All of the new devices are constructed around an easily accessible user interface, offering a broad-faced front panel loaded with control keys beneath a magnetic faceplate. The receivers are designed to allow users to easily control everything in their system, from HDMI switching to In-Ceiling speaker adjustment right from the receiver, with or without the remote. In addition, Sony has redesigned the backplate for easy mounting.
STR-ZA3000ES 7.2 Channel 4K ($1,699)
As the flagship of the new series, the ZA3000ES offers a host of high-performance audio and video options tucked behind its aluminum front faceplate. Top performance features include a claimed 110 watts of power per channel, multi-channel pre-outs, and multi-zone entertainment for up to three rooms at once, boasting dual rooms with 4K passthrough.
Connection options include 6 HDMI in (with one at the front) and 2 out, a front panel USB input, 2 component inputs, and an 8-port Giga Ethernet Hub with PoE (Power over Ethernet) for multiple connection and routing options. Also included are 3 12-Volt triggers to allow powering on of multiple devices.
STR-ZA2000ES 7.2 Channel 4K ($1,399)
The second tier in the series, the ZA2000ES is a slightly pared down version of its pricier sibling. The most notable exclusions for the device include a slightly lower power output of a claimed 100 watts per channel, a single 12-Volt trigger, as well as the lack of an 8-port Giga Ethernet Hub, allowing for fewer routing options.
STR-ZA1000ES 7.2 Channel 4K ($899)
Offering an extremely affordable alternative in the ES Z family, the ZA1000ES loses a few more features from the 2000ES, but still packs a nice whollup for the price. Features left off the list include the lack of an aluminum faceplate, no front HDMI input, and a still-lower power output of a claimed 90 watts per channel. Still, for its modest price point, the 1000ES looks to be a serious contender, offering some impressive value in the A/V space.
Below is a full list of specs released by Sony for each of its new receivers:
STR-ZA3000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
- 110W per channel
- Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
- HDMI 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2nd Zone 4K)
- Flexible HD connectivity with 8 assignable inputs (6 HDMI, 2 component)
- 8-port Giga Ethernet Hub with PoE (x2) support for flexible connectivity
- Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
- Seamless IP Control Integration
- Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS color support
- 3, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
- 3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
- Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby, and DTS digital surround codecs
- In Ceiling Speaker mode for those with overhead speaker configurations
- HDMI, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2nd Zone Out
- Aluminum front panel, faceplate
- Powered Zone 2Zone 2,3 variable line out
- Multi-channel Preout
- Front HDMI in
STR-ZA2000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
- 100W per channel
- Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
- HDMI 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2nd Zone 4K)
- Flexible HD connectivity with 8 assignable inputs (6 HDMI, 2 component)
- Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
- Seamless IP Control Integration (1-port)
- Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS color support
- 1, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
- 3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
- Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby, and DTS digital surround codecs
- In Ceiling Speaker mode for those with overhead speaker configurations
- HDMI, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2nd Zone Out
- Aluminum front panel, faceplate
- Powered Zone 2
- Zone 2,3 variable line out
- Front HDMI in
STR-ZA1000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver
- 90W per channel
- Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
- HDMI 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2nd Zone 4K)
- Flexible HD connectivity with 7 assignable inputs (5 HDMI, 2 component)
- Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
- Seamless IP Control Integration (1-port)
- Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS color support
- 1, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
- 3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
- Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby, and DTS digital surround codecs
- In Ceiling Speaker mode for those with overhead speakers
- HDMI, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2nd Zone Out
- Powered Zone 2
- Zone 2,3 variable line out
Both the STR-ZA3000ES and the STR-ZA2000ES will be available in mid-September, but those looking for a cheaper option will have to wait a bit for the STR-ZA1000ES, which is slated for release in January 2015.
