S-Master Pro Amplifier With 32-Bit Dsp - Sony STR-DA7100ES Technical Background

The video signal in home theater is increasingly digital from the latest
digital cinematography in Hollywood through digital transmission channels to
digital television display panels. The audio in home theater is increasingly digital
from the microphone mixing console through the distribution channels, to the
digital inputs and digital signal processing of your A/V receiver. With digital
sources, digital switching and digital preamplification, it was only a matter of time
until the power amplifier also made the move from analog to digital.
Even so, some observers were surprised in 2003 when Sony introduced
ES Series A/V receivers with a digital amplifier we called S-Master Pro. Fiercely
independent critics evaluated the Sony STR-DA9000ES receiver using the finest
source material and ancillary equipment. Their response was overwhelming.
They brought out their highest superlatives, calling the sound of the DA9000ES
"airy," "delicate," "pure," "relaxed," "open," "fantastic," and "a revelation."
Not content with establishing a new benchmark in A/V receiver sound
quality, the engineers of Sony's ES Series continue to press ahead with an
upgraded, 32-bit S-Master Pro LSI, redesigned MOS FET transistors and a fresh
approach to transistor cooling.
Process S-Master
Generation First
Introduction 2001
• Clean Data Cycle
Technologies
• C-PLM
• S-TACT
ES Receivers v1.0
S-Master Pro amplifier
with 32-bit DSP
"Digital Drive"
S-Master
Second
2002
• Clean Data Cycle
• C-PLM
• S-TACT
• Pulse Height
Volume Control
S-Master Pro
Third
2003
• Clean Data Cycle
• C-PLM
• S-TACT
• Pulse Height
Volume Control
• DC Phase
Linearizer
• Discrete Output
Transistors
S-Master Pro
(2005)
Fourth
2005
• 32-bit S-Master
Pro DSP
• Clean Data Cycle
• C-PLM
• S-TACT
• Pulse Height
Volume Control
• Integrated DC
Phase Linearizer
• Discrete MOS
FET Output
Transistors,
redesigned
cooling
Page 4