Many forum members are aware of the unfortunate episode I had with my previous Sony STR-AZ7000ES AVR unit, which suffered from some defects. Sony proposed a buyback for the troubled device. A thoughtful dealer on another forum reached out to offer me a new unit for the exact price I initially paid, which was too good an offer to pass up. Eager to test the improved model, I decided to wait for the dealer's unit to arrive before returning my defective piece back to Sony. Consequently, I was able to replace my malfunctioning AVR without having to incur any additional cost.
After installing and updating the new Sony STR-AZ7000ES AVR, I noticed that the well-discussed audio issue still lingers, especially when the "Automatic Phase Matching" is activated (
Sample Sound.). It's worth noting that this anomaly is less pronounced in the new unit (serial number around ~8800350) compared to the old one (~8800150) (The modulated sound occurs when the audio abruptly mutes (such as scrolling through menus beeps/etc)). However, in this new unit, this trait is significantly less discernible, requiring almost maximum volume to detect.
As part of my comprehensive review process, I'm dedicating 20-50 hours to 'break in' this system. This thorough exercise is meant to help the amps settle and allow me to better assess if the minor audio irregularity diminishes or remains steady over time.
In the grand scheme of things, the previous unit could be considered a truly disappointing performer, mainly due to the mentioned audio quirks. However, this new Sony STR-AZ7000ES AVR is a marked improvement and I am hoping to continue diving into solving it completely.
All in all, this fresh Sony STR-AZ7000ES AVR promises a significantly enhanced audio experience compared to its predecessor. As I delve deeper into its abilities during the break-in period, I remain optimistic about the audio treasures this device holds. Stay tuned for a detailed feedback post the intensive use phase.