Nearly 80 years ago, an electrician named Masaru Ibuka started a company in Nihonbashi, Japan that would go on to become Sony. In 1950, Sony released its first audio product: the GT-3, the first Japanese domestic tape recorder.
In 1965, Sony introduced the TA-1120, the first all-silicon transistor integrated amp, rated at 50 watts per channel. Beyond hallmark performance, the 24-plus pound integrated amplifier heralded the launch of Sony’s Elevated Standard (ES) series, which continues to this day.
Sony’s ES is the oldest Japanese high-fidelity series, and the “Elevated Standard” concept was born from the desire to create higher-quality audio products for the professional tape recorders that were built for studio use at the time. The process of using hand-selected components and specially trained engineers to assemble these higher-performance products migrated to consumer audio with the release of the TA-1120.
Over its 60-year span, there have been many remarkable standout products in the ES family, all built on the Elevated Standards hallmark of delivering unparalleled performance. Some standouts include the CDP-701ES ES CD Player (1983) with an all-metal chassis, copper-plated heat sinks, and isolation feat; the TA-E1000ESD (1989), a preamp featuring DSP for EQ and speaker time alignment; the DST System (1991) the world’s first all-digital multi-room audio system specifically designed for residential integrators; the SCD-777ES (1999) audiophile 2-channel Super Audio CD player; the TA-N9000ES/TA-E9000ES (2001), Sony’s first multichannel preamp combination and featuring frame and beam construction; the STR-DA9000ES (2004), Sony’s first AVR to feature a full digital amplifier section; the BDP-CX7000ES (2009) 400-disc Blu-ray mega-changer; and the STR-ZA5000ES (2016) 9.2-channel AVR with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X designed for the CI channel.
ES Today
These products helped establish Sony’s heritage in the high-performance audio space and featured technological milestones that have led up to Sony’s current ES receiver line that stands on these 60 years of innovation. The highlight of the current ES line is the flagship STR-AZ7000ES 13.2-channel AVR — the most feature-rich and highest-performing receiver in Sony’s history.
The hallmark throughout the ES lineup is built on three fundamental principles: Build quality for the highest audio performance, reliability, and integration.
Related: Sony’s New ES AVR is a Game Changer
Sony has been developing ES products specifically with the needs of the custom integrator in mind since 1991, and that bond is stronger today than ever. Current ES products are built with the highest audio performance in mind, culminating in the design of the STR-AZ7000ES, which includes a newly designed, rigid frame-beam chassis, upgraded heat sinks, specially developed lead-free ES-grade solder, a larger capacity power transformer, newly designed and upgraded capacitors, a redeveloped digital section and digital circuit board, a new 32-bit DAC with improved analog power supply, and a new buffer amp designed to improve sound clarity for high-resolution audio.
Reliability is backed by a five-year parts and labor warranty that includes pre-paid shipping if a repair is needed. There is also a dedicated ES support phone number staffed by trained product experts.
Made for Custom Installation
Sony has always understood the importance of robust control options in its ES line. This started with a robust IR code set library offering discrete commands to nearly every function, moving to RS-232 control in the mid-’90s, and then moving to IP control in the 2000s. This integration legacy continues with the modern ES lineup and third-party control is supported by major automation partners like Crestron, Control4, Elan, RTI, Savant, and URC, as well as remote monitoring via OvrC and Domotz.
The STR-AZ7000ES also incorporates numerous custom-installation-friendly features like configurable Zone 2 and 3 distribution, full 13.2-channel pre-outs, a front-panel USB input for updates and saving settings, three 12-volt triggers, Web-based setup, seven HDMI 2.1 inputs with four supporting next-gen sources like 8K and 4K/120, optional rack-mount ears, Roon integration, and “Works with Sonos” to easily integrate with a whole-house Sonos music system.
The STR-AZ7000ES carries over two other features that were first launched with the ZA series: the discreet front-panel “Ping” and “Test Picture” buttons. While seemingly simple, these allow integrators to quickly recall the unit’s IP and MAC address on the front panel, as well as to output a variety of test video signals to ensure the HDMI signal chain is working from receiver to display.
Related: Sony STR-AZ3000ES 9.2-Channel, 8K AV Receiver Review
Sony has not forgotten the most important person with its new ES line: the consumer. On board the STR-AZ7000ES are the most-desired consumer performance and convenience features. This includes support for the most advanced object-based audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced, along with Sony’s exclusive 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create a more immersive listening environment. The 7000ES also features a newly developed Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX system for superior room correction in any environment. Streaming audio is supported via Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay. Finally, the Sony Music Center app allows full device control and operation.
With the new STR-AZ7000ES, Sony has not only built on the rich 60-year heritage of its Elevated Standards lineup, but has also created a statement piece worthy of carrying the ES badge into the future!
For more information, visit www.sonypremiumhome.com/receivers.
