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Sony STR-DA5300ES

The Sony STR-DA5300ES is a 7.1 channel A/V receiver supporting the latest HDMI 1.3a standard and 1080p. It includes 6 HDMI inputs and has one output. Any one of its analog input sources can be switched and upscaled to 1080p over HDMI. However, HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling is not possible (see Denon AVR-5308CI for this feature). Including its 3 component video inputs, you can have up to 9 HD sources connected to this receiver.

Where to Buy

Sony STR-DA5300ES
MSRP $1,699.00
Release date September, 2007
Brand Sony
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Pros & Cons14
Reviews11
Details
Buy It
Competitors6
Comments5
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
10 reviews
81
negative
mixed
positive
7 positive
1 mixed
2 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
+8agreedisagree

•
Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
+7agreedisagree

•
Excellent graphical user interface
+6agreedisagree

•
User selectable output resolution
+6agreedisagree

•
Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
+6agreedisagree

•
Good audio and video quality
+5agreedisagree

•
Supports Sony's Digital Media Port (DMP) to connect compatible devices (iPod, WiFi, Walkman, Bluetooth)
+4agreedisagree

•
Deep Color Support
+1agreedisagree

•
xvYCC Color
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Doesn't upscale lower resolution HDMI sources to 1080p
+2agreedisagree

•
Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi
+1agreedisagree

•
No network streaming functionality
0agreedisagree

•
More expensive than the Yamaha and Onkyo competition by $100
0agreedisagree

•
Less output power than its competitors (120W vs 140W)
-2agreedisagree


11 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

The STR-DA5300ES features 120 Watts of power per audio channel. Speaker calibration can be done automatically with the included stereo calibration microphone (most other systems use a mono mic). Further configuration of the system can be done on-screen with the graphical user interface. Audio formats supported include up to 8 channels of Linear PCM audio plus Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High Resolution Audio, DTS HD Master Audio, and even DSD for SACD. The 5300 comes with two remotes; an advanced remote, and a simple one offering the most commonly used functions.

Features / Specs

  • MSRP: $1699
  • Release: Sept. 2007
  • XMB (XrossMediaBar) Graphical User Interface
  • Faroudja DCDi video processor
  • 120 W / channel (7.1 channels) Discrete-component amplifiers
  • Dolby® TrueHD and DTS® HD Master Audio support
  • Dolby® ProLogic IIx, DTS® NEO:6, THX Neural Surround, Sony Digital Cinema Sound
  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (1 output)
  • 3 HD component inputs (2 outputs: Main and second zone)
  • Accepts x.v.Color (xvYCC) and Deep Color (on HDMI inputs)
  • Supports 1080/60p and 1080/24p
  • Digital Media Port allows adding iPod support, Network Streaming audio, and other connectivity
  • Supports 3 audio zones (HD component video to second zone; thrid zone is audio only)
  • 5 TOSLINK (optical) and 3 Coaxial digital audio inputs (1 TOSLINK output)
  • Supports amplifier redirection (Bi-amp front L/R speakers, or amplified second zone audio)
  • One 7.1 channel analog audio input, plus 7.1 channel pre-amp outputs
  • Includes 2 remotes (1 simple, 1 advanced)
  • Automatic audio calibration with included stereo mic
  • Advanced installations can make use of three 12V triggers, IR inputs and outputs, and RS-232 control.

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This report was started August 13, 2007 at 12:21 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring July 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm by BrileyKenney
This page has been viewed 16348 times, with 119 edits by 18 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Sony STR-DA5300ES

• Sony STR-DA5300ES ES 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio/Video Receiver

UPC: 318837024305

EAN: 027242713819

MPN: STR-DA5300ES

Competitors

Sony STR-DA5300ES is ranked 7th among it's competitors.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers »
Onkyo TX-SR875

Onkyo TX-SR875

MSRP  $1,699.00    Released  July, 2007
Pros
  • Reon-VX HQV video processing (1080p)
  • Upscales all video sources to 1080p/HDMI
  • Supports bi-amplification and bridged operation
Cons
  • No tweaking of the REON processor except to disable xvYCC
  • Problems with HDMI handshaking with some video sources
  • Automated Audyssey setup required some manual tweaking for acceptable results
ProSCORE
24 reviews
85
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 0% vs. vote Onkyo TX-SR875 100%
Onkyo TX-SR876

