Sony has surprised us with five new receivers, including a replacement for the award-winning STR-DN1080. 4K/120Hz Wireless connection to Sony rear speakers and subwoofer.
Sony’s lineup has been short on receivers for several years, with the company offering the STR-AN1000 ($900), STR-AZ1000ES ($1,100), STR-AZ3000ES ($1,700), STR-AZ5000ES ($2,100), and STR-AZ7000ES ($3,300). improved this. .
these are Dolby AtmosThe /DTS:X receiver has a dedicated HDMI 2.1 input with 4K/120Hz and 8K compatibility. It can wirelessly connect to the company’s range of wireless rear and subwoofers.
STR-AN1000 is a 7.2 channel receiver with 6 HDMI inputs, including 2 8K inputs, supporting video standards such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. AN1000 predecessor, STR-DN1080 receiver, was my CNET editor’s choice for many years, but it was eventually discontinued because it predated features like 4K/120Hz and Sony’s own 360 Reality Audio.
The STR-DN1080 provided the best connectivity we had seen in a receiver at the time, surpassed by the AN1000 and other ranges. Connectivity on newer models includes Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast Built-In, Spotify Connect, and Roon Tested. Sony also joins Onkyo to offer Works with Sonos compatibility. Connecting the Sonos port via the analog input (not digital, unfortunately) allows you to control the receiver via the Sonos app.
The receiver offers a number of center speaker technologies, including center speaker lift-up for centering the dialogue on the screen, and acoustic center sync using Bravia TV speakers.
Meanwhile, the ES lineup pitched for high-end and custom installers is:
STR-AZ1000ES
- 7.2 channel (100W/Ch) receiver
- HDMI Input: 6 in, 2 out
- Four 8K/4k-120Hz HDMI inputs
- $1,100
STR-AZ3000ES
- 9.2 channel (120W/Ch) receiver
- HDMI Input: 6 in, 2 out
- Four 8K/4k-120Hz HDMI inputs
- 1,700
STR-AZ5000ES
- 11.2 channel (100W/Ch) receiver
- HDMI Input: 7 in, 2 out
- Four 8K/4k-120Hz HDMI inputs
- $2,100
STR-AZ7000ES
- 13.2 channel (150W/Ch) receiver
- HDMI Input: 7 in, 2 out
- Four 8K/4k-120Hz HDMI inputs
- $3,300
The receiver will be released from March 2023. We look forward to reviewing the AN1000 and comparing it to the current leader in the sub-$1,000 category, the Yamaha RX-V6A.
