NEARLY PERFECT? | Sony AZ3000ES AVR REVIEW | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
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The Sony AZ3000ES may not have a full set of pre outs, even though it is a 9 channel AVR. But despite that limitation, it has some incredibly unique features that I can get behind! 360 Spatial Sound Mapping doesn't sound that great...UNLESS you engage a certain feature in the initial setup. Then it sounds AMAZING! Check out this deep dive into this stellar AVR and see if it's going to be your next purchase!
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MY HOME THEATER SETUP
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Valencia Oslo Luxury Home Theater Seating
us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
65” LG C1 OLED TV
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9ONsB1Q
Amazon - amzn.to/3lTcHMQ
Marantz SR7015
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9OFKp3N
Amazon - amzn.to/3F1VmcZ
IOTA AVX17 Preamp Processor
www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
Outlaw Audio Model 7000x Amplifier
Amazon - amzn.to/3NO6oGZ
Aperion Audio E7 Energy External Amp
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Peachtree Nova300 Stereo Integrated Amp
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Emotiva BasX A3 Amplifier
emotiva.com/collections/amps/...
FRONT LCR
Aperion Audio Theatrus T80 Cinema/Studio Monitors
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Aperion Audio Verus Theatrus T65S Slim Design Cinema/Studio Monitor
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
FRONT WIDES & VOICE OF GOD
Aperion Audio Novus Slim N6SC LCR
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
SURROUNDS
Aperion Audio Theatrus T65 Cinema/Studio Monitor
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
SURROUND BACKS
Aperion Audio Novus N6T Tower Speakers
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
ATMOS HEIGHT SPEAKERS
Aperion Audio A5 Height Module
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
LG UBK90 4K Blu-ray Player
Crutchfield - howl.me/cjaQUPGzaYc
Amazon - amzn.to/2UtSnZ0
2022 AppleTV 4K WiFI + Ethernet (3rd Gen)
Target - howl.me/cisDkXbJlob
Best Buy - howl.me/cisDm1Yyj9T
Amazon - amzn.to/3TeNTOl
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MY VIDEO GEAR
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Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Crutchfield - howl.me/civ2hfAl6qc
Amazon - amzn.to/3UDXK1w
Sennheiser MKE600
Amazon - amzn.to/3slMidQ
B&H Photo - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Sony A7 II Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Adorama - howl.me/cjyeYXlgb82
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OV8FEQ
Amazon - amzn.to/3GJqFty
DJI OM 4 SE
Adorama - howl.me/cjyeZTs9osQ
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OV8FEQ
Amazon - amzn.to/3zXAYcY
Shure KSM32 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9OEjHIG
Amazon - amzn.to/2QEVuLr
XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable
Amazon - amzn.to/3lYz1ED
JOILCAN 81" Tripod
Amazon - amzn.to/3hn7RoS
B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2Ua1LAr
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LINKS
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Everything you need can be found at the link below! Woohoo!
linktr.ee/ealanosborne
#sony #productreview #hometheater
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CHAPTERS
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0:00 Intro
1:01 SPECS
5:16 SETUP
15:46 App Runthrough
18:23 HOW DOES IT SOUND?
20:56 Practical vs Virtual Spaces
23:28 Some Bugs/Quirks
25:10 Wireless Speakers?
26:43 Center Speaker Enhancements
27:21 Price Comparisons
28:44 The Future of Immersion
31:00 Outro
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DISCLAIMERS
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites - Věda a technologie
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Ealan, this is a great video. Very well done and most informative I have seen in a while. Your live walk through was fantastic. Keep up the great work.
Thank you very much! 🙌
Great video man! That receiver looks dope!
Great thorough review! You delved into it all. This is a really nice AVR. My only concern are the software/electrical gremlins you experienced. I hate when stuff like that happens as it just makes me think there are unpolished edges that will eventually show up again, and there is never a good time for issues to happen. Reliability is paramount!
Very nice detailed review, loved it. I was looking forward to hear your comments about the 360 spatial and also believe this is the trend of the moment, allowing to create a near perfect envelop with your existing speaker setup. Interesting that Sony nailed the sub output right, it took me a while to dial it in with Audyssey, and had to find a compromise, just wish the subs were independent. The nail on the coffin to me is the lack of pre-outs, and also fully agree about the dated look. The menu structure also seems a little simplistic, missing the polished features and adjustments from D&M. Super nice review. It would be interesting to have an A-B comparison between known movie scenes with your Iota. Keep up with the great work 🖖🏻🙌🏻
I enjoyed the live walk through with the set up. All the AVR will have a different process ..so that's nice to get a full walk through.
You’re welcome! Was contemplating if I should leave that in or not. 😄
Excellent review and break down especially on 360 sound mapping.
My man! I’ve been waiting for your review!!! I’m bummed as well that the 3000 doesn’t have preouts. I’ve got the 3100 and original 3000 and they both have the pre outs. They sound amazing and the 3100 with Atmos is still relevant. Will be upgrading soon though! What’s interesting is the 3100 es and older ZA3000 es have the center channel lift up. It does move the sound but like you said you can tell if you get closer that the heights are adding the effect. Great review!
The AZ3000ES is the equivalent of the ZA2100ES from like 7 years ago.
You showed me how to tweak my AZ7000ES settings. Thanks brother.
Hey, no problem! Glad it worked even with the flagship 7000! 😁🤘
Funny that this review came out the same day I just picked up the Sony vpl xw5000es and AX 5000es 😊
WOOHOOO!
Thank you so much...love your videos. Your recommendation and overview of the 360 spatial mapping+virtual speakers made all the difference. After years of budget 5.1 receivers (Yamaha and Onkyo)...I finally moved up to Atmos and bought and setup a new Sony 1000 7.2 atmos receiver yesterday(including using amazon basics banana plugs which are awesome). This decision was driven purely for the 360 spatial mapping+virtual speaker placement correction along with virtual surround backs (makes my 5.2.2 setup seem as having more speakers)...I used the "engineer" sound curve (“the Sony listening room standard” frequency characteristics)....simply mind blowing! I never knew my system could sound so massive, so enveloping, and so crisp/clean. It is the first time ever I ran a calibration and never needed to make a single adjustment. It's wonderful.
