1/12/2026
Sony STR-DA2000ES Receiver -with Class D Amplifer
Although all the models in Sony's home theatre line feature multi channel Class D amplification. Below are details on an older model I had for a short time. Audiophiles have to balance the cost of vintage Class AB amplifiers vs. the more efficient current Class D amplifiers. In most cases, the older vintage models offer similar performance for a fraction of the cost, although they run warmer.
I found this older Sony STR-DA2000ES receiver on eBay to complement my PC/Stereo music center. It can now play FLAC/MP3 files from my HP i7-4790 desktop using an 8 TB internal SATA drive, or stream Internet radio. The DAC in the HP i7-4790 desktop is the Realtek ALC221 chipset. The ALC221 chipset supports 16/20/24-bit output at 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rates, which is in excess of CD quality 44.1khz audio.
The STR-DA2000ES will fill your room with rich, dynamic, incredibly precise 7.1-channel surround sound! This receiver's high-end Sony ES construction and circuitry includes an innovative Digital Drive amplifier that delivers a whopping 120 full-bandwidth-rated watts x 7 channels of home theater power. Combine that brawn with some serious brains — dual 32-bit processors equipped with Dolby® Digital EX, DTS-ES®, DTS 96/24, and Pro Logic® II decoding — and you've got a 360°, wraparound soundfield that plants you squarely in the middle of the movie action! You can even set the 'DA2000ES to automatically transform 5.1 and 6.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks into thrilling 7.1 sound.
Dual-room/dual-source output lets you enjoy 7.1 surround in your main room while a housemate listens to a different stereo source in a second room (receiver, amplifier, or powered speakers required in second room). Wide-range frequency response and analog multichannel bass management let you make the most of high-resolution music sources like SACD and DVD-Audio. The learning/multibrand LCD remote gives you easy control of all A/V gear, and features macros that you can program to execute a series of system commands with a single button-press.
The 'DA2000ES offers loads of connectivity for system-building, too, including component video switching with 80MHz bandwidth for flawless HDTV transfer, 5 digital inputs, 5 A/V inputs, and more! It's also got two multichannel inputs, including a 7.1-channel input to keep you prepared for future formats. Front-panel A/V and optical digital inputs allow quick and easy hookup of camcorders, game systems, and portable audio players.
This receiver's beefy construction is ES all the
way, featuring an ultra-sturdy frame-and-beam chassis, an anti-resonant
aluminum front panel, and dual power supplies. This meticulous attention
to every aspect of the 'DA2000ES's build allows it to deliver
consistently excellent A/V performance every time you turn it on!
Product highlights:
- 120 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.6% THD
- Digital Drive Class D amplifier
- Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, and Pro Logic II
- Sony Digital Cinema Sound modes
- dual 32-bit processors
- dual-room/dual-source audio capability (line-level stereo output with volume control for 2nd room)
- digital and analog multichannel bass management
- composite-to-S-video conversion
- two multichannel analog inputs (one 7.1, one 5.1)
- component video switching: 2 in, 1 out (80MHz bandwidth)
- digital inputs: 4 optical (including 1 front-panel), 1 coaxial
- optical digital output
- 4 audio (including phono) and 5 A/V (including 4 S-video & 1 front-panel) inputs
- learning/multibrand LCD remote with macros
- on-screen display
- Control S, for simplified operation of compatible Sony gear
- 2 sets of main speaker outputs
- 20 FM/10 AM presets
- 16-15/16"W x 6-5/16"H x 16-1/8"D
- warranty: 5 years
Source: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-t0dAe6OjSI6/p_158STRDA2K/Sony-ES-STR-DA2000ES.html
1/09/2026
Sony STR-D650Z AM-FM Receiver with 5.1 Channel Surround -Class AB amplifier
This is one my favorite older vintage Sony receivers. It dates back to 1996 and is relatively simple to operate and very powerful offering 120 watts/channel in stereo mode. These units can be found on eBay for under $100. They do not suffer from the old 70's vintage receivers noisy pots and controls. The volume control is motorized and offers a remote control. Add a blue tooth streaming adapter and you have a streaming powerhouse on the cheap. Full specs below:
POWER OUTPUT AND TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
With 8-ohm load, both channels driven, from 20 -20,000 Hz, STR-D650Z rated 120 watts, per channel minimum RMS power, with no more than 0.3 % total harmonic distortion from 250 milliwatts to rated output.
Specifications:
Tuning range: FM, AM
Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Surround output: 120W (front), 120W (center), 50W (rear)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
PHONO: RIAA equalization curve ±0.5 dB
CD, TAPE, DAT/MD, VIDEO 1, 2,: +0 10 Hz - 50 kHz –1 dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.3%
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 200mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (Phono MM), 82dB (all other line level)
Output: 150mV (line)
Video Connections: composite
Accessories: remote control
Muting– 20 dB
BASS LOUDNESS BOOST+10 dB at 70 Hz
TONE Contols: Bass and Treble: ±8 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz
Includes Dolby Logic surround modes for video and audio enhancement.
Dimensions 430 x 157 x 355 mm (17 x 6 1/4 x 14 inches)
Mass (Approx.) STR-D650Z: 10.0 kg (22 lb 1 oz)
STR-D550Z: 9.7 kg (22 lb 7 oz)