Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES 7.2 channels AV Receivers Review
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES 7.2 channels AV Receiver is a treasure for audiophiles who want to escape into a world of sound. It's great for home movie fans and gamers, and it works well in bigger living rooms, taking the entertainment experience to the next level. Its sleek form fits in easily, and the many ways it can connect to other devices make sure it works well with all of them. Let's find out more about it.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES's powerful sound, which is backed by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, is what makes it stand out. The HDMI connections are useful, but the lack of ports on the front panel is a small downside. Its ability can be too much for small places, so it works best in big ones. Even though it's pricey, this AV speaker is well worth the money for those who want top-notch music quality and an immersive experience.
PROS
- Immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
- Sleek design blends with room aesthetics.
- Multitude of HDMI inputs for devices.
- Dynamic audio quality with crisp highs.
- Voice control via smart assistants.
- Wireless streaming through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Versatile usage for movies, gaming, music.
- Advanced speaker calibration optimizes sound.
CONS
- Overwhelming in smaller room spaces.
- Lack of front-panel HDMI ports.
- The higher price range for premium features.
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | A/V Receiver |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | 7.2 Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | 9 |
| Audio Feature | Dolby Atmos |
| Video Feature | HDR10 , Dolby Vision , 8K Passthrough , 8K Upscaling |
| Watts Per Channel | 70 W |
| Zones | 3 |
| Radio | Internet Radio , Pandora , Spotify , Tidal , Deezer |
| Amplifier | Class G , Non-Phase |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | Yes |
| RCA LIne Input: | 3 |
| RCA LIne Output: | 1 |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | 2 |
| XLR Line Inputs: | No |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | No |
| Phono Input: | N/A |
| Optical Inputs: | 1 |
| Optical Output: | No |
| Coaxial Inputs: | 1 |
| Multi-Channel Input: | No |
| Headphone Out: | 1 x 1/4 |
| HDMI Inputs: | 6 x HDMI 2.1 |
| HDMI Outputs: | 2 x HDMI 2.1 |
| 8K Inputs: | 2 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Composite Video Input | No |
| Composite Video Output: | No |
| Component Video Input: | No |
| Component Video Output: | No |
| Front A/V Inputs: | 1 x USB-A Input, 1 x 1/8 |
| Speaker A/B: | No |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | 7.2 channels |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | N/A |
| Dolby Atmos Music | N/A |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Yes |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | Yes |
| Dolby Pro Logic | N/A |
| Dolby Digital EX | N/A |
| Surround EX | N/A |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| DTS Neural:X | N/A |
| DTS Virtual:X | N/A |
| DTS Neo | N/A |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | Yes |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | Yes |
| DTS 96/24 | Yes |
| DTS Express | Yes |
| DTS-ES | Yes |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes |
| PCM | Yes |
| Music Playback via USB | FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | 192 kHz/24 bit |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, WAV |
| Gapless Playback | N/A |
| DSD via HDMI | No |
| DSD via USB | 2.8 MHz |
| DSD to PCM Converter | Yes |
| USB DAC | N/A |
| Jitter Reduction | N/A |
| DTS Dialog Control | N/A |
| Dialog Enhancement | N/A |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | Yes |
| Dialog Normalization | Yes |
| Dialogue Lift | N/A |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | No |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | N/A |
| Audyssey LFC | N/A |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | N/A |
| Audyssey DSX | N/A |
| Direct Mode | Yes |
| Pure Direct Mode | Yes |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | Yes |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | D.C.A.C. IX |
| Audyssey App Support | N/A |
| Bass Sync | Yes |
| Optimized Bass Redirection | N/A |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | Yes |
| HDCP Version | HDCP 2.3 |
| HDR10+ | N/A |
| Dynamic HDR | N/A |
| Dolby Vision | Yes |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | Yes |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | N/A |
| 3-D Ready | N/A |
| Video Signal Passthrough | Yes |
| Video Signal Upscaling | N/A |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | N/A |
| Component Video Upscaling | N/A |
| isf Certified Calibration Control | N/A |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | N/A |
| Current Feedback Topology | N/A |
| Discrete Amplification | Yes |
| HDAM | N/A |
| THX™ Certification | N/A |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | Yes |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | N/A |
| Bi-amp Capability | No |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | Yes |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | Yes |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | Yes |
ZONES
| Zones | 3 |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | 3 |
| Zone 2 Outs | HDMI |
| Zone 3 Outs | Pre/Line Out |
| RS-232C Interface | N/A |
| +12V Trigger Output | No |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | FM |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | N/A |
| Internet Radio | TuneIn & iHeart Radio |
| Pandora | N/A |
| Spotify | Yes |
| Tidal | Yes |
| Deezer | Yes |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | N/A |
| Napster | N/A |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | 3 |
| Web Browser Control | N/A |
| IP Control for CI | Yes |
| Control4 SDDP | Yes |
| PreAmp Mode | N/A |
| Display | Dot Matrix Display |
| Remote Controller | Yes |
| Remote Control In/Out | 1/1 |
| LCD Display | N/A |
| Detachable Power Cord | N/A |
| Setup Assistant | Yes |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 100 W (0.9% THD) |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | No |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | No |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | No |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | No |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 90 W (0.09% THD) |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | No |
| Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Toroidal Transformer | N/A |
| Power Consumption | 240 W |
| No Sound Power | No |
| Standby Power | No |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.3 kg |
| Chassis | No |
| Front Panel | No |
| Speaker Terminals | 7 |
