Sony ES Series 8K AVR Models – First Look
All Image Credit: Sony
Sony has just announced five new AV receivers, four ES Series and one entry level, that are their first to support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video in addition to the latest version of their 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. This processing can place multiple phantom speakers around the listening space to create a more immersive experience.
All the models have at least two 8K inputs that handle Dolby Vision, HDR 10 (no 10+), HLG high dynamic range (HDR), HDMI 2.1 and one output that supports eARC. They all support Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X®, DTS Virtual: X, DTS: X Pro sound formats and IMAX Enhanced. Gamers haven’t been forgotten with support for variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM) and passthrough of Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode through to compatible Sony TVs.
Each model features a new 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with improved analog power supply and output filter. Audio format support includes; wireless hi-res audio (DSDIFF(DSD), DSF, WAV(LPCM), AIFF(LPCM), FLAC, ALAC), native DSD playback and include the Works with Sonos feature for easy integration with Sonos systems. The receivers also support Bluetooth streaming and are compatible with Spotify Connect, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay 2.
These new AVR’s also support up to three varieties of enhanced center channel audio.
- Acoustic Center Sync: (all models) will use the speakers on board your compatible Sony Bravia TV to make center channel audio sound like it’s coming from the screen.
- Center Speaker Lift Up: (all models) can use your front height channels to extend center channel audio upward, positioning it closer to the TV screen.
- Dual Center Speaker: (STR-AZ5000ES/STR-AZ7000ES only) lets you place a center channel speaker above and below your screen.
You also get the choice of going wired or wireless (NOT both) for subwoofer(s) and surround speakers. These AVR’s are compatible with Sony’s SA-SW3 and SA-SW5 wireless subs (up to two) and the SA-RS3S and SA-RS5 wireless surrounds.
ES stands for Elevated Standard and is designed with custom installation in mind, offering optimized configurability, flexible connectivity, and streamlined IP control compatibility with home-control systems including; Control4, OvrC, Savant, Crestron, Elan, RTI, Domotz, URC, and Vantage. All of the settings can be backed up onto a USB drive and a dedicated ping button (3000/5000/7000) lets an installer instantly confirm the AVR’s IP address.
ES models feature a large capacity power transformer, high power capacitors, thicker and more robust sides and bottom on the top three models and a new frame beam base chassis. The AZ5000 & AZ7000 also have a full compliment of specialized ports like IR repeaters, RS232, 12-volt triggers, plus a full set of pre-outs.
Finally Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX) software, a mic-based calibration system, provides two functions. Firstly, it compensates for less than ideal speaker placement and then creates a 3D map of the room, which lets it fine-tune the placement of the phantom speakers. It does all this by using the supplied microphone to measure the speaker positions in 3D and then correcting the distance, angle, sound pressure, frequency response and phases of each speaker.
STR-AZ1000ES
- 100 watts per channel
- 7.2-channel/5.2.2-channel
- 6 HDMI in (2 – 8K60/4K120 HDMI inputs)/2 HDMI out
STR-AZ3000ES
- 120 watts per channel
- 9.2-channel/7.2.2-channel/5.2.4-channel
- 6 HDMI-in (4 – 8K60/4K120 HDMI inputs)/2 HDMI out
STR-AZ5000ES
- 130 watts per channel
- 11.2-channel/9.2.2-channel/7.2.4-channel/5.2.4-channel
- 7 HDMI-in (4 – 8K60/4K120 HDMI inputs)/2 HDMI out
STR-AZ7000ES
- 150 watts per channel
- 13.2-channel/11.2.2-channel/9.2.4-channel
- 7 HDMI-in (4 – 8K60/4K120 HDMI inputs)/2 HDMI out
STR-AN1000
- 165 watts per channel
- 7.2-channel/5.2.2-channel
- 6 HDMI in (2 – 8K60/4K120 HDMI inputs)/2 HDMI out
Internal Views
STR-AN1000 and STR-AZ1000ES
STR-AZ3000ES, STR-AZ5000ES and STR-AZ7000ES
Availability:
February 2023
MSRP:
- Available through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorized retailers.
- STR-AN1000: $899.99
- Available through Sony and custom installation professionals.
- STR-AZ1000ES: $1,099.99
- STR-AZ3000ES: $1,699.99
- STR-AZ5000ES: $2,099.99
- STR-AZ7000ES: $3,299.99
For more current technical and sales information visit the US Sony web site.
