A Look at Sony’s New AV Receivers for Home Theaters

5 New Sony Receivers for 2023 

When most people think of ‘home theaters,’ they imagine high-end speakers, a projector, and a screen that lowers with a press of a button. However, for your home theater to work, an audio-video receiver is essential. 

Think of the receiver as the brains of your home theater system. It distributes media, powers your AV hardware, amplifies audio signals, and allows you to switch between media sources.  

If you’re interested in installing a new home theater, you’re in luck. Sony recently released five new AV receivers that make the theater experience even better. Here’s what makes each new Sony receiver unique—and how they’ll benefit your home theater sound system in Hypoluxo, FL. 

SEE ALSO: All in the Details: Project Spotlight on a Florida Home Theater Installation 

Sony’s ES Series Receivers 

In an exciting move for 2023, Sony has unveiled five sparkling new audio-video receivers (AVRs), including the budget-friendly STR-AN1000. But the highlight of their release is undoubtedly the four new additions to the Elevated Standard (ES) Series.

All four of these ES Series receivers possess valuable features. Custom integration is their fundamental design trait, ensuring all your home theater equipment collaborates seamlessly. Whichever ES Series receiver you pick, you'll experience Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats, 360-Degree Spatial Audio, and seamless connections to Sony’s wireless speakers. They all boast many connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay. 

One standout feature among these ES Series AVRs is the innovative 'center channel lift'. Activate this feature, and the receiver will utilize both the center channel and front height speakers to elevate the center channel image, creating the illusion of sound directly emanating from your screen.

In terms of visuals, all four ES Series AVRs support 8K and 4K HDMI connectivity and are compatible with HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Imax Enhanced video formats. Not to mention, the Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate make these receivers a fantastic choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Which ES Receiver Is Right for You? 

Let’s unpack these receivers and see what’s inside. The STR-AZ1000ES, the entry-level ES receiver, provides seven powered channels for surround sound speakers, which is more than sufficient for most beginner home theaters. 

Moving up, the STR-AZ3000ES includes 9.2 channels and now four 8K inputs, coupled with an extra ten watts of power compared to the 1000ES. If you're considering a Dolby Atmos surround sound system, the 3000ES, with its nine channels, is an excellent choice.

Next, the STR-AZ5000ES offers a remarkable 11.2 channels and steps up the game with 130 watts per channel. Plus, the 5000ES includes preamplifier outputs, allowing for the addition of larger amps to drive more powerful speakers. 

Finally, the STR-AZ7000ES, the flagship of the ES Series, boasts a whopping 13.2 channels and 150 watts, supporting practically any speaker you can think of. The 7000ES even accommodates three audio zones, enabling you to transform it into a whole-home audio system. This is the definitive AVR for home theaters of all sizes.

Complete Your Home Theater 

If you’re looking for home theater design and installation services in the Hypoluxo area, make First Priority Audio your destination. We install custom home theaters that combine luxury with performance. Contact us here to get started today!