Classic 80s Black and Rosewood - Sony STR-GX9ES

[reydelaplaya]

(image/info https://classicreceivers.com/sony-str-gx9es)

Currently en route from WA to PR is my 'new' Sony GX9ES.

There's really no logical way to justify this, but we wouldn't be here otherwise now would we? - we're a special bunch and sometimes our BIN-mouse-trigger-fingers get itchy. LOL

Ever since I bought that STR-D1090 a couple years ago that was still almost mint in box, I've been scanning the internet wondering if maybe I shouldn't've gone ahead with one of these instead. I really like the 1090 and all, but had I done some more research, I might have cast sentiment and familiarity aside, and opened up my search a little wider rather than focusing on the nostalgia of my young college years. So my eBay search was set up to automatically alert if a GX9ES, GX10ES, or GX90ES popped up, and I've been watching them cycle through for a while now. Most have been out of my price cap, a couple parts only, one or two listed really low and sold instantly, so no luck. Finally everything came together, and a GX9ES listed with a great BIN price, and within just hours of the listing, already had 19 watchers. Decided this time it was my turn.

*CLICK!*

Pics from the listing show it to be in very nice shape, and probably just in need of cabinet dusting/wipe down for starters. It's an estate sale find, so my gut tells me that this one wasn't abused - and judging by the overall condition, that's probably the case. Those function buttons look a little dirty from being pushed on (remote not mentioned in listing), but the lettering is clear in the close-ups, and I've got a trick for cleaning up black plastic to like new. I'll bet I can get this whole thing looking fresh pretty easily. Got a couple remotes in watch list, but they're a off digit in model number. Cool thing is though, Sony remotes are so inter-compatible that I believe even the ones I have for the D1090 should work it with no problem. (I still have the original remote for my other D990 that I bought back in 91 - that remote was able to operate my neighbor's Sony LCD flatscreen TV, 20 years newer!) Might get the other remote once I see if the one I have works.

Notable Features: Those pretty faux-rosewood panels. That button closest to the balance knob is a MM/MC switch for phono cartridge - so it could be fun to see where that leads... cartridge upgrade maybe? True bypass switch to remove tone control circuit. Pre-outs. 130 Watts at 8 Ohms and 4 Ohm capable. Gets great praise on the net along with the GX10 and GX90. Should be an interesting addition. Now if I'm not mistaken, those speaker jacks should also be banana-style underneath the caps (IIRC I read somewhere here that a lot of manufacturers put solid caps over the banana jacks to prevent accidental plugging in of European AC equipment... because, of course). Each time I look at it, I like the style even more.








(Pics from listing)

Coming Priority by jet, so should be landing in my livingroom (and eventually my lounge in the back room) by mid next week, or even Tuesday if I'm lucky. Already have the manual downloaded from Sony and have been browsing through it - pretty straightforward stuff - probably print it out next time I'm on campus.

Not sure the fate for the D1090 at the moment so back in the box it will go. Might check around to see if any of my friends are looking for a little something with decent power and a phono input. Or maybe just list it here or elsewhere. Don't know yet - we'll see.

Cheers!

Edit: fixed pic links

 

[mstrane21]

Looks to be in great condition. The upper level ES models have been on my radar for a while.

 

[reydelaplaya]

Looks to be in great condition. The upper level ES models have been on my radar for a while.

I'm looking forward to it, and still think that I should've considered this prior to my D1090. Coincidentally, I was briefly looking at the STR-DB940, which was that home theater receiver I bought in 1999/2000 when I still lived by the beach in San Juan.



But that receiver, for as awesome as it was with all its bells and whistles, didn't last long at all. I do know that within about 2 years, I ended up having to replace the surround board (which wasn't cheap), and the whole thing died probably within 4 or 5 years of owning it. I was not impressed with the longevity, especially compared to my D990 which ultimately lasted over 20 years. So for as nice as that one gets talked about around the net, and for approximately the same price as the GX9, I decided to stick within that older GX range since I'm really not in the market for surround anyway. I think I still have that DB940 remote in a box somewhere - might need to track it down and put it up for sale - somebody may be looking. LOL



I did end up buying that remote I found last night after I found this great thread on a restore/recap/rebuild of a GX10ES over on a different site. The OP mentioned about 15 pages in (a 60+ page thread) that the almost identical P102 remote worked in place of the P103.



