Sony STR-ZA5000ES 9.2-Channel 4K Home Theater AV Receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

2023-10-16T20:00:00

I have finally stepped up my home theater experience with this amp.

Mikey T.

Originally posted at

2021-02-27T19:00:00

SUMMARY: ========= - Great home theatre receiver capable of 4K, HDR/DolbyVision, & object based sound. - Sound field reproduction is amazing, clean, natural, & room filling both for theatre & music. - For best home theatre sound results, playback from 4K Blu-Ray discs – it just works! SETUP: (purchased as upgrade) ========= - OLD: Sony STRDA5300ES 7.1 channel 1080p. - NEW: Sony STRZA5000ES 9.2.2 channel 4K & Sony STRDH190 as secondary Zone2 2-channel bi-amp. - Polk Signature Series in 7.1.2 configuration plus 2 channel zone2 in adjacent room. PROS: ========= - Clean simple on-screen menus, browser accessible, easy re-mapping of most* inputs. - 11.2 channel decoding (2nd amp required to go beyond 9.2 amplified channels). - 4K HDR DolbyVision & HDR10 ready. - Plays/decodes anything. - Can drive 2 subwoofers (but am only using 1 as base is 'cleaner' with 1 sub). - When Dolby & DTS encoded sound streams are detected**, automatically upscales to drive all channels including height. - Easy to set/calibrate # of channels, distance, speaker type, & individually assignable cross-over frequency. CONS: ========= - Far fewer analog inputs than OLD receiver. If you are a collector of older analog equipment, like a Sony LaserDisc player, Sony tape deck, Sony VCR, etc., there are not enough inputs on this receiver to connect more than a few devices. Analog inputs on secondary amp were used to connect older equipment instead. - Fewer sound processing fields (eg: church, jazz, concert) than OLD receiver. - Zone 2 speaker outputs occupy the height channel connections; meaning driving 7.2.2 channels with powered Zone2 speaker output is NOT possible without a 2nd amp. - Hard to find DTS-X media; only 2 of 250+ Blu-Ray disks in my collection had this. - Both STRZA5000ES & STRDH190 answer to same remote control commands; no easy way to separate other than leaving one receiver off. - Can automatically turn on receiver when Blu-Ray player powers on, but cannot turn on receiver when AppleTV powers on. - No WiFi or Bluetooth – ethernet only; disappointing for a receiver this advanced. Using Bluetooth on STRDH190 for Zone2. - *Not all inputs can be remapped; a few analog/digital pairings were not available. - It is surprisingly difficult to test the full capabilities of this receiver as most upstream equipment doesn’t pass thru encoded sound streams very well, and often required specific setup steps to enable. Despite downloading several specially encoded files from Dolby Labs (eg: ‘Leaf’) and DTS labs (eg: ‘DTS-X object emulator’), achieving correct test results was tricky. --> AppleTV 4K can pass thru Dolby 5.1 with Atmos as E-AC3 (meaning, the receiver will recognize and display the sound stream as Atmos), however, it cannot pass thru Dolby TrueHD7.1 with Atmos or any form of DTS or DTS-X to the receiver. Anything higher than Dolby5.1 is passed to the receiver as LCPM lossless capped at 7.1 channels with no height channel or object-based sound encoding. --> **Playing back LCPM content does not automatically trigger Dolby or DTS Neural-X upscaling capabilities of the receiver when auto-frequency-detect mode is used. Dolby or DTS Neural-X need to be manually set when streaming certain titles from AppleTV. --> Sony 4K Bluray player UBM-X800MS correctly decodes and passes everything played from disc, but also cannot pass thru Dolby TrueHD 7.1 with Atmos unless served up from a m2ts file.

redmow

Originally posted at

2020-08-06T20:00:00

Hi I am unable to connect 7.1.4 pattern. I connected the external amplifier to the pre out. Did the selection of 7.1.4. However still nit getting audio from ceiling speakers. I tested the speaker tone and no sound coming out from pre out speakers. Do I need to select any other choices in the system. I checked and everyone is directing to the manual and I did all that. Please advise. Thank you Sony in advance. Regards Dr.KV

DrKV

Originally posted at

2020-01-18T19:00:00

Thanks to AllMightyFox's review, I have decided on the Sony STR-ZA5000ES to replace my T785 NAD. I have been looking for a better than most A/V Receiver without all the options for sound modes and various bull... In my opinion simple is better. I will include a review after I have had bought it and had it for a few months. In order to post this I will give every category one star.

