AV-2 Upgrade to Sony AVR

Home Theatre
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I am FINALLY revisiting seriously other-than-2.0.

After 10 years running all AV sources to the TV then out to AV-2 (3.1) I am convinced that 5.1.x is now worth a new look (and not intolerable faff) in the Atmos era with Height speakers.

I am demoing a new Sony STR-AZ7000ES receiver and find it is a revelation in ease of setup and results, especially with the Sony SA-RS5 wireless rechargeable surround speakers on stands. I tested the bigger Sony SA-SW5 wireless sub and found other sub specialists (MK, JL) well worth the extra effort and reasonable cost step-up.

In addition to the logistical benefits of locating all sources closer to the AVR instead of the TV, due to (finally mostly-stable) HDMI, the audio and video processing options are greater, and the results at the TV display are better, to my surprise.

The Sony 360 gimmick is actually interesting and worth using.

For those in this space, I home-demoed the McIntosh MHT-300, and considered excellent Anthem AVP and AVR options before arriving here. (Trinnov is off the menu, for me.)

To be continued . . .

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I have used the smaller Sony str 1080 for about 5 years now. It has always proved faultless. Used with a REL sub and Neat Iota speakers it fills my bedroom cinema with good clear diction and a weighty thump when needed. Set up was quite simple and changeable.
Your choice is a real heavyweight.

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Added Sony SA-RS5 battery-wireless Atmos surround speakers plus extra-cost SANUS stands to my test system. Recommended!

Related SA-SW5 sub tested and returned due to too subtle in my system. YMMV. My pref is JL Audio Dominion sub or better.