Onkyo TX-SR876

MSRP  $1,599.00    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • Silicon Optix Reon HQV-50 Video Scaler
  • Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ, and Auto Setup
  • Output Any Video Signal in 1080P (via HDMI output)
  • High Current Power
Cons
  • No USB ports
  • Only 4 HDMI Inputs
ProSCORE
7 reviews
88
Vote! (3 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 0% vs. vote Onkyo TX-SR876 100%
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH

MSRP  $1,600.00    Released  August, 2007
Pros
  • LAN / Internet streaming
  • Send room acoustic data to your PC over RS-232
  • Upscaling using Faroudja chip to 1080p over HDMI
  • Advanced MCACC system /w full phase control
  • Looks great; nice build quality
Cons
  • Lackluster UI compared to competitors
ProSCORE
18 reviews
88
Vote! (13 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 15% vs. vote Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH 85%
Denon AVR-3808CI

Denon AVR-3808CI

MSRP  $1,599.00    Released  July, 2007
Pros
  • All video sources switched to the HDMI output
  • Includes 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • USB 2.0 ports and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
  • Cannot upconvert 1080p component video to the HDMI output
  • Poor 1080i deinterlacing (HDMI 1080i to 1080p conversion)
  • Expensive compared to Onkyo competition
ProSCORE
12 reviews
84
Vote! (6 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 17% vs. vote Denon AVR-3808CI 83%
Yamaha RX-V3800

Yamaha RX-V3800

MSRP  $1,699.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • LAN-connected - can stream MP3, WMA, WAV
  • 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
  • Upscales SD sources to 1080p
Cons
  • No HDMI-to-HDMI upscaling
  • Only upconverts 480i/p, and only over analog
  • Uses unproven Anchor Bay Technologies ABT1010 scaler instead of Faroudja or HQV
ProSCORE
10 reviews
74
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 25% vs. vote Yamaha RX-V3800 75%
Marantz SR7002

Marantz SR7002

MSRP  $1,399.99    Released  October, 2007
Pros
  • Upconverts video sources to HDMI
  • Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA
  • 2 HDMI 1.3a outputs
  • Dual assignable component video outputs
  • Decent price
Cons
  • Not a toroidal power transformer
ProSCORE
2 reviews
92
Vote! (3 votes)
vote Sony STR-DA5300ES 33% vs. vote Marantz SR7002 67%

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

The number of inputs (6 HDMI and up to a total of 9 HD sources) gives this an advantage over its competitors, but I think I would opt for the Onkyo TX-SR875 or Denon 3808CI before I would get this one. Sony always seems to come in slightly more expensive.
Aug 14, 2007 11:32am
2.  avatar heapatrouble said:

For me, it's not the expense, but the usability. In my 4 years of experience doing custom install work (admittedly about 8 years ago), Sony and Sony ES have consistently been the most difficult (bordering on infuriating) brand to use. Couple that with a remote control design that is practically stone age in the world of CE, and you've got a third- or even fourth-tier choice in my book. In order of preference, I've had much better experiences with Yamaha, Onkyo, and Denon; and right now, the latter two seem very much the components to beat in their price ranges.
Aug 15, 2007 6:27pm
3.  avatar macboy said:

Lack of built-in Network Streaming is regretable but understandable. The receiver supports Sony's DMP (Digital Media Port), which currently supports four accessories: an iPod dock, a WiFi streaming adapter, a walkman dock, and a Bluetooth adapter. The TDM-NC1 WiFi/ethernet music streaming adapter allows playback of MP3, WMA, AAC (iTunes), and ATRAC (Sony) audio files plus internet radio from any DLNA compatible server. Sony includes server software for windows, but you can use any other; for example, an open-source Linux server, or NAS box with a DLNA server. The TDM-NC1, like all DMP accessories, fully integrates into this receiver's amazing XMB GUI.
Sep 07, 2007 10:23am
4.  avatar bjarkovic said:

Taken from the 5300 manual : Only signals from components connected to the analog input jacks are output through the ZONE 2 OUT/ZONE 3 OUT jacks. No signals are output from components connected to only the digital input jacks.

Bummer!
Nov 22, 2007 4:42am
5.  avatar JVi said:

The Con about no network streaming capability is not going to fly.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5958145&postcount=4

"Sony STR-DA5300ES
- Only receiver in this class not to have an Ethernet Port

But it does have a DM Port, via which you can add a TDMNC1 WiFi adaptor (801.11b/g), which has DNLA functionality, meaning it can rip music straight from Windows Media Player; no proprietary software; no Sony digital locks

This also gives you a small module, with a LCD display to position as you wish.

The benefit of the DM Port is it is upgradeable, meaning you are not limited to what the manufacturer bolted onto the chassis -- Nice one Sony.

