspace tuning I've experienced. They also don't do higher sampling rates through the digital inputs. I'd say around $100-150.

After 5.1 hit I was able to get a pair of the E2000ESD units. They worked wonderfully for surround sound. The only issue was customizing response from the remote control, especially if I only wanted to modify levels on one of the two units.

 

[frahengeo]

I believe the E2000ESD has gold plated RCA jacks, and has a Source Direct button that bypasses all the DSP stuff. If you can find the E2000 at a comparable price, then I would pick that one.

$150.00 ~ $200.00 seems reasonable for each of those pieces (including the wood sides). I sold my TA-N55ES last winter for $200.00, but it was mint and came with original packaging and manual.