Esoteric SA-60


Never have I had such problems with a piece of equipment.  It's connected to the 7.1 bypass array of a Bryston SP3.  The display shows multichannel when I play a surround SACD, but I get sound only from the center channel.  I removed the parallel balanced stereo connection between the SA-60 and SP3, but that had no effect.  I never heard stereo from the SA-60 when I selected the balanced input, but I think I've heard stereo and multichannel from 7.1 bypass.

The trouble seemed to start when I learned that the SP3 does no processing in the bypass modes so provides no speaker management.  I set up speaker management using the menu of the SA-60.  But I've tried clearing the SA-60 memory several times since then.

I hope the problem is pilot error and not a defective SA-60. 

dbphd
I'll probably continue to fiddle with the SA-60 menus, but rely on the Oppo or Sony when I want reliable surround music.  The Ayre provides superb stereo.  The SA-60 does look nice in the rack, though it's been a major disappointment.
db-

on SACD which spinner is best out of the Oppo, Sony ES, Ayre or Esoteric? Happy Listening!
The Ayre.  The Ayre is also superb with CDs.  The Sony is excellent with SACDs via balanced analog, but much less good with CDs.  On the occasions the Esoteric has actually played an SACD, it's sound is a close second to the Ayre.  DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD Blu-rays played on the Oppo can be sensational.