I'm not trying to have members stray from AK, but this thread I found last night kept me glued to my screen for a good couple hours knowing that the work he was doing with the GX10 could easily be translated into the GX9 since they're virtually identical - for example, I now know how to check/set the bias voltage, and pics, description, and links to do a full recap if I decide to go that route. (Have a look if you're interested: http://www.agoraquest.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=36803 ) After reading through most of that thread last night, I'm now much more content that I chose well. Well I just got a text from USPS saying they anticipate a Tuesday delivery, so now I just hang tight.

 

[SoCal Sam]

I've owned the STR-GX9ES and STR-GX10ES at the same time and compared them. They are virtually identical with the exception of a couple of front panel buttons, copper plated chassis (which no one sees), and a few watts that you will not notice. They sound identical. The 10 gets a hefty premium for being TOTL but the 9 is nearly as good for a lot less. IMO, the 9 is one of the finest values for ES receivers.

 

[reydelaplaya]

I've owned the STR-GX9ES and STR-GX10ES at the same time and compared them. They are virtually identical with the exception of a couple of front panel buttons, copper plated chassis (which no one sees), and a few watts that you will not notice. They sound identical. The 10 gets a hefty premium for being TOTL but the 9 is nearly as good for a lot less. IMO, the 9 is one of the finest values for ES receivers.

Yeah, I seem to recall quite a few of your posts throughout the threads while I was researching here on AK. Not hard to distinguish yours what with the dolphins swimming at the bottom! LOL You've mentioned the front panel buttons a few times, but I can't seem to make out the differences between the two. Any idea what they're for? BTW, any chance you know if those speaker jacks on the back have a banana jack hiding under the plastic cap?

 

[SoCal Sam]

Yeah, I seem to recall quite a few of your posts throughout the threads while I was researching here on AK. Not hard to distinguish yours what with the dolphins swimming at the bottom! LOL You've mentioned the front panel buttons a few times, but I can't seem to make out the differences between the two. Any idea what they're for? BTW, any chance you know if those speaker jacks on the back have a banana jack hiding under the plastic cap?

It's been years since I owned them, looking at yours and web pics of 10, you are right, no extra buttons. I must have been thinking about the STR-V7 and V5. The V5 is missing a button or two and is also a fantastic value compared to the 7. BTW, I never had a remote for my 10's or 9. Many "Audio System" remotes gave minimal control of which for me Power On/Off and Volume are the most essential. BTW, I had a CDP-X55ES player sitting on top of mine. It is second from the 77 but is less expensive by a mile. A class act all around.

 

[reydelaplaya]

It's been years since I owned them, looking at yours and web pics of 10, you are right, no extra buttons. I must have been thinking about the STR-V7 and V5. The V5 is missing a button or two and is also a fantastic value compared to the 7. BTW, I never had a remote for my 10's or 9. Many "Audio System" remotes gave minimal control of which for me Power On/Off and Volume are the most essential. BTW, I had a CDP-X55ES player sitting on top of mine. It is second from the 77 but is less expensive by a mile. A class act all around.

Yeah! LOL I've been looking at those matching rosewood sided ES CD players, because they would certainly look nice together... But, no, can't get carried away now - at least not at the moment. Just now got a text from USPS saying it has officially departed origin post office in the top left corner of Washington state. Here it comes!!

 

[reydelaplaya]

I have just now received a text from USPS informing me that my shipment was scanned in at the Cataño Facility at 10:47PM AST.

There's a slight chance I may see this receiver tomorrow!!! Dude, that would be awesome!

 

[RT Fan]

Nice looking piece Rey! Sony ES was my first step up from average equipment. I bought a CDP-7ES to go with a 500ES int Amp, was very happy with the quality and over the years bought 3 more of their CDPs. Good luck with your new purchase, hope you enjoy the ES series as much as I have.

 

[reydelaplaya]

OMG This is not awesome

It's here. Not necessarily destroyed, but certainly not in any condition like the pics above. Absolutely the worst packing job I've seen outside of that member's thread where they received a multi-thousand dollar turntable wrapped in old bedsheets.

Don't look at the following pics that include images of disturbingly poor packaging, crushed rosewood panels, and internal liquid damage (WTF?), how did it get wet INSIDE the box yet the box remain dry and sealed?

