Sony Str-Dn1080 7
I ordered this amplifier (the str-dn1080) to go along with a new 4k/hdr tv. My old yamaha amp doesn’t support 4k/hdr, and this sony amp was well reviewed. Also, it is $100 cheaper than yamaha’s 4k/hdr offering. So, i went with this sony amp, which is excellent in may regards. Some of the things i liked in particular. . * the on-screen user interface is nice, and attractive. * the built-in chrome cast music is a great feature (though bluetooth, usb, and dnla media server are also supported). * the smartphone app works well. * the amp can both transmit and receive bluetooth signals (and switching between these modes is easy). Sadly, there is a fatal flaw: the amp offers no way to play sound from all connected speakers.
The receiver is easy to setup. The included calibration microphone works great and is able to automatically set the sound levels of the speakers. The picture and sound through the receiver are greatthe manual is decent. (manual doesn’t mention or show you can use banana plugs for the speakers, but you can)i do like that each of the options in the ui has a description on what it is or does. Built in support for google cast (aka chromecast). Audio only though, no video. The problem is the receiver is the user experience. First, the remote is the worst. You have 6 hdmi connections, with only 4 of them listed on the remote. And there is no button to move to the next input (there is on the smart phone app, but not on the remote).
I bought this to replace a fairly new denon x2100 for two primary reasons 1) the very easy to use bluetooth output, since my wife is a nightowl, and having to use an add-on bluetooth transmitter on the denon was a royal pain. This one is enabled by a simple remote button, connects almost immediately and has fine sound quality 2) hdcp 2. 2 is required for my new lg oled tv in order to play 4k. I was faked out by the denon (any many other brands) specifying 4k passthrough, without having 2,2 – won’t happen. While i got the new features i needed, i also lost some, and am still getting used to the denon vs. The only streaming is spotify, whereas the denon had pandora, my primary, and siriusxm. Now i have to go to the oppo bluray to get those. The setup feature to relabel the inputs is slightly different that what they are called on the remote – no biggie. But a real incovenience is not having all the inputs on the remote, while having some buttons which would be seldom used.
Note: the following observations are the result of actual hands-on testing. Being a new pre-release model there are some conflicts in technical details between the product page and sony’s site. Once the product hits the mainstream in may 2017 if anything below needs clarification it will be updated. It is intended for the person who is considering paying for a top-of-the-line home entertainment system receiver. I tried to summarize my thoughts on whether it is worth it in the final paragraph. I purchased my first sony-brand receiver, the str-dn1050, when it first came out in 2014. In the world of high tech audio/video the 3 years since is considered a millennium. Previous to that purchase i had considered sony to be more of a mainstream brand and my personal preferences ran more to the brands that are perceived to be in the upper audiophile end (not that sony isn’t in that market, because they are). But with home-entertainment systems becoming equally focused on video as well as strictly for music reproduction it seemed logical that sony was well established in both media and they certainly know a lot about movies and video. Overall my satisfaction level with the dn1050 has been very high in terms of multi-channel movies and general everyday listening; good on convenience features and better-than-average on user-friendly interface. My only disappointment is that sometimes after being run at high volume for a few hours the built-in thermal protection powers the amp down to cool, which not too cool when we’re in the middle of a movie. I take most of the blame for that though because my receiver is in an open cabinet with a shelf above it which traps the heat. For my new 1080 receiver i bought a component fan exhaust accessory ac infinity aircom t8 quiet cooling blower fan system to help channel the heat away from the unit.
This receiver is amazing from many different perspectivei’ve been around long enough to have had three, top of the line receivers. Obviously technology improves, but this receiver is not an upgrade, it’s more like i acquired a receiver from back to the future. Setup 5+ with simple to advanced settings, sound quality 5+ best i’ve ever heard (i have above average hearing and discrimination and have an advanced degree with audiology). High frequencies sounds were real, balanced and enjoyable to hear in music, and not just louder or disharmonious. I heard new and more discrete sounds in old songs i’ve listened to for years. I’d compare it to hearing a remake or remastered song you know well. You can easily tell the difference between the two and i typically prefer the nuances in original version. In this case you realize there is more in the original music than you heard before and what you hear sounds much richer. I’ve only had it set up one day and i’m total blown away causing me to stay up way too late. Atmos is awesome and worked great with my existing 7. However, i need to find and see and hear a movie enhanced with atmos. It appears it not the number of speakers you have, but the placement.
