My opinions on Sony's new ES Receiver line-up are very favorable. All 4 new ES receivers AZ1000ES 7.2Ch $1,099, AZ3000ES 9.2Ch $1,699, AZ5000ES 11.2Ch $2,099, and the AZ7000ES, 13.2Ch. $3,299 are all priced very reasonably. The Denon you listed are on closeout.
Regarding Sony's new ES Receiver...