Sony ES STR-DA555ES 5.1 AVR 600W — Phono, Preouts

Sony ES STR-DA555ES 5.1 AVR 600W — Phono, Preouts, High Power and Excellent Build Quality

Sony’s ES (Elevated Standard) series represents the pinnacle of the company’s consumer audio engineering, and the STR-DA555ES sits at the heart of that lineup as a feature-rich, powerfully built 5.1 channel AV receiver from 1999.

Delivering 120 watts per channel across all five channels, the DA555ES offers serious power for both home theater and two-channel stereo listening. Dual DSP engines handle surround decoding separately from acoustic soundfield processing — a 24-bit engine for Dolby Digital and DTS decoding and a 32-bit engine for Sony’s extensive Cinema Studio EX and Digital Concert Hall soundfield modes. An Analog Direct mode bypasses all digital processing entirely, allowing pure analog sources such as vinyl to pass through with minimal signal path interference — a feature serious stereo listeners will appreciate.

Connectivity is exceptionally generous for its era. Four optical and two coaxial digital inputs accommodate virtually any digital source, while a full complement of analog inputs covers Phono (MM), CD, MD/DAT, Tape, TV/SAT, DVD/LD, and three video inputs with S-Video and composite switching. Component video switching handles two inputs and one output for higher-resolution video sources. The tape monitor loop can also serve as an insert point for an external equalizer or signal processor.

The pre-amplifier outputs for all five channels plus dual subwoofer outputs provide a genuine upgrade path — the amplifier section can be bypassed entirely in favour of an external power amplifier while retaining the DA555ES as a full-featured surround preamp/processor. Front A and B speaker outputs with binding post terminals add further flexibility. A switchable 4/8 ohm impedance selector ensures compatibility with a wide range of speaker loads. Two switched AC outlets on the rear panel round out the connectivity.

Includes a compatible remote control, tested and confirmed to operate all primary functions.

At 16 kg (35.3 lbs), this is a seriously built receiver that reflects the ES philosophy of audio-first engineering, with a robust power supply and substantial chassis construction. The front panel features a clean, understated design with a flip-down door concealing the full array of setup controls.

This unit has undergone our Level One service and testing which should ensure many more years of reliable performance ahead.

Specifications:

Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms (all five channels)

Total system power: 600 watts

Surround formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic

DSP engines: 24-bit (decoding) + 32-bit (soundfields)

Digital inputs: 4 optical (Toslink), 2 coaxial (RCA)

Digital output: 1 optical (Toslink, PCM only)

Analog inputs: Phono (MM, 2.5 mV), CD, MD/DAT, Tape, TV/SAT, DVD/LD, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3 (front panel)

5.1 channel direct input for external decoders

Pre-amplifier outputs: front L/R, surround L/R, center, dual subwoofer (7 total)

2nd zone audio/video output

Video switching: composite, S-Video, and component (2 in / 1 out)

Speaker outputs: Front A, Front B, Center, Surround (binding post)

Impedance selector: 4 ohm / 8 ohm

AM/FM tuner

Headphone output: gold-plated 1/4-inch jack

AC outlets: 2 switched (120W/1A max)

Analog Direct mode

Compatible remote control included

Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 17 x 6.3 x 16.1 inches (430 x 160 x 410 mm)

Weight: 35.3 lbs (16 kg)

A powerful and versatile ES-grade receiver with exceptional connectivity, full pre-amplifier outputs, and the kind of build quality that defines Sony’s flagship line. An excellent foundation for a high-performance home theater or stereo system.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence; asking $345.