I don't need external amps as I never listen at reference levels nor do I have demanding speakers in my relatively small/medium room.
Dude, that’s incredible! So happy it all worked out and exceeded your expectations! 😁🎉
@@ealanosborne Hoping one day you will do a comparison of 360 spatial vs direc live. 😊
I love the new Sony lineup I have the ES7000 and it's epic and a beast
Daaang! Jealous! 🤘
I ordered the 3000 ES after looking at a lot of models in that price range. I don't care for Dirac live (the cost and the required internet connection) so that's a plus for me and I have never needed pre-outs. The basic equipment works for me as long as it sounds excellent. And boy it does sound incredible. DCM Time Windows front and center channel with Klipsch surrounds and subs. It rocks! Great set up video. Picked up a few good pointers. Thanks!👍
Awesome! Glad it fits perfect for your situation! 🎉🙌
@@ealanosborne Is it possible to upmix native stereo sources for music into 360 reality? Is there a separate specific upmixer for 360 reality similar to DSU, Neural and Auromatic?
Been so happy with my SONY STR-DH790 that I got for a steal when Best Buy did a half off audio sale. 5.1.2 setup with 2 subs in my config. I know there are much better but this setup is waaay better than ANY sound bar.
🤘🤘
I have this avr on a payment plan can't wait
Great reviews!!! This is the receiver that I want to upgrade to. I agree with someone's comment about many of today's receivers have too many features that I don't need. We currently own the Sony STR-DH790 receiver. It's an excellent entry receiver as a great introduction to Atmos/DTS-X. Now that I have taken this receiver as far as we can go, the AZ3000 is the upgrade that we need. It has the right amount of channels, & we don't need to add a amplifier. I really don't feel it's right for the $1700 price tag, for features that we don't need. We're saving up for the model regardless. But your review was what I really needed to hear, so I'm sold on it. Thank you so much!!!
You’re welcome!!! 😁🤘
This is exactly what I need. Theater in the family room. Three sides with a huge kitchen on the other side, Virtual sound would work fantastic. But I have a Outlaw 5000x so need the preouts. When will Denon get on board with this tech. You have connections. Make it happen. I'm counting on you E.
Haha! I WISH they would listen to my every word. 😄 Someday, though. Maybe with the Denon X4900H or something… 🤷♂️
This is the most thorough setup video I've ever seen. Glad you did a step by step procedure. I have always been a big fan of Sony tv and ES receivers (not their prices though), evidenced by my still functioning vintage (1987) GX10 ES receiver powering my new Martin Logan Motion 15i speakers. Re: Audyssey, I'm ambivalent about it and run my system Flat vs Reference. Audysey is notorious for incorrect surround settings but especially poor sub calibration, so after Audyssey I fine tune those settings via SPL meter. So, I think I'll wait for the Nakamichi new sound system even though it's very expensive. Lastly my July 4th movie is always Independence Day 4K is DTS-X and what a treat it is. My system has never sounded better - and while the surrounds really pump - the subs (2 SVS PB1000) really slam tight and punchy. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks, Mike! 😁🤘
How are the ML 15i’s? I saw them being clearanced at Best Buy and should’ve jumped on some. Crutchfield has ok deals on them but not what Best Buy had. I really want to try those but I’m also just curious about any ribbon tweeter as I’ve never heard them. As a fan of B&W speakers, I’m used to a more forward speaker so I’m sure it is quite different than what I’m used to.
Been going back and forth between reference & flat myself. I feel like reference sounds clean and flat sound louder but a bit “harsh” maybe? My room isn’t that big and opens up into the kitchen on one side.
@@Mike.Macmyazka I've been an audiophile all my life (I'm 78 now) so I've had quite a few speakers in my life and I'll place the ML's right up there with the best of them. I 'stole' them from best buy for $450. I have them in a large living room and they fill the room with captivating sound. Got them in red walnut and my wife gives them 5 stars for the look of them. They sit perfectly on Kanto speaker stands. Both products are highly recommended. Will send a pic to you later. PS- if bb did not have them I would have bought them at Crutchfield because of their stellar reputation.
@@UnitedRedDevil13 I also have an alcove in my kitchen to tv room. Regarding sound try not to listen to others about about the 'best' settings. It really boils down to personal choice. If an 'audio expert' heard my system they would ask how I got such great sound and if they then saw my personal settings they would say (based on their bias and 'expertise') that I should change them.
HI Ealan, thank you for the review. I got my AZ3000ES after watching your reviews and some reviews on different forums. I am impressed by this AVR. I first got the Denon 4800H and I hated the music performance of it. No matter what mode I selected with Dirac or Audyssey, it sounded very thin and lack of bass, just horrible. Then I got the Marantz Cinema 40 and it sounded just as bad for music. For movie watching they both sounded amazing though. I then took a chance and got the AZ3000ES and I have been very impressed by its musical performance. The Sony really brings out the details of the tracks when it comes to vocal and instruments and the bass is decent. However, I wish the sound stage was wider though, but it could be because the power output is not enough while the speakers I have are not that easy to drive (Martin Logan XT-F200, Bowers Wilkins 702 s2, Bowers wilkins 706 s2, Focal Aria k2 936). What I like about the Sony is that when I switch the speaker impedance from 8 ohm to 4ohm, I can really tell the difference!! When I did that with the Denon and Marantz, it made no difference at all. the Sony powers my XT-F200 pretty well, but not as good as my Arcam SA30 as I never expected it to. I am planning to return the AZ3000ES and get the AZ5000ES so that I can connect it to an amp. If the AZ3000ES had pre outs for amp, I would be very happy to keep it. I will be using the Sony to listen Atmos/spatial sound music, which my SA30 cannot do.
Ealan, I am wondering if someday you could start reviewing one of those class D DAC or amp. I recently purchased a SMSL AO200 Mkii for my desktop and I couldn't believe how good it sounded when I first got it. It has much better sound stage than the AZA3000ES if you can believe it, but I could hear a tiny bit of distortion for the vocal when i crank it up passing 80 db. I have a feeling that after a few years these Chinese class D amps will close the gap between cheap integrated amps and the high end ones.
