Gallerybob,
The Sony ES may indeed be excellent and it may be less expensive and it may have more amplifier channels.
The question is what methodology did you use to compare the two?
Where they both in the same room? Where the testing of both units through a speaker comparitor? Was each unit calibrated to the specific speaker system?
Also what room correction does Sony use?
In the case of most stores that have multiple loudspeaker lines it is rare that they have calibrated the system for more than one loudspeaker line if they even have the calibration files loaded.
In the case of the Anthem we have noticed night and day improvements in sound with ARC engaged and although the Anthem units sound good without it they tend to sound signfigently better with ARC other receivers we have tested with Audessy for example the differences between calibrated system and non were less audible.
Also after doing this for 30 years, we find it very dubious that a store had anything to do with designing a product from Japan.
Many stores that sell Sony electronics in the past had to push the line aggresively to make Sony direct dealer status which requires something like $250k a year in sales in order to get good pricing.
Best bet is to borrow both receivers hook them up identically, run room correction for both and then see which one you prefer.
Just food for thought.
Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
The Sony ES may indeed be excellent and it may be less expensive and it may have more amplifier channels.
The question is what methodology did you use to compare the two?
Where they both in the same room? Where the testing of both units through a speaker comparitor? Was each unit calibrated to the specific speaker system?
Also what room correction does Sony use?
In the case of most stores that have multiple loudspeaker lines it is rare that they have calibrated the system for more than one loudspeaker line if they even have the calibration files loaded.
In the case of the Anthem we have noticed night and day improvements in sound with ARC engaged and although the Anthem units sound good without it they tend to sound signfigently better with ARC other receivers we have tested with Audessy for example the differences between calibrated system and non were less audible.
Also after doing this for 30 years, we find it very dubious that a store had anything to do with designing a product from Japan.
Many stores that sell Sony electronics in the past had to push the line aggresively to make Sony direct dealer status which requires something like $250k a year in sales in order to get good pricing.
Best bet is to borrow both receivers hook them up identically, run room correction for both and then see which one you prefer.
Just food for thought.
Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