1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES (USA version)

SCORE:
87
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Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 9.2 channel processing
  • 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • HDMI 2.1
  • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X capable
  • HDR10, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough
  • AirPlay 2, DLNA, Chromecast
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB input

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Content

Overview

Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES was introduced in 2023. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 87 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
84
VIDEO FEATURES
99
AUDIO FEATURES
89
CONNECTIVITY
83
MULTIZONE
85
MISCELLANEOUS
62
RADIO
86
OVERALL
87

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES.

PROS
  9.2 Channel Processing
  Dolby Atmos
  Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  DTS:X
  IMAX Enhanced
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  HDMI 2.1
  eARC
  New HDCP Version
  HDR10
  Dolby Vision
  Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
  VRR
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  Chromecast Built-In
  Google assistant
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
  Tidal
  New Bluetooth Version
CONS
  No Front Wide Channel Support
  No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
  No HDR10+
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few Optical Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES to its predecessor STR-ZA1100ES and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES vs Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES
Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
More Channel Processing 9.2 vs 7ch + Phantom 2ch
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
DTS Virtual:X vs
IMAX Enhanced vs
Music Playback via USB FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC vs
DSD via USB 2-ch Input vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System D.C.A.C. IX vs D.C.A.C. EX
Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
VRR vs
Video Signal Passthrough up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 vs up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 vs up to 4K/60p
DLNA 1.5 vs
Chromecast Built-In vs
Works with SONOS vs
AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs
Wi-Fi vs
Bluetooth SBC, AAC, LDAC vs
More HDMI Inputs 6 vs 5
More 8K Inputs 2 vs
Headphone Out 6.3 mm (1/4") vs
Internet Radio TuneIn & iHeart Radio vs
Pandora vs
Spotify vs
Tidal vs
Deezer vs

DOWNGRADES Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES vs Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES
DTS Express vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component, Composite
Less Optical Outputs vs
Less Component Video Inputs vs 2
Zone 2 Outs HDMI vs HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface vs
+12V Trigger Output vs 1 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 1 / 2
Analog Tuner FM vs FM/AM
Less Presets 30 vs 60 (30/30)
Smaller Power Supply 240 W vs 290 W

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES vs Sony ES STR-ZA1100ES.

Audio Section

7 channel Amplifier

Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    Speaker Configurations

    Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

    Dolby Atmos

    Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

    • Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
    • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Dolby Atmos height virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

    DTS:X

    Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

    • DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
    • DTS Virtual:X: DTS Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.

    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

    Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


    Sound Processing

      Room Calibration

      Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES comes with D.C.A.C. IX room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

        Video Section

        HDMI 2.1

        Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES features 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 4 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

        • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: 2 out of 6 inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        • 8K Upscaling: Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
        • HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

        • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
        • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
        • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

        IMAX Enhanced

        Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

        • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
        • IMAX Enhanced Content: IMAX Enhanced studio partners have announced IMAX Enhanced versions of movies that exclusively feature IMAX's signature picture, sound and scale.
        • Picture: Stunning, ultra-vivid 4K HDR picture that utilizes the newest, proprietary Digital Media Remastering technology (DMR) developed by IMAX. DMR accurately reduces noise and grain under the filmmaker’s guidance to best optimize the content for a much higher-quality, higher-brightness display. Without this technology, high-dynamic range content can actually look worse than what was originally seen and intended by the filmmaker.
        • Sound: IMAX and DTS have partnered with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers leveraging DTS:X codec technology integrated in home audio equipment and select televisions to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience with deeper bass and more dynamic range.
        • Scale: Select IMAX Enhanced titles that were shot with IMAX-certified cameras or specially formatted for IMAX theatres feature its exclusive expanded aspect ratio, enabling viewers to see the full scale and scope of the picture on 4K HDR TVs.
        • Streaming Services: IMAX Enhanced is now available on the world’s biggest streaming services, including Disney+, BRAVIA CORE, Tencent, iQiyi and more.

        Gaming Features

        Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

        • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. When the receiver detects a gaming signal it will enter ALLM. The signal will also be sent to the TV causing it to automatically switch to a low-latency, low-lag mode for gaming. Some functions will not be available on the receiver and TV during ALLM.
        • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR enables a gaming source such as a console or computer to deliver video frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate. It allows the TV to adapt to certain frame rate which reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.

        Multi-zone Playback

        Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


        Zone 2

        • HDMI Output: Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

        Zone 3

        • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
        • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 3 amplifier.

        Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

          Also, Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES has 9 channel processing but has only 7 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
        • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Inputs: 6   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
          8K Inputs: 2
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
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        Specifications

        Here we list all the available features and specifications of Sony ES STR-AZ1000ES.

        BASICS
        BrandSony
        SeriesES
        ModelSTR-AZ1000ES
        TypeA/V Receiver
        CountryUSA
        Release Year2023
        AMPLIFIER
        Channels7.2
        Front Wide Channel Support
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability
        AUDIO
        DAC Specs192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.2
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.2 with external amp
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic
        Dolby Digital EX
        DTS:X up to 7.1.2 with external amp
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Music Playback via USBFLAC, 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 USBFLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input
        USB DAC
        Dialogue Lift Center Speaker Lift Up
        In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
        Tone Control All Channels
        High-resolution Music Enhancer DSEE Ultimate
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        CALIBRATION
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. D.C.A.C. IX
        Calibration MicrophoneStereo
        Speaker Relocation
        Automatic Phase Matching
        VIDEO
        HDMI Version2.1
        Enhanced ARC
        HDCP Version2.3
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        BT.2020 color space
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY
        MHL Input
        DLNA 1.5
        FireConnect
        FlareConnect
        Music Connect
        Remote Monitoring with ihiji
        OvrC Compatible
        Chromecast Built-In
        DTS Play-Fi
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google assistant
        Works with SONOS
        AirPlay AirPlay 2
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC, LDAC
        Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
        HDBaseT Compatible
        HDMI Inputs6
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
        8K Inputs2
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory
        USB DC Out Port
        RCA Line Input4
        RCA Line Output
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Optical Inputs1
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        Composite Video Input2
        Composite Video Output1
        S-Video Input
        S-Video Output
        Component Video Input
        Component Video Output
        PC In
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Front A/V InputsUSB
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
        ZONES
        Zones3
        Powered Zones 3
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI
        Zone 3 OutsPre/Line Out
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
        MISC
        On-Screen Display Graphical User Interface
        GUI Languages3
        IP Control for CI
        Control4 SDDP
        Remote ControllerRMT-AA511U
        Detachable Power Cord
        RADIO
        Analog Tuner FM
        Presets30
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn & iHeart Radio
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM Internet Radio
        CONSTRUCTION
        Speaker Terminals7
        Large Speaker Terminals7
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Power Consumption240 W
        Standby Power0.5 W
        GENERAL
        Dimensions (W x H x D)430 mm x 156 mm x 331 mm
        17" x 6-1/4" x 13-1/8"
        Weight9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz)
        Warranty5 Years
        SPECS
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 270 W (0.09% THD)
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2100 W (0.9% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 290 W (0.09% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2110 W (0.9% THD)
        THD0.09%
        Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz, ±3 dB (with sound field, equalizer and 360SSM bypassed)
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard1000BASE-T
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version5․0
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        USB TerminalType A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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