Part 5 - Sony STR-AZ7000ES AV Receiver - Inhouse Review - 360 Reality Audio

[@tstfam]

Thanks! I've got 5.1.4 today and going to 7.1.4. I'm unsure what will give me a better result between Front Height and Surround back. I am likely getting the 5000es. What do you recommend?

[@ripewave]

The STR-AZ5000ES support 7.1.4 speaker layouts and does provide 11 channels of amplification at 130W -2ch driven. The STR-AZ7000ES would mainly give you a little more amplification; but the difference between 130W and 150W has minor impact to results. The other benefit of the AZ7000ES is two more channels of processing and amplifiers - so that is only if you plan to go beyond 7.1.4 say 9.1.4 or 7.1.6. Thanks for the donation. Let me know if you have more questions. -Jon

[@kevinhoronzy6011]

What a treat 5 parts!!

[@ripewave]

One more coming - I just mounted a center height speaker so I can test the Dual Center feature. -Jon

[@jb.2986]

Great explanation on Sony’s spatial audio technology Jon. We stream some of their spatial audio tracks using Amazon music and a Dell computer connected to a McIntosh MX123 processor via HDMI. This gives us high resolution playback and when coupled with the Auro 3D auromatic up-mix algorithm in a 7.2.6 system it works quite well on many of their tracks. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@ripewave]

Thanks for the tip on using a computer via HDMI to stream in the highest quality. Unfortunately the Sony models don't support HDMI connection - Marantz, Denon and McIntosh do - so it is good you found that path. As you use Auro-Matic, do you notice a difference when the source is 360 Reality Audio vs. Dolby Atmos or others? Jon

[@jb.2986]

@@ripewave I’m not sure I notice much of a difference between the two Jon. I’ll try to do more of a comparison in the future and report back.

[@ripewave]

That would be great

[@trauma50disaster1]

The 5.1.5.3 can also be used for movies and it's great if you engage 360ssm sound field. You'll get 5 center channels and it opens up the front sound stage like none other.

[@usahakansahin]

i will try :)

[@bearclaw5115]

Thanks!

[@ripewave]

Thanks so much! This helps a lot. Glad you are finding value in this content. -Jon

[@DetoxSince87]

John, first of all, thank you for all your hard work. Your passion for these products brings a smile to our faces. Comment: A friend of mine imported this AVR to Germany, their 3D sound is great. But: Sony is too late in the game, there is little to none content, that's why these AVRs are not actively marketed in Europe (only the small AVR). According to insider information, Sony headquarter in Japan has recognized this, Sony is no longer actively in marketing these. Too bad Sony, if MPEG H had come earlier, the fight would be closer (Sony PS5 doesn't support it, WoW, what a shame)

[@ripewave]

Thanks for that insight from Germany. When you say that Sony is no longer marketing, do you mean the 360 Reality Audio (360RA) or these AV Receivers? If the receivers, is that just to Germany or a global position? There still seem to be active in the United States. -Jon

[@DetoxSince87]

Yes, 360 Reality Audio and the AV Receivers - Why Sony Receivers are not coming to market in most of Europe/Germany? Yes, in US total different story@@ripewave

[@KenjiEspresso]

Sony is a great brand!

[@ripewave]

I have a lot of Sony devices. -Jon

[@williamhicks2763]

Their cameras are top notch for whatever price range you need.

[@mattgiunt]

Had no idea this option was in the 7000. Seems a software update hit the receivers this week and some issues were dealt with.Not sure if the 360SSM is still hissing or has been eliminated

[@ripewave]

I ran the Sony 001.449 update this week. The notice came up while I was using, so I acted right away. One thing I found odd was the update didn't present and list of enhancements or fixed with the network update. The Sony website didn't have the download or any details until a day later. Here is what was posted on the Sony support site: Version 1.449 STR-AZ3000ES, STR-AZ5000ES, STR-AZ7000ES Benefits and improvements - Fixes an issue where the Chromecast built-in function connection is not stable - Fixes an issue where the system operation becomes unstable - Fixes an issue where the Power Relay sound may be heard during the middle of the night - Fixes minor issues The hissing was not eliminated - unfortunately for me. But my is faint Jon

[@mattgiunt]

Thanks. that is disappointing. Im still not ready but the FOMO on this receiver is haunting me.@@ripewave

[@marcalvarado1915]

I thought there was an upmixing component to the Sony tech that could be applied to other formats adding additional spatial qualities, am I wrong? I was really curious to hear how this Sony tech compares to Dolby Surround, DTS Neural X and Auromatic. I was on the fence between the Sony 7000 and the Denon 6700h as I was forced to buy a new receiver when my Pioneer Elite SC95 died. I chose the Denon since it doesn’t seem to have as many bugs (as reported on AVS) and I got it on clearance for essentially half the price of the Sony. I am still trying to get it dialed in but so far I have been very impressed with how the Auro 3D upmixer is performing. I really like it for music, especially live concerts, and was hoping to hear how the Sony tech compares. I would love to hear your thoughts on this since you have heard both.

[@trauma50disaster1]

I have a denon 3800 and Sony 7000, they are both great for me so you're prob happy with the 6700. But I use auro3d with vog so its great for me. The sony is double the price of the 3800 and it sound only 1 point better for me, side by side. Since most of the atmos tracks are lacking for me putting the Sony in 360ssm does feel close enough to auro3d from the denon. Sony doesn't have auro3d. Incedentally, I run both of these together denon in auro3d and sony atmos and it's fantastic.