Obviously the seller has been contacted with 15 pictures backing up the claim. I was polite, and only let him know that I am awaiting his response to determine the next step in filing a claim with USPS/PayPal.

I'm really disappointed - especially for those panels, since how many do you think have actually survived the test of time unscathed like in the listing photos.

Proceed with caution - carnage ahead.












Updates on what happens when it happens.

wow this sucks

 

[reydelaplaya]

And to add salt to the wound, I just got a notification that the remote for it that I bought from a different seller has just now shipped!

 

[Osibisa]

Sorry to hear of the damage.
Ironically about a year and a half ago I purchased the same model from a dealer in Seattle which was shipped FedEx to New Jersey. It arrived as though it was hand carried cross country, clean box, square corners, I was astonished.
Hope you get yours sorted out!!!

 

[mstrane21]

Can you open it and wipe out the inside and test it? Maybe the seller would be willing to knock off a TON and you could get some new sides made. It might save an otherwise really nice receiver, and they ain't making any more of them.

 

[Awesomeaudio]

Hey man. Sorry to hear about the news.
I think your excitement got the better of you posting up prematurely.
I've been tempted to do this same thing but held back until the item arrived. I didn't want to jinx myself.
Both the seller and delivery people need a severe reprimand.
The packaging is unacceptable and the damge and moisture found inside is inexcusable.
Those damn Apes in the delivery system strike again.
I'd be ropable.
I hope you didn't pay to much for it.
Also hope you get a good resolution mate.

 

[reydelaplaya]

Sorry to hear of the damage.
Ironically about a year and a half ago I purchased the same model from a dealer in Seattle which was shipped FedEx to New Jersey. It arrived as though it was hand carried cross country, clean box, square corners, I was astonished.
Hope you get yours sorted out!!!

Thank you! I hope so too.

Can you open it and wipe out the inside and test it? Maybe the seller would be willing to knock off a TON and you could get some new sides made. It might save an otherwise really nice receiver, and they ain't making any more of them.

I get what you're saying, and I was tempted to at least power it up. But, no, for the moment, I am awaiting response from the seller before anything gets touched or done. It's back in its box at the moment, and its fate will be determined after hearing back from him.

I'm still in awe of the decision to ship a 40 pound receiver in a single-wall, used amazon box, with four cut-to-approximate-size pieces of honeycomb cardboard and two pieces of 1/2in styrofoam as the only padding in the box.
Shipping on this was set at a flat $90 - steep, but knowing that it would probably be 65-70 in actual USPS shipping charges, I was certain the seller was charging the extra for packing materials/labor, which to me was justifiable in the long run.

Instead, it was like dropping a cinderblock in a box with some tissue paper around it.

Wow, still just in disbelief.

 

[reydelaplaya]

Hey man. Sorry to hear about the news.
I think your excitement got the better of you posting up prematurely.
I've been tempted to do this same thing but held back until the item arrived. I didn't want to jinx myself.
Both the seller and delivery people need a severe reprimand.
The packaging is unacceptable and the damge and moisture found inside is inexcusable.
Those damn Apes in the delivery system strike again.
I'd be ropable.
I hope you didn't pay to much for it.
Also hope you get a good resolution mate.

In my experience, sharing here what's on its way in the mail usually leads to extra good Karma for a safe passage - lot's of positive thoughts from fellow members to help it safely along. LOL

Didn't seem to work out in this case now did it?

Like I said, I've already contacted the seller to await resolution instructions. Assuming it is not electronically damaged from the moisture, I may be content to negotiate, but I am wary of doing anything at the moment until I hear back from the seller. It is only sitting in the open box which may be allowing the moisture to evaporate at best.

We'll see what happens...

 

[RT Fan]

Ouch! Those pictures are ugly, sorry to hear about your troubles.

 

[mstrane21]

So what's your theory on the moisture? Is it water? Thicker? Sticky like soda?

 

[reydelaplaya]

So what's your theory on the moisture? Is it water? Thicker? Sticky like soda?

It is slowly evaporating as if it's water/condensation. There is no evidence of any water damage/stains to the outside of the box so it is definitely something internal. The box was also well sealed with tape at the edges of the flaps, so I don't see possibility of water entry there either. As it has been evaporating, it has left 'water marks' on the cabinet itself from what I can see.

 

[mstrane21]

I'd have a box fan blasting on that sucker right now just in case I ended up keeping it.