Wow! Thanks for your insight! Lemme know how it goes with the AZ5000ES! I wouldn’t suggested that initially, since going from a 4800H or Cinema 40 to AZ3000ES is a bit of a step down, in my eyes. But yeah, I would definitely power your fantastic speakers with some external amps. 🤘🎉
Great review! Glad I ran across your video’s. Question on the calibration. My room has the less than ideal scenario in which the sofa has to be placed against the wall. Will the phantom speaker settings in the Sony calibration improve the rear channel sound perception?
It’s definitely possible! Worth it to experiment with! 🙌
Great review! Anything yet on not being able to engage the subwoofer in 2-channel stereo mode? Thanks
The 5000 definitely sits in the best spot in the lineup, and could be a good alternative to Denon and Marantz if the room correction works for you, which is really hard to tell without actually comparing it back to back with DIRAC.
Sony as been in, and out of this market over the years in terms of quality. D&M have been sold. I'd have a hard time converting.
Have an Onkyo RZ-50 and this receiver looks so good! The Onkyo is my 3rd receiver and my first 2 were Sonys. Sony makes the best products
Great Review!!! Buy I wanna know if this AVR has good power amp built in, or if it can handler big or low ohms speakers. Thanks
I was very impressed with the power they provided to my big 4 ohm speakers. 🤘
I looked at ES 5000, NAD T778, and Anthem 114. Each have quirks in function it seems. Integrated BlueOS on NAD is best streaming service to me by far. Anthem unit is the least compromised amp by far, but SONY is the leader. Spatial mapping is a step change upgrade not seen in a while. My placement is mostly ideal but bubble effect is clearly noticeable to casual enthusiasts, whereas upgraded amp on Anthem is often lost on non-stereo usage unless a fan of 2 ch- stereo and care about difference.
The ideal unit to me would be spacial mapping on NAD T778 with BLuOS. That unit is now old release in AVR years so went with ES 5000 on crutchfield. I just connect to a higher end two ch stereo and done with it. Very happy. No pops clicks or issues. I just use preout fronts, and Panasonic top end bluray. No complaints at all. Just use digital laser to measure setups, and realize amp is slightly compromised but a value at this price point.
Panel on Sony is a bit sad but in reality I never use it anyway, nor would I use a LCD touch screen on any unit as I see it as a sales gimmick.
I got the An 1000 not so different but a bugger to set up over my old Onkyo 636.
Nice review thank you. I am wondering if the zone pre-outs are able to be set to the two hight channels to use an external amp for them?
No, sorry. Zone 2 can only process Zone 2. I WISH it could be reassigned! 😁🤘
I will probably kick myself later but I went with the 3000ES. I bought mine over a month ago. I am still setting up my theater room so I haven’t used it yet.
I wasn’t planning on spending that much on a receiver but I did. Originally was going to get a Pioneer VSX-LX505 open box for under $1000. When it was sold and I had to make another choice, I just decided to go to what I know (Sony). I’ve owned budget level Sony receivers before. My first was the STR-DE935 which I bought as a teen with a pair of B&W DM 602 S2’s. Later added 601 S2’s and a CC6 S2 for my 5.1 setup with an Energy ESW-C10 sub. Later I had a STR-DG720 which wasn’t nearly as good but I wanted HDMI. Now my 720 died and I got back into home theater with having a house for the first time in over 10 years. This is the first ES quality receiver I’ve had.
I’m going to start out cheap with the whole setup and eventually upgrade speakers/subs. I started with the 3000ES (I’ll kick myself for not spending more on the 5000ES even though I was about $800 over budget already…the pre outs would probably be nice down the road). And then I’ve got Jamo S 809 front, S 83 Cen center, S 803 rear, and two pairs of S 801’s for height. I also got two JBL 550P subs for this current setup. All in about $3000 with most of that going to the receiver. I still have an older (2012) Panasonic plasma 50” that I will upgrade to something in the 75” range when the plasma dies. I would like to upgrade to B&W 700 S3 speakers eventually and possibly use M1’s as my heights. But that’s a few years down the road.
Try engineer setup and lift the front (only applicable if FH is set) speakers to 3 or 4. It will widen the front like having another center or like having front wide speakers..
Cons. you will only get rear atmos.
Also try adjusting manually after the easy setup. It will give you more better sound.
The old model of sony za3100es / za5000es can make all this 360 feels like if you know how to play with it.
Thanks for the tip! 🤘
Hi Ealan. Thanks for the great review. Any chance you can make a video showing all the ins and outs of the web interface for this model? Apparently it offers much more control over the system than the phone app does. Thanks!
Oh interesting! I’ll have to dive a little deeper!
Would you take your current separates setup or a AZ5000es with amps? I currently have an emotiva MC1 and while it’s been decent, it has some glitches and the calibration isn’t amazing. I did notice a big improvement in sound going to separates and worried I may lose that going back to an AVR.
Thanks so much for this in depth look at a new Sony.Ive had Yamaha receivers for over 30 years(just because I know them so well). This year Im thinking of going from a 9 channel yamaha 2080 to the 11 channel Sony 5000ES. I have a 7.2.4 speaker setup so my first question is even though I physically have all these speakers will the virtualization option for 360 make any difference in sound? When you first ran the calibration did it tell you to put your subs at 50% volume like Yamaha YPAO does or did you just keep them at the level you had with your old system(dont want to blow any subwoofers)? Finally are you planning on using the Spatial audio calibration disc on the Sony? It made a big difference on my Yamaha but I wonder what it would do with a Sony? Im excited to try a new Sony, just a little concerned that im so used to the Yamaha sound that I might find Sony and all its calibration effects a little too artificial sounding? Im 90% home theater and it seems this line of receivers is aimed at that more than music listening.