[@ripewave]

The Sony 360 Sound Mapping handles the upmixing. The Sony 360 Reality Audio is the format which can be upmixed or used natively. -Jon

[@marcalvarado1915]

@@ripewave Okay. What is your opinion of Sony’s upmixing versus the other upmixers? I don’t recall you mentioning that in your previous videos.

[@ripewave]

Yes - Sony has two technologies. The 360 Reality Audio is the format (similar to Auro-3D or Dolby Atmos) and Sony Spatial Sound Mapping is the speaker rendering or you could label as an "upmixer." These can work independently or together. The Denon 6700H is a better value and has some features, like Auro-3D, that the Sony models don't have. -Jon

[@marcalvarado1915]

@@ripewave Do you prefer the Sony upmixing over Auro 3D or the other upmixers? While I know we all have our own preferences I’m curious what yours is?

[@stackoverflow8260]

Jon, thanks again. If I buy denon x4800h, then I can try Auro 3d and 360-degree audio, right?

[@ripewave]

I think so, what Denon claims is MPEG-H, which is the standard 360 Reality Audio is based on. So likely, you will get playback. What I need to determine is whether or not the Denon supports the 13-channel speaker layout which 360 Reality Audio contain is mixed on and is the "ideal" playback configuration. Okay - I just searched the manual. Denon lists support for MPEG-H and uses the example of TV broadcasts, which MPEG-H was designed for. The X4800H does not support the bottom front speakers which are part of Sony's 13-channel reference layout for 360 Reality Audio. Denon does mention 360 Reality Audio in its glossary for MPEG-H as follows: MPEG-H MPEG-H 3D Audio is a new audio technology to truly immerse and envelop listeners in sound from all directions, which opens an entire next level of sound going beyond stereo and surround. With sound coming from above, a third dimension is added to the audio experience making it much more realistic and natural. Thanks to its unique ersonalization features, MPEG-H 3D Audio also offers users a great flexibility to actively engage with the content and adapt it to their own preferences. MPEG-H 3D Audio enables true object based sound and is also the basis of Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for immersive music streaming services. 360 Reality Audio makes it possible for artists and creators to produce music by mapping sound sources such as vocals, chorus and instruments with positional information and placing them within a spherical space. Jon

[@FURognar]

I've never seen the speaker layout for 360RA before. Its just MPEG-H, a variation of the NHK 22.2 format. LOL.

[@ripewave]

I just learned about 360RA myself. Thanks for tying to the NHK 22.2 format. I hadn’t made that connection. Of course that standard has a lot more speakers - so a subset. -Jon

[@FURognar]

@@ripewave it also looks like DTS:X-Pro is based on it as well. You might want to check and see if DTS:X and Neural-X are compatible with the Bottom Speakers when you test that out.

[@ripewave]

Good thought - time for some research

[@justinparkkyung4287]

So can I connect my Sony a7000 soundbar with this song es 7000 receiver ?

[@ripewave]

I addressed in your second response. -Jon

[@Exalix]

Did 360 Audio work with Cinema50? The format is based MPEG-H.

[@ripewave]

Having tried yet - but I will. Maybe today. - Jon

[@FURognar]

Yes. The new X800 Denon and Cinema Marantz receivers have 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H. They do NOT have ant form of Spatial Sound Mapping. Currently only Sony and Trinnov have that. (Not sure if Yamaha does, but they do measure in 3D)

[@ripewave]

Nice summary of knowledge- thanks

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@FURognar how do you enable it? I've seen the marketing that claims it will but I haven't seen an update since like March. I expected an update that would display 360RA on the screen and also info in an update notes.

[@aardvarkansaw]

I have an ES 5000. I really like the 360 surround for movies, Netflix etc, remastered Beatles albums. I recommend buying a laser measuring device. If you have your 360 SSM set up correctly you have several other choices on your Sony remote. I love the Sony ES 5000. I am only running a 5.0 system right now but it sounds great. I may head for a 7.0 system soon. But I have enough channels to run 9.0 Atmos. If necessary I may add may add a 3 channel amp to power the LCR speakers.

[@ripewave]

Good advice with then laser measure- I agree. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad you are enjoying - this is a good sounding unit. -Jon

[@williamhicks2763]

I hope, if you guys can afford it, you’ll join on Patreon. This kind of reporting needs to be supported. Short of trying each of these products yourself, I don’t know where you would find this kind of non-biased detail.

[@trauma50disaster1]

I tried to give in the "thanks" button and it requires my cc cvv code and I'm too distracted to get up to get my wallet, but I'll donate at some point. I really need to look into the patreon cause this is fantastic content.

[@williamhicks2763]

@@trauma50disaster1 It really is.

[@trauma50disaster1]

You're not doing right, for 360RA music you are playing it native so you must have 360 SSM sound field OFF. Depending on the song you will get instruments in specific speaker, vocal moving and variations adjusted by the artist and sound engineer that has to make a custom 360RA track.

[@ripewave]

Thanks for pointing out. While I tried it both ways 360SSM on and off - I didn't necessarily check each carefully. I will run again. Thanks. -Jon

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@ripewave Actually Sony is not marketing it right, not really a user issue as much as Sony is unclear. Plus I had to get a dealer to ask Sony Japan for details about 5.1.5.3 and movie use.

[@Nomorepain57]

Sony for tv not for hifi

[@ripewave]

Well they do seem to focus more in other areas - Playstation, Cameras and TVs. Audio come last it seems. -Jon

[@williamhicks2763]

Definitely great cameras.