Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading electronic and computer products solutions provider for consumers and business, today introduced its new reference standard multi-channel Super Audio CD player, the ES Series SCD-XA9000ES. The Sony ES Series SCD-XA9000ES Super Audio CD player features a multitude of technical advancements that enable music enthusiasts to enjoy rich, dynamic sound and take full advantage of more than 800 Super Audio CD titles currently available in the market, almost half of which are multi- channel surround titles.

"Sony continues to expand the realm of musical possibilities with enhancements to its ES line of Super Audio CD components as consumers continue to expand," said J.D. Revilla, Product Marketing Manager, Hi-Fi Division, Consumer Audio Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "Our new reference standard player raises the bar again for multi-channel and 2 channel audio performance."

The SCD-XA9000ES player features multi-channel management, providing flexibility and performance. Multi-channel management allows for bass re-direction based on the various speakers systems available on the market today, optimizing multi-channel Super Audio CD playback. Sony has equipped the unit with a new Tri power Digital-to-Analog
Converter that uses 18 separate SA DAC (digital to analog converter) chips,
six per channel, to deliver exceptional precision and minimal noise for an
elevated musical experience.

The SCD-XA9000ES player is also Sony's first Super Audio CD player to offer an i.LINK(R) digital output, making it ideal for use with the new generation of outboard DSD (direct stream digital) converters. The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface has been specifically designed to support the new "5C" Digital Transmission Content Protection and is also fully compliant with the latest Super Audio CD format specifications.

The player's optical reading system employs a dual discrete laser pick-up mechanism, featuring two independent lasers, with one optical lens to provide optimum performance for Super Audio CDs and CDs as well as CD-R/RW discs. Power is supplied by twin R-Core power transformers mounted on rigid copper plates, one for handling the audio system, the other dedicated to the digital system, to reduce magnetic flux leakage and eliminate unwanted vibration.

In order to maintain superior audio reproduction, Sony has constructed the SCD-XA9000ES player around a Frame and Beam chassis. The chassis is designed to reduce unwanted resonance and vibration, often triggered during optical pickup, which can interfere with a high-quality audio experience.

In addition, the SCD-XA9000ES player incorporates a new brushed aluminum faceplate design complementing other new ES Series components. The "cascade" design sets all the primary front panel controls at an angle to allow for easy operation without uncomfortable bending and stooping. The SCD-XA9000ES player is available through authorized Sony retailers, Sony Stores and online at www.sonystyle.ca at a suggested list price of $ 4,499.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, more than 1,200 employees support more than 70 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 authorized dealers across Canada.

Source: Newswire.ca