Well, the great thing is you can essentially try both scenarios with the 2 presets you can save in the Sony AVR’s memory. Since you’re already a believer in manually dialing in your system, you should try that with Preset 1. Then perform all the virtual enhancements for Preset 2 and see which you prefer. 😊🎉
Hey Ealan...nice review. I just purchased the STR-AZ5000ES and sat it up this past Saturday (9-16-23). I am still playing around with learning all about this unit. I will have to run it as a 5.1 system for now with intent to continue to upgrade. I have CZcams tv and CZcams Premium. I use a Sony XBR-65X900E tv. I have to stream through the TV and use a Toslink cable to get sound to the 5000. My tv only has ARC not EARC. the picture quality is awesome but the audio with A Toslink kinda socks. But I am noticing a "popping" sound when I change channels in CZcams tv. I didn't hear that from my older Onkyo. Also, I am noticing a slight "miss" in the audio at different times but is continuous every 5 to 7 minutes no matter what channel I am watching. When first I heard it; I thought it was just the channel I was watching . Then later during the Nascar race late yesterday. I hope this doesn't continue.
Hmmm...very interesting. Is there a reason you're choosing to use Toslink out to the 5000ES? Since you're running a 5.1 channel system at the moment anyway, ARC can handle up to a 7.1 channel audio output, so you might as well go with HDMI, since it is the superior digital connection type.
@@ealanosborne ...I would definitely use HMDI but wasnt getting sound that way. I am using the TV thru Wifi and have an ethernet cable from the router to the 5000. I bought high speed HDMI cables. The Sony 4K Blueray player I have that down pat but don't know how to get sound from TV to the 5000. Am I missing something?
Pat yourself on the back, this may be one of THE most useful videos I’ve ever found on CZcams. While I agree that the term “game changer” is way overused, I think it does apply to these new Sony ES receivers. The room correction 360 spatial software combined with being able to use wireless speakers…….that’s huge! Now I don’t have come up with some lame method of running speaker wires to the rear. Now let me ask you this. We know these amps quickly lose steam the more channels used. Wouldn’t it follow that if I were to use the SA-RS5 speakers for rear surround and height in a 5.1.4 speaker array, since those amp channels aren’t really being used to power speakers, that it would leave more power for the front L/C/R and front height channels? I’d only really be using 5 channels of amplification out of the 9. Too bad I could use those other channels to bi-amp the fronts. Anyway, great job on this!
Thank you so much for the kind words! And I hate to burst your bubble, but I’m fairly certain it only supports 1 pair of wireless surrounds to be used. And that’s either being used as surrounds in a 5.2.4 configuration, or as surrounds OR surround backs in a 7.2.2 configuration. Sony may add more wireless support with a future firmware update, but at the moment only 1 pair. Still, pretty slick that it’s even an option, so no fuss dealing with wires all the way back there behind your listening position. 👍
hi. loved the review. Have you tried the HTA9 with sub. I have this setup and I do like it. I do feel the speakers do lack sound quality but generally good. I was thinking of selling to go the ES 3000 avr route with KEF meta front speakers and build on it later. So my question if you have tried is the benefits worth the cost and work wiring speakers in between these 2. Or maybe just another AVR... Thank you sir
I’ve tried so many times to get an HT-A9 system to review to no avail. 😭 But I have heard from trusted sources that (like you said) the A9 is pretty good for what it is. But yes, having a traditional AVR system is still superior, at least for now. 😁
Great run through on this! The pre out thing is a must, total fail on Sony.. they should refresh with a 3100 model that adds the pre outs
Agreed!
Me too
So Ealan, set it to Type A and engage 360 spatial sound mapping and we're good to go.
Hey Ealan, thanks for the review, really appreciate it and seriously considering the step up model. Just wondering, do you think the 360 spatial sound best Auro 3D upmixing? I’m going with a more Auro 3D setup with front height and mid height channels, and was wondering if you think a receiver with Auro 3D is a better option than one of the new Sony receivers? Thanks for your input and love your reviews!!
Hmmm…I honestly think they’re somewhat equal in that regard. You could do well with either, even with a more Auro 3D speakers Setup, since the Sony has that virtual speaker placement feature for wherever your speakers may be. 😊
@@ealanosborne perfect, thank you so much! Also do you think I need rear heights if I’m already going with front and mid heights (placed directly above surrounds and pointed at the MLP)? Are 6 atmos speakers really that much better than 4?
@@usmankhalid990 I hope to test that out myself fairly soon. Stay tuned! 😁
@@ealanosborne looking forward to it!
I just got the 5000es Monday to upgrade from my 3100es
Dude! What an upgrade! 🤘🎉
@@ealanosborne thanks, I just wish it still had the 8 port Ethernet hub, that hub was great, now just collecting all the parts and saving for the Z9K to go with it
Sounds like a feature some what similar to Marantz and Denon speaker virtualizer option which I don’t see much reviews about…
Great video. Just bought. Still researching ease of use.
Sony *DSEE ULTIMATE* alone is a must have.
this is Still better than HT-A9 also mark 2 (*i hate the overall look and also lack of BLACK color option)
____
For people complaining about cost (sony has a *military discount* @ 10% off majority of products bought directly) join the military
Pre-outs are getting outdated due to technology (but sony should have kept it for AZ3000 atleast for front 2.1 setups)
Thank you for this detail et very well explained review. I have the Sony SRT-AZ5000ES receiver (11.2 channel) which I use with a 5.1.4 set up. I recently purchased the Sony SARS5 Wireless Rear Speakers so I could upgrade to 7.1.4. But when I connected the two Sony SARS5 Wireless Rear Speaker, which I used as surround back left and right, the two rear height speakers in my initial set up 5.1.4 did not work. I could hear the sound in the wireless rear speakers but not in the rear height speakers. What do you think?
