Cyborg

I'm considering the Sony TA-P9000ES to supplement my Outlaw 950 and would appreciate any comments on whether I should consider other preamps. I'd also be interested in hearing how its sound quality compares to other analog preamplifiers or to the bypass on the 950 (unfortunately I'd be losing bass management unless I got the ICBM). Are there even any other reasonably priced multichannel analog preamps out there? Is the sound quality on this unit really comparable to other Stereophile Class A components? Thanks for any info.

TechBoy

I own the TA-P9000es unit and I'm pretty happy with it. As a point of reference I used to own a Aragon 24K, Acurus RL-11, Adcom GFP-750 and a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 pre amp. I'm currently using the TAP as a switcher between my HT Prepro and my 2-channel setup. I used the TAP as a 2-channel preamp for a while but I prefer running my CD player throughout the 2-channel bypass and controlling the volume via the CD players variable (remote controlled) outputs. I am waiting on a Creek OBH-12 passive preamp to add on. I am not using the 5.1 active inputs as of yet because I don't have any of the newer format players but I enjoy the idea of knowing that I can hookup 2 other players from 2.0 channel to 5.1 channels at a later time.

How it sounds? Well it really sounds very neutral in my system. When I was using 2 channels of the active 5.1 inputs for my CD player the sound was very clear and detailed but the music didn't sound as relaxed and natural as it does when I bypass the active mode and run it passively in 2-channel. The best part is that I can now purchase any 2-channel pre amp I want later and integrate it into my system without having to make any compromises else where. The HT processor goes untouched and only affects the sound when it's time for movies leaving my 2-channel system totally out of the picture. I do have the ICBM and it's an awesome piece and in my opinion is the best product the Outlaw has made to date in terms of longevity and flexibility.

I would liken the TAP's sound in active mode to be very similar to the Adcom GFP-750 in active mode. Maybe a little heavier and darker presentation but the level of detail and sound stage is impressive. In passive mode, I like the TAP in 2-channel music because unlike the Adcom GFP-750, the sound of my CD player bypassing everything INCLUDING the volume pot is clearer, and sounds more natural and fluid then the clear and neutral but 'sterile' sound of the Adcom in passive mode which also passes through the Volume pot.

As far as other offerings, I heard there were other multi-channel preamps but they are more expensive, don't come with remotes and not necessarily sound as neutral as the TAP.

In terms of flexibility in the truest essence of separates, you can't go wrong if you would like to further separate your HT from your 2-channel system without sacrificing rack space or sound quality.

No brainer and highly recommended.

Semona

Hi, I'm probably not going to be a lot of help here, however, I've heard the TAE coupled with two Meridian stereo amps, and it had the best sound I've heard without spending a lot more money. See my post for the other receivers I've auditioned.

One query you may know the answer to re my post; is this preamp/processor still available? I assume it is given your interest.. hope so, as I am very interested in it as well..... good luck and lets know how it goes...but on the grounds of what I heard, and its reputation, well worth a serious listen I'd say.

ITRocks

Cyborg

Is the main difference between the TA-P9000ES and the 950 the fact that the former provides volume control without digitizing the signal?

TechBoy

I believe the TAP has 2 multichannel inputs where as the 950 has 1.

Semona

Yes, sorry about that, I realised my error after submitting my post. Thanks for the link; I have actually asked some questions already, re HT and the Sony's on this site, and received some excellent and most helpful advice and comment, me being a 'newbie' and all to HT, however unfortunately no one appears to have heard/compared the TAE/TAN combo to the DA5ES, or knows about the demise or otherwise re the TAE/TAN, hence I thought I'd ask here on this forum, to widen my likelihood of someone knowing the answer to this, and because I've been a bit of a 'lurker' here, and decided it was time to join up!

Thanks for your kind comments, and link refferal- very nice of you and seems like a nice bunch of people here.

ITRocks

I also own the P9000es and use it in conjunction with the E9000es. I think it is excellent. I use the 5.1 active inputs for 2 channel sources now and I feel no real need to rush out and add a seperate 2 channel preamp. It is one of the biggest bargains in audio from my perspective. It is the ultimate switcher for those who want to tie seperate 2 channel systems with home theater systems and use the same amps and speakers for both. I can go into more detail but Martrice covered it very well.

TechBoy

Yes, if you're looking only to use the TAP for the 5.1 inputs. However, I for one have been in the separates game for quite a while and I can say that this unit really is the nucleus of my system. It really takes away the 'all or nothing' aspect of HT/Audio. I was considering the Outlaw 950 but opted for the TAP instead because my preference is audio and there are other 2-channel tube preamps that I would like to use when listening to music and the TAP allows me to do that without any interference or limitations from my HT pre/pro. I now am able to hold on to my HK processor for now until I find a receiver that I would like to have for a HT processor. I will probably go with the Outlaw 1050 and use it as a processor only and bypass the amplification and using my separate amplification I already have. What flexibility and what a unit.

Cyborg

One thing you'll find here is that although we may not see eye to eye on all things, I can say that you'll always walk away informed and impressed by the feedback on this site.

We are truly a family here and we are always looking to help our new siblings as well as being helped also.

Good to have you and see you around.