Sony STR-AZ7000ES 13.2 Channel 8K Receiver Review

Specifications

This year's flagship model is the STR-AZ7000ES, which features 13 powered channels with a wide range of configuration options. It weighs approximately 50 pounds and has a larger power supply than its sibling, the AZ5000. Measuring at 16-inches deep by 7.25-inches tall by 17-inches wide, this receiver is definitely a monster. The STR-AZ7000 is rated at 150 watts per channel with 2 channels driven. It will be less wattage with all 13 channels driven, but it's still more than enough power to run most setups. Although there are large amps inside of the receiver that would likely prevent you from ever needing to add more power, all of the amp channels have preamp outs to add external amplification if needed.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2 are all included in the STR-AZ7000. It supports Google Assistant and has the "Works with Sonos" official certification for effortless compatibility with a Sonos whole-house audio system.

Looking at the back of the STR-AZ7000, there are six HDMI inputs, four of which offer 4K at 120 Hz, and two HDMI outputs with the primary one supporting eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Four of the six HDMI inputs offer 8K at 60 Hz, as well as VRR and ALLM. The receiver also supports HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and is IMAX Enhanced certified. There are two antennas for the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as an Ethernet connector for a wired connection.

There's a coaxial and an optical digital input, analog inputs, an S center output for compatible Sony televisions, and two subwoofer outputs. The Sony STR-AZ7000 also supports multi-zone with Zone 2 and Zone 3 management.

The STR-AZ7000ES has several new center channel enhancement features to help provide the best center channel listening experience. While some individuals have acoustic transparent screens set up with the center channel positioned exactly in the middle, making it sound like voices are coming out of the screen. Most people, however, place their center speakers beneath their television or screen. With Sony’s new center channel enhancement features, you now have three options to help improve your center channel listening experience.

The first option is Center Speaker Lift-Up, which employs front-height speakers to assist in lifting the center channel sound placement to the center of the screen. The second option is Acoustic Center Sync, which works with compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs to improve center channel sound by combining your center channel speaker with your TV speakers. The last option is Dual Center Speaker, which is only available on the STR-AZ5000 and STR-AZ7000 models. This function allows you to employ a top and bottom center channel speaker to enhance your viewing experience on larger screens.

From there, you can access the speaker settings, which are among the best I've seen. As with other home theater receivers, you enter the distance between your speakers and your primary listening location. The next screen allows you to enter the speaker distance from the screen, and the next is to enter the distance between each speaker and the floor. You can also enter the distance between your ears and the floor, as well as the height of your room's ceiling. All of this additional information enables Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to operate more accurately.

Setting up the receiver with my 7.2.4 system was pretty straightforward. For my setup, I’m running the Klipsch Reference Series as well as the KEF Q series setup. After plugging in all of the speakers, I connected the provided microphone, which has two wings clearly labeled left and right mic. I conducted two passes with the microphone at various places. In comparison to some of the other manufacturers' speaker stands, the tripod includes a threaded insert which is quite nice. After all of this, there are a few EQ settings to choose from, the Full Flat, Engineer, or Front Reference. I find the Engineer setting to be the best with my setup.

The final option is to enable spatial sound mapping. This is turned off for most of my testing since my speakers are ideally located within my room. Turning it on gives you the sense of a broader soundstage without sounding artificial, but turning it off gives me more directionality and punch from my surrounds and Atmos speakers. Since not everyone can have their speakers perfectly situated, spatial sound mapping might be the best option.

Performance

The STR-AZ7000 handles Dolby Atmos audio in busy action scenes accurately in films like "Uncharted” by placing the objects exactly where they need to be. This is especially noticeable when Nathan Drake is flung from the airplane and fragments of the automobile and cargo can be heard all around you. Even during the hectic action moments, such as the ending scene where they are fighting on the ships as they are being transported across the ocean, the Sony receiver manages to transmit the language between Drake and Sully without any distortion or muddiness by the surrounding sound effects.

Moving on to "Dunkirk" the STR-AZ7000 puts on an incredibly strong performance. The dialogue is crisp and the effects are well defined, with the bass effectively incorporated. The receiver handles dynamic range fluctuations with ease, portraying the eeriness of the quiet moments to the intensity of the action scenes.

Listening to two channel music is also a fantastic experience. Fleetwood Mac's "Tango in the Night" demonstrates a large and expansive soundstage with outstanding stereo imaging. As a result, instruments are perfectly arranged at the front of my room with strong detail retrieval. This is due in part to the new 32-bit DAC. If you're an audiophile, this receiver will not replace a specialized two channel amp, but it will satisfy the vast majority of people.

FAQ

How long do Sony receivers last?

After around 8 to 12 years of use, receivers and amplifiers need some maintenance such as changing capacitors. The lifespan of well-built equipment can range from 20 to 30 years, possibly longer.

Do amplifiers sound better than receivers?

The volume of sound produced by a stereo amplifier is determined by its power, which is measured in watts. As a result, higher powered amplifiers generate better and clearer sounds than lower powered amplifiers. The AV receiver on the other hand, is designed to receive both audio and video signals, and its output does not necessarily depend on its power.

Which class amplifier is best for sound quality?

Class A design is the least efficient yet provides the best sound quality. Class B design is somewhat more efficient, but has significant distortion. Class AB design offers a powerful punch in terms of power efficiency and sound quality. Class D design is the most efficient, although it is not quite as high-fidelity.