Hmmm…I’m not sure what’s going on since I had the 3000ES, so that sounds like a possible bug in the software, disabling rear height information when wireless surround backs are used. I might contact Sony and let them know. It may be a known issue that they are trying to fix, or perhaps they know how to resolve the issue. 🤷♂️
Thank you so much Ealan. I will try to contact Sony also
@@jeanphilippevalentin4875Send back those wireless speakers and get wired speakers with wireless transmitter. They sell a 2.1 version with 100 watts per channel I have the subwoofer version of it and it has been flawless. It does come with some crappy cables that I will occasionally hear some feedback until I wiggle the cable. That’s the only issue I had. I just ordered a new subwoofer cable so I’m hoping that issue is resolved. It only happened twice in about 4 months time but it annoyed me quite a bit. The brand I have is the Dynasty Proaudio. Mine costs $120 I believe it was and I couldn’t be more happy with it. Other than the minor feedback when not playing anything I have never had audio dropouts.
I appreciate this review as I've now had mine for about a month and a half yet this helped me better understand the 360 mapping. For sure would have loved pre-amps but honestly doubt i would ever add other amps anyway. Just wish i could make the subs play on 2 channel stereo listening. If anyone figures that out please let me know. I can only get them to play if i do multi channel stereo but rather just hear my fronts with added sub(s).
Huh…interesting. I’ll let you know if I come across how to engage subs with 2 ch stereo. 🤘
how do u like your sony, movies and music, what did u have before
@@mikeschmidt2339 movies and ps5 games sound pretty epic with how accurate the 360 mapping seems to be. Music is also great but would be much better if i could run my system as 2.1 instead of only 2.0 or 7.2.2 (current setup.) The 32 bit DAC seems to be worth the upgrade from my old onkyo nr7100. Did appreciate the dirac live on that one but still prefer the surround effects from the sony over the onkyo.
Thanks for the video brah!! 👍
You forgot the most important spec tho! What’s this thing weigh ?? Lol
Ha! 41.2 pounds, if you MUST know… 😄🤘
@@ealanosborne thanks! wow heavier than I thought I would be. I would've guessed about 27 lbs. going to move it up on my wish list lol
Hello Ealan, thank you for the detailed review, but there is option that no one online talks about, is the sony 's"in-ceiling speaker mode". Is this something you can look at and maybe do a review on? thank you
Yeah, I'll see what I can do, since I just installed in-ceiling speakers in my living room that are meant to be my main speakers, not height speakers. :)
@@ealanosborne i'm afraid to even mention in ceiling front and center online, all the enthusiast gang up to tell me how wrong that is :)
@@emilkhisamov1521 Haha! 😆 Yeah, in the end it was something my wife still BARELY approved of, but I convinced her it was a good compromise, being able to have the power and fidelity I wanted while being virtually invisible and not having speakers in the way or sticking out like a sore thumb. 😄
There's waaaay too many features and built-in extras in today's AVRs for my needs. I just want a unit that provides great audio for movies and music for my living room via HDMI. I'm hoping Ealan's upcoming review of the Emotiva MC-1 is going to give me reason to save up for one and the amps to go with it.
Oh. And go Giants!
Yeah, buddy! That NL West is LOADED this year. Gonna be close race for the playoffs come September! 🤞
Hey ealan! Great review, was waiting for it! Sad to hear you have not experienced dirac yet. I have a 3800h and dirac really tightens the sounds. Everything is more precise and detailed. Piano keys are more impactfull. It really made a big diff in my system. How would you rate the sony for that? Thanks!
Yeah, I’d love to maybe get my hands on the RZ50 to check out Dirac. I did really enjoy the trifecta that Sony offered in the AZ3000ES, so I wonder just how much better Dirac could’ve done… 🤔
coming from the sr5008 how is the 3800h and vs rz50 looking at reciver s
@mikeschmidt2339 I had a sr6008 before. Added a parasound poweramp which made a big difference. After that bought the 3800 for dirac and atmos and that in turn made a big difference again. I am really pleased at the moment. Although my living room does not allow for perfect placement of the speakers sony 360 solution does sound intriguing. If I where you I would try both, you can always return one of them.
thanks
@@jeroenvanwesemael8556i got the rz50 I like it only oddly people speaking sound nasaly
Awesome explanation n ì watched full video with out skippin!! And one more doubt is im planning to upgrade to 9 chnls n onkyo or this one?!?
RZ50 all day
@@ealanosborne 🫡
@@ealanosborne. Onkyo has apready signed for bankruptcy and new managament has taken over. But as of now there is no service back up assurance!!! ??
Is tat so. I askd a delaer fr onkyo he told me this? Is it ok to buy onkyo!?
@@gowthamk5392 Yes. Bankruptcy is often a strategic move for a large corporation like Onkyo. Onkyo/Pioneer/Integra are all owned by Klipsch now. They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. 👍
@@ealanosborne thnk u boss
Random but, do you have a similar video on tips for setting up a denon x3800?
I don’t, sorry. Although I just did a Marantz Cinema 70s 7 Channel setup walkthrough video. I know it’s not exactly the same, but it’s the same menu system… 🤷♂️
Sir Please review sony HT A9 with SW-5 subwoofer
Thanks Ealan
Hi Ealan, does your receiver make a “mechanical” click/thump sound inside its chassis when you power it on? Like a relay click, but VERY loud. I have an AN1000 and I wonder if the 3000ES does the same thing…
Hmmm…I don’t remember hearing anything like that when I reviewed it. I would’ve made a note of something like that, had I heard it
The latest firmware update fixed that and I no longer hear the sound. I have a AN1000 as well.
Hey Elan I have a question, I’m hesitating on getting this Sony receiver or the Denon 3800h, which one do you think sounds better?
I think Sony’s room correction software + 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is fairly comparable to Dirac Live on the X3800H (if you wanna spend the extra $200 for it).
The other thing to think about is that the AZ3000ES in particular doesn’t have a full set of pre outs, so you’re forced to only use the internal amps for however long you own it. The AZ5000ES & AZ7000ES do have a full set of pre outs, though.
The X3800H DOES support the use of external amps if you choose to make that upgrade down the road, bringing out more detail and channel separation by not using its internal amps. It also supports up to 4 subwoofers, so the ability to expand your system over time is greater with the X3800H.
Food for thought. 🤔😃
Thank you
Will this AV receiver support the HT-A9 speakers? The center cannel is not so good on hta9, may be moving to avr and adding a center speaker along with a9 speakers is my thought.
