two channel DVD playback with stereo DAC

You are listening to the DVD-V-compatible tracks, not the DVD-Audio tracks. With both the Chesky and Hi-Rez discs, you have the option of this lower resolution (but still pretty good) playback. The 9000ES is NOT a DVD-A player. In fact, I do not believe that Sony yet makes ANY DVD-A players.

The good news is that, one day, these discs may sound even better.

I purchased two DVD-Audio discs for evaluation purposes. They are the Jazz/Concord recording of Ellis/Pass/Brown/Hanna (HRM 2006) and the Chesky recording of Bucky Pizzarelli, Swing Live (CHDVD222). Both discs play through the 2 channel analog output from the Sony, as well as the Theta Gen Va processor using the Sony digital output. A standard CD player will not recognize either disc.

I admit to being new to DVD-Audio, and may not be totally familiar with this formats characterists. But, I am very pleased to be able to play these two DVD-Audio discs on my Sony/Theta system. This does not mean that other discs may not play on my system, but these certainly do.

Regards and happy listening.

I'd be surprised if your 9000ES played any DVD-Audio tracks from any of its outputs.

I recently bought a used Sony 9000ES DVD player and am very pleased. The digital out does 2 channel PCM including 96/24. I can listen to virtually all media formats including CD, SACD, DAD and DVD-audio. What? DVD-audio? Yes, it plays the 2 ch DVD-audio from it's analog output, and puts out a 2 channel digital signal to my outboard DAC. I think that digital signal is 96/24 but am not sure. My Theta DAC accepts 96/24 digital and it sounds great. The Sony analog is not quite as good as the Theta, but it is still very good.

Hope this helps.

Most DVD players have a digital output of stereo signals. Be advised that these are not always the best quality and that the analog outputs may be better.