BVHBaron

Originally posted at

2019-12-09T19:00:00

Bought the Sony STR-ZA5000ES about 1 1/2 months ago. Seems consistent with what a consumer might expect from Sony.

Barry45

Originally posted at

2019-12-05T19:00:00

Great receiver with excellent built in switching of audio and video. A major short fall for me are the RCA Audio IN jacks. Tried to hook up my Sonos Controller to any of the Audio IN on the back and none of them work. Called Sony and they told me this Receiver will not support the input of a preamp. This does not make sense and is a major shortfall. If I knew that this was not possible I would not have purchased this product. I know Pioneer supports Audio IN with the use of a PreAmp and so does Rotel. Insider these other options.

Gary17

Originally posted at

2019-11-20T19:00:00

Was not my first choice as I was coming out of a older NAD, but I am very pleased with its performance. I believe only the finest ear may be able to tell the difference in sound. Video i as good as the TV which doesn't say much. I would purchase this again without hesitation. Support is prompt and very good. Lacks HDMI 2.1

Jimboliolio

Originally posted at

2019-11-11T19:00:00

The manual that comes with the unit doesn’t even label the connections and explain what they do.. It’s terrribly written and absolutely no help. This is a far cry from the old days of ES quality

Joejoe22

Originally posted at

2019-09-18T20:00:00

Picked this receiver up open box, had been wanting one for a couple years to go with my 75" Z9D. Took about an hour and a half to get everything(TV,Player,Amp.), connected and programmed. As always Sony's programming is simple, direct, and user friendly. I configured it as 7.1.2, connected it to four older PA Tsi500's, 2 400's, a 20 center, and two 10's as uppers. Wow...this thing has no problem running at loud volumes, we watched several Ubd's...amazing. We don't do whole house automation, however as a stand alone amp. it works great. After two + years we get to watch the "Z", at one scene in a movie we had to cover our eyes to "block out the sun", yes I know I'm going off topic but wow! Good job Sony.

TheReviewdator

Originally posted at

2019-09-07T20:00:00

This receiver is very impressive! Set up was straight forward and easy! Ethernet connection is a must in my opinion as it allows additional set up options such as setting the crossover frequencies for all your speakers. The sound quality is incredibly rich and clean! The sound stage is deep and seamless from my towers to subwoofers with music and movies (something I have struggled with for years). Auto calibration seems to be very accurate as repeated calibration is very consistent.The video quality is very impressive as well with a notable improvement in picture quality. No regrets here!

Johnnyboy71

Originally posted at

2019-03-30T20:00:00

I've bought only Sony electronics for the last 40 years because I am convinced of their superiority over other brands. This is definitely top rate.

Tim K.

Originally posted at

2019-03-26T20:00:00

Truly the complete AV receiver. GREAT sound. Handles ALL my AV components. Easy to use. THE BEST!

Billy07

Originally posted at

2019-02-25T19:00:00

I bought this receiver about a week ago and just love it. I have been an avid Sony purchaser since I bought my first component stereo set in 1984. This receiver is packed with tones of features and is easy to set up. I love the expandability of this receiver and the 130W per channel. The sound is amazing whether I am watching a movie or listening to music. I also love the fact that I can setup the receiver online with its IP address. This receiver is sold and really heavy, but I think that is a testament to the build quality. The only things missing are WiFi and Bluetooth. Not a big deal to me, but could be useful to others. I also love the 8-port switch on the back as well. This will allow me to remove the switch I am currently using and free up some room behind my entertainment center. Don't hesitate to buy this receiver if you have the budget or if you can find it cheap like I did. I bought mine refurbished for less then a third of the MSRP.