Unfortunately not. Sony mentions these new ES AVRs only support the RS3S or RS5 surrounds, or SW3 & SW5 wireless subs. Unless they’ve changed that… 🤷♂️
Does it come with Voice Zoom 3? AI the only reason I like preouts is to amplify the center but now that they’re focusing more on software to enhance vocals preouts would be wasted hardware for me personally.
I don’t think it’s currently on the new ES series AVRs, but it may be on a future firmware update? 🤷♂️🤞
I thought this had pre out is this not the same as rz50 which im currently trying
First off, I hate hate hate the phase "Game Changer", but the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping seems to fill in what I use to think was surround sound was. I imagine the closest thing to 360SSM would be Auro-3D, ultlizing all of your speakers mostly all of the time and not when the mix tells the AVR to place sound. It's as if the Virtual Space and 360SSM is a room upmixer. My first AVR was a Sony STR-DN 1080 and in a small room it sounded pretty good, but lacked power in my new living room. If SONY gave us Auro-3D, manual EQ abilities, preouts, and better bass management, I think they could really gain back some of the market share.
Nice Review.
Totally agree! They could really be heavy hitters in the HT space if they offered all those options you listed. Hopefully they're listening! :)
The thing I'm trying to figure out, is whether this 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is something that's going to want to make me forgo going the Denon/Marantz route that has Auro 3d? I know Andrew Robinson loves the Sony and it is still his highest-rated receiver. Shane Lee also had some positives to say about it. I'm strictly deciding on ES7000 or something along the lines of Cinema 40/30. I'm looking at 11 channels of processing. It seems I just hear amazing things about the immersiveness of the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
@@Professor5180 well the good thing about the Sony is the setup process seems to be fairly quick as opposed to Denon and Marantz where you should manually calibrate to get the best sound.
oh man i am torn between onkyo rz50 and sony az3000, I have an standard rectangular room with no funky walls or any sound treatment and the MLP is against the back wall, so will sony's sound mapping improve the atmos experience, I currently have 5.2.2. running on a denon avr s750h., which one would you choose? thanks in advance for your advise
I think it’ll all come down to your future plans. The RZ50 is way more expandable, having a full set of pre outs to eventually add external amps for better channel separation and detail. The AZ3000 can only power speakers with its internal amps. 🤷♂️
Does all this processing juice work with gaming?
So, auto calibration + speaker relocation + 360 sound mapping with a ps5/xbox/PC in game?
Hmmm…great question, since gaming audio is different. But I imagine with Sony being a next Gen gaming company, they took that into account. If what I heard with movies sounds great, I imagine it also translates well with video games… 🤔
Awesome video, as always!
1700 for no pre outs and no dirac? I dont think i would ever pay that. My denon 3800 was on sale for 1400, why did sony do this?
🤷♂️
Because they can. I originally was going to try to get the Pioneer LX505 for pre outs and Dirac. When I couldn’t get the open box model from Best Buy that was an amazing deal (originally didn’t want to spend more than $800), I just took a blind leap of faith towards the AZ3000ES. I’ve owned numerous Sony receivers and nothing else but also nothing ES before. I figured the $1800 after tax was way too much but fuck it. I was committed. I may kick myself for spending too much or on the other end not spending the extra $400+tax for the 5000ES. Financially stupid, but I have faith in the receiver and it’s features/power that I’ll be happy for a while. If not I’ll sell it at a loss and buy the one I originally was going to get.
video would be great if the menu screens didnt get blurry randomly
Can you verify that I can use L+R wired speakers along with Sony's Wireless Speakers at the same time with their receiver? It would be great to add qty 4 of Sony SARS5 speakers for surround channels along with my wired Front Left and Front Right. Maybe they can still use their built in upward firing 4 atmos channels?
I’m not 100% positive, but according to the manual, you can assign wireless speakers to Surround OR Surround Back, but not both. It supports up to 2 wireless subwoofers, but I’m pretty sure it only supports one pair of wireless surround speakers.
@ealanosborne thank you for the info and especially that there is a chance only 2 of the wireless speakers are pairable for surround duty.
I’m on the fence between the 3000 and 5000 model?? Staying 5. and maybe moving up to 7. channels. Mostly movies. But also want to future proof myself. Can the 3000 push most bookshelf speaker living room theatres without extra amp needed? In the 5. and 7. realm.
Oh sure. I was impressed with what the internal amps of the 3000 could do, especially with Sony’s room calibration and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping engaged. I guess the ultimate way to future proof your setup is to get the 5000, TBH, just because of the pre outs as a nice insurance policy, if and when you decide to get better speakers that can handle more power. 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne Thanks bud. Plus I’m sure Sony would allow for “longer” updates for the 5000 model. Vs the lower 3000 model. Which is theoretically future proofing one’s self to. I appreciate the response!
OMG. Your daughter is so cute.
Heehee! Yeah, I have my background screen set to change every time I wake up my phone, so it searches through all my photos and chooses random pics. She’s almost 9 now, so I love the random instances where I get to be reminded of her baby cheeks when she was younger. 😊
Would the 360 spatial sound mapping work in a room with vaulted ceilings? Thanks
If it’s upward firing height speakers (that bounce sound off the ceiling), no, not really. I wouldn’t recommend those with vaulted ceilings.
But if it were speakers mounted on the ceiling, the effect would be much better. Still not ideal, but better.
But with vaulted ceilings, I highly recommend mounting height speakers up 30 degrees from your head where you sit. And 30 degrees might end up being high up on the wall, not necessarily on the ceiling, depending on the layout and size of your room. 30 degrees is where I’ve mounted mine. 👍
@@ealanosborne misread. Thanks again!
Spatial 360 or Dirac Live? The Pioneer lx305 and Sony an1000 can be had for the same price.
