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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. 

Ag insider logo xs@2xdbphd
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dbphd OP
1,058 posts
 
Upon reflection, it occurred to me that my problems with the SA-60 revolve around settings for analog 5.1.  I wonder how many owners use only the balanced or single-ended stereo output of the SA-60.  I know my cousin does, as did the previous owner of the SA-60 I bought.  The menu for 5.1 opens up the entire speaker management can of worms, as well as how to play a multi-level disc.   

jafant
10,525 posts
 
Keep me posted- db.
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dbphd OP
1,058 posts
 
The problem wasn't the SA-60, it was me.  I used a Harmony One that turned on the Sony, the SP3, and a JC 2 BP -- front LR from the SP3 passes through the JC 2 BP to access JC 1 amps.  But when I installed the SA-60, I powered it and the SP3 manually.  I forgot to power up the JC 2 BP,  so front LR was not being passed to the amps.  I need to reprogram the remote.

Sorry about the needless posts and denigration of the SA-60.  Surround sound with the SA-60 is very similar to stereo with the Ayre C-5xeMP, musical rather than HiFi.  I suspect it's superior preservation of timbral nuances.
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Thanks! for sharing- db.
Happy Listening!
atacgene
20 posts
 
Hi dbphd, 

u may be the only one around still doing SACD surround. Not sure if u still use SA-60. I am debating if I should get the SA-60 vs a new Oppo modded but the latter still costs >$3000. How do you like the SA-60 now? if surround is similar to Ayre it must be really good as latter is a better player supposedly. I suspect perhaps the old school Sony sounds more musical than newer Oppo ? 
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