Few firms within the electronics trade can match the assets, together with analysis & improvement (R&D) capabilities of Sony. So, when the electronics big decides to throw these assets at a product line it isn’t stunning the corporate can launch merchandise like its new STR-AZ5000ES 11.2-channel AV receiver.
To say the corporate’s new line of receivers is nice, together with the AZ5000ES, could be an understatement. For integrators, Sony has been a go-to for a few years for its strong-performing TVs and projectors, and now sellers can add AV receivers (AVRs) to that record.
Out there at a aggressive worth level, it’s simple to see integrators specifying high-performance, immersive AV methods that function the Sony STR-AZ5000ES receiver and Sony projection or tv merchandise.
Sony STR-AZ5000ES Options and Setup
Like different trendy AVRs it’s most likely simpler to record what the brand new Sony receiver doesn’t provide, moderately than title each function bundled inside this all-in-one element.
Outlining among the STR-AZ5000ES’ most necessary options, the AVR affords 11.2 channels of audio that features immersive audio capabilities through Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony’s personal 360 Spatial Sound Mapping applied sciences which are out there as soon as the receiver’s auto calibration applied sciences are applied.
On the video facet of the house leisure equation, the IMAX Enhanced licensed receiver by its seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and two outputs affords 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, HDR compatibility with codecs similar to Dolby Imaginative and prescient, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and HDR10.
Getting again to an earlier level, integrators assembling Sony-based methods may present Sony TVs, projectors and naturally the PlayStation 5 gaming console, and due to HDMI 2.1’s gaming capabilities, the STR-AZ5000ES helps gaming pleasant applied sciences similar to Variable Refresh Price (VRR), Fast Body Transport (QFT), Fast Media Switching, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
As well as, by HDMI 2.1, the AVR supplies ARC (audio return channel) and eARC (enhanced audio return channel) capabilities to simplify the setup course of when utilizing parts like soundbars.
It must also be famous {that a} main a part of the brand new Sony AVRs is the interior redesign of the merchandise. The present line, together with the STR-AZ5000ES incorporate a brand new chassis beam design, in addition to refreshed digital circuit board designs, new DACs that course of at 32-bits, and a brand new DAC analog output buffer circuit design.
Summing up the receiver’s options, Sony says the AVR is rated to supply 130 watts of energy into 8 ohms, two-channels pushed, and it supplies integrator-friendly choices similar to 12-volt triggers and RS-232 to assist its integration into management methods.
Stepping into the setup, I used to be impressed with the burden and construct high quality of the AZ5000ES after I pulled it from its field. The transformer finish of the receiver as significantly heavy and checking the burden, the AVR is listed at a hefty 42 kilos.
After eradicating my AVR from my gear rack, I took the HDMI cables from my 4K Apple TV, Dish Hopper 3 set-top field (STB), and Panasonic DP-UB820 UHD disc participant and linked these parts to their corresponding HDMI inputs that are prelabeled on the rear panel.
Curiously, the primary HDMI enter is labeled, “gaming console.” I then took my FIBBR optical HDMI cable that’s linked to a Digital Projection E-Imaginative and prescient 4000 and plugged it into the principle HDMI output of the STR-AZ5000ES. I concluded the bodily connections by connecting my speaker cables to my 9.4.2 speaker array that options Aerial Acoustics audio system within the entrance, Emotiva encompass audio system, and OSD Black subwoofers.
Utilizing the provided distant I then turned the receiver on and was greeted by a primary menu that provided a alternative of “watch,” “pay attention” and “sound results,” “zone management, and “setup.” Admittedly, this was my first expertise with a Sony AVR so the interface was utterly new to me, so it took me a couple of minutes to get acclimated to the interface’s navigation.
Selecting to first begin with a guide setup I entered the setup portion of the interface. As a part of the guide setup, I selected my most popular processing mode—Dolby—then I went on to set my speaker distances, speaker ranges, speaker sizes and channel configuration. For essentially the most half the interface was simple to make use of, even for a first-time person.
Most remotes I’ll say have some kind of mechanical wheel image on the distant to permit customers to rapidly entry setup menus. I didn’t discover that kind of button on the distant. As a substitute, it has 4 buttons on the underside that reads, “HDMI Out,” “Settings,” “Take a look at,” and “Auto Cal.” With that mentioned it’s most likely a “me downside” greater than the rest relating to accessing the receiver’s setup.