FYI, I have the iPod dock, it is awesome!!"

Network streaming done the Sony way.
Dec 06, 2007 11:13pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

macboy

avatar
September 7, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
  • Excellent graphical user interface
  • User selectable output resolution
  • Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
  • Good audio and video quality

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"Lack of built-in Network Streaming is regretable but understandable. The receiver supports Sony's DMP (Digital Media Port), which currently supports four accessories: an iPod dock, a WiFi streaming adapter, a walkman dock, and a Bluetooth adapter. The TDM-NC1 WiFi/ethernet music streaming adapter allows playback of MP3, WMA, AAC (iTunes), and ATRAC (Sony) audio files plus internet radio from any DLNA compatible server. Sony includes server software for windows, but you can use any other; for example, an open-source Linux server, or NAS box with a DLNA server. The TDM-NC1, like all DMP accessories, fully integrates into this receiver's amazing XMB GUI."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
September 7, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
58
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
5 cons

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
  • Excellent graphical user interface
  • User selectable output resolution
  • Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
  • Good audio and video quality
  • Supports Sony's Digital Media Port (DMP) to connect compatible devices (iPod, WiFi, Walkman, Bluetooth)

Cons

  • Doesn't upscale lower resolution HDMI sources to 1080p
  • Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi
  • No network streaming functionality
  • More expensive than the Yamaha and Onkyo competition by $100
  • Less output power than its competitors (120W vs 140W)

Comments

"The number of inputs (6 HDMI and up to a total of 9 HD sources) gives this an advantage over its competitors, but I think I would opt for the Onkyo TX-SR875 or Denon 3808CI before I would get this one. Sony always seems to come in slightly more expensive."

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

JVi

avatar
December 5, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
88
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
1 con

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
  • Excellent graphical user interface
  • User selectable output resolution
  • Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
  • Good audio and video quality
  • Supports Sony's Digital Media Port (DMP) to connect compatible devices (iPod, WiFi, Walkman, Bluetooth)

Cons

  • Doesn't upscale lower resolution HDMI sources to 1080p

Comments

"The Con about no network streaming capability is not going to fly.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5958145&postcount=4

"Sony STR-DA5300ES
- Only receiver in this class not to have an Ethernet Port

But it does have a DM Port, via which you can add a TDMNC1 WiFi adaptor (801.11b/g), which has DNLA functionality, meaning it can rip music straight from Windows Media Player; no proprietary software; no Sony digital locks

This also gives you a small module, with a LCD display to position as you wish.

The benefit of the DM Port is it is upgradeable, meaning you are not limited to what the manufacturer bolted onto the chassis -- Nice one Sony.

FYI, I have the iPod dock, it is awesome!!"

Network streaming done the Sony way."

Competitors

JVi prefers Onkyo TX-SR875 over Sony STR-DA5300ES
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

solzont

avatar
September 12, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
88
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
1 con

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
  • Excellent graphical user interface
  • User selectable output resolution
  • Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
  • Good audio and video quality
  • Supports Sony's Digital Media Port (DMP) to connect compatible devices (iPod, WiFi, Walkman, Bluetooth)

Cons

  • Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

HK-47m4

avatar
August 14, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple
  • Excellent graphical user interface
  • User selectable output resolution
  • Upscales all video sources (except HDMI) to 1080p on its HDMI output
  • Good audio and video quality

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

americanPinko

avatar
April 12, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • Deep Color Support
  • xvYCC Color

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

radious68

avatar
March 22, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
  • Includes 2 remotes - one advanced, one simple

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

dmuino

avatar
April 24, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons

Pros

  • 6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

dmuino prefers Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH over Sony STR-DA5300ES
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

heapatrouble

avatar
August 15, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi

Comments

"For me, it's not the expense, but the usability. In my 4 years of experience doing custom install work (admittedly about 8 years ago), Sony and Sony ES have consistently been the most difficult (bordering on infuriating) brand to use. Couple that with a remote control design that is practically stone age in the world of CE, and you've got a third- or even fourth-tier choice in my book. In order of preference, I've had much better experiences with Yamaha, Onkyo, and Denon; and right now, the latter two seem very much the components to beat in their price ranges."

Competitors

heapatrouble prefers Onkyo TX-SR875 over Sony STR-DA5300ES
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

kirbalo

avatar
August 15, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Reon HQV chip is better than the Faroudja DCDi

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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This product is also known as:

STR, DA, 5300, ES, STRDA, DA5300, 5300ES, STRDA5300, DA5300ES, STRDA5300ES