CEDIA 2016

Following the successful launch this year of its flagship STR-ZA5000ES A/V receiver (review in the October 2016 issue of Sound & Vision), Sony plans to roll out four new ES models next year for the custom-install channel.

Sony officials making the announcement at the 2016 CEDIA Expo explained that the STR-ZA3100ES (shown in photo; $1700, 7 x 110 watts), the STR-ZA2100 ($1,400, 7 x 105 watts), and the STR-ZA1100 ($1,000, 7 x 100 watts) are basically adaptations of the platform used for the $2,800 STR-ZA5000, which offers a number of features designed through consultation with the installer community. These include web-based configurability; support of ihiji, a cloud-based network management solution used by installers; and Crestron Connected certification plus compatibility with most of the major control systems. Like the STR-ZA5000ES, the STR-ZA3100ES also includes an 8-port Ethernet switch on the rear panel. A fourth model, the STR-ZA810ES ($800, 7 x 100 watts), is based loosely on the company's consumer AVR platform and sacrifices some of those CI features while gaining others intentionally left out of the installer-centric models, including Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.

All the new ES models are HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compliant, and all offer Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding on board. Additionally, the 7-channel STR-ZA3100ES and STR-ZA2100ES both offer 9-channel decoding, so may be used to power a 5.1.4 Atmos-DTS:X system with the addition of an outboard stereo amplifier. (The STR-ZA5000ES, which is being carried over, has a 9-channel amplifier and 11-channel processing.) The company's prorietary auto calibration technology, upgraded for the 5000ES to the current D.C.A.C EX version, is in all the new models. It uses a stereo microphone and 31 EQ bands to compensate for speakers in less than ideal listening positions. A new feature called Phantom Surround Back is said to offer up a 7-channel listening experience with five channels.

Other features include “frame and beam” box construction that increases rigidity, which, when combined with the receiver’s off-set feet, is said to help eliminate airborne vibration.

Sony says the new models will available in Spring 2017, with detailed feature sets scheduled to be released in early 2017.