Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES was introduced in 2016 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p 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.

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

Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony .

In this section we present pros and cons of Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES.

In 2016 Sony released 6 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony STR-ZA5000ES vs STR-ZA3000ES vs STR-ZA2000ES vs STR-ZA1000ES vs STR-DN1070 vs STR-DH770.

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES's 9 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, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4 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, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4 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-ZA5000ES 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-ZA5000ES supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

• 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.

DTS:X

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

• 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.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6
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-ZA5000ES features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub/Zone2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES can upscale up to 4K/60p from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES 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 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES 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.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES comes with D.C.A.C. EX room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES 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 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• 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 2 amplifier.
• Composite Video Output: Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES 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 7 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-ZA5000ES has 11.2 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. Also, Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES has 11 channel processing but has only 9 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: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 6 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs: 0
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1
• Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

In 2023 Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES was replaced by Sony STR-AZ5000ES. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES and its successor.

UPGRADES	Sony STR-AZ5000ES	vs	Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES
More Channels	11.2	vs	9.2
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
DTS Virtual:X		vs
IMAX Enhanced		vs
360 Reality Audio		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
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)		vs
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
Wi-Fi		vs
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, LDAC	vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
Works with SONOS		vs
DLNA 1.5		vs
AirPlay	AirPlay 2	vs
More HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)	vs	6 (1 front)
More 8K Inputs	4	vs
Internet Radio	TuneIn & iHeart Radio	vs
Pandora		vs
Spotify		vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs

DOWNGRADES	Sony STR-AZ5000ES	vs	Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLIIz
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
DTS Express		vs
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Ethernet Switch		vs	8-Port Gigabit
Analog Tuner	FM	vs	FM/AM
Less Presets	30	vs	60 (30/30)
Gold plated RCA terminals		vs

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony ES STR-ZA5000ES vs STR-AZ5000ES.

GENERAL
Brand	Sony
Series	ES
Model	STR-ZA5000ES
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2016
Successor	Sony STR-AZ5000ES

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Power Output	120 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
Maximum Channel Processing	11.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic	PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX
DTS:X	up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6
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
Music Playback via USB
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialogue Lift	Center Speaker Lift Up
Digital Legato Linear
In-Ceiling Speaker Mode
OP Processing
Sound Optimizer
Tone Control	All Channels
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. EX
Calibration Microphone	Stereo
EQ for D.C.A.C.	31 band EQ
Speaker Relocation
Automatic Phase Matching

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component, Composite
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
Music Connect
Remote Monitoring with ihiji
AirPlay
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	6 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 (Front) for update and setting
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	11.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs	1
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch	8-Port Gigabit
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Zone GUI	for Zone 2
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	3 (80 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 2

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface
GUI Languages	3
Remote Controller	RM-AAU217

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	60 (30/30)
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Speaker Terminals	11
Large Speaker Terminals	11
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	500 W
Standby Power	0.3 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	430 mm x 174 mm x 410 mm 17" x 6-7/8" x 16-1/4"
Weight	17.5 kg (38 lbs. 10 oz.)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	120 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	130 W (0.9% THD)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	150 mV/50 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	2 V/1 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	105 dB (20 kHz LPF, 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital)	96 dB (20 kHz LPF)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/±3 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	5 Years

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