Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES was introduced in 2023 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 13 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 13.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, 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 94 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.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

In this section we present pros and cons of Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES.

In 2023 Sony released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony STR-AZ7000ES vs STR-AZ5000ES vs STR-AZ3000ES vs STR-AZ1000ES vs STR-AN1000.

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES's 13 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Pro Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X Pro are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, 9.2.2, 9.2.4 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES 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-AZ7000ES supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• 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.
• 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-AZ7000ES supports DTS:X Pro with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

• DTS:X Pro is an upgraded version of DTS:X and is no longer limited with 11 channels. With DTS:X Pro Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES can get up to 13 channel processing.
• 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.
• 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.

IMAX Enhanced

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES 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.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
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
360 Reality Audio

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES features 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 3 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: 4 out of 7 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-AZ7000ES can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Composite video sources and Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 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-AZ7000ES is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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.

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.

Gaming Features

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up 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

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES comes with D.C.A.C. IX room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 11 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
• Composite Video Output: Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.

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 11 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.

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has 13.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs: 4
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

GENERAL
Brand	Sony
Series	ES
Model	STR-AZ7000ES
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2023

AMPLIFIER
Channels	13.2
Power Output	140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
DAC Specs	192 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	13.2
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	Pro up to 7.1.6 of 9.1.4
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
360 Reality Audio
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Network Audio Formats	FLAC, AIFF, WAV, DSD, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AAC
Music Playback via USB	FLAC, 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 USB	FLAC, 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 Microphone	Stereo
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up 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	Composite
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
OvrC Compatible
AirPlay	AirPlay 2

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs	4
USB Input	1 Front for USB memory
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	13.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Headphone Out
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Composite video, Pre Out
Zone 3 Outs	Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	3
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3
IP Control
Control4 SDDP
Remote Controller	RMT-AA511U

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM
Presets	30
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn & iHeart Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Speaker Terminals	13
Large Speaker Terminals	13
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	540 W
Standby Power	0.5 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	430 mm x 194 mm x 440 mm 17" x 7-3/4" x 17-3/8"
Weight	21.8 kg (48 lb)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	140 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	150 W (0.9% THD)
THD	0.09%
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz, ±3 dB (with sound field, equalizer and 360SSM bypassed)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	1000BASE-T
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	5․0
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Type A, Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
Warranty	5 Years

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