Modern home theater receivers are fascinating pieces of technology - they're essentially the command center for your entire entertainment system. Think of them as sophisticated traffic controllers that manage all your audio and video signals while also providing the power to drive your speakers. In 2023, Sony released two noteworthy models: the premium Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES ($1,098) and the mainstream Sony STR-AN1000 ($900).
Before we dive into comparing these specific models, let's understand what makes a great receiver in 2023. Today's home theater receivers need to handle everything from 8K video to wireless streaming, while delivering immersive surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for more realistic sound) and DTS:X (a competing format that does similar things).
Both the STR-AZ1000ES and STR-AN1000 are 7.2 channel receivers, meaning they can power seven speakers plus two subwoofers. Interestingly, the less expensive AN1000 actually delivers more power per channel (100W vs 70W). However, raw power numbers don't tell the whole story.
The ES model includes several premium features that serious home theater enthusiasts will appreciate:
In my experience testing these receivers, the ES model produces slightly cleaner sound at high volumes, though the difference isn't dramatic for casual listening.
Both receivers are equally capable when it comes to video, supporting:
This means either receiver will handle the latest gaming consoles and 8K TVs without breaking a sweat. They both include multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, though you'll only need these for next-gen gaming consoles or 8K devices.
Here's where things get interesting. Both receivers support modern audio formats:
The ES STR-AZ1000ES adds IMAX Enhanced certification and more sophisticated room calibration (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX). In practical terms, this means it can more accurately adjust for your room's acoustic properties.
For streaming, both receivers include:
The ES model's primary advantage for custom installations is its RS-232 port, which allows professional integrators to control the receiver through automation systems. It also comes with a longer 5-year warranty compared to the standard 2-year warranty on the AN1000.
In testing both receivers in a typical living room setup (5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration), both performed admirably. The STR-AN1000 slightly surprised me with its powerful output, easily filling a medium-sized room with clean, dynamic sound.
The ES model showed its premium nature in subtle ways:
However, in typical listening scenarios, most users would be hard-pressed to notice significant differences.
The $200 price difference between these receivers requires careful consideration:
The STR-AZ1000ES at $1,098 offers:
The STR-AN1000 at $900 provides:
Your choice should depend primarily on your specific needs and setup:
Choose the ES STR-AZ1000ES if:
Choose the STR-AN1000 if:
Both receivers are well-equipped for the future with their 8K capabilities and HDMI 2.1 support. The ES model might have slightly more longevity due to its premium components and longer warranty, but both should serve well for many years.
For most users, the STR-AN1000 represents the better value, offering nearly all the features of its premium sibling at a lower price point. The extra $200 for the ES STR-AZ1000ES is mainly justified for custom installations or dedicated home theater rooms where every last bit of performance matters.
Remember that either receiver will provide excellent performance for modern home theater needs. The decision ultimately comes down to your specific requirements and whether the premium features of the ES model align with your usage scenarios.
| Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES | Sony STR-AN1000 |
|---|---|
| Price - Higher cost typically means better components & features | |
| $1,098 (Premium pricing) | $900 (Better value for most users) |
| Power Output - Determines speaker driving capability and headroom | |
| 70W per channel (8 ohms) | 100W per channel (6 ohms) |
| Build Quality - Affects sound quality and long-term reliability | |
| Premium components, vibration control, 5-year warranty | Standard components, 2-year warranty |
| Room Calibration - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| Advanced D.C.A.C. IX with more measurement points | Basic D.C.A.C. IX calibration |
| Custom Installation Features - Important for professional setups | |
| Includes RS-232 port for automation | No RS-232 port |
| Audio Format Support - Determines compatibility with latest content | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (No IMAX Enhanced) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 6 inputs (2 with 8K), 2 outputs | 6 inputs (2 with 8K), 2 outputs |
| Video Support - Future-proofing for new video formats | |
| 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Streaming Features - Convenience for modern content consumption | |
| WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Multi-room Capability - Flexibility for whole-home audio | |
| Zone 2 & 3 support, works with Sonos | Zone 2 support, works with Sonos |
The Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES ($1,098) is better suited for dedicated home theaters due to its premium components, advanced room calibration, and custom installation features. However, if budget is a concern, the Sony STR-AN1000 ($900) still performs excellently in theater environments.
The main difference is that the ES STR-AZ1000ES is a premium model with better build quality, advanced room calibration, and a 5-year warranty, while the STR-AN1000 offers better value with higher power output but fewer premium features.
Surprisingly, the less expensive Sony STR-AN1000 delivers more power at 100W per channel, compared to the ES STR-AZ1000ES at 70W per channel.
Yes, both the ES STR-AZ1000ES and STR-AN1000 support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz gaming, with HDMI 2.1 ports that fully support next-gen gaming features.
Both receivers offer identical streaming capabilities including WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. However, the ES STR-AZ1000ES may provide slightly better audio quality due to premium components.
Yes, both the STR-AN1000 and ES STR-AZ1000ES support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other modern surround formats, though only the ES model includes IMAX Enhanced certification.
The Sony STR-AN1000 offers better value for most users, providing nearly all essential features at $900. The ES STR-AZ1000ES premium is mainly justified for dedicated theater rooms or custom installations.
While both can be self-installed, the ES STR-AZ1000ES is better suited for professional installation with its RS-232 port and advanced calibration features. The STR-AN1000 is more user-friendly for DIY setup.
Both receivers feature 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, with two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz on both the ES STR-AZ1000ES and STR-AN1000.
The ES STR-AZ1000ES features a more advanced version of Sony's D.C.A.C. IX calibration system with more measurement points, while the STR-AN1000 uses a basic version that's still effective for most rooms.
Both support multi-room audio, but the ES STR-AZ1000ES offers more flexibility with Zone 2 and Zone 3 support, while the STR-AN1000 supports Zone 2 only.
The ES STR-AZ1000ES is likely to last longer due to its premium components and 5-year warranty, compared to the STR-AN1000's 2-year warranty, though both are well-built receivers.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: ecoustics.com - electronics.sony.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - abt.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - snapav.com - overtureav.com - sony.ca - audioholics.com - tomsguide.com - electronics.sony.com - klarna.com - crutchfield.com - cnet.com - skybygramophone.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - us.community.sony.com - sony-asia.com
