Sony Launches New ES 8K AV Receivers Featuring 360 Spatial Sound Mapping

Sony Electronics Inc. has added four new models to brand’s AV receiver line. These receivers are the first from Sony to feature 8K and 4K/120 support as well as Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. These ES line receivers, which were tuned by Sony engineers to provide the most immersive home theater experience from the company, are intended mainly for custom installation. An additional model, the STR-AN1000 is created for consumers looking to upgrade their current home theater system.

ES Series for Custom Installation

Sony’s Elevated Standard (ES) series AV receivers are designed from the ground up to be the heart of integration and deliver elevated performance. This four new AVR models were designed for integrators with optimized configurability, flexible connectivity, and advanced IP control compatibility with leading control systems.

The frame beam base chassis (FBB chassis) has been developed for the audio amplifiers by combining a conventional frame beam chassis with a transformer base, providing high accuracy and stiffness. The frame is more stabilized, reproducing better sound with less distortion. Additionally, the overall thickness of the ES series has been improved. Now, the bottom is 200% thicker and side wall is 120% thicker than previous models.

Featuring support for control systems from Control4, Crestron, Savant, and OvrC, custom integrators can be sure that Sony’s ES receiver lineup will integrate seamlessly with the control system of their choice. Setup can be accomplished in multiple ways, including via the graphical user interface or front panel display. Additionally, a Works with Sonos feature makes it possible to integrate into a Sonos home sound system.5

The ES Series lineup, which is available for pre-sale, will include the following models: 13.2 CH STR-AZ7000ES (MSRP $3,299.99), 11.2 CH STR-AZ5000ES (MSRP $2,099.99), 9.2CH STR-AZ3000ES (MSRP $1,699.99), and 7.2 CH STR-AZ1000ES ($1,099.99). Additionally, the STR-AN1000 (MSRP $899.99) gives consumers an immersive surround sound and high quality visual with simple set up. With this AV receiver, consumers can take any movie experience to a higher level without any special skill and knowledge by using Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping tool.

“We are very excited to share the news of our highly anticipated receiver lineup,” said Tyler Ishida. “We’ve been a part of the custom integration channel for over 30 years, and we’re looking forward to offering streamlined integration for our partners, while also delivering incredible performance. We can’t wait for consumers to experience our new STR-AN1000 model! It’s perfect for our customers looking for an immersive home theater experience like never before.”

Common Features of the ES Receiver Line and the STR-AN1000 Model

All of Sony’s new AV receivers feature 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology to create a unique immersive cinematic experience. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping can place multiple phantom speakers around the room to create a wider listening space for a more authentic cinematic experience at home.

By utilizing the positional information measured by Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX), multiple phantom speakers are generated all around the room. D.C.A.C. IX, the latest auto- calibration technology developed by Sony, can correct the distance, angle, sound pressure, and frequency response of each speaker by measuring the speaker placement in 3D using the supplied calibration microphone. This works alongside Auto Phase Matching which aligns the phase of different speakers. This means users can compensate for challenging speaker placement, delay, or phase shift.

The ES series and STR-AN1000 creates the ideal speaker installation for any home theater with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping as well as support for the latest audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

High Quality Visuals for Movies and Gaming

All of the ES series models and the STR-AN1000 AV receiver includes HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, newly supported 8K, and IMAX Enhanced so all of the original picture quality is preserved when played through the AV receivers, so movie watchers will be completely immersed when enjoying films.

For gaming applications, the ES series and STR-AN1000 now support the latest formats, such as 4K/120, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) in HDMI 2.1, for smoother and clearer movement for responsive gameplay.

The AV receivers will also pass-through Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode on compatible BRAVIA XR TVs for a better gaming experience on the PlayStation 5.

Bringing Music to Life

In addition to 360 Reality Audio, the ES series and STR-AN1000 support High-Resolution Audio and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) native playback, with no conversion involved. For those looking for a premium experience, the STR-AZ7000ES has a 13ch amplification system which reproduces an immersive audio experience with 360 Reality Audio.

Additionally, the AV receivers offer easy access to music applications. Not only with STR-AN1000 but also the ES series, users can connect smart devices to the amplifier via Bluetooth as well as services such as Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Apple Airplay 2, and Works with Sonos.

Match a Sony TV and Speakers

When connected to a BRAVIA XR TV with Acoustic Center Sync, the ES series and STR-AN1000 combine audio from the TV with the audio from the center speaker to create an improved sound-from-screen experience. Dialogue will appear to come directly from the characters on the screen creating a much more immersive experience.

The AV receivers also integrate with the BRAVIA Quick Settings menu, allowing users to change features such as sound field of the amplifier just by using the TV remote. Users can also use their TV remote to control the volume of the receiver, ensuring quick and easy control without requiring multiple remotes.

In addition, the AV receivers can also connect wirelessly to Sony’s optional speakers including the wireless rear speakers SA-RS5 and SA-RS3S, optional wireless subwoofers SA-SW5 and SA-SW3, and an optional rear speaker (SA-RS5/SA-RS3S).

Jeremy Glowacki

Residential Tech Today’s former executive editor Jeremy Glowacki is an editorial veteran with more than 20 years of professional experience with numerous publications. In 2000, he helped create and launch Residential Systems, a business and technology magazine for the custom integration business. He served as day-to-day editor of that title and content director of the CEDIA Daily, Systems Contractor News, and several other B2B titles until joining Innovative Properties Worldwide in 2018. Jeremy was named a CEDIA Fellow in 2012.

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