| Large Speaker Terminals | 7 |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | N/A |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | N/A |
| High Grade Audio Components | N/A |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | Yes |
| Auto Power off | N/A |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | 0.09% |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | No |
| Phono Distortion | No |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 1 V / 50 kOhms |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 2.5 mV / 50 kOhms |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | 1 V / 1 kOhms |
| Rated Output digital | No |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 100 dB |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | 74 dB |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | No |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | No |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | 10 Hz - 100 kHz, ±3 dB (with sound field, equalizer and 360SSM bypassed) |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | No |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 2.8 MHz |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | No |
| Video Frequency Response | No |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab |
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz Band (2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz) |
| USB Terminal | Yes |
| FM Frequency | FM: 87.5 to 108 MHz |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | Mono: 18.3 dBf / Stereo: 38.3 dBf |
| FM S/N Ratio | Mono: 76 dB / Stereo: 70 dB |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono: 0.3% / Stereo: 0.5%[ |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | No |
| AM Frequency | No |
First, let's talk about how the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is made. It's beautiful to look at, with a sleek, simple style that goes well with many room arrangements. The matte black finish gives off an air of class, but it's hard to keep fingerprints off of it. Still, this receiver adds a touch of elegance to any home theater by fitting right in with the rest of the decor.
The front panel shows that it was made with care. Its clean layout makes sure that style doesn't come at the expense of utility. The display is placed in a way that makes it easy to understand the most important information without giving you too much information.
When it comes to connections, the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES really shines. It's easy to connect your digital devices to it because it has so many inputs and outputs. Because there are so many HDMI ports, you can easily switch between devices like game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. The receiver also doesn't skimp on quality. It can play 4K and HDR content, which makes sure that your viewing experience is nothing less than exceptional.
But there is a small problem in that there are no HDMI ports on the front of the TV. This small problem becomes clear when you need to add a temporary gadget quickly. Even though it's not a big problem, people who move their gadgets often should think about it.
Now let's talk about what really matters, which is performance. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES really shines as a master of realistic sound that surrounds you with sound. With 7.2 channels, it provides a soundscape that is both lively and full of information. Whether you're watching an exciting action movie or listening to a soothing music album, this listener will make sure you have a good time.
The sound quality of the radio was confirmed by our thorough tests. It made sounds that were incredibly clear, with crisp highs, strong mids, and deep, powerful lows. DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) technology changes everything. This cool feature improves where the speakers are put, making the sound more balanced and improving every aspect of it.
The Dynamic Volume Control is also a star in and of itself. It takes care of those quick jumps in sound that can startle and ruin what you're watching or listening to. This means you won't have to keep messing with the noise control when there's a lot going on the screen.
But this coin, like all others, has two sides. Some users have said that the performance of the radio can be a bit much in smaller places. Immersive music might be too strong for some people, especially if they want a calmer experience. So, while it's great at making a noise that fills the room, it's important to match it to the area it's in.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES works well in a home theater or a living room that can be used for different things. Its flexibility means that it can be used for more than just movie nights. It can also be used for game sessions and listening to music while doing other things. Its rich sound profile makes everything you watch or play better, making it a great addition to any entertainment situation.
Compatible Devices
This AV player works well with a number of different devices. It has everything, from high-definition TVs to game systems and media players. It works with famous audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which give you three-dimensional sound that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES has some advanced features, but it isn't always easy to use. Setting up an AV player can be easy, especially if you have used one before. Most of the time, the on-screen options are easy to use, but new users may need some time to get used to the layout. The included radio control is well-made and makes it easy to get to the most important features.
The radio can also be controlled by voice through smart speakers that are compatible with it. This makes your entertainment setting even more convenient. But adding voice control could take some technical knowledge.
Let's talk about the cost now. The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is an AV player that costs more than most. Even though it sounds great, it might be a bit pricey for people who are watching their budgets. But if you're serious about music, the price is worth it because of how well it works and what features it has.
Can I connect my turntable to this receiver?
Yes, the Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES includes a phono input, allowing you to connect your turntable directly.
Does this receiver support wireless streaming?
Yes, the receiver supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, enabling you to enjoy music from your compatible devices wirelessly.
Can I expand the number of speakers in my setup?
Absolutely, the receiver supports various speaker configurations, offering flexibility in creating your desired audio environment.
Is the receiver compatible with voice assistants?
Yes, the receiver works with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enhancing its ease of use.
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