Yesterday Sony released word of their new DA5700ES audio-video receiver. The ES is the flagship line from Sony and the latest addition to it doesn’t disappoint. The new receiver comes with pretty much every feature a user could possibly think of from great sound quality to enough connectors to power an over-the-top home theater, and it can even be controlled from your smartphone or tablet.
So, what does the premium price (last year’s model, the STR-DA5700ES, sells for around $2,200 U.S.) buy you? The ability to expand the 7.2 surround sound to 9.2 channels, automatic sound calibration, a network connection that allows access to “the Sony Entertainment Network so you can stream thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows and enjoy them with premium quality sound”, a USB DAC connection so you can hook the receiver to your computer and stream audio files, wireless streaming of internet radio, remote control apps for iOS and Android devices, 3D video processing, and 6 HDMI inputs. There’s more, such as these highlights that Sony pointed out in their press release:
· True-to-original sound reproduction
· 7.2ch surround sound, expandable to 9.2ch
· Superb build quality and stylish design
· Network connectivity for wireless entertainment
· 6x HDMI inputs and 2x HDMI outputs
· 3D capability
· Full HD upscaling for analogue input devices
There was no MSRP or availability date in the information, but it will apparently be shipping soon and the price will likely be comparable to last year’s model.