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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 $699.99 at Sony Style
Sony STR-DA5300ES Buy it from Amazon
Sony STR-DA5300ES Win it on eBay
Sony STR-DA5300ES Buy it from Etronics

Pros & Cons

Pros:
11 people have already voted. Do you agree?

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6 HDMI 1.3a inputs (most competitors have only 4)
+8agreedisagree

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

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Excellent graphical user interface
+6agreedisagree

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User selectable output resolution
+6agreedisagree

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

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Good audio and video quality
+5agreedisagree

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

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Deep Color Support
+1agreedisagree

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xvYCC Color
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

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Doesn't upscale lower resolution HDMI sources to 1080p
+2agreedisagree

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

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No network streaming functionality
0agreedisagree

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

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

Competing products

Sony STR-DA5300ES is ranked 7th.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers

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More information

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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5 comments about Sony STR DA 5300 ES

1.  avatar Erik  Aug 14, 2007 11:32am

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.
2.  avatar heapatrouble  Aug 15, 2007 6:27pm

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.
3.  avatar macboy  Sep 07, 2007 10:23am

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.
4.  avatar bjarkovic  Nov 22, 2007 4:42am

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!
5.  avatar JVi  Dec 06, 2007 11:13pm

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.
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    Key Features:

    Audio Inputs HDMI
    Manufacturer Sony
    MSRP $1,699.00
    Number of Channels 7.1
    Product Line Sony ES
    Release Date Sep. 7, 2007
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Watts per Channel 120 W

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    Product page stats

    12822 views and 118 edits (see all)
    Created: 08/13/2007 - 12:21
    Modified: 08/14/2008 - 23:36
    Model # variations:

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