Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH AV Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Sony STR-AN1000 is a powerful 7.2-channel AV receiver designed to provide an immersive home theater experience. With support for the latest technologies like 8K video, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, this receiver promises to take your entertainment setup to new heights. In this review, we’ll break down the key features, performance, customer feedback, pros and cons, and give a final verdict on whether the Sony STR-AN1000 is worth your investment.

Key Features and Specifications

Before diving into performance, let’s take a look at the key features and specifications that make the Sony STR-AN1000 stand out:

Audio and Video Features

• 7.2 Channel Surround Sound: Offers immersive sound for a full 360-degree audio experience, ideal for both movies and music.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X: Supports advanced object-based audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for spatial sound. This technology makes sound feel as if it is coming from all around you, even from above.
• 360 Spatial Sound Mapping: This feature is designed to adapt to your environment and deliver a theater-like experience, regardless of room size or layout.
• Hi-Res Audio: The receiver is capable of delivering high-resolution audio for the clearest sound possible, ensuring music is heard the way artists intended.
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX: Ensures your speakers are set up correctly for optimal sound. This system automatically adjusts settings like distance, angle, sound pressure, and frequency response.
• HDR Support: Supports leading HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma, and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring that your picture quality is as dynamic and lifelike as possible.

Connectivity

• 8K and 4K/120 HDMI Connectivity: Equipped with two HDMI inputs and two outputs that support 8K and 4K at 120Hz. This makes it future-proof for next-generation gaming consoles and video sources.
• Multiple Streaming Options: Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay make it easy to stream audio from various devices.
• Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works with Google Assistant, enabling you to control the receiver using voice commands.
• Sonos Integration: “Works with Sonos” allows you to add the STR-AN1000 to your Sonos ecosystem for an expanded multi-room audio setup.
• Zone 2 & Zone 3: Offers multi-zone audio distribution, perfect for larger homes or setups requiring different audio in multiple areas.

Design and Build

• Aesthetic Design: The STR-AN1000 has a modern, sleek design with a minimalist front panel. It features a large display for easy navigation and controls.
• Power Output: Delivers 165 watts per channel at 6 ohms, which is powerful enough for most home theater setups.
• User-Friendly Setup: The receiver includes a graphical setup interface, guiding you through the process with ease, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced audiophiles.

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: 16.9 x 13.6 x 6.7 inches
• Weight: 22.9 lbs

Performance

The performance of the Sony STR-AN1000 is where it truly shines. Equipped with cutting-edge audio and video technology, it elevates the home entertainment experience. Here’s a breakdown of its performance in various categories:

Audio Performance

The STR-AN1000 supports object-based audio, which creates a more realistic and dynamic sound experience. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, sound doesn’t just come from the front and sides; it envelops you, including height. This is particularly impressive when watching action-packed movies or playing immersive games.

The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping feature enhances this experience by adapting the sound field to the unique acoustics of your room. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a larger living room, the sound is adjusted to deliver a true surround experience.

For music lovers, the Hi-Res Audio support ensures that every detail of the sound is captured. Whether you’re listening to a classic album or the latest hit, you’ll experience music as it was meant to be heard.

Video Performance

With support for 8K video and 4K/120 HDMI connectivity, the STR-AN1000 is ready for next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Whether you’re gaming or watching 4K content, you’ll experience buttery-smooth visuals with vibrant colors and sharp detail.

HDR support is another standout feature. Whether you’re watching Dolby Vision content or HDR10, the STR-AN1000 can deliver superior contrast, deeper blacks, and brighter whites. This makes it ideal for movie buffs who demand high-quality visuals.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Sony STR-AN1000 is a breeze. Thanks to the Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, the receiver automatically adjusts the audio setup to match your room’s acoustics. The graphical setup interface is intuitive and easy to follow, making it suitable for users who may not be tech-savvy.

Control via Google Assistant and integration with the Sony Music Center app also enhances ease of use, as you can manage settings, adjust volume, and control playback directly from your smartphone or voice commands.

Customer Feedback

The Sony STR-AN1000 has received generally positive reviews from users across various platforms. Customers have praised its audio quality, particularly the immersive surround sound experience provided by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Many users have reported that it transformed their home theater setups, providing deep, rich sound that rivals professional systems.

Video quality has also been highlighted, especially for those who have 8K-capable devices or are looking to future-proof their home theater systems. The HDR performance, in particular, has been noted for its vivid colors and contrast.

One of the most appreciated features by customers is the ease of setup. The auto-calibration system works effectively, adjusting the sound to the room’s acoustics without much user intervention.

However, some customers have reported occasional issues with the wireless streaming features, citing intermittent connectivity problems. This seems to be a rare occurrence and may depend on the specific network setup or the environment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Feature	Details
Immersive Audio	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping create a full, dynamic surround experience.
8K and 4K/120 HDMI	Future-proof connectivity with support for next-gen gaming consoles and video sources.
Easy Setup	Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and user-friendly graphical setup make installation a breeze.
High-Resolution Audio	Crystal-clear sound for music, with Hi-Res Audio support.
Voice Control & App Integration	Google Assistant compatibility and control via the Sony Music Center app.
Multiple Streaming Options	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay for easy audio streaming.
Works with Sonos	Seamless integration with Sonos multi-room audio systems.

Cons

Feature	Details
Wireless Streaming Issues	Some users report occasional connectivity issues with wireless streaming.
Size and Weight	The receiver is on the heavier side, which may be a consideration for users with limited space.

Final Verdict

The Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 Channel AV Receiver is an outstanding option for those looking to enhance their home theater experience. Its support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 8K/4K/120 HDMI connectivity makes it future-proof, and the immersive audio features like 360 Spatial Sound Mapping provide a truly cinematic experience. With easy setup, high-quality audio and video performance, and seamless streaming options, this receiver offers excellent value for those looking to elevate their entertainment setup.

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