I might estimate that for the guide setup it took me roughly 45 minutes. A number of weeks later I moved onto the auto calibration choices. To be sincere, I used to be type of anticipating the worst with the auto calibration, but it surely too was simple to make use of. Following the onscreen prompts, which included questions on speaker configuration, I might estimate it took me about quarter-hour to finish.
With the auto calibration accomplished and activated I used to be subsequently capable of entry Sony’s 360-Diploma audio expertise through Sony’s “Sort A” digital speaker format (there are two kinds of digital speaker layouts to select from), which simulates the perfect speaker positioning for a system.
CE Professional Options
- 11.2 channels, with energy rated at 130 watts into 8 ohms, 2 channels pushed
- Seven HDMI 2.1 inputs/two outputs
- Immersive audio processing that features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony’s proprietary Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX that allows the corporate’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Video assist for 8K, 4K, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Imaginative and prescient
- Works with Sonos and IMAX Enhanced certification
- IP management choices, Apple AirPlay 2, ChromeCast and Bluetooth possibility
- MSRP is $2,099.99
Efficiency and Remaining Ideas
To be completely blunt, I’m blown away at how properly the STR-AZ5000ES performs. I’ll reiterate one thing I had mentioned earlier, however since I had no prior expertise with a Sony receiver, I don’t know that it was like to make use of the corporate’s earlier era of merchandise.
I discover the receiver’s audio efficiency to be enjoyable and involving, its supply switching was clean—I might estimate it takes about 15 seconds give or take to modify sources, and it does so easily with none funky dropped pixels or parts of the display screen lacking, or audio dropouts.
Utilizing the STR-AZ5000ES earlier than the calibration, I began by listening to content material similar to music movies posted on YouTube. Listening to the traditional Van Halen dwell video of So That is Love I may clearly hear components such because the area in David Lee Roth’s voice because it sat within the combine, together with the “brown sound” tone of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. Michael Anthony’s bass additionally sat firmly within the combine, and Alex Van Halen’s snare drum lower by the bass and guitar with authority.
On TV content material just like the HBO Max sequence C.B. Strikewhich is a BBC present, the accents of the principle stars is thick and I assumed the receiver powering my Aerial Acoustics audio system delivered a pleasant stage of readability to assist me perceive the present’s dialog.
On motion pictures, the receiver with out the calibration delivers a pleasant stage of dynamics and element. Through the Netflix film Sniper: Ghost Hunter. I may hear bullets flying round me on the outer limits of the soundstage and bomb explosions produced deep, impactful bass.
With the auto calibration activated I used to be capable of attempt Sony’s proprietary 360-degree encompass sound expertise and whereas I can’t say for sure the way it compares to regular Dolby Atmos for instance, I’ll say the processing is tasteful in the way it produces an immersive audio expertise.
Utilizing Dolby content material similar to its demonstration discs with a Dolby TrueHD model of The Police performing Message in a Bottle I’ll say that I’ve loved Sony’s AFD Film mode processing, which the corporate says produces, “optimized sound in response to the stream. The sound is upmixed to encompass to take pleasure in encompass on the similar time.”
The receiver allowed me to really feel the depth by which Stewart Copeland attacked his drumkit, whereas absorbing Andy Summers’ chorus-infused tone and chops, and naturally Sting’s nice bass line and vocals.
I additionally listened to Dolby’s Amaze and Leaf Atmos trailers, and Dolby’s demo clip of the film Unbroken, which is a regular demo piece of content material at commerce occasions similar to CEDIA Expo and was completely impressed by the STR-AZ5000ES.
So, what’s my takeaway with the brand new line of Sony receivers and particularly the STR-AZ5000ES? Sony crushed it. The AVR is straightforward to make use of, it sounds implausible and most of all it’s enjoyable.
I don’t suppose there’s a query that approved Sony sellers will profit from the introduction of those receivers. The mixture of a brand new Sony AVR just like the STR-AZ5000ES, together with one of many firm’s projectors or TVs, and a supply machine like a PlayStation 5 or disc participant will allow sellers to ship somewhat slice of Hollywood heaven to their purchasers that features a trusted model title.
CE Professional and Cons
Execs
- Loaded with options, the STR-AZ5000ES ought to meet a variety of wants by its many choices.
- Glorious sound high quality, clean supply switching and clear video playback.
- With 11.2 channels of immersive audio, HDMI 2.1 and extra the competitively priced receiver supplies excessive stage of worth in at the moment’s market.
Cons
- This received’t matter to integrators putting in the AVR right into a management system, however the companion distant is busy with plenty of buttons. It’s not likely person pleasant.
- The auto calibration course of may very well be extra descriptive to assist simplify the person course of.
