Earlier this year, Sony Electronics announced a few new receivers with support for High Resolution Audio and advanced 4K video (HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2) but there was one thing notably absent: immersive audio. Immersive audio is the ability to create sound from not just all around you, but above you as well. Frankly, it's the biggest improvement we've seen in cinema and home theater sound this decade and it was suprising that Sony was late to the party. Apparently they're making up for lost time.
At CEDIA Expo in Denver last week, Sony announced the STR-ZA5000ES receiver. Expected to ship in January 2016 at $2799.99 (MSRP), the ZA5000ES is Sony's new flagship receiver. In addition to all the 4K Ultra HD video support, the ZA5000ES is Sony's first to support immersive audio with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on board. It has nine channels of amplification, so it can support an immersive audio configuration of up to 7.1.2 - that's a traditional 7.1 channel surround system plus two height channels. If you want a full blown 7.1.4 immersive sound implementation, you can add on a stereo power amp.
STR-ZA5000ES provides six HDMI inputs (five rear, one front) with support for 3D and Ultra HD 4K video, and sports two HDMI outputs (all with HDMI version 2.0, HDCP 2.2). It also includes two component video inputs for legacy gear. It can scale to 1080p or 4K Ultra HD to match the capabilities of your TV or projector. It also includes digital and analog audio inputs, but no built-in phono input. If you're rocking the vinyl, you'll need a separate phono preamp or a turntable with a line level output.
The receiver supports multiple independent audio zone outputs. Depending on whether you decide to go immersive and use the height channels, you may need external amplifiers to power those second and third audio zones.
Though the unit does not feature any wireless networking capabilities, it does include wired networking and even has a built-in 8-port ethernet hub, including two POE (Power Over Ethernet) ports. So all you'll need is a single wired ethernet connection to your home network and the 5000 will provide high speed sired internet to the rear of your gear.
Special thanks to Robert Silva at About.com for the tip (since Sony never tells us anything these days). You can find his article here or go to Sony's web site for more information.
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