Configuration:Receiver Experience true home theater without limitations with this 7.2 channel receiver with Dolby Atmos 3D and DTS:X object-based surround sound, plus 4K HDR and HDCP 2.2 compatibility. Enjoy the flexibility of 6-in/2-out HDMI2 and multi-room listening, plus voice control powered by Google Home. All in a smaller chassis that fits more places. Input Output Terminals: Audio Input Opt (1)Audio Input Coax (1)Analog Audio Input (4)Pre Out Subwoofer (2)Composite Monitor Out (1)Headphone Output (1)USB (1 Front)Ethernet Port (1). Power Requirement: 120V 60Hz. Spotify Connect : Yes. Network features: Bluetooth Receiver, Bluetooth Transmitter, NFC, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Mobile Control Application, Wireless Multi-Room. Chromecast built-in: Yes. Works with Google Assistant: Yes
From the manufacturer
Your ideal home audio arrangement
Experience full 360° sound
The Phantom Surround Back speaker setting replicates the immersive sound of physical surround back speakers, enabling you to enjoy a 7 channel surround sound experience with only a 5 channel speaker setup.
Find your audio sweet spot
The new flexible speaker solution ‘relocates’ sound to simulate the optimal position and angle for the best audio experience, working around any physical space restrictions.
Sony AV Receivers
STR-DN1080 |
STR-DH790 |
STR-DH590 |
STR-DH190 |
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Wattage
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1155W (165W x 7) | 1015W (145W x 7) | 725W (145W x 5) | 200W (100W x 2) |
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Channels
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7.2 + Phantom Rear Surrond | 7.2 | 5.2 | 2 |
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Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
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Network Services & Sources
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Airplay, Chromecast, and more | — | — | — |
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Multi-Room Compatible/2nd Zone
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yes/yes | — | — | — |
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4K
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Repeater HDCP 2.2 (All In/Out) | Repeater HDCP 2.2 (All In/Out) | Repeater HDCP 2.2 (All In/Out) | — |
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HDMI Input/Output
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6 in/2 out w/ HDCP 2.2 support | 4 in/1 out w/ HDCP 2.2 support | 4 in/1 out w/ HDCP 2.2 support | — |
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Auto Calibration
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D.C.A.C. EX | Advanced D.C.A.C. | Advanced D.C.A.C. | — |
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Dolby Atmos / DTS:X
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yes/yes | yes/yes | — | — |
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Music Center App
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yes | — | — | — |
Features and Spesification
- CINEMATIC SOUND AT HOME: Enjoy your favorite TV shows & movies, stream your favorite music and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
- PHANTOM SURROUND SETTING: Experience 7 channel surround sound with only a 5 channel speaker setup. Chrome cast built in is present
- ADVANCED AUDIO: DTS: X object based surrounds sound adapts to your speaker configuration in real time
- 4K PASS THROUGH: 4K HDR compatible with HDCP 2.2 support for sharper source to screen image quality
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM: Enjoy a multi channel stereo setup and preset channel FM / AM radio tuner
- EASY LISTENING: The STRDN1080 has Chromecast and is AirPlay, Multi Room and Google Home compatible
- DYNAMIC SETUP: 6 in/2 out HDMI flexibility, front USB port and optical digital, analog AV connections
- SPECS: 1155 Watts, 6 ohm, 1 kilo Hertz, THD 0.9% A/V receiver with 2nd zone and available 3rd zone connectivity
- IN THE BOX: Receivers include a calibration microphone, FM wire antenna, remote control, batteries
Product Info
Product description
Experience true home theater without limitations with this 7.2 channel receiver with Dolby Atmos 3D and DTS:X object-based surround sound, plus 4K HDR and HDCP 2.2 compatibility. Enjoy the flexibility of 6-in/2-out HDMI2 and multi-room listening, plus voice control powered by Google Home. All in a smaller chassis that fits more places. Input Output Terminals: Audio Input Opt (1)Audio Input Coax (1)Analog Audio Input (4)Pre Out Subwoofer (2)Composite Monitor Out (1)Headphone Output (1)USB (1 Front)Ethernet Port (1). Power Requirement: 120V 60Hz. Spotify Connect : Yes. Network features: Bluetooth Receiver, Bluetooth Transmitter, NFC, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Mobile Control Application, Wireless Multi-Room. Chromecast built-in: Yes. Works with Google Assistant: Yes
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