A good home AV receiver is a combination of features and good sound performance. This is exactly what the Sony STR-AZ5000ES is. In the course of our review, this model received a rating of 8.6 out of 10. This is a receiver from famous manufacturer Sony released in 2023. This model is capable of process 11.2 channels.
Sony STR-AZ5000ES Pros
- ✔The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
- ✔Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
- ✔The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
- ✔DLNA is a feature that gives the receiver the ability to transmit and receive various media content over the home network, as well as display it in real time.
- ✔MHL is a mobile audio-video interface standard that combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces, its presence in Sony STR-AZ5000ES allows you to connect mobile devices and broadcast content from them.
- ✔Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
- ✔Sony STR-AZ5000ES with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
- ✔IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which receivers, including Sony STR-AZ5000ES, deliver that crisp 4K HDR picture and powerful sound by IMAX.
- ✔With HDR10 pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over the STR-AZ5000ES with a much wider range of colors.
- ✔With 4K/120Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
- ✔The STR-AZ5000ES is fitted with the 8K pass-through feature and able to send 8K signals directly to an 8K TV without degrading image quality.
- ✔ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
- ✔eARC is more bandwidth-intensive than ARC and therefore allows Sony STR-AZ5000ES to support advanced high-quality audio formats.
- ✔The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Sony STR-AZ5000ES and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
- ✔This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.3 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
- ✔Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
- ✔Has access to the Amazon Music network service.
- ✔Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Sony STR-AZ5000ES.
- ✔The main functions of this model can be controlled using voice control.
- ✔This receiver consumes less power thanks to ECO mode.
- ✔Sony STR-AZ5000ES uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
- ✔The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
- ✔This AV receiver is able to use 3 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
- ✔With the included microphone, the Sony STR-AZ5000ES can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.
Sony STR-AZ5000ES Cons
- ✖The STR-AZ5000ES has not a phono (MM) input for connecting a phonographer or turntable.
- ✖Has no speaker A/B switching function.
