Sony DVP S9000 ES vs. Sony DVP NS900V

Gstang, I too have been wondering about the same thing. I am mainly interested in gaining CD/R, CD/RW and 5 channel SACD capability, but I don't want to sacrifice quality in any area, as my 9000ES is excellent. Maybe the lack of the "ES" designation is a hint?

It is good to hear that others are using the 9000ES as a SACD player and as a transport. Thanks for the response. Maybe someone will read this who can comment on the NS900V.

I also agree that the lack of ES designation may be a key. The NS900V also has what will be useless frills for most of us, like the built-in AC3 and DTS decoders. That's just fluff that did not get spent on improving circuit quality, etc.

Another question is whether SACD multi-channel discs will play SACD two channel, or does it play CD "quality" two channel audio?

I'm 99.9% sure that multi-channel SACD players also play 2 channel. Wish Sony would let people know if they're planning a replacement for the 9000ES that brings it up to date with no Genesis chip chroma problems, 5 channel SACD,CD-R, CD-RW and dare I say it... MP3 capability, or heaven forbid DVD-A as well! By the way, 5 channel SACD is something of a revelation when done properly. I have never heard a more realistic recreation of an interior space, such as with Chesky's Bucky Pizzarelli 5 channel SACD.

BMPNYC: Can you articulate the problem with the S9000ES that you refer to. I also am looking for a two channel SACD player with a Bel Canto 1.1 for Redbook CDs.

I own a 900V (european model) and have listened to a 9000es.
As a transport, I feel the 900 is the better player. It has 96/24 through it's digital output and can also read CDR. It is a newer generation transport.

As a 2 channel player it is about equal to a good $400 CD player. No worse than that. Considering I paid $590 for the unit, I'm satisfied with redbook playback. It uses 192/24 DACs and has a separate toroidal transformer for the analog audio board (there's a switching supply for the transport and chips). Video can be completely turned off.
I think the 9000es might be a bit better for pure 2 channel audio, but not as a transport.

The DD/DTS decoders are basically 'free', since it is integrated in one of the big chips inside. Analog 6 channel output was already needed for multichannel SACD. The multichannel SACD also has some bass-management and can work with a phantom-centre speaker. It also offers level matching and delay.

All multichannel SACD releases should also have a 2 channel SACD mix on the disc. This is mandatory. Whether this will hold up in the future is less certain of course. It is not possible for an SACD player to downmix mc SACD to stereo.