The ES STR-AZ7000ES is a home theater receiver by Sony. It is a 13-channel design using a AB output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has an MSRP of $4,398.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a home theater receiver is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES is rated at 140 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 140 watts into 8-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 140 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES is rated at 140 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 121 to 180 watts band. The next band up is Over 180 watts, which is worth about 2.3dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 91 to 120 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has total of 4 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 1 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- 13.2-channel Preamp Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (Dual)
- HDMI Output (2)
Phono Input
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Surround Sound and Channels
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES is a 13.2-channel receiver, powering 13 speakers directly - the .2 is 2 subwoofer outputs, not extra amplified channels. It decodes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X (DTS:X Pro).
Video and HDMI
An AV receiver is the switch every source passes through on its way to the
television, so what it can carry sets a ceiling on the rest of the system.
- Pass-through: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz
- HDMI version: 2.1
Room Correction
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES includes
D.C.A.C. IX.
Room correction measures the speakers where they actually stand and corrects
for what the room does to them, which in a multi-channel system matters more
than in a stereo one - the surround and height channels are usually the ones
placed where they fit rather than where they should be.
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓13 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓7 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs, HDMI 2.1.
- ✓Video passthrough at 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz.
- ✓Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ✓Room correction: D.C.A.C. IX.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: Dual - more than one sub is the cheapest route to even bass in a real room.
- ✗The 140-watt rating is measured with two channels driven; expect less with every channel working, which is how a receiver actually runs.
- ✗At 21.8kg it needs a shelf with ventilation above it; receivers run warm and this one has mass to match.
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES External Dimensions and Weight
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (193.8 x 430.3 x 473.2mm ). The unit weighs
21.77 kg (48 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a home theater receiver may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES is approximately 2036.2cm2 / 315.6inch2.
- Width: 430.3mm (16.94")
- Height: 193.8mm (7.63")
- Depth: 473.2mm (18.63")
- Weight: 21.77 kg (48 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2036.2cm2 / 315.6inch2
- Volume: ~39.5 liter / 10.4 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
Sony |
| Full Model Name |
Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
13 |
| Amp Class |
AB |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
140 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
|
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
4 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
1 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
13.2-channel |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
193.8mm (7.63") |
| Width |
430.3mm (16.94") |
| Depth |
473.2mm (18.63") |
| Weight |
21.77 kg (48 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES?
The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES uses a Class AB amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Can I connect a turntable to the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES?
No. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES?
Yes. The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has dual subwoofer outputs, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES cost?
The Sony ES STR-AZ7000ES has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $4,398.
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