If you enjoy the process of tweaking and making adjustments to your system, Dirac Live. If you prefer a great virtual bubble of immersive audio without needing to do much? 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. 👍
@@ealanosborne The other question...which will be more reliable...seems both have issues with either hdmi or hiss sounds...I am leaning towards lx305 due to 9.2, but the 360 spatial audio is very intriguing...btw, the lx305 is only $520 new right now at Adorama and an1000 is $430 open box sold and shipped by amazon warehouse, otherwise about $600 new when on sale
@@user-th6pz2pj6o True, I’ve heard about those issues. My first 9-channel AVR was an Onkyo TX-NR787 which was great. I still have it in my warehouse. Used it for several years and not many issues at all (since Pioneer and Onkyo are owned by the same parent company). I can’t say the same for Sony, since I reviewed the AZ3000 for a few weeks, then had to move on to other reviews. 🤷♂️
Hi Ealan, great review.. I am an audio geek and am looking to move from my current receiver to a more sophisticated but also user friendly system... I am going to get the Sony, but ironically what tipped the scales is based on the "Watch" "listen" start up GUI experience.. Sony is the only company I know of that has partially figured out that most people that have home theaters just want to watch a movie or listen to music. Go figure? I like the specs on this....(dont need pre-outs).. For my Home theater, I am the only person around that knows AUX1=AppleTV or Video1=DirectV or HDMI2=Projector, or how to use the smart laser projector app's output through the receivers TV input to use the speakers...... I literally need a poster of instructions or be on call.. Sound familiar? I can go on and on. No, I don't need Control4.. id rather put the $$ into sound.. Other than turning everything on, the AVR can control inputs/outputs/sound fields/etc. And NO, everyone doesn't have a SONY receiver app on their phone and Harmony stopped making remotes. I predict someone is going to create an Apple like GUI front end that a normal human can use with a sophisticated AVR (and to not offend all the audio geeks, a simple switch to turn it back into 1980 line item GUI like most high end AVR's have). Interested on your thoughts on this.. everyone I talked to including those that have high end home theaters shared the same with me... They dont like having to call in audio consultants when something goes wrong. At least a my house, im it.
Yeah, it kind of like cars nowadays. They’re basically computers, too, so it’s not just about knowing the mechanics of a car to fix things, you have to be a computer scientist too! Sheesh! I do like to do things DIY, so I get how frustrating it is when things become too complicated, or you’re forced to call an expert just to fix a simple issue. Have you seen the Emotiva MC1 review I recently posted? Outdated GUI, but powerful. 🤷♂️
I don’t like how Sony’s run so hot. They should have changed the aesthetics too.
Dolby is too rich& strong that,I think dts will be history soon!Their social media pages and website reminds me of a shady company. Reminds me of the old camera /lens company vivitar's webpage
Would you go AZ7000es or Marantz Cinema 40? I'm torn...between the two.
Have you seen Andrew Robinson’s review of the Cinema 40? Pretty great! 🙌 He goes over that comparison since he’s heard both in his listening space.
@@ealanosborne Ah, no I havent. I’ll check that out, thank you!
@@ealanosborne awesome reference video and it gave me exactly what I needed to pull the trigger on the AZ7000. I can't wait to set it up. Thank you again!
@@MichaelStThomas Woohoo! 🎉
If you like music especially connecting to a turntable, get the Cinema 40. If you like gaming and movies, get the AZ7000ES. I returned the Cinema 40 and kept the AZ7000ES. To be honest with you, when i tested them side by side, the AZ7000ES sounded 90% as good as the Cinema 40 when it comes to 2 channel music. but the AZ7000ES blew the Cinema 40 out of the water when playing spatial sound music. I don't know what Sony did to the ES series AVRs, surround sound is incredible. For instance, when playing the same movies on both AVRs, the surround speakers were significantly quieter or less "active" using the Cinema 40, but they were very engaged when using the AZ7000ES. I like the AZ7000ES so much and now I got a refurbished STR-AN1000 to pair with my pc for gaming only, and the surround effect is just as good. Hope that helps.
Would it be better to get a Marantz Cinema 70 and Power Amps than a Sony AV Receiver
That would be my personal strategy… 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne The Cinema 70 has the lowest level of Audyssey. Would that fact alone not move you to pick the Sony?
They really need to improve the app, they are way behind others!
do the front located USB at 0:25 play video too ? or it is just for music...?
I’m not 100% certain (the manual doesn’t specify), but I believe it’s just audio? I think that’s why there’s also a front HDMI port, if you need a front input that can handle both audio and video.
@@ealanosborne well, a HDMI port don't help to play from a HDD or USB drive.
may you check it ? i means on your Sony AZ3000ES...
@@ealanosborne besides: "believe" is for the church... - we should to know !
There is only 7 terminals for speakers where do you hookup your second pair of Atmos speakers for a 5.2.4
The AZ3000ES does indeed have 9 terminals. Are you referring to the AZ1000ES, because that one only has 7 terminals...
Ok I'll look again
I must of looked at the back wrong or somehow looked at a different model sry for the mistake
Thx for the video
@@joemilanczuk7522 Yeah no problem! 🤘
Hello Ealan
Can you run 4ohm speakers on the 3000es?
You sure can! It is rated to support speakers that can handle between 4 - 16 ohm loads. 👍
I like Sony products. I have NX1000 headphones. $1700 for no pre-outs? I personally don't care for the Sony sound...thin and clinical but I also have found 110 watts x2 (same as my Marantz 6014 which also manages 11 channels) gets destroyed by the added Emotiva BasX 3 channel. My theater sounds like a theater. So, save your money and embrace the ability to expand with Denon, Marantz, pioneer .
You don't need a 9 channel Receiver to get a true three dimensional soundstage. All you need is a good quality 2 channel preamplifier and 2 channel power amplifier with your normal stereo speakers and a small device that applies crosstalk cancellation.
You’re a broken record, Rob. You’ve made this same comment several times before on various videos of mine without following through with specifics. I’m game. Tell me about this “small device” that applies cross talk cancellation. I would absolutely LOVE to experiment on your bold claims for this channel. Let me know, buddy! 😎🤘
@@ealanosborne First of all, do you know the meaning of "crosstalk cancellation" ?
