Sony's new 2023 A/V receivers ZA1000ES, ZA3000ES, ZA5000ES & ZA7000ES

[unberechenbar]

Originally Posted by SlaughterX

Hope to catch the flagship model on sale for half off in a year... because I don't need another AVR and that's the only way I would buy one of these... but I admit it would be kinda cool having another Sony AVR, I think ym 2nd AVR was a Sony and it worked pretty good.

I might be wrong but I don't think AVRs ever get that kind of a discount, at least not new. They're not like TVs where new models come out every year and stores want to get rid of old stock.

[uncledougie]

I have had multiple Sony A/V receivers over the years, upgraded always due to advances in connectivity and technology, never because of any technical or reliability issues. In fact just gave one of the nephews an early surround sound receiver that still works flawlessly to replace his Denon that died on him. Three years ago I switched to a Yamaha Aventage model because I liked the design and remote better than the then current Sony comparable model, but I must say my next upgrade might have to go back to the Sony line because of the redesign. I do wish receivers would keep at least one analog video input that would output via HDMI, but a simple adapter I guess can take care of that so it’s not a deal killer. I’d also consider Marantz, but the Sonys at first glance suggest you get more bang for your buck.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by unberechenbar

I might be wrong but I don't think AVRs ever get that kind of a discount, at least not new. They're not like TVs where new models come out every year and stores want to get rid of old stock.

The last time I got anywhere close to that kind of a deal on a new flagship AVR that wasn't at the end of a release cycle was over 10 years ago. Otherwise I've only gotten a new item at significant mark down near the end of the release cycle or on clearance. On the other hand I have found good deals on mint open-box at Best Buy's outlet centers.

[lgans316]

Ability to hook up with Sony's wireless speakers is being overlooked, Great alternative to those who can't afford to run cables all the way to the back of their room.

I don't mind AVR + wires on the front but to the back is a strict no-go and this AVR will come in handy.

[RWetmore]

The true ES models, i.e. the AZ3000ES and up, look really great. So glad Sony is back, and it looks like they went all out and will compete with, if not surpass, the best models of the other brands.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

@RocShemp, Sony's AZ7000ES is limited to 13 channels. At Sony's new receiver presentation we ran the AZ7000ES with 13 full channels powered and 6 SubWoofers.

What layout were they using in that presentation? I ask because I was going to use the AZ7000ES in a 9.2.4 layout, since I am fond of front wide speakers. However, given the combo of 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and 360 Reality Audio, I wonder if I'm better off with a 7.2.6 layout.

Also, how were those 6 subwoofers wired? Three per subwoofer out? Or a combination of subwoofer outs and subs connected directly to individual speakers?

[Robert Zohn]

Sony built the AZ7000ES reference theater system with 9.6.4. So we had 4 wide and 4 Height speakers.

Not sure how they connected the 6 sub woofers, but I can ask and get back here. They did change the system to 5 subs later that had 3 front and 2 rear subs.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Sony built the AZ7000ES reference theater system with 9.6.4. So we had 4 wide and 4 Height speakers.

Thanks. I guess that should work just fine for me. Although I dunno if I can fit 6 subwoofers in my modest space, so it'll likely be two for me.

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Not sure how they connected the 6 sub woofers, but I can ask and get back here. They did change the system to 5 subs later that had 3 front and 2 rear subs.

That'd be great, cos I'm itching to know. And thanks for answering all our questions.

[Robert Zohn]

I just confirmed that Sony's very first allocation/shipment of all 4 of the new 2023 AZ ES Receivers will be delivered to our store today, March 2. I'll be immediately setting them up in all of our new suites of home theater projection systems.

In some of our new Cinema demo rooms we'll use Sony's SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers and the SA-SW5 wireless sub woofer. All of our new demo room will take full advantage of all of the receiver's amplifiers capability. So in the demo room with Sony's XW7000ES Native 4K HDR projector that has Perlisten speakers we'll be demonstrating a 9.3.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio system.

Our next Cinema demo room has Sony's XW6000ES Native 4K HDR Projector with Bowlers & Wilkins 7.3.4 speakers powered by Sony's new AZ5000ES.

[RocShemp]

This might be a controversial subject for some but, as someone who actually uses Audyssey Dynamic Volume (set to Light, with the Offset at 10), does the Sony STR-AZ7000ES offer a similar solution?

[Robert Zohn]

@RocShemp, Their is no setting that auto detects commercials or volume variations.

You can have two audio presets with one programmed which can be toggled when a louder content comes on. This will have to be manually triggered, and possibly could be done through an external control solution.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by RocShemp

This might be a controversial subject for some but, as someone who actually uses Audyssey Dynamic Volume (set to Light, with the Offset at 10), does the Sony STR-AZ7000ES offer a similar solution?

I guess that makes me the 1 other person that used (and liked) ADV back when I had it on prior gear.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

@RocShemp, Their is no setting that auto detects commercials or volume variations.

You can have two audio presets with one programmed which can be toggled when a louder content comes on. This will have to be manually triggered, and possibly could be done through an external control solution.

Well that is certainly a shame. I guess I'll have to learn to live with option Sony is willing to give me. Thanks as always for your priceless input, Robert Zohn.

Originally Posted by red_5ive

I guess that makes me the 1 other person that used (and liked) ADV back when I had it on prior gear.

What can I say? I find it extremely useful when watching certain movies (like Tenet) and TV shows, or playing certain video games.

[Robert Zohn]

Adding Dynamic volume control could be done with a firmware upgrade. I'm glad you brought this up and that now Sony's technical specialists are aware that we like this feature.

[RocShemp]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Adding Dynamic volume control could be done with a firmware upgrade. I'm glad you brought this up and that now Sony's technical specialists are aware that we like this feature.

Really? If so that'd be great. Nay, fantastic!

[RocShemp]

For those interested in the guts of the STR-AZ7000ES, you get a peak under the hood in this video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z0wvJZ3znsY