Excellent receiver, good sound, excellent features

First let me state I am a Sony nut, this is my third Sony receiver. My first was a top of the line 1000 series, I'm still using to this day in my bedroom. My second was a 900 series (non es) I was never truly pleased with it and was somewhat happy when it failed with the "Protector Mode" problem. I replaced it with this one, I must say the build quality difference between the 1000 (ES line) and the lower line is night and day, the 3000ES reminds of the build quality I came to appreciate in my first Sony receiver. This unit is all metal case and very heavy. The ES line also has an upgraded warranty 5 years. My only complaint is the lack of technical explanation in the manual. Features like control-S and the second zone capability are very poorly explained. Setup was easy although I dont feel I understand some of the on-screen setup options (again poor manual).

Upon setup the sound was very good, I will qualify that and say though that it is different (probably because this is a digital amplifier) the volume is low and must be turned up higher to get the same sound I was getting at a much lower setting on both of my previous amps. Also using the remote it takes longer to get the volume up, in other words I'm used to just tapping the volume up button to get a little louder. With this receiver you must hold the volume button to get sound increase. Other reviews have mentioned unacceptable "hiss" I do not find this problem with my system, I only hear a hiss at very high volume settings with the source paused even then is almost not perceptable.

The video switching features was the main reason I picked this model. I am using both a DVD player and a HDTV digital cable box, both provide component outputs, I also have a VCR and at times a camcorder. The video switching upconversion works flawlessly and is an awesome feature. All video sources are outputted to the TV (Also Sony) through the component outputs so no more changing video inputs for me!

Other features like the control-S were a must have for me, very few of Sony's receivers are including this feature. The remote is very good, I was able to learn most of my other A/V devices with no problems. However I find that I use my Sony Universal remote most of the time.

In summary I a very pleased with this receiver, I feel that it was a good investment for my home theater.

UPDATE: I had a minor problem with the receiver, the video upconversion went out. Apparently this was a known problem for a particular batch of early systems. Sony service was very good and I had my receiver gone and back in 10 days including the shipping time back and forth. The sound is still awesome and Sony service did a great job of getting me back in working order.