$1,793.79
When Sony released the STR-AZ5000ES in late 2022, it marked a significant evolution in their ES (Elevated Standard) receiver line. After extensive testing, we've found it represents a compelling mix of cutting-edge features and refined performance that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate.
Home theater receivers have undergone dramatic changes in recent years, driven by new video standards and immersive audio formats. The key considerations now center around HDMI 2.1 compatibility, object-based audio processing, and smart home integration. At $2,100, the STR-AZ5000ES sits in the premium segment where buyers expect both excellent performance and future-proof features.
The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 across all seven inputs is particularly noteworthy. This means every input supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, along with gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing) and Auto Low Latency Mode (which reduces input lag). In our testing, gaming at 4K/120Hz showed consistently smooth performance with minimal latency.
The receiver handles all major HDR formats:
With 130 watts per channel across 11.2 channels, the STR-AZ5000ES delivers substantial power. But it's not just about raw power - the sound quality is notably refined. The Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX (D.C.A.C. IX) system uses a stereo microphone to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust accordingly. We found it particularly effective at handling challenging room layouts.
The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology deserves special mention. It creates virtual speakers between your physical ones, resulting in a more cohesive soundstage. In our dedicated theater room, this created a notably more immersive experience during complex action scenes.
The receiver handles all major formats:
Modern receivers need to be connectivity hubs, and the STR-AZ5000ES delivers. Built-in streaming options include:
The multi-room capabilities are particularly flexible. You can run a 7.2.4 setup in your main room while powering separate zones with remaining channels. We successfully tested streaming different sources to three zones simultaneously without any dropouts or delays.
The D.C.A.C. IX calibration system makes initial setup straightforward, though you'll want to take time to fine-tune the results. The receiver's menu system is logically organized, though some advanced features require diving into submenus. The included remote is well-designed, with direct access to key functions.
In our theater room (15' x 20'), the STR-AZ5000ES showed its capabilities across various content:
The receiver particularly shined with object-based audio content. During a test screening of "Dune," the sound placement was precise, with overhead effects clearly distinguished and smooth panning across all channels.
The HDMI 2.1 features proved their worth with PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming. Input lag was minimal, and the VRR support kept fast-moving scenes smooth and tear-free.
High-resolution audio playback was exemplary, with excellent stereo imaging and natural tonality. The receiver supports DSD up to 5.1ch and PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit.
At $2,100, the STR-AZ5000ES represents a significant investment. However, several factors justify the price:
The STR-AZ5000ES is ideal for:
After extensive testing, the Sony STR-AZ5000ES proves itself as a premium home theater cornerstone. While it's not the most affordable option, it delivers on its promises with excellent sound quality, comprehensive feature set, and robust build quality. The full HDMI 2.1 support and advanced room correction make it particularly appealing for those building high-end systems that will last.
Its only notable drawbacks are the complex menu system for some advanced features and the premium price point. However, for those seeking a high-end receiver that will remain capable for years to come, the STR-AZ5000ES represents a solid investment in your home theater's future.
Yes, the STR-AZ5000ES is worth the investment for serious home theater enthusiasts. While expensive at $2,100, it offers future-proof features like full HDMI 2.1 support, excellent room calibration, and premium sound quality that justify the price for a high-end home theater setup.
This receiver works well in medium to large rooms up to 500 square feet. With 130 watts per channel, it has enough power to fill larger spaces while maintaining clean sound quality. The advanced room correction helps optimize performance in various room sizes.
Yes, it fully supports Dolby Atmos and can process up to 11.2 channels. It also handles other advanced formats like DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced, making it excellent for immersive home theater experiences.
Yes, it features Zone 2 and Zone 3 capability, allowing you to send different audio sources to three separate areas of your home while maintaining your main theater setup.
Yes, it's excellent for gaming. All HDMI ports support 4K/120Hz and include gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making it perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
It has 7 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, all supporting HDMI 2.1 specifications. This is enough for most home theater setups, accommodating multiple gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players.
Yes, it supports 8K/60Hz passthrough and upscaling, making it future-proof for upcoming 8K content and displays.
The D.C.A.C. IX calibration system is highly advanced, using a stereo microphone to analyze room acoustics and adjust settings accordingly. It's particularly effective at optimizing sound for challenging room layouts.