@@aussierob7177just tell him the damn device and stop with the bull 💩 already my guy
@@aussierob7177get a life pal
@@aussierob7177 Sure. It’s a method of cancelling out certain signals between the right and left speakers so that it mimics a headphone setup. Like a binaural mix.
Honestly, most people will be find wit 3 channels LFR as most of the sound comes through the Center channel. Having surround speakers are great but only really used on action movies.😊
Most streaming content is at minimum 5.1 these days, so having at least that many speakers with worth it these days. 🎉
@@ealanosborne yes, I agree. I have 5.1 and a 7.1.4 theater, but what I am saying for a small room, the main 3 speakers are where most of your sound comes from. heck 2 good tower speakers could be enough, I used 2 Kef Q750 alone for a while just to see how it sounded for music and for movies and it sounded very good. yes you get more with more channels, but 2 great speakers are enough for most people and worlds better then the TV speakers that most people still use.
Love the channel. Have the Onkyo RZ-50, If I knew this Sony was available I would have gotten the Sony, there are some ways you see where the Onkyo saves money, Sony receivers alway felt like they were top of the line (ive owned 2 in the past and still have one of them its and ES model and is 15 years old and works fine.). Sony makes excellent products. The Onkyo is a great deal and you get a lot, but when you call the customer service line fore support you start to understand its a cheaper product in many ways, thats not to say its a bad product.
Damn Sony it's only software anyone can recreate that A9
What is IMax enhanced? And what does it do?
If a movie such as some marvel movies and a few others are formated in IMAX, your IMAX enhanced av receiver can decode it. It's a full screen format with dtx HD master audio. I guess what that means is it gives you a big picture and big sound.
I’ll be honest, I read your comment in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice. 😄 And yes, IMAX Enhanced aspect ratio makes sure to take up an entire 16x9 TV (and crisper video quality) instead of black bars on top and bottom.
IMAX Enhanced audio is tied to DTS:X, but only a limited amount of titles offer the audio portion, unfortunately (at least on 4K Blu-ray). Zombieland: Double Tap, Jumanji: Next Level, Bad Boys for Life are a few that come to mind.
@@ealanosborne Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe IMAX doesnt use a dedicated LFE or subwoofer, instead they have all full range speakers. Not sure if thats just how they have their theaters set up or if its actually recorded that way in the mixing of the IMAX process. I guess it makes sense to have all full range speakers at every channel, but most homes probably cant accommodate that and it would cost a lot more money. Personally, when I go and see an IMAX film, they just seem to be to loud. Loud is good but too load is not fun, thats why I tend to watch movies at home and for many other reasons. Its awesome that we all have so much technology now and its very inexpensive, one can buy a 85" tv for $1200 and a Dolby Atmos sound bar for $500 and you can have a great system for under $2k.
Personally, I think Marantz is overrated.
Even if Sony is lacking certain things at a specific price point, they still make up for it with the other bells and whistles that are there. For instance, you couldn't review the S-Center feature of this AVR, because you didn't have a Sony TV that has that feature. Word on the street is, if you have all compatible devices, then you get features you won't get with other brands. Sony is way ahead of other brands in that regard. They are kinda like Apple in that way (which could be bad, depending on your POV about Apple).
As someone that A) only uses 7 channels), and B) doesn't use/need pre-amp, I don't need all those extra speakers (but I do have speakers for Zone 2), this AVR absolutely works for me.
Plus, you can always get this stuff at a lower price point, if you wait long enough, so that's not really a big deal. If you're paying the MSRP, then you're paying too much for this stuff.
It's a shame sony do not sell them in Australia😡
Whaaaaaat?! 😳
@@ealanosborne Yeah they only sell the basic model
I bought a SONY 5000 ES to go with a new A95K TV. It will not communicate with the Sony TV. I spent two hours with Sony's TV techs and they could not get it to work. I spent another hour with Sony's amp tech and they could not get it to work. I was told to call Monday through Friday to talk to the ES Specialist. He would not help, not even make a suggestion. He said if I don't like it send it back. I am very disappointed with Sony's support.
Whooooaaaa! Crazy! Sorry you had to go through that. A Sony AVR should obviously communicate with a Sony TV without any hiccups, so one of the two must be a lemon... yikes.
Mine works flawless with my Z9K. Have you updated to the latest firmware? If you have, try to reset the AVR to factory setting and see how it goes.
@@kenaipaws477 I don't think the problem is with the amp, but with the communication between the TV and the Amp. I did up date both the amp and the TV. Sony could not fix it. I sent the amp back and went back to the NAD where at least I can stream music.
@@buddyjenkins7188 yours is probably defective, I would send it back. Besides of the 5000ES, I also bought a AN1000 and the eARC port was not working out of the box. If you do get a new unit, please check every single port and make sure they all work before the return window is closed.
I know you are up north, but these 105 days are killing us down here.
Oof…I’m in the hottest Northern California city. It’s not fun 🥵
Too bad about the lack of pre outs.
They are on 5000 unit but never understood why you would spend tons of money on amps for sound effect channels, but certainly fronts.
Why cant we get this in the uk
🤷♂️
No Pre-outs? A whole lot of NOPE. Denon X3800H for the same price.
I have to agree. An egregious omission.
Go for AZ5000 if you like the preouts. Sony sounds better without Dirac.
@@elmerbais Doesn't matter for me, I run an AVM70. I wouldn't run a Sony regardless though.
@@Mikey-Himself cool.. i used to have AVM50 just that too much to setup and recalibrate. I want something easy going, And just sounded like my 3100Es.
But Anthem looks cool though!
Denon sounds like hot garbage
You can only get the es1000 in my country. Lame.
😭
Promo sm 😏
so stupid all that robotic sounds calibration, and I have never liked the results
so you own it or are you just against auto calibration?
Actually were all waiting for Disney to shutdown.
What a wast of 🕦....not 1 mention of how it sounded with music......a well rounded system does both well......😤
So question now is an1000 or az1000 for a 5.1 nuance speaker system using old Harmon Kardon avr130
I’d say the AN1000 is your best bet, especially since it’s on a huge sale right now with Crutchfield ($599!) 👇👇
howl.me/ckSHk0PAaol