Christopher700000000

Originally posted at

2019-01-05T19:00:00

Great amp works well with atmos speakers. Amp will not work with any other remotes

Al 4.

Originally posted at

2018-11-12T19:00:00

Sony's Flagship Audio Receiver STR-ZA5000ES (Elite Series) puts on a good front until you get into the details, where this device finds it's Dante's Inferno ?. PROs: 1) a great amount of hook-ups, can choose between running different speaker arrangements for customization 2) simple to use interface, set-up & calibration 3) I can't talk to it .... in an age of every device is monitoring and reporting on you, having not to worry about when Alexa/Cortana is going to call the police over jokes is wonderful. CONs: 1) Power : wish it had power to use all of hookups in a 7.2.4 or 11.2 2) Inputs : I can't even contemplate how they decided to put the "GAME" input on the front of the device ? they obviously didn't expect their PS4 owners to purchase this unit or they planned on a cable hanging out the front all the time ?!? 3) Sound Fields : missing great S.F.'s like Hall and Concert and left with only a couple options which really aren't options as much as requirements based on content. (Music/Movie) 4) Remote : I have many Sony devices and I generally love how my devices will use whatever remote I grab. (BD Player, TV) But the 5000 Elite Series doesn't work with other devices as friendly as most Sony devices do, leaving me grabbing at 2 remotes for whatever I plan on doing besides radio. 5) System communication : Before with PS4 hooked to Bravia tv I could turn on PS4 and tv comes on to right input, or turn on tv and put on PS4 input and it turns on the PS4, they were linked. This unit breaks that link and makes everything independent which is a shame. In the end this unit is overpriced even at $2200 (was $2800) It doesn't fail but it doesn't accel either, and being attached to a very inflated price tag only makes for buyer remorse.

LordDarkFox

Originally posted at

2018-11-12T19:00:00

Sony's Flagship Audio Receiver STR-ZA5000ES (Elite Series) puts on a good front until you get into the details, where this device finds it's Dante's Inferno …. PROs: 1) a great amount of hook-ups, can choose between running different speaker arrangements for customization 2) simple to use interface, set-up & calibration 3) I can't talk to it .... in an age of every device is monitoring and reporting on you, having not to worry about when Alexa/Cortana is going to call the police over jokes is wonderful. CONs: 1) Power : wish it had power to use all of hookups in a 7.2.4 or 11.2 2) Inputs : I can't even contemplate how they decided to put the "GAME" input on the front of the device … they obviously didn't expect their PS4 owners to purchase this unit or they planned on a cable hanging out the front all the time ?!? 3) Sound Fields : missing great S.F.'s like Hall and Concert and left with only a couple options which really aren't options as much as requirements based on content. (Music/Movie) 4) Remote : I have many Sony devices and I generally love how my devices will use whatever remote I grab. (BD Player, TV) But the 5000 Elite Series doesn't work with other devices as friendly as most Sony devices do, leaving me grabbing at 2 remotes for whatever I plan on doing besides radio. 5) System communication : Before with PS4 hooked to Bravia tv I could turn on PS4 and tv comes on to right input, or turn on tv and put on PS4 input and it turns on the PS4, they were linked. This unit breaks that link and makes everything independent which is a shame. In the end this unit is overpriced even at $2200 (was $2800) It doesn't fail but it doesn't accel either, and being attached to a very inflated price tag only makes for buyer remorse.

AllMightyFox

Originally posted at

2018-08-17T20:00:00

Bought from a Sony dealer who did a large amount of install work at the home. Only possible complaint would be the lack of digital audio (toslink and coaxial). Not all separates have HDMI. Thankful I kept my old Sony and placed th both in the rack!

WyattEarp2018

Originally posted at

2017-08-24T20:00:00

I bought this unit last month and am very happy I did.

Youngblood

Originally posted at