Costs vary from $900 for the 7.2-channel non-ES STR-AN1000 (proven beneath) to $3,300 for the 150-watt 13.2 channel STR-AZ7000ES ES sequence flagship (opening photograph). Different new ES fashions embody the 130-watt 11.2-channel STR-AZ5000ES ($2,100), 120-watt 9.2-channel STR-AZ3000ES ($1,700), and 100-watt 7.2-channel STR-AZ1000ES ($1,100).
The non-ES STR-AN1000 can be bought via Sony, Amazon, Finest Purchase and different licensed retailers, whereas ES fashions can be accessible solely via Sony and customized set up professionals.
All fashions have devoted 8K inputs and assist Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR 10, and HLG excessive dynamic vary (HDR), HDMI 2.1, and are geared up to course of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X immersive encompass sound with ES fashions including an IMAX Enhanced mode. Gaming assist incudes variable refresh charge (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). The receivers additionally move Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Style Image Mode via to suitable Sony Bravia TVs for an improved gaming expertise on the PlayStation 5.
On the audio aspect, all fashions supporting wi-fi hi-res audio, native DSD playback with no conversion, and embody the Works with Sonos characteristic for simple integration with Sonos techniques. The receivers additionally assist Bluetooth streaming and are suitable with Spotify Join, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay 2.
ES stands for Elevated Normal and dates again to 1965 with the introduction of the TA-1120, the primary all-silicon transistorized stereo built-in amplifier. The brand new ES sequence is designed with customized set up in thoughts and mentioned to supply optimized configurability, versatile connectivity, and streamlined IP management compatibility with high home-control techniques, together with Control4, Crestron, and others. ES fashions additionally characteristic a brand new 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a big capacitor energy transformer, thicker, extra sturdy sides and backside on the highest three fashions, and a brand new “body beam base (FBB) chassis” for the audio amplifiers that’s mentioned to decrease distortion.
Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is suitable with passive audio system and suitable wi-fi encompass audio system from Sony and works together with the corporate’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX) system, which compensates for less-than-ideal speaker placement by measuring the speaker positions in 3D utilizing the equipped calibration microphone after which correcting the space, angle, sound strain, and frequency response of every speaker along with routinely aligning the section of various audio system.
When any of the receivers are related to a Sony Bravia XR TV with Acoustic Heart Sync, audio from the TV is mixed with the audio from the middle speaker, which is claimed to enhance the onscreen placement of dialogue in addition to its intelligibility. The receivers additionally combine seamlessly with the Bravia Fast Settings menu, increasing the performance of the TV’s distant management.
Look ahead to a report with our first impressions. For extra data go to sony.premiumhome.com.