Yes, it includes built-in support for Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. It also supports high-resolution audio formats including DSD and 192kHz/24-bit PCM.
The Sony STR-AZ5000ES offers several premium features over cheaper models: better build quality, more powerful amplification, advanced room correction, full HDMI 2.1 support on all ports, and Sony's ES line warranty. It also provides cleaner power delivery and better processing for complex audio formats.
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| Sony STR-AZ5000ES |
|---|
| Power Output per Channel - Determines ability to drive speakers cleanly: 130W (8 ohms, 2ch driven) |
| Number of Amplified Channels - Enables different speaker configurations: 11.2 channels |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs - Critical for connecting modern devices: 7 in / 2 out (all HDMI 2.1) |
| Video Support - Future-proofing for new content: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
| HDR Formats - Ensures compatibility with all HDR content: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Audio Formats - Determines surround sound capabilities: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced |
| Room Correction - Optimizes sound for your space: D.C.A.C. IX with stereo mic |
| Hi-Res Audio Support - Important for music lovers: DSD (5.1ch), PCM (192kHz/24-bit) |
| Streaming Support: Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Multi-room Capability: Zone 2 & 3 audio |
| Speaker Impedance Range: 4-16 ohms |
| Power Consumption: 500W |
| Network Connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions: 17 1/8" x 6 3/4" x 14 5/8" |
| Weight: 28.7 lbs |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($570) offers remarkable value with its comprehensive feature set and reliable performance at less than a third of the Sony's price. While limited to 7.2 channels, this configuration suits most home theater setups perfectly, delivering clear, powerful sound through its 75-watts-per-channel amplification. The Denon's implementation of HDMI 2.1 on three inputs covers most users' needs for connecting modern gaming consoles and streaming devices, while the HEOS multi-room audio platform provides more intuitive and extensive streaming capabilities than Sony's solution. The Audyssey MultEQ room calibration system, while not as sophisticated as Sony's DCAC IX, still delivers excellent results in typical room environments.
For many users, the Denon represents the sweet spot of price and performance in modern AV receivers. Its straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it more approachable than the Sony, while still providing the essential features most home theater enthusiasts need, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 8K video support. Unless you specifically need the additional channels or plan to use the receiver in a large space where the extra power becomes necessary, the Denon's performance-to-price ratio makes it a more practical choice for most home theater applications.
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👌Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The Denon AVR-S570BT offers remarkable value at $319, providing the core features most home theater enthusiasts actually need, including 8K/60Hz video support, gaming features like VRR and ALLM, and solid 5.2-channel surround sound performance with 70W per channel. Its straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it particularly appealing for those new to home theater, while its audio performance remains impressive for movies and music in small to medium-sized rooms. The included auto-calibration system, though more basic than Sony's, still does an effective job of optimizing speaker settings for your space.
While it can't match the Sony's advanced features or channel count, the Denon AVR-S570BT represents a smart choice for typical living room setups and basic home theaters. Its four HDMI 2.1 inputs handle most modern entertainment systems, and its Bluetooth connectivity provides convenient music streaming. For users who don't need height channels for Dolby Atmos or multi-zone audio capabilities, the Denon delivers exceptional performance at a fraction of the price, making it a practical alternative that doesn't compromise on essential features or sound quality for standard surround sound configurations.
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👌Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The $649 Yamaha R-N602 takes a more focused approach as a dedicated stereo receiver, offering exceptional two-channel audio performance at a significantly lower price point. Its 80-watts-per-channel design prioritizes music playback, featuring Yamaha's ToP-ART architecture and a high-quality BurrBrown DAC that delivers impressive clarity and soundstage depth for digital sources. While it lacks surround sound capabilities, its well-implemented phono stage and Pure Direct mode make it particularly appealing for vinyl enthusiasts and music purists who don't need home theater features.
For those primarily interested in music listening through a traditional two-speaker setup, the R-N602 represents excellent value and may actually outperform the Sony in pure stereo playback scenarios. Its simpler architecture and streamlined signal path can provide advantages in terms of audio purity, though you'll sacrifice the flexibility of home theater processing and HDMI connectivity. The Yamaha's network features still provide modern streaming capabilities and multi-room audio through MusicCast, making it a compelling option for building a music-first system without the complexity and cost of a full home theater receiver.
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👌Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Details
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