What is the best place to buy a Sony ES receiver.  I noticed Crotchfield has them, but seem WAY overpriced.  Anybody know of a reputable dealer that sells these cheap?

Also, If anybody knows of a decent comprable unit, let me know.

Don't buy a Sony. Buy an HK or a Yamaha.

Check out hometheaterforum.com and they will have your answer.

Don't listen to John, he obviously knows nothing of quality receivers.  HK has the worst receivers on the market today quality wise, with over half of their units having a multitude of problems.  Check audioreview.com for confirmation on this, HK is crap.  The Sony ES units are decent but are overpriced.  If you want great quality and performance another unit to look at would be Onkyo, there stuff is top notch.  Denon also makes a nice receiver.  There are many online sites that will sell all of these receivers for much less than crutchfield.  Go over to audioreview and see where they buy them, I use to have places bookmarked but deleted them a while back.  John also mentioned Yamaha, but they are a midrange product and don't really compare to Onkyo, Denon, or Sony ES.
Bill3508

These guys don't have a clue.  Of the brands mentioned, only the Denon compares to Sony ES products.   They're the only 'mid fi' (entry level high end) products named so far.  The others are mass market dreck.

ES's (and Denons) are noticeably better in sound quality (and picture handling, on video switching models) than the other mentioned brands, IF you have other equipment that's not so flawed that the difference wouldn't be noticed because of them.   This means good speakers and a good TV.  

I'd recommend this instead:  Go shopping at high end audio and video salons (You'll know you're in one because the prices of their flagship models will leave you gasping for breath) and look into their various product lines, then set about finding the same or earlier models on the used market.   Equipment of this type is often used, but very rarely is it abused.  More than likely it's been dusted lovingly with an imported Italian chamois twice a week!

That way, you can get a SERIOUS performance upgrade for the price of what you're looking for now.     For example, I'm a serious audiophile and videophile.   I'm satisfied with my video setup and I don't switch the signal through a preamp or receiver, sending the video output directly to my front projection Sony video projector.    So I don't need or particularly want a preamp that has video switching in it.   As a result, I can buy a Krell KRC-3 preamp (3200 bucks retail) for about 1300 on the used market, and it's as good as new and probably still under the (transferrable) warranty.

That's how you stretch your dollars.  Find something you like and can afford, then find something that's ten times better on the used market for the same money.

I put together an audio/video system with a new value in excess of 30,000 dollars, and did it for about four grand over a period of two years, one component (or pair) at a time.

Start looking for used high end stuff at audiomart.com  and other places you can search out.

CJ

I think the best are DENON and MARANTZ.  We install many in professional environments (Boardrooms, displays, Staging apps, etc.) We use Sony, HK, JVC, SHARP, Mitsubishi, Denon, Bose, and Marantz. For Amps we use Crown, QSC, Ashley, BiAmp, And TOA.  So far the Best combo in my opinion is Denon components, QSC amps, and Klipsch Speakers.  
BTW, If anyone in the Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus, OH area is interested, we are hiring installers- both lead and entry. Teleconference experience is a plus, but not necessary.
Oh yea the founder is a big AR-15 fan.

AIRBORNE!!

Cleatus try these folks [url]http://www.happymedium.com[/url]  They are good to deal with and have great prices. Call and talk to them for the best price. I have purchased several electronic items from them. The Sony ES is a very good product.

Get a Mcintosh

Don't listen to Bill, he's obviously a PRICK. Just an opinion.

Find a Sony outlet near you.  The local dealers have a huge mark-up on them.  The outlets typically have ES gear for only 1/3 the price of the dealers.  It's worth a call (to confirm that they have it) and a long drive for that savings.  My nephew paid $600 for an E2000ESD(preamp w/ dolby surround and D/A) that a local dealer wanted $1,800.  He also bought an ES tuner for about $140 and an ES DAT player for less $300.  For that price, you can't beat ES equipment.  Their amps might be a little weak (like all Japanese amps, it seems), but they hold their own when compared to other cheap high-end (ok, I know that's an oxymoron) equipment.z

 I agree with cmjohnson but right off the bat, Krell and Mark Levinson are way out of your price range.
 There really are many receivers out there much better than Sony though. In that price range I would recommend you look at Outlaw Audio Model 1050.
 [url]www.outlawaudio.com[/url]

I wouldn't rely on the audioreview website too much. Check out AudioAsylum  and post your "Q" there. They have been around a while you usually get some real hardcore answers to your audio queston.
 [url]www.audioasylum.com[/url]  
or try
 [url]www.harmonicdiscord.com[/url]
 [url]www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/index.php[/url]

again here, many other audio forums out there.
Keep in mind that your overall system is only as good as the weakest link. That is, a good receiver with cheap a$$ speaker (such as Bose) will get you nowhere.
Bose is a joke. Do a search on "Bose FAQ" and read up on them. I hope I don't get sued by them just for saying this...... aaahhhh screw them.